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Lopi Tote – Free Knitting Pattern

December 6, 2017 36 Comments

The Lopi Tote makes use of bulky yarn and elegant, screw-in handles to create a deep bag with a wide base that knits up quick. Get your hands on this free pattern, designed with knitters in mind. The Lopi Tote is perfect for carrying your next knitting project on the go!

The Lopi Tote makes use of bulky yarn and elegant, screw-in handles to create a deep bag with a wide base that knits up quick. Since I’m one of those dorks who can’t leave the house without her adult security blanket of a work-in-progress, I designed this bag specifically for carrying my projects with me on the go. 

The Lopi Tote makes use of bulky yarn and elegant, screw-in handles to create a deep bag with a wide base that knits up quick. Get your hands on this free pattern, designed with knitters in mind. The Lopi Tote is perfect for carrying your next knitting project on the go!
A key component of this pattern is its beautiful handles from Jūl. If you’ve got a knitter or crocheter in your life (even if it’s yourself!), their handles and other knitting accessories are a great gift idea. According to my husband, a lot of folks I know like the idea of giving a hardcore yarn crafter like me yarn-related gifts, but they’re completely intimidated by knowing what to shop for. Jūl accessories are a nice way to be able to get a knitter something really nice that they can use, but you don’t actually have to know anything about knitting or crochet to successfully buy one of their products as a gift. Full disclosure, I was sent a pair of these handles to try, but I was legit not disappointed. (**Hint, hint, family members!**) The high quality of the materials, coupled with the elegant aesthetic, made me a very happy knitter. They finished off this bag so nicely!

The Lopi Tote makes use of bulky yarn and elegant, screw-in handles to create a deep bag with a wide base that knits up quick. Get your hands on this free pattern, designed with knitters in mind. The Lopi Tote is perfect for carrying your next knitting project on the go!
The Lopi Tote makes use of bulky yarn and elegant, screw-in handles to create a deep bag with a wide base that knits up quick. Get your hands on this free pattern, designed with knitters in mind. The Lopi Tote is perfect for carrying your next knitting project on the go!

Lopi Tote Pattern

Supplies
2 skeins Bulkylopi yarn in Ash Heather [100% new wool. 100 g (3.5 oz) approx. 60 m (66 yd) per skein]
US 15 (10 mm) circular knitting needles
stitch markers
scissors
tapestry needle
clear nail polish (optional – for securing handles)
Jūl 16″ Forager Flat Screw in Handles in Truffle
basic sewing supplies for lining your bag (optional)

Bulkylopi yarn is a super bulky (hence the name) yarn made from 100% Icelandic wool that knits up quick!
Abbreviations & Terms
CO – cast on
sts – stitches
Old Norwegian Sock Cast On – aka German Twisted Cast on. Here’s a tutorial.
rnd – round
pm – place marker
k – knit
p – purl
sm – slip marker
M1R – make 1 right. Here’s a tutorial.
m – marker
sl – slip
wyif – with yarn in front
(X sts) – X indicates the number of sts that should now be in the rnd.
rep – repeat
(Y rnds) – Y indicates the number of times a rnd is worked.
ssk – slip slip knit. Here’s a tutorial.
k2tog – knit 2 sts together. Here’s a tutorial.
ssp – slip slip purl. Here’s a tutorial.
p2tog – purl 2 sts together. Here’s a tutorial.
wyib – with yarn in back
BO – bind off
kitchener stitch – aka grafting. Here’s a tutorial.
linen stitch – the slipped stitch motif used on the front and back panels of this bag. Here’s a tutorial. 

Gauge & Dimensions: 8 sts & 12 rows over 4″. The Lopi Tote is 16″ in length. Laid flat, the top of the bag measures 8″ across. At its widest point, the bag measures 14″ across laid flat. All measurements were taken after wet blocking.

The Lopi Tote makes use of bulky yarn and elegant, screw-in handles to create a deep bag with a wide base that knits up quick. Get your hands on this free pattern, designed with knitters in mind. The Lopi Tote is perfect for carrying your next knitting project on the go!
The Pattern

Get a printable, ad-free PDF of this pattern here.

