bags for knitters -

To schlep or not to schlep, that is the question. What is schlepping? I’m not sure I’ve ever read a formal definition, but when used in context I would define it as “transporting (usually large amounts of) things from one place to another, especially by foot, especially multiple times, especially on vacation.” This is a word that entered my vocabulary via my older sister who, while claiming to despise schlepping of all kinds, tends to be the kind of person who has thought to bring everything you need when you didn’t even know you needed it. I admire her commitment to order and covet her organizational prowess, but just can’t seem to stay on top of the ever-present clutter and chaos invading my own home. But I can crochet little chair socks in a pinch, so it’s kind of a trade-off, ok?

Anyway, this post is dedicated to my sister who hates to schlep. Schlepping is reduced by having great bags to tote your stuff around in (also, by getting a beach-front room at the resort). So check out some of these great handmade handbag patterns you can make to reduce your schlepping, or at least do it in style.

*Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links, meaning if you click on them and buy something, you don’t pay any extra, but I may get a small commission.*

I’ve been enamored with this Mochila Handbag Crochet Pattern for the last couple of weeks. I love the fun cherry/floral vibe paired with the geometric triangles. What a fun handbag, perfect for a boho vibe, getting out and about this summer, walking through town or in the park. I’m totally fascinated to try this tapestry crochet technique because the fabric looks so solid and secure. Once I get myself a set of tunisian crochet hooks (I have my eye on these ones from KnitPicks), I’m going to give this a try. Get this amazing pattern HERE.

If you can finally bring your bags to your market again, then you knitters could make up one of these sweet and lightweight Pike Place Market Bag Knitting Patterns to schlep your vegetables home. This little bag will fit easily in your purse and then expand to fit all your fabulous market finds and haul them home. Make it from washable cotton yarn and you can wash and reuse this lovely bag over and over. Find this sweet pattern HERE.

Don’t hoard all that handmade goodness for yourself, though. You can make this adorable Panda Purse Crochet Pattern for one of your littles (or yourself, I don’t judge). I don’t know what it is with my kids, but it seems to take them a while to get the hang of bags to haul their stuff in. The littlest will stumble his way from the house to the truck, tripping over his blanket, grabbing his favourite stuffy, an Etch-a-Sketch, his computer mouse, a different bag (that for some unknown reason does not contain the other stuff) and a bottle of water. Perhaps if he had an adorable stuffy-like bag, he would put it all in there (doubtful… but one can try!) Maybe it will work for your kid. Get this adorable pattern HERE.

By now we should all know how much I love lemons. I love the flavour of tart lemonade and the bright vibrant colour of lemons. It might be a bit of overkill (a lot of yellow and lemons have leaked into my wardrobe), but perhaps I’ll make one of these delightful little Lemon Bag Crochet Patterns to go along with some of my adorable yellow attire. Or maybe I’ll just hang it in my bathroom to contain a few odds and ends. If you want to make one yourself, you can get this cute pattern HERE.

I love the sophistication of this Bryce Bag by Lakeside Loops Crochet Pattern. I love the subtle colour blocking and the crocheted rope handles. This pattern comes in 2 sizes, so you can make a matching one for your little one. The gorgeous pattern has such a lovely simplicity to it with the single crochet stitch pattern crocheted in the round. And the colour options are endless! Stripes and colour blocking. So easily customizable! This should absolutely be your next project! Buy the pattern HERE.

Check out Stephanie’s new Camellia Tote Bag Crochet Pattern! Don’t you just love the different simple stitch patterns joined together in this adorable new tote bag? I love this lovely subtle mustard colour pictured here, but if mustard isn’t your thing, there are many more fantastic colours of Lionbrand 24/7 Cotton to choose from. Get the pattern by going to THIS LINK. Or pick up the kit from Lionbrand which includes the pattern and all the yarn you need.

I’m absolutely in love with this Boho Tote Bag Crochet Pattern! I love the tassel and the sling feel of this bucket purse. Perfect for the beach or just a super relaxed beach accessory. Pair this gorgeous tote with a pair of cut-off jeans, your favourite breezy tank and a large straw sunhat for a fun summer outfit. This quick and easy pattern works up quickly so you can make it in time for the weekend. Find the pattern at THIS LINK.

For a more sturdy and simple bag, check out this Simple Beauty Market Bag Crochet Pattern. You can schlep all your odds and ends in this gorgeous bag made with a cross stitch single crochet for a night tight fabric. Haul your crochet hooks and projects in this adorable tote or it’s sturdy enough to carry a bottle of wine! Don’t forget to add a beautiful custom leatherette tag to add that touch of professional flair to your handmade items. Find the pattern by clicking HERE.

Don’t worry, knitters: I haven’t forgotten about you (but seriously, learn to crochet because it is all kinds of awesome). If knitting is your thing–or even if it’s not totally your thing–then even a beginner knitter can handle this gorgeous and simple Drawstring Backpack Knitting Pattern. Patterns with simple stitch patterns like this one are so approachable for new knitters. I love it when you can surprise a beginner with a project idea that isn’t just a hat or scar (nothing wrong with hats, but hey, you’ve only got one head!) This backpack is just fabulous and you’ll get to say over and over again, “Thanks, I made it.” And can we just say how much of a mood this photo is. Like, I want to go to there. Get the pattern going to THIS LINK.

