Seed Stitch Knit Tote Bag: FREE Knitting Pattern

There is something deeply satisfying about carrying a bag you made yourself. It becomes a conversation starter at the farmers market, a quiet point of pride at the grocery store, and a creative accomplishment you get to show off every single time you leave the house. If you have been searching for a knitting project that is both practical and beautiful, this seed stitch knit tote bag pattern is exactly what you need. It is beginner-friendly, completely free, and produces a sturdy, textured bag that holds its shape beautifully.

Whether you are brand new to knitting or you have been at it for years and are looking for a satisfying weekend project, this pattern will walk you through every step. Let’s talk about the yarn, the needles, the stitch pattern, and everything else you need to know before you cast on.

Why Seed Stitch Is Perfect for a Tote Bag

Before we get into the actual pattern, it is worth talking about why seed stitch is such a wonderful choice for a tote bag. Seed stitch is created by alternating knit and purl stitches across every row in a specific way — you knit the purls and purl the knits — so the result is a dense, textured fabric that looks like tiny bumps or seeds scattered across the surface. That is exactly where it gets its name.

For a tote bag, this texture matters more than you might think. First, seed stitch fabric is remarkably firm and stable compared to something like stockinette, which tends to curl at the edges. That curl-free quality is a huge advantage when you are knitting a bag because it means the sides lay flat, the top edge doesn’t roll, and the finished piece holds a nice boxy shape without any fussy blocking or finishing tricks.

Second, the density of seed stitch means the fabric itself is thicker and more structured. A tote bag knitted in seed stitch can hold its contents without flopping over or stretching out of shape, which is a common complaint with more loosely knitted bags.

Third — and this is purely aesthetic — seed stitch looks absolutely gorgeous. The alternating texture catches light beautifully, and because the fabric looks the same on both sides, you never have to worry about an “inside-out” problem. It has that handmade artisan quality that people genuinely notice and compliment.

Materials You Will Need

One of the best things about this pattern is that it uses simple, accessible materials. You do not need anything exotic or expensive to make a bag that looks like it came from a boutique.

Yarn: You will need approximately 200 to 250 yards of a bulky weight yarn (weight 5 or 6). Cotton yarn is an excellent choice for a tote bag because it is strong, washable, and has very little stretch, which helps the bag hold its shape. Some lovely options include Lion Brand Re-Up Cotton Blend, Paintbox Simply DK in a heavier weight, or any worsted-to-bulky cotton or cotton-blend yarn you love. If you prefer a natural fiber, an undyed cotton twine or jute-blend yarn will give the bag a beautiful earthy, market-ready look.

Needles: A pair of US size 9 (5.5mm) straight or circular knitting needles. If you prefer to knit flat on circular needles, that works perfectly — many knitters actually prefer the circular option because it is easier to handle as the fabric grows.

Additional supplies: A tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and stitch markers if you like to use them. You might also want two pieces of leather or faux leather cord or sturdy fabric for the handles, though the pattern below includes instructions for knitted handles as well.

Gauge: Approximately 14 stitches and 20 rows equal 4 inches in seed stitch with bulky weight yarn on US size 9 needles. That said, gauge is less critical for a tote bag than it would be for a garment — if your bag comes out slightly larger or smaller than the measurements below, it will still be a perfectly beautiful and functional tote. Just swatch if you want to be precise.

Finished Dimensions

The finished tote measures approximately 13 inches wide by 14 inches tall (not including handles), with handles that add another 10 inches of length. This makes it a great everyday bag — large enough for a trip to the farmers market or library, small enough to feel comfortable on your shoulder.

If you want a larger or smaller bag, the pattern is easy to scale. Just cast on more or fewer stitches in multiples of 2 (since seed stitch requires an even number of stitches for the stitch pattern to work out correctly), and add or subtract rows to change the height.

Abbreviations Used in This Pattern

CO — Cast on
K — Knit
P — Purl
BO — Bind off
RS — Right side
WS — Wrong side
Rep — Repeat
St(s) — Stitch(es)
PM — Place marker
SM — Slip marker

The Seed Stitch Knit Tote Bag Pattern

BODY OF THE BAG

Step 1 — Cast On

Using your US size 9 needles and a long-tail cast on (or any cast on you prefer), CO 46 stitches.

