Aurora Ridge Knitted Bag Free Pattern – Textured Slouchy Shoulder Tote

Imagine a bag that captures the quiet magic of twilight—the deep indigo of dusk fading into midnight blue, then softening into lavender as the stars begin to appear. That's the Aurora Ridge Knitted Bag, a slouchy shoulder tote with a mesmerizing diagonal rib texture that feels as beautiful as it looks. Knit in one piece with sturdy garter-stitch straps, this pattern is perfect for knitters who want a stylish, functional project that works up quickly with worsted weight yarn. Whether you're heading to the farmer's market, the library, or a cozy café, this bag is the perfect companion for everyday carry.

This free pattern is beginner-friendly, uses basic knit and purl stitches, and creates a stunning gradient effect without complicated colorwork. Let's dive in and create your new favorite handmade accessory!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. All items are readily available at your local yarn shop or online.

Yarn

• Worsted weight yarn in 3 colors (approx. 250g total):
• Color A (deep indigo): approx. 100g – for the cast-on, base, and straps
• Color B (midnight blue): approx. 75g – for the middle section
• Color C (soft lavender): approx. 75g – for the top section

Tip: Choose a soft, durable yarn like a wool-acrylic blend for structure and comfort.

Needles & Notions

• US 8 (5mm) circular knitting needle, 24-inch length (or straight needles if preferred)
• Stitch markers (optional, but helpful for tracking rows)
• Tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends
• Scissors
• Measuring tape

Gauge

18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (blocked).
Always knit a gauge swatch to ensure your bag turns out the correct size. Adjust needle size if needed.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in two parts: the bag body (knit flat in one piece, then seamed) and the straps (knit separately). Follow along carefully, and you'll have a beautiful tote in no time.

Part 1: Bag Body (Worked Flat, Then Seamed)

Foundation: With Color A (deep indigo), cast on 90 stitches using your preferred method (long-tail cast-on works well).

Rows 1–2 (Base):
Row 1 (Right Side): Knit all stitches.
Row 2 (Wrong Side): Purl all stitches.
This creates a neat, sturdy base for your bag.

Rows 3–4 (Color A – Rib Texture Begins):
Row 3 (RS): With Color A, knit 2, *purl 2, knit 2*; repeat from * to end of row.
Row 4 (WS): With Color A, purl 2, *knit 2, purl 2*; repeat from * to end of row.
This establishes the 2x2 rib pattern that creates the diagonal texture.

Rows 5–8 (Color B – Midnight Blue):
Row 5 (RS): Switch to Color B. Knit all stitches.
Row 6 (WS): With Color B, purl all stitches.
Row 7 (RS): With Color B, knit 2, *purl 2, knit 2*; repeat from * to end.
Row 8 (WS): With Color B, purl 2, *knit 2, purl 2*; repeat from * to end.

Rows 9–12 (Color C – Soft Lavender):
Row 9 (RS): Switch to Color C. Knit all stitches.
Row 10 (WS): With Color C, purl all stitches.
Row 11 (RS): With Color C, knit 2, *purl 2, knit 2*; repeat from * to end.
Row 12 (WS): With Color C, purl 2, *knit 2, purl 2*; repeat from * to end.

Repeat Pattern: Continue repeating Rows 3–12 in sequence (Color A, then B, then C) until the piece measures 16 inches from the cast-on edge. Important: End with a Row 12 (a wrong-side row) to ensure the pattern is complete.

Bind Off: Bind off all stitches loosely (use a larger needle or a loose bind-off method to keep the top edge stretchy). Cut yarn, leaving a long tail for seaming.

Part 2: Straps (Make 2)

Foundation: With Color A (deep indigo), cast on 10 stitches.

Rows 1–2 (Garter Stitch Base):
Row 1: Knit all stitches.
Row 2: Purl all stitches.
This creates a sturdy, non-curling strap.

Repeat: Continue repeating Rows 1–2 until the strap measures 18 inches long. Bind off all stitches loosely. Weave in the ends or leave tails for attaching.

Repeat to make a second identical strap.

Part 3: Finishing & Assembly

Now it's time to bring your bag together. Take your time with this step—it makes all the difference in the final look.

Step 1: Fold the Bag Body
Lay the bag body flat with the right sides facing each other (the inside of the bag will be on the outside). Match the cast-on edge to the bind-off edge, folding the rectangle in half. The side edges should align perfectly.

Step 2: Sew the Side Seams
Using a tapestry needle and a length of Color A yarn, sew the side seams using a mattress stitch (also called ladder stitch). Work from the bottom (cast-on edge) up to the top (bind-off edge), leaving the top open. Repeat on the other side. Tip: The mattress stitch creates an invisible seam that looks beautiful on the inside.

Step 3: Turn Right Side Out
Carefully turn the bag right side out through the top opening. Gently shape the bag, pushing out the corners at the bottom.

Step 4: Attach the Straps
Position each strap on the inside of the bag at the side seams, placing them about 2 inches down from the top edge. Using a tapestry needle and Color A yarn, securely sew each strap end to the inside of the bag. Use a whip stitch or backstitch, going through both the strap and the bag fabric several times for strength. Repeat for the second strap on the other side.

Step 5: Weave in All Ends
Using your tapestry needle, weave in all loose yarn ends on the inside of the bag. Trim any excess yarn.

Step 6 (Optional): Line the Bag
For extra durability and a professional finish, you can sew a fabric lining. Cut a piece of cotton fabric slightly larger than the bag's interior, sew the sides, and insert it into the bag. Hand-stitch the lining to the top edge of the bag, just below the bind-off.

Your Aurora Ridge Bag Is Complete!

Congratulations! You've just created a stunning, textured slouchy tote that's as unique as you are. The gradient of twilight colors and the diagonal rib texture make this bag a true statement piece. Whether you gift it to a loved one or keep it for yourself, this handcrafted bag is sure to turn heads and spark conversations.

Care Instructions: To keep your bag looking its best, hand wash in cold water with a gentle detergent, lay flat to dry, and reshape while damp. Avoid wringing or twisting.

We'd love to see your finished Aurora Ridge Bag! Share your photos on social media with the hashtag #AuroraRidgeBag and tag us. Happy knitting!