Wanderlust Woven Tote Free Pattern – Knit a Textured Boho Carryall

Wanderlust Woven Tote Free Pattern – Knit a Textured Boho Carryall

There's something magical about a bag that feels both handmade and effortlessly stylish. The Wanderlust Woven Tote is exactly that—a spacious, textured carryall that combines thick, hand-dyed yarn with a beautiful woven stitch pattern. Whether you're heading to the farmers market, planning a beach day, or just running everyday errands, this one-skein wonder is as practical as it is beautiful. With its rustic, bohemian aesthetic and soft, natural drape, this tote will quickly become your go-to accessory. Best of all, it's a free pattern that even beginners can tackle with confidence.

This pattern creates a rectangular bag approximately 14 inches wide and 12 inches tall, with two sturdy garter-stitch straps. The woven texture comes from clever slipped stitches, giving the fabric a dense, cloth-like feel that's perfect for carrying your daily essentials. Let's dive into everything you need to create your own Wanderlust Woven Tote.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather these simple supplies:

• Yarn: 1 skein (approx. 200-250 yards) of bulky weight cotton or cotton-linen blend yarn. Recommended: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton in 'Sand' or 'Terracotta' (or any similar bulky cotton yarn)
• Knitting Needles: US 10.5 (6.5 mm) straight or circular needles
• Tapestry Needle: For seaming and weaving in ends
• Scissors
• Measuring Tape (optional, for checking gauge)

Gauge: 14 stitches and 20 rows = 4 inches in woven stitch pattern (after blocking). While gauge isn't critical for a bag, it helps ensure your tote comes out the right size.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bag Body (Worked Flat, Then Seamed)

Foundation: Cast on 40 stitches loosely. A loose cast-on is important here—it will become the bottom of your bag and needs to have some give.

Row 1 (Right Side): Knit all stitches.

Row 2 (Wrong Side): Purl all stitches.

Row 3: *K1, slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in front (wyif), K1* — repeat from * to * across the row.

Row 4: *P1, slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in back (wyib), P1* — repeat from * to * across the row.

Rows 5-6: Repeat Rows 1-2 (knit one row, purl one row).

Row 7: *Slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in front (wyif), K1, slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in front* — repeat from * to * across the row, ending with a slip 1.

Row 8: *Slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in back (wyib), P1, slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in back* — repeat from * to * across the row, ending with a slip 1.

Rows 9-10: Repeat Rows 1-2.

Repeat Rows 3-10 until the piece measures 14 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a wrong-side row. This repeating pattern creates the beautiful woven texture that gives this tote its distinctive look.

Top Border

Once your piece reaches 14 inches, it's time to add a clean, finished edge at the top of the bag:

Row 1 (Right Side): Knit all stitches.

Row 2 (Wrong Side): Purl all stitches.

Row 3: Knit all stitches.

Row 4: Bind off all stitches knitwise. This creates a neat, sturdy edge that won't stretch out of shape.

Finishing the Bag Body

Now it's time to transform your flat rectangle into a bag:

1. Fold the knitted rectangle in half with right sides together, matching the cast-on and bind-off edges. The folded edge will be the bottom of your bag.
2. Sew the side seams using a mattress stitch or whip stitch. Leave the top open—this is where your items will go in and out.
3. Turn the bag right side out. Gently shape it so the corners are neat and the bottom lies flat.

Straps (Make 2)

Your tote needs sturdy handles to carry all your treasures. Here's how to make them:

1. Using the same yarn, cast on 8 stitches.
2. Work in garter stitch (knit every row) until the strap measures 18 inches long. Garter stitch creates a thick, durable fabric that's perfect for straps.
3. Bind off all stitches.
4. Repeat to make a second strap.

Attaching the Straps

Proper strap placement ensures your bag hangs beautifully and carries weight comfortably:

1. Sew each strap securely to the inside of the bag, positioning them about 2 inches from the top edge and 3 inches from each side seam.
2. Use a sturdy whip stitch or backstitch, going through both the strap and the bag fabric multiple times to ensure they're firmly attached.
3. Weave in all loose ends with your tapestry needle.

Blocking and Final Touches

Blocking helps even out your stitches and gives the bag its final shape:

1. Lightly wet or steam block the bag. If wet blocking, gently press out excess water and lay flat to dry, shaping the bag as it dries.
2. If steam blocking, hold a steam iron just above the fabric (don't press down) and let the steam relax the fibers.
3. Once dry, your Wanderlust Woven Tote is ready for adventure!

Tips for Success

• Keep your tension consistent—especially when slipping stitches. The woven pattern looks best when stitches are even.
• Count your stitches periodically, especially on the slip-stitch rows, to ensure you haven't accidentally dropped or added any.
• Use stitch markers if you find it helpful to track your pattern repeats.
• Don't pull your seaming too tight—you want the side seams to be strong but not puckered.

This pattern is wonderfully forgiving and perfect for beginners who want to try something a bit more textured. The slipped stitches create a dense, woven fabric that looks far more complex than it actually is. Plus, since it's a one-skein project, you can complete it in a weekend and immediately start using your beautiful new bag.

Whether you choose a warm terracotta, a natural sand color, or any other shade that speaks to your bohemian soul, your Wanderlust Woven Tote will be a unique, handmade companion for all your adventures. Happy knitting!