A long-tail cast on is recommended here because it creates a firm, tidy edge that pairs beautifully with seed stitch and stands up well to the wear and tear a tote bag gets. If you are not familiar with the long-tail cast on, a quick YouTube search will walk you through it in minutes — it is one of those techniques that feels awkward at first but quickly becomes second nature.

Step 2 — Begin Seed Stitch

Row 1 (RS): K1, P1; rep from to end of row.
Row 2 (WS): K1, P1; rep from to end of row.

That is the entire seed stitch pattern. Because you are working flat (back and forth in rows), you knit the purls and purl the knits on every row. The key is simply to look at your stitches: if the stitch facing you looks like a knit (a smooth V), you purl it. If it looks like a purl (a bump), you knit it. Once you internalize this habit, seed stitch becomes almost meditative.

Step 3 — Continue in Pattern

Continue working in seed stitch (repeating Rows 1 and 2) until your piece measures 28 inches from the cast-on edge. This long rectangle will fold in half to form the front and back of your bag.

At the halfway point (14 inches), you can place a stitch marker or a piece of contrasting yarn to mark the fold line. This is optional but can be a helpful visual guide when you are seaming the sides later.

Step 4 — Bind Off

BO all stitches in pattern. To bind off in seed stitch, work the stitches as they appear (knitting the knits and purling the purls) as you bind off. This keeps the top edge of the bag elastic and consistent with the rest of the fabric — a plain knit bind off can look slightly different and may pucker.

ASSEMBLING THE BAG

Step 5 — Fold and Seam

Fold your rectangle in half so the cast-on edge and the bind-off edge are aligned at the top. The fold at the bottom becomes the base of your bag. Using your tapestry needle and a length of matching yarn, seam the two side edges together using a mattress stitch or whipstitch. Mattress stitch creates a nearly invisible seam on the right side of the fabric and is well worth learning if you have not already — it makes the finished bag look polished and professional.

Weave in all ends securely. Because this bag will be used regularly and may be washed, take extra care to weave in ends in multiple directions so they do not work their way loose over time.

HANDLES

You have two options for handles: knitted handles (included below) or purchased handles.

Option A — Knitted Handles

CO 8 stitches.

Work in seed stitch (K1, P1; rep from across) for 24 inches (or your preferred handle length — 20 to 26 inches is a comfortable range for a shoulder tote).

BO in pattern.

Make two handles.

Using your tapestry needle, attach each handle to the inside top edge of the bag. Position each end of the handle approximately 3 to 4 inches from the side seam, and sew it down securely using several passes of yarn in a square or rectangular pattern. The handles take a lot of stress, so reinforcing the attachment points generously is important — you want to be confident that your bag can hold a week’s worth of library books without any worries.

Option B — Purchased Handles

If you prefer a more polished or sturdy handle, you can purchase leather or bamboo bag handles from craft stores or online retailers (Etsy has beautiful options). Simply sew or attach them through the top edge of the bag according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This gives the bag a lovely artisan quality that many knitters really love.

Tips for Knitting This Pattern Successfully

Use stitch markers to keep your place. Even experienced knitters sometimes lose their place in seed stitch, especially after putting a project down for a few days. A stitch marker at the center of your row can help you quickly verify that your pattern is on track.

Check your tension regularly. Seed stitch fabric has a natural tendency to pull in slightly compared to stockinette, so you may find you need to knit a little more loosely than you usually do. If your fabric feels stiff or the stitches are hard to work, try going up a needle size.

Choose a yarn with good stitch definition. Highly textured or fuzzy yarns (like mohair) can obscure the beautiful texture of seed stitch. For this pattern, a smooth or slightly plied cotton or wool will show off every little bump and make the fabric look its absolute best.

Wet block your finished bag. Once your bag is assembled, give it a soak in cool water, gently press out the excess moisture in a towel, and lay it flat to dry in its finished shape. Even though seed stitch does not curl, a light blocking will even out the stitches and give the bag a beautifully finished look.

