Glenwood Tote Bag Knitting Pattern: A Complete Guide to Crafting Your Perfect Everyday Carry
There’s something deeply satisfying about carrying a bag you made with your own two hands. The Glenwood Tote Bag is one of those knitting projects that strikes the perfect balance between functional and beautiful — sturdy enough to handle a trip to the farmers market, stylish enough to take to a dinner party, and meaningful in the way that only handmade things can be. Whether you’re a seasoned knitter looking for your next project or an adventurous intermediate knitter ready to step up your game, this pattern is one you’ll return to again and again.
In this complete guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about the Glenwood Tote Bag knitting pattern — from the materials you’ll need and the skills involved, to step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and ideas for customizing the finished bag to suit your personal style.
Why the Glenwood Tote Bag?
Before we dive into the pattern itself, it’s worth talking about why this particular tote bag design has become a favorite among knitters of all skill levels.
The Glenwood Tote is inspired by classic market bag silhouettes but elevated with a structured, modern shape. Unlike flimsy mesh bags that stretch out of shape the moment you put anything heavy in them, the Glenwood uses a dense, textured stitch pattern that holds its form beautifully. It has a wide, flat base, gently tapered sides, and long handles that can be worn over the shoulder or carried by hand. The result is a bag that looks intentional and polished rather than homemade in the casual sense.
It’s also an excellent pattern for experimenting with color and yarn weight. Knit it in a natural linen for a breezy summer carry-all, or choose a chunky cotton for something with more heft and structure. The design adapts remarkably well across yarn choices, which means you can revisit this pattern multiple times without ever making the same bag twice.
Materials and Tools
Getting your materials together before you cast on makes the whole process smoother. Here’s what you’ll need for the standard Glenwood Tote Bag:
Yarn: The classic version of this pattern calls for approximately 350–450 yards of worsted weight cotton or linen yarn. Cotton is particularly recommended because it’s durable, washable, and provides the stiffness necessary for the bag to hold its shape. Look for yarns labeled as “cotton worsted” or “cotton DK+” for best results. If you want a softer, drapier bag, a cotton-acrylic blend works well too, though the bag will be slightly less structured. Cascade Yarns Ultra Pima, Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, and Paintbox Simply DK are all excellent choices.
Needles: US size 7 (4.5mm) circular needles, at least 24 inches long. Circular needles are used here not because we’re knitting in the round for the full bag, but because they’re much easier to manage when you have a large number of stitches on the needle. You’ll also want a set of double-pointed needles or a second circular for the I-cord handles, though some knitters prefer to use a three-needle bind-off method instead.
Additional supplies: A tapestry needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers (at least four), scissors, and a ruler or tape measure. If you want to add a fabric lining, you’ll also need a yard of coordinating cotton fabric, sewing thread, and basic sewing supplies.
Gauge and Sizing
Gauge: 18 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch on US size 7 needles.
Taking the time to swatch is genuinely important for this pattern. Because a tote bag needs to hold its shape under real-world conditions, being off by even half a stitch per inch can result in a bag that’s noticeably too large and floppy or too small and tight. Wash and block your swatch before measuring it, since cotton yarns often relax significantly after their first wash.
The finished measurements for the standard Glenwood Tote are approximately 14 inches wide, 13 inches tall (not including handles), and 4 inches deep at the base. The handles are each approximately 22 inches long, giving you a comfortable shoulder carry. If you’d like a smaller everyday bag or a larger grocery tote, instructions for adjusting the stitch count are included in the customization section below.
Abbreviations and Stitch Guide
Even if you’re an experienced knitter, reviewing the abbreviations used in this pattern will help you work through it smoothly.
CO — Cast on. The long-tail cast-on is recommended for this pattern because it creates a firm, tidy edge that works beautifully at the base of the bag.
