Folded Rectangle Knit Purse
The Folded Rectangle Knit Purse is the perfect project for a beginner. Knitters will make a simple garter stitch (knit every row) rectangle and, through easy folding, wind up with a super cute and functional bag. The video tutorial below will walk you through the folding and construction.
You’ll find everything you need to knit the purse below, including the yarn, knitting needles, a free pattern, and a video tutorial. If you like this pattern, please share it!
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Disclaimer
This post contains affiliate links for the items I used to knit this pattern, at no cost to you. I earn a small commission if you purchase through these links. This blog post also displays ads. The revenue from ads and affiliate links allows me to offer this knit pattern for free. Please do not copy, paste, or distribute this pattern. If you prefer not to view the pattern on the blog, you may purchase an ad-free digital PDF in my pattern shops for a small fee (link below). Thank you so much for your support!
Knit Tutorials
If you’re new to knitting, no worries! I have many beginner tutorial videos to guide you through every step of the process. My tutorials are designed to be easy to follow and will help you master the basics and beyond. You can use the search bar anytime to look for a particular stitch or technique.
Yarn Selection
For the pictured bag, I used Audine Wools Bloom by Knitcrate in Delphinium from some of my KnitCrate yarn subscription box yarn (which, unfortunately, is no longer around). However, find some good substitutes below. The purse pictured used 215 yards.
The Audine Wools yarn was listed as a DK weight, but I think it was more like a medium worsted. I recommend whatever yarn you choose, you make it a dense, stiff type of yarn to make a sturdy bag.
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Lion Brand Wool-Ease is a versatile worsted weight yarn that combines the warmth of wool with the easy care of acrylic, making it perfect for a wide range of projects from garments to accessories and home décor. Soft and smooth with great stitch definition, it’s ideal for both knit and crochet patterns. Wool-Ease offers the comfort of natural fiber with the added durability and washability of a blended yarn, making it a reliable choice for everyday use and long-lasting handmade gifts.
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Lion Brand Fisherman’s Wool is a classic, 100% natural wool yarn known for its durability. This worsted-weight yarn is lightly processed, retaining its lanolin for added water resistance, making it ideal for sturdy, long-lasting projects. With its firm structure and worsted weight, Fisherman’s Wool is a great choice for making a sturdy purse.
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Knit Picks High Desert Worsted is a premium 100% American-grown wool yarn made from a luxurious blend of Merino and Merino-Rambouillet fibers. With a tight twist that delivers excellent stitch definition, it’s perfect for showcasing textured patterns and cables. The yarn comes in a beautiful palette of jewel-toned solids and rustic heathers, inspired by the high desert landscape. Soft yet durable, it’s a great choice for cozy garments and accessories.
Knitting Needles Used For Pattern
You’ll need US 7 [4.5mm] needles for this pattern. You can use either straights or circulars (depending on your preference) since this is worked flat.
After testing numerous brands of knitting needles, I’ve narrowed down my favorites. Below, you’ll find my top picks, ranked from least to most expensive.
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ChiaoGoo Fixed Circular Knitting Needles are renowned for their high-quality stainless steel construction, offering a smooth, lightweight, and durable knitting experience. The precision-crafted tips provide excellent stitch control, making them ideal for intricate patterns and lacework. Featuring a flexible, memory-free red nylon-coated steel cable, these needles prevent kinks and tangles, ensuring a frustration-free knitting process.
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Addi Turbo Circular Needles are beloved for their smooth, fast knitting experience, featuring lightweight brass tips coated with nickel for a slick, low-friction surface. Designed for speed and efficiency, these needles allow stitches to glide effortlessly, making them perfect for everything from simple stockinette to complex lacework. The pliable, kink-resistant blue cord ensures smooth transitions between needle and cable, reducing hand strain and tangling.
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Lantern Moon Interchangeable Knitting Needles in Ebony are a luxurious choice for knitters who love the warmth and smooth glide of wood. Made from sustainably sourced ebony, these needles have a rich, dark finish and a polished surface that allows stitches to flow effortlessly while maintaining just the right amount of grip. The finely crafted tapered tips provide excellent precision, making them ideal for a variety of projects.
Additional Supplies Needed
This first item is not required, it is just an alternative if you do not like to knit I-cords.
The Tulip i-Cord Knitting Machine is a handy little tool that makes creating i-cord fast and effortless. If you’re not a fan of knitting i-cord by hand—which can be time-consuming and a bit tedious—this machine is a great option to take over the work for you. Simply feed your yarn through, crank the handle, and watch as a neat, consistent cord forms like magic. It’s perfect for adding straps, edging, or decorative elements to your projects without the hassle.
The only other thing you will need is a yarn needle to weave in the ends. My favorite yarn needles are made of metal, they are easy to slide through any yarn. I like the Susan Bates option below.
Gauge For Pattern
Gauge is 4”= 18 sts and 36 rows in pattern to make the same size pictured. However, the purse itself can be made in a variety of sizes and the video tutorial will explain how you can customize the size and not have to check the gauge at all.
Video Tutorial
The video tutorial will walk you through the pattern so all levels of knitters can make their own purse.
Pin For Later
If you’re not ready to start the project yet, pin this page to head back quickly.
Finished Measurements
As noted previously, the pattern can be in all sizes (which I go over in the video), but the size in the written pattern is of the finished rectangle at approx. 8” wide 24” long.
Construction
The purse is worked flat as just a plain rectangle. Then it is folded to create the purse. An I-cord strap is sewn on at the end.
The video tutorial also explains how to change color to make a color-blocked purse like the one pictured above.
Abbreviations Used
- st(s)- stitch(es)
COPYRIGHT
The pattern and all related content are the exclusive property of Knit and Crochet Ever After, protected under copyright and intellectual property laws. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or transmission in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, screenshots, printing, or other electronic or mechanical methods, is strictly prohibited without prior written consent from me.
This free knit pattern is intended for personal use only on the blog. By accessing this pattern, you agree to comply with these copyright terms and conditions. Unauthorized sharing or reproduction may result in legal consequences.
Thank you for respecting my hard work and intellectual property!
Folded Rectangle Purse
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Special Instructions For The Pattern
- Read through the whole pattern before beginning.
- The video tutorial will show you how to fold the purse and create an I-cord if you are not familiar with them.
Purse Body Instructions
Cast on 36 sts
Note: If changing colors when making the rectangle. Do not run the tails along the edge, weave them in. (See video for more information on this)
Rows 1-256: Knit. (Or until desired size is reached).
Bind off and weave in ends, and block if necessary before sewing purse together.
Purse Handle
Leave a long beginning tail and make a 30 round i-cord with four strands of your yarn. Leave long tail at the end. Do not weave in ends.
Finishing
Use the video tutorial for the folding of the rectangle to make the bag. Mattress stitch the seams together. Attach handle by sewing to each corner of purse and weave in ends back into the handle.
I hope you enjoy this pattern and would love to see what you make with it. Be sure to tag me on Insta or Facebook with @knitandcrocheteverafter, I love seeing what you guys come up with!
2 Comments
Kathleen Shuford
Pattern says to CO 36 sts. Then Rows 1-256: Knit. 42 sts. You don’t mention increase sts anywhere, so is this a typo?
Deja Joy
Hi there, you are correct! Total typo. I’ve uploaded a corrected version. Should be 36 sts.