Consider a lining. If you plan to carry small items that might poke through the knit fabric (keys, pens, loose change), you can easily sew a simple fabric lining from cotton quilting fabric and slip-stitch it inside the bag. This also gives the bag extra structure and makes it easier to find things inside a knitted tote.

Yarn Alternatives and Customization Ideas

One of the joys of knitting your own accessories is that you can customize absolutely everything. Here are a few ideas to make this pattern your own.

Color blocking: Knit the first 7 inches in one color, switch to a second color for the middle 14 inches, and return to the first color for the last 7 inches. Because seed stitch is worked flat and the rows are horizontal, color changes are as easy as joining a new yarn at the beginning of a row.

Stripes: Work two rows in one color and two rows in another for a simple striped effect. The texture of seed stitch combined with stripes creates a really beautiful, layered look.

Natural fibers: An undyed cotton twine or a jute-blend yarn gives this bag a farmhouse, market-fresh aesthetic that is incredibly popular right now. These yarns tend to be stiffer, so your bag will have extra structure right off the needles.

Different weights: If you want a finer, more lightweight bag, try this pattern in DK weight yarn on US size 5 or 6 needles. You will need more yardage and more rows, but the resulting fabric is softer and drapier — beautiful for a beach bag or a knitting project bag.

Pockets: Before seaming the sides, you can knit a small seed stitch rectangle (about 8 inches wide by 6 inches tall), bind it off, and sew three sides of it to the inside of the bag for a simple interior pocket. This is a small addition that makes the bag significantly more useful.

Caring for Your Seed Stitch Tote Bag

If you used cotton yarn (which is the most popular choice for this pattern), your bag is almost certainly machine washable — but check the yarn label to be sure. Most cotton knits do well on a gentle cycle in cool water and can be air-dried flat. Avoid putting a knitted bag in a hot dryer, as this can cause shrinkage and distort the fabric.

If you used a wool or wool-blend yarn, hand washing in cool water with a gentle detergent is the safest approach. Wool is naturally resilient and dirt-resistant, so your bag may not need washing as often as you think.

Over time, a knitted tote may stretch slightly with heavy loads. If this happens, a quick wash and lay-flat dry will usually restore its shape nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this pattern suitable for beginners?

Yes, absolutely. If you know how to knit and purl, you have everything you need to complete this pattern. Seed stitch looks impressive but is genuinely simple — it is just alternating knit and purl stitches, and the trick of knitting the purls and purling the knits is easier to understand once you are actually working the stitches.

How long will this project take?

Working in bulky yarn with relatively large needles, most knitters complete this bag in a weekend or over three to five evenings of casual knitting. It is a satisfying quick knit that feels like a real accomplishment when it is done.

Can I use circular needles instead of straight?

Yes. Since the bag is knitted flat (back and forth in rows, not in the round), you can use circular needles just like straight needles — simply turn your work at the end of each row. Many knitters find circular needles easier to handle for wider pieces like this because the weight of the fabric rests in your lap rather than on the needle tips.

Can I sell bags made from this pattern?

Yes! This is a free pattern for personal and commercial use. If you sell bags made from this pattern, credit is always appreciated but not required.

Final Thoughts

A handknitted tote bag is one of those rare items that is genuinely useful, completely personal, and beautiful enough that people always ask about it. The seed stitch texture gives this bag a timeless, elevated look that works with everything from a linen sundress at the market to a cozy sweater on a crisp autumn day. And because you made it yourself, it carries a little piece of your creativity and care everywhere it goes.

This pattern is designed to be accessible, flexible, and enjoyable from the first stitch to the last. Whether you knit this bag exactly as written or use it as a jumping-off point for your own creative spin, we hope it brings you as much joy to make as it will to use.

Happy knitting!

If you make this bag, we would love to see it. Share your finished project and tag us — there is nothing better than seeing the many beautiful variations knitters create from a single pattern. And if you have questions as you work through the pattern, leave them in the comments below. We are always here to help.