K — Knit
P — Purl
K2tog — Knit two stitches together (a right-leaning decrease)
SSK — Slip, slip, knit (a left-leaning decrease)
M1L / M1R — Make one left / Make one right (increases)
PM — Place marker
SM — Slip marker
BO — Bind off
RS / WS — Right side / Wrong side
The main body of the Glenwood Tote uses a simple seed stitch border and a reverse stockinette panel, but the majority of the bag is worked in a textured basket weave pattern. If you haven’t worked basket weave before, it’s much easier than it looks — it’s simply alternating blocks of knit and purl stitches, shifting the arrangement every few rows to create that beautiful woven texture.
Pattern Instructions
Part One: The Base
The bag begins at the base, which is worked flat in rows and then seamed.
Cast on 72 stitches using the long-tail cast-on method.
Row 1 (RS): Knit across.
Row 2 (WS): Purl across.
Continue in stockinette stitch for a total of 24 rows (approximately 4 inches). This creates a flat, rectangular base.
Do not bind off. Instead, fold the rectangle so the cast-on edge meets the live stitches and use a three-needle bind-off to seam the base closed. This gives you a clean, flat bottom seam that distributes weight evenly and keeps the bag from sagging.
Part Two: The Body
With the base complete, you’ll now pick up stitches around all four edges of the base to begin working the body in the round.
Using your circular needle, pick up and knit stitches around the perimeter of the base: 36 stitches along each long side and 18 stitches along each short side, placing a stitch marker at each corner. You should have 108 stitches total on your needle.
Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist.
Rounds 1–3: Work in seed stitch (K1, P1 alternating, with each round starting opposite to the previous round) to create a clean border.
Round 4 onward — Basket Weave Pattern:
The basket weave is worked over a multiple of 8 stitches. Here’s the repeat:
Rounds 1–4: K4, P4 repeat to end of round.
Rounds 5–8: P4, K4 repeat to end of round.
These 8 rounds form one complete repeat of the basket weave pattern. Work this pattern until the body measures approximately 11 inches from the base pickup round.
Finishing Rounds: Work 3 rounds of seed stitch to mirror the border at the base.
Bind off all stitches loosely.
Part Three: The Handles
The Glenwood Tote uses a simple I-cord handle that’s both sturdy and comfortable in the hand. Each handle is worked separately and then attached to the bag.
Using double-pointed needles and the same yarn, cast on 4 stitches. Work I-cord as follows: Without turning your work, slide the stitches to the right end of the needle. Bring the yarn across the back and knit all 4 stitches. Repeat until the cord measures 22 inches.
Make two handles.
To attach, fold each handle into a loop and position them symmetrically on the front and back of the bag, centered horizontally and spaced approximately 3 inches apart. Each end of the handle should overlap the top edge of the bag by about 1 inch on the inside. Using your tapestry needle and a length of yarn, stitch each handle end securely to the inside of the bag. Go over your stitching several times — the handles will bear weight, so this seam needs to be strong.
Finishing and Blocking
Once your bag is fully assembled, it’s time to block. This step is easy to skip but genuinely transformative.
Fill a sink or basin with cool water and submerge the bag, gently pressing out any air bubbles. Let it soak for about 15 minutes. Remove it carefully — don’t wring it — and press out the excess water by rolling the bag in a clean towel. Shape the bag with your hands, making sure the base is flat and the sides are even, then lay it on a blocking mat or a clean towel to dry flat.
As it dries, you’ll see the basket weave stitch pattern open up beautifully, the sides will straighten, and the bag will take on its final, polished shape. For a very crisp result, you can pin the edges square while drying.
Weave in all loose ends before blocking so the water helps the yarn tails blend seamlessly into the fabric.
Adding a Fabric Lining
A lining isn’t strictly necessary, but it transforms the Glenwood Tote from a nice knitted bag into something that genuinely rivals a store-bought tote. A lining prevents small items from poking through the stitches, keeps the bag’s shape, and adds a pop of color or pattern that you see every time you open it.
