While I’ve knit tote bags before, this was my first wearable purse. I came up with the design after searching for something simple and comfortable to wear, and in a color that was neutral but that wouldn’t easily show wear.

A hand knit crossbody bag in tan and brown with a long strap.

I had to experiment with a strap design. I initially knit a strap in the round, but it was too narrow and didn’t look right with the bag. Nothing like frogging a couple days worth of knitting.
In the end, a simple dual-strand garter stitch strap worked out perfectly.

If I were to tweak this design, it would be with the insert — I’d make it deeper to allow for the bag to stretch more, and include reinforced pockets. I wasn’t a fan of hand sewing the liner into the bag, but I was very happy with how it turned out. I love the fabric I used and wish I had more of it for a bag for myself. Unfortunately there was only enough fabric for this one bag, which is happily off to its new owner. 🙂