CO 40 sts using an Old Norwegian Sock cast on. Join into rnd and pm to indicate beginning of rnd.
rnd 1. (k2, pm, k18, pm) twice.
rnd 2. (k2, sm, p18, sm) twice.
rnd 3. (k2, sm, k18, sm) twice.
rnd 4. [k1, M1R, k to m, sm, (k1, sl1 wyif) 9 times, sm] twice. (42 sts)
rnd 5. [k to m, sm, (sl1 wyif, k1) 9 times, sm] twice.
rnd 6. [k to m, sm (k1, sl1 wyif) 9 times, sm] twice.
rnd 7. Rep rnd 5.
rnds 8-43. Rep rnds 4-7 until there are 60 sts in the rnd. (36 rnds)
rnd 44. [k5, p2, k5, (sl1 wyif, k1) 9 times] twice.
rnd 45. [k4, p1, k1, sl1 wyif, p1, k4, (k1, sl1 wyif) 9 times] twice.
rnd 46. [k4, p1, sl1 wyif, k1, p1, k4, (sl1 wyif, k1) 9 times] twice.
rnd 47. [k3, p1, (sl1 wyif, k1) twice, p1, k3, (k1, sl1 wyif) 9 times] twice.
rnd 48. [k3, p1, (k1, sl1 wyif) twice, p1, k3, (sl1 wyif, k1) 9 times] twice.
rnd 49. [k2, p1, (k1, sl1 wyif) 3 times, p1, k2, (k1, sl1 wyif) 9 times] twice.
rnd 50. [k2, p1, (sl1 wyif, k1) 3 times, p1, k2, (sl1 wyif, k1) 9 times] twice.
rnd 51. [ssk, p1, (k1, sl1 wyif) 3 times, p1, k2tog, (k1, sl1 wyif) 9 times] twice. (56 sts)
rnd 52. 
[k1, p1, (sl1 wyif, k1) 3 times, p1, k1, (sl1 wyif, k1) 9 times] twice.
rnd 53. [ssp, (k1, sl1 wyif) 3 times, p2tog, (k1, sl1 wyif,) 9 times] twice. (52 sts)
rnd 54. 
[p1, (sl1 wyif, k1) 3 times, p1, (sl1 wyif, k1) 9 times] twice.
rnd 55. [ssk, (sl1 wyif, k1) twice, k2tog, (k1, sl1 wyif) 9 times] twice. (48 sts)
rnd 56. 
[k1, (k1, sl1 wyif) twice, k1, sm, (sl1 wyif, k1) 9 times] twice.
rnd 57. [ssk, k1, sl1 wyif, k2tog, (k1, sl1 wyif) 9 times] twice. (44 sts)
rnd 58. 
[k1, sl1 wyif, k2, (sl1 wyif, k1) 9 times] twice.
rnd 59. (ssk, k2tog, sm, k to m, sm) twice. (40 sts)
rnd 60.
(k2, sm, p 18, sm) twice.
rnd 61. [k1, sl1 wyib, ssk, (sl1 wyib, k1) 7 times, k2tog] twice. (36 sts)
rnd 62. 
[sl1 wyib, k1, sm, (sl1 wyib, k1) 8 times, sm] twice.
rnd 63. (k2, ssk, k 12, k2tog) twice. (32 sts)
rnd 64. 
k1, then arrange 16 sts on each end of your circular knitting needles. BO all stitches using kitchener stitch.

Weave in ends and wet block. Attach Jūl handles according to package directions, including adding a dot of clear nail polish to the screws to secure.

If you’d like to line your bag, sew a bag liner however you prefer, and attach it to the inside of your Lopi Tote. I recommend using a sturdy fabric that’s been treated with a fabric protector like Scotchgard for longevity.

The Lopi Tote makes use of bulky yarn and elegant, screw-in handles to create a deep bag with a wide base that knits up quick. Get your hands on this free pattern, designed with knitters in mind. The Lopi Tote is perfect for carrying your next knitting project on the go!
Handles provided by Jūl. Follow Jūl on Facebook & Instagram to see more shawl pins, closures, handles and more! 

Filed Under: Free Patterns, Knitting Tagged With: free pattern, jul handles, knit purse, knit tote bag, knitting pattern, linen stitch, lopi tote, lopi yarn

About Heidi

Heidi Gustad is a craft book author & content creator in love with primary colors & vintage vibes. She specializes in knitting, crochet, latch hook and macramé, and her first book, Latch Hook: 12 Projects for the Modern Maker, is out now!

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Comments

  1. Fidele Malloy

    December 9, 2017 at 12:37 pm

    Bag handles are great….however the price is equally great!
    I saw some bags made from repurposed sweaters at craft fair. They had similar handles but must have been much less expensive because the cost of the bags was less than the cost of the handles by Jul. Do you know of any other sources for handles? I’ve searched without success.