To line the bag, measure the interior dimensions after blocking. Cut two pieces of fabric for the front and back, adding a half-inch seam allowance on all sides. Cut two rectangular pieces for the sides and one for the base. Sew the fabric lining pieces together with a half-inch seam allowance, leaving the top edge open. Press the seams flat with an iron.
Insert the lining into the finished bag with wrong sides together. Fold the top edge of the lining under by half an inch and pin it just below the top bind-off edge of the knitting. Using a needle and thread (or a sewing machine if you can manage the angle), slip stitch the lining in place all the way around. The result is a beautifully finished interior that makes the bag feel truly professional.
Customization Ideas
One of the best things about the Glenwood Tote pattern is how easily it adapts to different aesthetics and uses. Here are some ideas to make the pattern your own.
Striped colorwork: Because the body is worked in the round, adding stripes is as simple as switching colors at the start of a new round. A two-color basket weave creates a subtle, sophisticated effect — try navy and natural cream, or sage green and dusty rose for something lighter.
Adjusting the size: To make a smaller bag (perfect for a market trip or a gym bag), cast on 56 stitches for the base and pick up proportionally fewer stitches around the edge. For a larger grocery tote, cast on 88 stitches and work the body an inch or two longer.
Textured yarn: If you want to add visual interest without switching colors, try using a yarn with a slight texture — a marled cotton, a cotton-linen blend with natural irregularity, or even a boucle for a more casual look.
Twisted stitch handles: Instead of plain I-cord, try working a four-stitch twisted rib for the handles. It adds a subtle visual detail and creates a handle that’s slightly wider and flatter, which some people find more comfortable on the shoulder.
Magnetic snap closure: If you’re worried about items falling out, sewing a magnetic snap to the interior near the top edge is a simple upgrade. You’ll find these at most fabric or craft stores.
Tips for Success
A few pieces of advice that will make your experience with this pattern smoother from start to finish.
Wash your yarn before knitting. Cotton yarn — especially undyed or lightly processed cotton — can shrink significantly in its first wash. If you knit the bag, then wash it, you might find your finished tote has shrunk more than expected. Pre-washing eliminates this surprise.
Use a lifeline when working the body. A lifeline is a length of smooth, contrasting thread that you thread through the live stitches on your needle every ten rounds or so. If you make a mistake and need to rip back, the lifeline catches your stitches and prevents you from losing more progress than necessary.
Don’t skip the swatch. It was mentioned earlier and it bears repeating. A bag worked at a looser gauge will be floppy and too large; a bag worked at a tighter gauge will be stiff and too small. Ten minutes of swatching will save you hours of frustration.
Work the bind-off loosely. The top edge of the bag is the last thing people see when they look at it. A too-tight bind-off creates a puckered, curled edge. If you tend to bind off tightly, go up one needle size for that final row.
Caring for Your Glenwood Tote
Because the bag is worked in cotton, care is wonderfully straightforward. Most cotton yarns are machine washable on a gentle cycle in cool water. Reshape while damp and lay flat to dry. Avoid the dryer, which can cause cotton to shrink and can distort the shape.
With regular care, a well-made knitted cotton tote will last for years. The beauty of cotton is that it actually softens and improves with washing over time, so your bag will get better the more you use it.
A Final Word
The Glenwood Tote Bag is one of those knitting patterns that rewards every stitch of effort you put into it. It’s practical in the truest sense — something you’ll reach for every single day — but it also carries that quiet, particular pride of knowing you made it yourself. From the carefully worked basket weave panels to the neatly attached handles to the polished lining peeking out from inside, every detail adds up to a finished object that feels genuinely special.
Whether you’re making it for yourself, as a gift for someone you love, or as a project to sell at a craft fair, the Glenwood Tote is a pattern worth mastering. Cast on, take your time, and enjoy every round. The bag waiting at the end is more than worth it.
