Coastal Tote Bag

Coastal Tote Bag is a Easy accessories pattern worked in Sport-weight yarn. Designed by Soren Aalto, this project balances thoughtful construction with everyday wearability — a quiet pattern you'll reach for again and again.

About 246 yards of Sport-weight wool or wool blend. The sample uses a single skein in a quiet, heathered colour. Substitute generously — anything that knits to gauge will work, but match the recommended fibre content for the best drape.

One size shown; modifications are simple.

Simple, satisfying construction with clear written instructions and a single chart where it helps. Designed to be picked up and put down without losing your place.

Two charts: the body repeat and the edging. Both are eight stitches wide and easy to memorise after a couple of repeats.

Comfortable with knits, purls, and basic increases or decreases. A first cable or first lace project is a great fit here.

Weave in ends with a tapestry needle, working each tail along a row of stitches for at least three centimetres before trimming. Wet block on a flat surface and let dry fully before wearing — blocking opens up the stitch pattern and is not optional for lace or colourwork.

Knit a generous swatch in the round (or flat, if the piece is flat) before starting. Wash and block the swatch the same way you intend to block the finished piece, then measure. Going up or down a needle size to hit gauge is normal and expected.

Hand-knit pieces last for decades when they're cared for gently. Wash by hand in lukewarm water with a small amount of wool wash, press out water in a clean towel without wringing, then lay flat to dry. Re-block once a year if the piece needs reshaping; store folded with cedar to discourage moths.

This pattern is provided free for personal, non-commercial use. Knit it for yourself, your family, and gifts. Please credit Soren Aalto if you share photos online, and link back to this page so other knitters can find the pattern too.