VeryPink ATX Linen Tote Bag Knitting Pattern

VeryPink ATX Linen Tote

Project Overview

The ATX Linen Tote is a knitted bag pattern designed by Staci Perry for VeryPink. This downloadable PDF pattern provides instructions for creating a spacious linen tote bag using a bottom-up construction method with contrasting color stripes. The finished bag measures 14 inches in diameter at the bottom and 14 inches in length, with a strap that can be customized to any desired length.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a functional everyday tote bag constructed entirely through knitting. The bag features a circular bottom, straight sides, and an adjustable strap, making it suitable for carrying everyday items. The design incorporates two distinct colors of yarn to create visual interest through strategic color blocking and striping techniques.

Construction Method and Techniques

The ATX Linen Tote uses a bottom-up construction, meaning knitting begins at the bag's base and progresses upward toward the top opening. The bag is worked in the round, which creates seamless fabric and eliminates the need for seaming. The pattern employs stripes as a primary design element, with the main color (MC) forming the bag bottom and a contrasting color (CC) creating the striped pattern on the upper portion of the bag.

This construction approach allows for even fabric development and makes it easier to achieve consistent gauge throughout the project. The in-the-round technique is accomplished using either double-pointed needles (DPNs) with circular needles or the magic loop method, providing flexibility based on the knitter's available tools and preferences.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches and shaping techniques:

• Stockinette stitch forms the primary fabric structure, creating a smooth, classic knit appearance
• Knit front and back (Kfb) increases are used during the initial shaping phase to expand the bag bottom to the desired diameter
• Knit two together (K2tog) decreases help shape and refine the bag structure
• Slip, slip, knit (SSK) decreases provide an alternative shaping option
• Knit (K) and purl (P) stitches form the foundation of all stitch patterns used

The pattern includes strategic increases during the bottom section to achieve the 14-inch diameter, followed by a transition into the striped pattern section. The stripe pattern alternates between the main color and contrasting color, creating visual rhythm and interest.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The ATX Linen Tote requires 2 hanks of Louet Euroflax Sport Weight yarn, with each hank in a different color. Louet Euroflax is a 100% linen yarn, and each hank contains 270 yards per 100 grams. The pattern recommends selecting one color for the bag bottom (main color) and another for the bag top (contrasting color). The designer's example uses Navy for the main color and Caribbean Blue for the contrasting color.

The linen fiber choice provides several advantages: linen creates a crisp, structured fabric that holds its shape well for a tote bag, develops a soft hand with use and washing, and offers breathability. The Sport Weight yarn thickness balances stitch definition with reasonable project completion time.

Needles and Tools

The pattern requires size US 4 (3.5mm) needles. The complete needle setup includes a set of 5 double-pointed needles and circular needles—ideally in both 16-inch and 24-inch lengths. However, the pattern accommodates various needle configurations: knitters can use just DPNs and one 24-inch or longer circular needle with the magic loop method if they lack multiple circular needle sizes.

Additional materials needed include 4 ring stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping sections, one clippie marker for holding stitches, and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends after binding off.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 6 stitches per inch in stockinette stitch. Achieving correct gauge is essential for the bag to reach its intended finished dimensions. The pattern provides modification guidance: the bag length can be shortened by reducing the 3 inches of main color at the bottom or the 4 inches of contrasting color at the top while preserving the striping pattern. For a wider bag, knitters can continue increasing beyond the pattern specifications, though