Free knitting Patterns for messenger bags, cross body bags, satchels, and other purses with shoulder straps. Updated 10/16/23
To get the knitting patterns, scroll down the page to the individual pattern you want and click on the link to that pattern.
These patterns are not my designs but links to other designers who have generously shared their patterns. If you have questions about how to knit a specific pattern, please contact the designer directly.
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Free Patterns
Woolly Messenger Bag
Elegant shoulder bag with flap knit with mostly knit stitches and felted. Includes inside pocket. This looks like it might be a great first felting project. Size Approx. dimensions after felting: bag is 9.5” wide x 8.75” long x 3” deep. Uses 2 skeins of Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Lori Puthoff
Le Slouch Bag
Large shoulder with flap covered with diamond lattice cables. Charts. Size 24” by 36”. Super Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Lisa Whiting
- Get the free knitting pattern
- See the Ravelry page
- Get the recommended Cascade Lana Grande yarn at Amazon
Geometric Bag
Striking stripes, checks, and other geometric designs decorate this half-circle shaped shoulder tote knit flat. Great stash-buster! Size 14 x 14 in. (35.5 x 35.5 cm), after felting, not including strap. Super Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Lion Brand Yarn. Pictured project by Cardabelle
Boredom Buster Bag
This shoulder bag lives up to its name with cables, a stranded floral design, and seed stitch on the body, and a cabled shoulder strap. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Christi Wasson
Basketweave Tote Bag
Shoulder bag knit in two colors with basketweave texture on upper body, decorative picot bindoff on upper edge, and braided handle. Size: one size 15” X14”. Aran weight yarn. Designed by Bonnie Nurnberger
Blended Tote Bag
Roomy shoulder bag knit flat in stripes with a marled look created by holding two strands of yarn together in 2 row repeat seed stitch. Size: About 15 1/2 x 15 1/2 in. (39.5 x 39.5 cm), not including handle. Sport weight yarn. Designed by Lion Brand
Hexagon Bag
Shoulder bag with hexagon sides created from 6 trianbles that showcase self-striping yarn. Size: Approximate Dimensions: 10” wide 10” tall. Hexagon Felted Bag in Plymouth Gina - F506 designed by Plymouth Yarn. Aran weight yarn.
More Free Patterns
Ripple Bag
Shoulder purse knit with wavy stripes in a 2 color 4 row repeat which also creates a natural wavy edge to the flap. A crochet version is also included. Size: 12” wide x 10” deep. Designed by Michele Thompson. Aran weight yarn. A kit is also available.
Stripey Messenger Bag
Striped shoulder bag with half-circle flap knit with a self-striping yarn and contrast solid yarn. Felting instructions included. Size: After felting, the bag is 14” x 10”, and about 3.5” deep. Designed by Deborah Cooke. Aran weight yarn.
Tweed Satchel
Shoulder bag with flap knit in 2 row ribbing with 2 colors and a striped flap. The combination of horizontal stripes with vertical ribbing on the flap gives a tweed look. Felted in the washing machine to create a hard-wearing, yet flexible material. Size: 25cm/10" high X 35cm/14" wide and 9cm/3.5" deep at base. Designed by Jem Weston. DK weight yarn.
Cherish Shoulder Bag
Large bag with Celtic cable panel on flap. Size: Bag: 40cm/16in to 36cm/14in. Designed by Artesano. Aran weight yarn.
Seed Stitch and Cables Bag
Shoulder bag knit with an 8 row repeat cable pattern of antler cables framed with XOXO cables and moss stitch. Size: 23cm/9in to 28cm/11in. Designed by Patons. Bulky weight yarn.
Crossbody Pocket Bag
Stylish shoulder bag with linen stitch flap and a channel for the shoulder strap. Finished Height: 5¾ inches. Designed by Purl Soho. Worsted weight yarn.
Sweater Bag
Cabled messenger bag with ribbed flap inspired by sweater designs. 11.5 in. x 13 in. (29 x 33 cm). Designed by Lion Brand Yarn. Bulky weight yarn.
Around Town Bag
Cabled purse with seed stitch shoulder strap knit flat with 8 row repeat cable. Size Bag: 46cm/18in to 30cm/12in. Super Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Lion Brand.
Patterns for Purchase
10 Triangles Crossbody Bag
If you love triangles like I do, you'll love this shoulder bag. T-shirt yarn, or chunky or bulky yarn weight yarn. Designed by Made By Devrie
Cabled Carry-All
Messenger tote bag with gorgeous cables and shoulder strap. Aran weight yarn. Designed by Deborah Newton from her book Deborah Newton's Cable Collection.
Felted Satchel
Shoulder bag with pockets knitted on straight needles and the felted pieces are then sewn together by hand. The small size will hold a notebook or a child’s lunchbox; the larger version will hold an i-pad in the front pocket and letter/A4 documents or magazines in the back. This project is a great way to use up your stash of felt-able yarns by making a multi-colour or striped satchel. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by bagsofinspiration
Origami Folded Shoulder Bag
Easy unique shoulder bag worked flat and folded to shape, featuring stripes of color and texture. Skill Level: Beginner. Worked flat, using basic knitting skills. 3 Sizes (Large size is pictured) Chunky weight yarn. Designed by CamexiaDesigns
Pet Carrier Bag
Shoulder tote designed to carry small dogs, cats, or other pets with a pocket for phone or other small items. Can also be used as a cross body purse, of course. Chunky weight yarn. Designed by CamexiaDesigns
Japanese Knot Bag
This is one of the few knot bags I've seen that is worked flat. It's also unusual for it's large tote purse size. Skill Level: Beginner. Worked flat, using basic knitting skills. Size 31cm/12" x 31cm/12", strap length adjustable. Quick knit in super bulky weight yarn. Designed by CamexiaDesigns