    Reply
    • Heidi

      December 11, 2017 at 1:30 pm

      I haven’t found any that I like more than Jul. There may be an Etsy seller or two who makes handles – worth a look!

      Reply
  2. marilyn firestone

    December 9, 2017 at 1:38 pm

    HI, I’m not able to download the pattern for the Lopii Tote. Do you have any ideas to address this problem. I love the tote and am anxious to start making it

    Reply
    • Heidi

      December 10, 2017 at 4:56 pm

      There’s nothing to download – you get the free pattern right from this page. If you’re looking to download it, you can copy and paste into a blank document to avoid printing all of the images and using too much ink. I’m working on a plugin for making printing directly from the blog post easier, but for now this is the best option. :)

      Reply
    • Heidi

      March 22, 2018 at 1:31 pm

      If you’re still looking for it, I’ve just formatted a printer-friendly PDF of this pattern, which is available here: https://handsoccupied.com/product/lopi-tote-knitting-pattern-pdf/

      Reply
  3. PJ

    December 30, 2017 at 9:08 am

    Hi Heidi, LOVE this pattern, and definitely going on needles next week! I was wondering if you lined the bag? I have a knitted purse that I lined, mainly to protect the knitting from junk in the purse, ha ha! It has similar handles instead of the knitted ones the pattern called for, for more stability, Just wondering if you think it’s a good idea. Thanks for sharing the patterns! Love your blog.

    Reply
    • Heidi

      January 1, 2018 at 5:45 pm

      I didn’t line it… yet. I always carry my WIPs in little drawstring bags, so I don’t need this bag to be lined for most of the time I use it. That being said, I will probably line this before using it as a regular purse. :) Thanks for the kind words, btw! -Heidi

      Reply
  4. Adrienne Cinnamon

    January 15, 2018 at 9:05 pm

    Hi Heidi,
    Thank you so much for this great pattern. I was wondering what the circumference of the circular needle is used. I didn’t see it in the pattern, or maybe I have missed it. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Heidi

      January 16, 2018 at 7:35 am

      You’re welcome! The circumference of the pattern varies throughout, so I used the magic loop method with a long cord (32”or longer works great) to accommodate the variation.

      Reply
  5. Gail

    February 15, 2018 at 9:57 pm

    Do you make your WIP drawstring bags? If not what do you use and where do you get them. I really like this bag!

    Reply
  6. Lulu

    March 19, 2018 at 5:44 pm

    Why does Row 52 use SSP (instead of SSK which is used in all the other decrease rows)?

    Reply
    • Lulu

      March 19, 2018 at 9:39 pm

      Nvm, it must be intentional since you match it with a p2tog. Guess I’ll just have to see how it goes. Very nice pattern, thank you!

      Reply
      • Heidi

        March 20, 2018 at 1:59 pm

        You’re welcome! Did you end up seeing why I did purl decreases there?

        Reply
        • Lulu

          March 21, 2018 at 8:47 am

          Yes! to maintain the purl-stitch boundary of the linen stitch patch at the base of the gusset. Love your attention to detail.

          Reply
          • Heidi

            March 21, 2018 at 9:42 am

            Yep! You got it. (And thank for appreciating it, haha!)

  7. annie

    March 22, 2018 at 1:01 pm

    this was SO MUCH FUN to knit! and it looks lovely. I really loved the details and the textures. Waiting for my Etsy handles to arrive so i can finish it off. thanks for this great pattern!

    Reply
  8. Marianne

    May 5, 2018 at 12:19 am

    Hello. Beautiful bag and I’m a big fan of the linen stitch. I am wondering how big the opening to the bag is. Thanks
    Marianne. 🇨🇦

    Reply
    • Heidi

      May 6, 2018 at 4:58 pm

      Laid flat, the top of the bag measures 8″ across, so it’s approximately 16″ in circumference.

      Reply
  9. Kate

    May 8, 2018 at 7:49 pm

    I’ve just finished row 7 and the next directions are to follow the pattern for
    “rnds 8-42. Rep rnds 4-7 until there are 60 sts in the rnd. (36 rnds)”
    but when I count these out, there are only 35 rounds. Can you tell me where I’m reading this incorrectly?

    Reply
    • Heidi

      May 9, 2018 at 11:52 am

      That looks like a wee typo. Good catch! Should be rnds 8-43. I’ve edited the subsequent round numbers accordingly. :)

      Reply
      • Kate

        May 9, 2018 at 9:33 pm

        Thanks!

