The Woven Willow Crossbody Bag: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Boho-Chic Accessory

The Woven Willow Crossbody Bag: Your New Favorite Boho-Chic Knitting Project

Carry your essentials in style with this richly textured, boho-inspired crossbody bag. The unique woven stitch pattern creates a stunning, durable fabric that's perfect for everyday use. Whether you're heading to the farmer's market or meeting friends for coffee, this bag adds a handcrafted touch to any outfit. Best of all, it's a free pattern that's beginner-friendly and deeply satisfying to knit.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Using the exact materials listed will help you achieve the look shown, but feel free to substitute with similar worsted weight yarns.

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn (approx 250-300 yards). Shown in: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton in 'Linen' and 'Terracotta'.
• Needles & Notions: US 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles, tapestry needle, stitch markers, 1 button (1.5 inch), lining fabric (optional).
• Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (blocked). Exact gauge is not critical, but consistency is important for size.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create your Woven Willow Crossbody Bag. The pattern is worked flat in two pieces and then seamed together.

Bag Body (Make 2 pieces, worked flat)

Each piece forms one side of the bag. Work them identically.

• Row 1 (RS): Cast on 36 stitches.
• Row 2 (WS): Knit all stitches.
• Row 3: K2, *p2, k2; repeat from * to end.
• Row 4: P2, *k2, p2; repeat from * to end.
• Rows 5-6: Repeat Rows 3-4.
• Row 7 (Woven Stitch Setup): K2, *slip 2 stitches purlwise with yarn in back (wyib), k2; repeat from * to last 2 stitches, k2.
• Row 8: P2, *slip 2 stitches purlwise with yarn in front (wyif), p2; repeat from * to last 2 stitches, p2.
• Row 9: K2, *k2, slip 2 wyib; repeat from * to last 2 stitches, k2.
• Row 10: P2, *p2, slip 2 wyif; repeat from * to last 2 stitches, p2.
• Rows 11-12: Repeat Rows 3-4.
• Row 13: K2, *k2, slip 2 wyib; repeat from * to last 2 stitches, k2.
• Row 14: P2, *p2, slip 2 wyif; repeat from * to last 2 stitches, p2.
• Row 15: K2, *slip 2 wyib, k2; repeat from * to last 2 stitches, k2.
• Row 16: P2, *slip 2 wyif, p2; repeat from * to last 2 stitches, p2.
• Repeat Rows 3-16 until piece measures 8 inches from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row. Bind off loosely in pattern.

Strap (Make 1)

This long, narrow strap is worked in a simple rib pattern for durability and comfort.

• Cast on 8 stitches.
• Row 1: K1, p1, k4, p1, k1.
• Row 2: P1, k1, p4, k1, p1.
• Repeat these 2 rows until strap measures 40 inches (or desired length). Bind off in pattern.

Assembly

Follow these steps to turn your knitted pieces into a finished bag.

1. Block both bag pieces to measurements (approx 8 inches wide x 8 inches tall). This evens out the stitches and sets the shape.
2. Place bag pieces with right sides together. Sew side and bottom seams using mattress stitch, leaving top open.
3. Turn bag right side out.
4. Attach strap: Center each end of strap on the inside of the bag at the side seams, about 1 inch down from the top edge. Sew securely with a tapestry needle and matching yarn.
5. Button closure: On the front piece, sew button centered 1 inch from top edge. On the back piece, create a loop: with yarn, chain 8 (or enough to fit over button), slip stitch to close, and sew loop to inside of back piece.
6. Optional: Sew a fabric lining to the inside of the bag for added structure and durability. Cut a rectangle of fabric slightly larger than the bag, fold edges under, and hand-stitch in place.

Your Woven Willow Crossbody Bag is now complete! The textured woven stitch and warm, earthy colors make it a timeless accessory you'll reach for again and again. Happy knitting!