Easy Beaded Tote Knitting Pattern (Beginner-Friendly Bag You’ll Actually Use)
Easy Beaded Tote Knitting Pattern for beginners. Learn how to knit a stylish, functional bag with step-by-step instructions, tips, and customization ideas.
There’s something about knitting your own bag that just feels different.
It’s not just a project you finish and put away—it’s something you actually use. Something you reach for every day.
And this easy beaded tote is exactly that kind of project.
It’s simple enough for beginners, but the added beads give it that extra detail that makes it feel elevated. The shape is classic, the texture is interesting, and the finished bag looks like something you’d find in a boutique.
If you’ve been knitting hats, scarves, or small accessories and you’re ready to try something new without getting overwhelmed, this is a really good next step.
Grab the printable version of this pattern and start knitting right away—no scrolling needed.
Get the Printable PatternWhy You’ll Love This Beaded Tote
This is one of those patterns that hits the sweet spot between easy and impressive.
You don’t need complicated techniques or advanced skills—but the finished piece looks like you do.
Here’s why knitters love this project:
Beginner-friendly stitches (mostly knit + simple techniques)
Minimal shaping and easy construction
Adds texture and interest with beads
Creates a sturdy, functional everyday bag
Easy to customize with different yarns and colors
If you’ve already tried beginner projects like a simple hat or something like How to Knit a Hat on Straight Needles, this tote is a natural next step.
Watch: How to Add Beads to a Knitted Project
If you’re more of a visual learner, I’ve got you covered.
👉 In this quick video, I walk you through exactly how to add beads to your knitting step by step—so you can see the technique in action.
You’ll learn:
How to place beads using a crochet hook
How to keep your stitches even
The easiest beginner-friendly method that actually works
Press play below and follow along 👇
Easy Beaded Tote Knitting Pattern (Beginner-Friendly Bag You’ll Actually Use)
✨ Ad-Free Printable Pattern Available! ✨
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Looking for more projects? Browse the Knitting Pattern Directory to explore all my knitting patterns in one place.
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Yarn: (I used Bernat Home Decor yarn in Clay (yarn weight #5 bulky)
Needles: Size US 8 single point knitting needles
You will also need plastic beads and a very small crochet hook or loop turner, tapestry needle
Gauge: 13–14 stitches = 4 inches
Size: tote measures approx 12 x 12 inches (not including straps)
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Pattern Instructions:
For the Front:
Cast on 52 sts. Work in Stockinette stitch, adding beads on every 3th and 8th row.
Row 1: (right side) Knit across.
Row 2: (wrong side) Purl across.
Row 3: Add beads on the 2nd, 7th, 13th, 19th, 25th, 31st, 36th, 42nd, 47th, and 51st stitches.
(Thread a bead onto the crochet hook. Then, insert the hook through the stitch on the left needle. Slide the stitch through the bead. Place the stitch with the bead back onto the left-hand needle. Knit the stitch as normal)
Row 4: Purl across.
Row 5: Knit across.
Row 6: Purl across.
Row 7: Add beads on the 4th, 10th, 16th, 22nd, 28th, 33rd, 39th, 44th, and 49th stitches.
Row 8: Purl across.
Repeat these 8 rows until the piece measures 12 inches from the cast-on edge. Bind off.
For the Back:
Cast on 52 sts. Work in stockinette stitch until the piece measures 12 inches. Bind off.
For the Straps:
(Make 2)
Cast on 90 sts. Work in Garter stitch for 6 rows. Bind off.
Finishing:
Sew the front and back pieces together at the sides and the bottom. Sew the straps on 2 1/2 inches from the side seams.
Looking for more Summer Knitting Patterns?
Easy Market Bag Knitting Pattern
Easy Kid’s Tank Knitting Pattern
Easy Summer Sweater Knitting Pattern
Easy Short Sleeve Sweater Knitting Pattern
Grab the printable version of this pattern and start knitting right away—no scrolling needed.
Get the Printable Pattern
Get the Ad-Free Printable Pattern
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👉 Grab the ad-free printable PDF version of this pattern
It’s perfect if you like to:
Knit offline
Print your patterns
Follow along without scrolling
Tips for a Better Finished Tote
A few small adjustments can make your tote look more polished and professional:
✔ Use a sturdy yarn
Since this is a bag, you want it to hold its shape over time.
✔ Keep your tension consistent
This is especially important when adding beads so everything sits evenly.
✔ Test your beads first
Make sure your yarn fits through the bead holes before starting.
✔ Reinforce the handles if needed
Handles can stretch over time, so knitting them tighter or doubling yarn can help.
Make It Your Own (Easy Custom Ideas)
This tote is incredibly easy to customize depending on your style.
You can switch things up by:
Using neutral tones for a minimalist look
Choosing bright colors for a fun summer bag
Adding more beads for extra texture
Making it slightly larger for a market tote
Using chunkier yarn for a more relaxed shape
If you love projects like this, you might also enjoy:
10 Easy Baby Knitting Patterns for Beginners
15 Easiest Knitting Patterns for Beginners
10 Quick Summer Knitting Patterns You Can Finish In A Day
These are all great if you want practical pieces you’ll actually use.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
If this is your first time knitting a bag or using beads, here are a few things to watch out for:
Skipping bead testing
Not all beads work with all yarns—test before starting. Some bead holes are too small, which can make adding them frustrating or even impossible once you’re mid-project. Try threading your yarn through a few beads first so you know everything will work smoothly.
Loose stitches around beads
Try to keep your tension even so beads don’t sag or shift out of place. If your stitches are too loose, the beads can look uneven or droop instead of sitting neatly on the surface of your fabric.
Handles stretching too much
Handles tend to stretch over time, especially if you’re using softer yarn. To prevent this, knit them slightly tighter, use a smaller needle size, or reinforce them by sewing a fabric lining or crocheting an edging for extra support.
Using very soft yarn
This can make the bag lose structure over time. Super soft yarns (like loosely spun acrylics) can stretch out and cause your tote to sag, especially when carrying heavier items. For best results, choose a sturdier yarn like cotton or a cotton blend that will help your bag hold its shape.
Grab the printable version of this pattern and start knitting right away—no scrolling needed.
Get the Printable PatternFAQ About Easy Beaded Tote Knitting Pattern
Is this a beginner-friendly knitting pattern?
Yes! This pattern is great for beginners who already know basic stitches like knit and purl. The construction is simple, and while adding beads may feel new at first, it’s easy to learn with a little practice.
Do I have to use beads in this tote?
Not at all. You can skip the beads and still create a beautiful, functional tote. The beads simply add extra texture and visual interest.
What type of yarn works best for a tote bag?
Sturdy yarns like cotton or cotton blends work best because they hold their shape over time. Softer yarns can stretch and cause the bag to sag, especially when carrying heavier items.
How long does it take to knit this bag?
Most knitters can finish this project in a few days to a week, depending on how much time you have to knit each day.
Can I wash the finished tote?
Yes, but always follow the care instructions on your yarn label. Cotton yarn is typically machine washable, while other fibers may require hand washing.
Looking for more easy spring knitting patterns like this knit tote bag?
Easy Summer Sweater Knitting Pattern
Drop Stitch Scarf Knitting Pattern
Easy Garter Stitch Tank Top Knitting Pattern
I love seeing your finished projects! If you enjoyed making this post- Easy Beaded Tote Knitting Pattern, or any of my other free patterns, I’d love to see yours on Instagram, just tag me @ginamicheleny. Happy knitting!
