Mossy Glen Cable Knit Tote Free Pattern – A Forest-Inspired Carryall
Mossy Glen Cable Knit Tote Free Pattern – A Forest-Inspired Carryall
Carry a piece of the woodland with you in this richly textured cable knit tote, featuring a palette of deep forest greens and earthy browns. This sturdy yet soft bag is perfect for farmers markets, library trips, or everyday errands. The combination of a central braided cable, flanked by narrower cables, and a seed stitch border creates a rustic, cozy aesthetic that stands out. Designed with beginners in mind, this pattern uses basic knit, purl, and cable techniques to produce a professional-looking accessory you'll be proud to carry.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following materials. Having everything ready will make your knitting experience smooth and enjoyable.
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in three colors:
- Forest Green (MC) – approximately 400g
- Moss Green (CC1) – approximately 100g
- Walnut Brown (CC2) – approximately 100g
- Needles: US 8 (5mm) knitting needles
- Cable needle
- Tapestry needle (for seaming and weaving in ends)
- Stitch markers (2)
Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Always check your gauge to ensure the correct finished size.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This tote is worked flat in two panels (front and back) and then seamed together. Each panel features a central cable motif flanked by seed stitch borders. Follow these detailed instructions carefully, and you'll have a beautiful, sturdy bag in no time.
Panel (Make 2)
Cast on: With MC, cast on 50 stitches.
Rows 1-6 (Seed Stitch Border): Work in seed stitch: *K1, P1* across, ending with K1. Repeat this row for a total of 6 rows. This creates a neat, non-curling edge.
Row 7 (Right Side): Seed stitch over the first 8 stitches (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1), place a marker, work the Cable Pattern over the next 34 stitches, place a second marker, then seed stitch over the last 8 stitches (P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1).
Cable Pattern (34 stitches)
Work the following 12-row repeat for the cable section. The pattern uses two types of cables: a 6-stitch cable (C6F) and a 14-stitch cable (C14F).
- Row 1 (RS): P2, K6, P2, K14, P2, K6, P2
- Row 2 (WS): K2, P6, K2, P14, K2, P6, K2
- Row 3: P2, C6F (slip 3 stitches to cable needle, hold in front, knit next 3 stitches, then knit the 3 stitches from the cable needle), P2, K14, P2, C6F, P2
- Row 4: Repeat Row 2
- Row 5: Repeat Row 1
- Row 6: Repeat Row 2
- Row 7: P2, K6, P2, C14F (slip 7 stitches to cable needle, hold in front, knit next 7 stitches, then knit the 7 stitches from the cable needle), P2, K6, P2
- Row 8: Repeat Row 2
- Row 9: Repeat Row 1
- Row 10: Repeat Row 2
- Row 11: Repeat Row 3
- Row 12: Repeat Row 2
Repeat Rows 1-12 until the panel measures 12 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a wrong-side row (Row 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12).
Top Border:
- Next Row (RS): Work seed stitch across all 50 stitches (K1, P1, repeat to end, ending with K1).
- Rows 2-7: Continue in seed stitch for 6 more rows (total 7 rows of seed stitch at the top).
- Bind off: Bind off loosely in pattern (knit the knits and purl the purls as you bind off). This keeps the edge stretchy.
Repeat this entire process to make the second panel.
Assembly
- Seaming: Place the two panels with right sides together. Using the mattress stitch and the tapestry needle with MC yarn, sew the side seams and the bottom seam. Leave the top edge open. The mattress stitch creates an invisible, sturdy seam.
- Turn: Turn the bag right side out. Gently push out the corners.
Straps (Make 2)
With MC, cast on 10 stitches. Work in seed stitch (K1, P1, repeat to end, ending with K1) until the strap measures 18 inches. Bind off loosely in pattern. Repeat for the second strap.
Attach Straps: Sew one strap to each side of the bag. Position the straps about 2 inches from the top edge, centering them on the side seams. Use a sturdy whip stitch or mattress stitch to secure them firmly.
Pocket (Optional)
With CC1 (Moss Green), cast on 20 stitches. Work in stockinette stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS) for 4 inches. Bind off. Sew the pocket to the front panel, centered horizontally, about 2 inches below the top edge. Use a simple running stitch or backstitch, leaving the top edge open to create a functional pocket.
Finishing
Weave in all loose ends using the tapestry needle. If desired, block the tote to shape: lightly mist with water and lay flat to dry, shaping the bag and straps. This helps even out the stitches and gives a professional finish.
Your Mossy Glen Cable Knit Tote is now complete! Enjoy your handmade, forest-inspired carryall, perfect for any adventure.
