Floral Tote Bag Knitting Pattern

Floral Tote in Plymouth Yarn Bazinga

What is Being Made

The Floral Tote is a knitted shoulder bag designed by Plymouth Yarn Design Studio. This finished tote measures 18 inches wide at the bottom and 13 inches tall, excluding the strap. The design combines structured body panels with a decorative knitted flower accent and features a loopy crochet bind-off edge for visual interest. The tote is practical for everyday use while showcasing decorative knitting techniques.

Techniques Used

This knitting project employs several intermediate techniques to create its finished structure. The main construction uses Linen Stitch, a textured stitch pattern that creates a fabric with visual depth and a slightly denser drape than stockinette stitch. The tote body pieces are shaped using strategic decreasing to create a tapered silhouette that narrows from the base. The flower accent is created using kfb (knit front and back) increases worked in the round on a circular needle, building outward in concentric rounds to form a three-dimensional floral element. The finishing involves whip stitching to seam body pieces together and attach the gusset base. A decorative loopy bind-off using crochet creates a finished edge with chain loops and single crochet stitches, adding textural detail to the top opening.

Stitches Used

• Linen Stitch: A reversible textured stitch worked over a multiple of 2 stitches plus 1. Row 1 (right side) consists of knit 1, then alternating slip 1 with yarn in front and knit 1 across. Row 2 features knit 1, purl 1, then alternating slip 1 with yarn in back and purl 1, ending with knit 1. These two rows repeat to create the pattern.
• Stockinette Stitch: Used as the gauge reference for needle sizing (10 stitches and 16 rows equal 4 inches).
• Kfb (Knit Front and Back): An increase technique used throughout the flower rounds to expand stitches and create the circular floral shape.
• Garter Stitch: Worked in select rows of the flower (rows 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, and 10) to provide structure between the increase rounds.
• Single Crochet and Chain Stitch: Used in the loopy bind-off finish, creating decorative loops along the top edge of the tote.

Materials

The Floral Tote is worked in Plymouth Yarn Bazinga, color 02, requiring 11 balls of 50 grams each for the complete project. The yarn is worked on US size 11 straight needles for the main body pieces and base, with a size 11 circular needle measuring 40 inches used for the flower construction. A 6mm crochet hook is required for the loopy bind-off finish. An optional lining can be added for durability and a polished interior. The Linen Stitch gauge is 3 stitches and 5 rows per inch on size 11 needles, while stockinette stitch gauge is 10 stitches and 16 rows per 4 inches on the same needle size.