        Reply
  10. Cathy freeny

    May 25, 2018 at 9:10 pm

    On row 4′ where is says to knit to marker , is that just one knit stitch? Having trouble with row 4. I finally can do the old Norwegian sock cast on, I was so excited.

    Reply
    • Heidi

      May 26, 2018 at 8:08 am

      Yep!

      Reply
      • Cathy

        June 3, 2018 at 9:34 pm

        Hollo , I have another question. When I put a p1 and sl1 next to each other it does’nt look right. I don’t know what I am doing wrong. Row 49.

        Reply
        • Heidi

          June 4, 2018 at 10:43 am

          It probably looks a little different than the knitting you’re used to because you’re working a purl stitch (the working yarn is in front), followed by slipping a stitch (also with the yarn in front). If you’re not used to slipping stitches, this might just seem odd. If you think there’s really an issue in what you’re making, can you take a photo and email it to me at heidi-at-handsoccupied-dot-com? I’ll be happy to take a look to confirm if it’s looking as it should! :) -Heidi

          Reply
  11. Patricia Neville

    August 16, 2018 at 7:02 am

    Hi, I really like this pattern but before I begin – what is Wet blocking?
    Thanks,
    Patricia.

    Reply
    • Heidi

      August 16, 2018 at 10:33 am

      It’s the last step in making knitting projects, and it involves soaking your finished project in cool water and laying it flat to dry. It allows the fibers to relax into a more uniform, clean shape and establishes how the finished project will look. Here’s a tutorial: https://www.handsoccupied.com/how-to-block-a-knitting-project/. :)

      Reply
  12. Jenn

    October 8, 2018 at 12:16 am

    I have started two times. I must have the wrong length of circular needles. I can’t seem to be able to move around enough to get to all the stitches!

    Reply
    • Heidi

      October 8, 2018 at 1:51 pm

      Oh dang it! Maybe I can help – What length of cable are your needles? And are you using the magic loop method?

      Reply
  13. Beth

    December 8, 2018 at 11:42 am

    Hi Heidi
    Thanks for this great pattern! I often knit bags & felt them to give added strength. Looking at your pattern, I’m thinking doubling the number of stitches (so doubling the instructions on all rows) should work – any comments from your experience would be great. Thanks

    Reply
    • Heidi

      December 8, 2018 at 2:21 pm

      I’m not a massive felter, but I’d recommend being careful with the increases & decreases if you’re doubling the pattern. :)

      Reply
  14. Jo Coull

    December 8, 2019 at 7:04 am

    Hello I’ve just downloaded a couple of your patterns. I’m in the middle of 2 projects that I need to finish. So by the new year I’ll be ready for my next challenge. I’m making a blanket for my nephew whose 9 and loves bunnies. Then I’ll be trying you Lopi Bag pattern.

    Reply
  15. Jessica

    February 20, 2020 at 6:24 pm

    Hello. I’m reading the pattern and looking at the picture and the bag gets wider at the bottom even though there are decreases in the stitch count for pattern. Am I reading it wrong? Full disclosure—I have been know to do that! Thanks.

    Reply
    • Heidi

      March 28, 2020 at 12:59 pm

      The pattern shape is achieved with both increases and decreases and is knit from the top down before seaming at the bottom. The untraditional construction may be throwing you a bit, totally reasonable. ☺️

      Reply
  16. Anabel

    April 16, 2020 at 11:03 am

    Hello,
    Is there a pdf/download version of Lopi tote?

    Reply
    • Heidi

      April 18, 2020 at 7:18 pm

      Here you go! https://www.handsoccupied.com/product/lopi-tote-knitting-pattern-pdf/

      Reply

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Heidi Gustad from Hands Occupied / Craft Book Author and Knitting, Crochet, Latch Hook and Macrame Designer

Hi! I’m Heidi (she/her/hers), a craft book author & pattern designer specializing in knitting, crochet, latch hook & macrame. Really anything with yarn! ❤️  My work combines vintage and modern design elements, featuring bold colors and graphic motifs.

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Working on a sample for some upcoming videos. It’s an overcast day with intermittent sunshine & I have a scruffy little sidecar. 🐶 Can’t complain! 
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Yarn: @debbieblissknits Cashmerino Aran 
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Peg boards and craft room organization go together Peg boards and craft room organization go together like peanut butter and jelly. So, as you can see, do latch hook tools and screwdriver organizers! 🪛 
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