And we shan’t leave you knitters with only a backpack, you can also join the relaxed crew with this super chill Everyday Knit Bag Pattern. Haul your towel and dry clothes to the beach and swing this cute tote over your shoulder for an easy vibe that just screams summer. Make it in all kinds of stripes or solids to fit any outfit or look you’re going for. Find this pattern HERE.

I hope you’ve found a lovely bag pattern here to haul all your stuff so you can reduce the dreaded schlepping, especially summer schlepping, which is sure to be sweaty and cutting into your valuable relaxing time. No need to schlep if you can haul it all in one trip! Grab one of these great patterns today or pin it for later.

10 Gorgeous Fabulous Handmade Bag Patterns. I love these gorgeous and simple handbags, perfect for toting your stuff this summer! #crochetpattern #knittingpattern #patternroundup #handmadehandbag #craftevangelist

This summer when I was at Our Maker Life in Calgary, I had the privilege of meeting Laura from Jimmy Beans Wool. She spoke for a little bit at OML and I was super inspired by her story. As we were chatting with a smaller group of people afterwards, we were talking up Jimmy Beans’ Namaste bags. I had brought my Maker’s Tote Bag with me because it’s my everyday purse/knitting/computer bag and I love it and it’s perfect in so many ways. As we were chatting, I told her that I thought a fanny pack (I know, I’m cringing at the word, too, but stick with me here)-type bag that you could just store a skein of yarn to work on a project while in line or moving around the house. To my great delight, Laura showed us some pictures of an upcoming product, the Namaste Maker’s Hybrid Belt Bag, which was way cooler looking than what I had imagined. When the product was released, I got up the nerve to send an email to Laura (she gave us all her email address; how cool is that?!) to ask if they would send me a bag to review.

And they did!

So, here I am with my first review! So, for full disclosure. Jimmy Beans sent me the Belt Bag for free to try out and give my opinion about. All my opinions and words are my own and I received no other compensation other than the bag. It arrived about 6 weeks ago, but I wanted to give myself some time to put it to use before I wrote my review.

I had requested the Petal colour, which matches my tote bag and my Maker’s Portfolio. When it arrived (happy mail!), I took a little break from work to open it–I couldn’t wait! I loved the cute, sturdy, little box it came in (so handy for re-using! drawer organizers!!!).

I think one of my favourite things about both of my Namaste Maker’s bags is that they have just the right amount of pockets and compartments. Using other bags that have a gazillion pockets for “a place for everything,” I have found that they’re too restrictive, they don’t fit exactly the things that I have and want to keep there. And then I also don’t consistently put them back in their “perfect” spot. So, maybe they work for some people, but I’m just too lazy to be that organized. Also, I love a super easy pocket, like this one on the back of the belt bag.

It’s very handy to pop in your cell phone, keeps it close to your body and closes with a magnet!!! I love magnet closures… so handy.

Under the flap of the main compartment, there’s a zippered pocket that can act as a wallet with card slots, a cash compartment and room for whatever. The flap of the main compartment closes with snaps (and there are more magnets to hold the flap down).

The main compartment is where you would keep a skein of yarn and your project. I really wanted to love this and I think I definitely did when I was working on a small project and had to get up to check on dinner.

There was a super long line at camp registration this summer when I had just started a shawl and it would have been perfect for that. Once you get into larger projects or larger balls of yarn, this bag probably isn’t going to cut it for you. I agree with the choice made: sacrificing the space for a project for a slimmer bag so that it’s not so bulky makes it more versatile overall.

I am not the most fashion-forward person so I had some hesitation about wearing the belt bag as a belt bag in public, so I have mostly used it as a crossbody bag, to which it easily and smoothly converts. I saw a woman wearing a dress and a belt bag at a soccer game this fall, which gave me the courage to wear this bag as a belt bag this fall at The King’s University’s 40th Anniversary Banquet, where I worked helping with the silent auction and selling tickets for the bar. It was very handy to have a small bag with me to keep my keys, wallet, phone and a pen to have my hands free. I did not have time to knit, so I left my project at home.

Honestly, I mostly love it as a small purse. It is very easily convertible: the belt strap lengthens and shortens quickly and easily, and the claw clasps are both easy to handle and secure. So many details carefully considered!

For a true knitting bag, I love and use all the time my Maker’s Tote Bag and plenty of people have been raving about the Maker’s Backpack, but this little hybrid belt bag is a super cute option if you’re working on smaller projects with fine wool, which also makes a stylish, versatile little purse.

If you appreciated this review and would like to make a purchase at Jimmy Beans Wool, would you please tell them I referred you? Jimmy Beans has a referral program, so you can earn rewards when you refer people too! Their customer service is incredible and they have such great products, I’m sure you’ll be happy. Just use my email address: teddi[at]craftevangelist.ca. Thanks! Will you share a pin with your friends on Pinterest?

Tag: bags for knitters

10 Fabulous Handmade Bag Patterns

Namaste Maker’s Hybrid Belt Bag Review