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Clutch Bag Pattern (Bamboo Stitch Knit)

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In this blog post, you will see a clutch bag pattern.

I want to share a pink clutch that I made recently using a mixtape yarn, this yarn is so good to knit with, as it is lightweight yet bulky so it knits up fast.

Please scroll down to view the free pattern or purchase a printer-friendly ad-free PDF in my shop here.

Clutch bag knitting pattern bamboo stitch

An Easy-Level Knitting Pattern

This is an easy pattern for those of you who are advanced beginner level, and the techniques you will need to know are knit, purl, and yarn forward.

This top has a fascinating stitch pattern that is called – The Bamboo Stitch.

This knit clutch purse has been made with spring/summer in mind – great for drinks or the beach to carry your essentials.

Knitted clutch bag

The Bamboo Stitch

This is an excellent advanced beginner project, that will introduce you to bamboo stitch.

You can see a video tutorial showing you how to knit the bamboo stitch.

You can view the bamboo stitch video tutorial on my YouTube channel here.

You can also see a video tutorial showing you how to make the bag tassel on my YouTube channel here.

The Yarn I Used

For this clutch bag project, I used We Are Knitters The Tape in Salmon but you could also use Wool and the Gang’s Mixtape yarn in Peach Pink.

This was knit up quite quickly and used 1 skein of the mixtape yarn.

This yarn is a tape yarn used for many projects including bags, rugs, and baskets.

Clutch bag knitted

Resources and tutorials you may find helpful in following this pattern:

This pattern is great for any advanced beginner knitters.

Knit clutch

Clutch Bag Pattern

Purchase the inexpensive ad-free, PDF printable pattern in my shop here.

Grab the ripple stitch tee knitting pattern here.

Notes

The clutch bag knits up quickly and the simple design makes for a relaxing and enjoyable knit.

The bamboo bag handles were purchased at John Lewis in the UK many years ago – you may find something similar online.

You may also enjoy these clutch purse patterns:

Copyright Info

  • Please do not copy, sell, redistribute, or republish this pattern. 
  • If you wish to share this pattern, link to the pattern page only.
  • You may sell items produced using this pattern.
  • Do NOT use copyrighted photos for your product listing.
  • For the copyright T&C please read my Terms of Use.
Knitted purse

Skill Level – Easy

Size – The finished measurements are > H (inc handles) = 8′′ / W = 10′′.

Gauge – 2 sts in 1′′.

The Supplies You Need

Yarn

Needles

Notions

Other materials

Clutch bag knitted

Abbreviations / Knitting Abbreviations And Terms (US And UK) List

  • Approx = Approximately
  • Beg = Begin(ning)
  • Cont = Continue(ing)
  • K = Knit
  • P = Purl
  • Rem = Remaining
  • Rep = Repeat
  • St(s) = Stitch(es)
  • YF = Yarn Forward
Bamboo stitch knitted clutch bag

Pattern Instructions

Main Body of Bag

  • With 10 mm (US 15) needles cast on 32 sts
  • Row 1: K1, *Yarn Forward, K2, pass increased stitch over the knitted stitches*. Rep from * to * to last st, K1.
  • Row 2: Purl
  • Repeat the last two rows until the piece measures 14′′ from the cast-on edge.
  • Cast off.
  • Sew in any loose ends.
Knitted handbags

Making Up The Bag

  • Cut a good length of mixtape yarn and thread through the darning needle.
  • With the right side of the bag facing you start to stitch the bamboo handle along one side of the bag.
  • Loop the stitches around the handles until the end and secure them.
  • Do the same thing with the other handle on the other side.
  • Fold and stitch the side seams together (I did this using the mattress stitch, with the right sides of the bag facing me).
  • Weave in any loose ends.

This bag has no magnetic snap for closure, but you could add one if you wish.

There is also no lining fabric or layers inside – as I felt like this was not needed.

An alternate way to finish the handles

If you want to finish off the handles in a different way, you can do the following >>

  • Pick up and knit 12 sts along the top right corner edge of the bag.
  • Cont in pattern until the extra length measures 2.5′′
  • Cast off.
  • Rep three times at every corner.
  • Stitch with the extra bits caught over the top of the bamboo handles.
  • Do the same for all of the extra handle flaps.
knitted clutch bag with bamboo handles and a tassel

Making The Tassel

Making the tassel is easy and fun!

  • You need to wrap your yarn around a piece of cardboard (I used a notebook) and secure the top.
  • Then you slide it off the cardboard and wrap a section of yarn around the top bit. Cut the bottom so the yarn can shake loose.
  • Wrap some gold thread or rope around the top bit so that it hides the knot and gives some contrast.
  • Sitch some of the same gold rope/thread through the top of the tassel.
  • Attach it to your keyring and clip it onto the bag front.

When Should You Carry A Clutch?

Carrying a clutch is appropriate in various situations when you want to travel light and add a touch of elegance to your outfit.

Here are a few occasions when carrying a clutch can be a stylish choice:

  1. Evening Events: Clutches are a popular choice for formal or semi-formal evening events such as weddings, galas, or cocktail parties. They complement elegant attire and provide a polished finishing touch. Opt for a clutch that matches or complements your outfit, adding a sophisticated flair to your ensemble.
  2. Dinner Dates or Romantic Outings: When going on a dinner date or a romantic outing, an envelope clutch can be a chic alternative to a larger handbag. It adds a touch of glamour to your look and allows you to carry just the essentials, such as your phone (cell phones), wallet, keys, and lipstick. Choose a clutch that matches the style of your outfit and adds a dash of personality.
  3. Brunch or Daytime Gatherings: For more casual daytime events like brunches, garden parties, or social gatherings, a smaller clutch can still be a stylish choice. Opt for a clutch with depth in a vibrant color or with interesting textures that complement your outfit and add a pop of personality. It allows you to carry your essentials while keeping your hands free (especially if it also has a wrist strap).
  4. Traveling Light: When you’re traveling or exploring a new city, a clutch can be a convenient accessory to carry your important items without the bulk of a larger bag. It can hold your passport, money, and essentials securely while you explore with ease.

Remember that the size and style of the clutch should match the occasion and your outfit.

Consider the formality of the event, the activities involved, and the overall aesthetic you wish to achieve.

A clutch can be a versatile accessory that adds a touch of sophistication and practicality to your ensemble in various settings.

Knitted bag

Share your work with us…

I love seeing your finished projects.

If you enjoyed making the clutch bag, I’d love to see yours on Instagram, be sure to tag me @handylittleme or #handylittleme.

I’d love to see your work.

Happy Knitting!

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4 Comments

    1. Hello Alex,
      I bought them from John Lewis in the UK.
      You could try to look online – Love Crafts or perhaps on ebay?
      Or local yarn stores/craft stores may have something?
      Thanks,
      Louise

      Reply

      1. Hi Louise, Thank you – i’ll go and look. I love this bag! Have you tried it in other stitches or just the bamboo?
        Alex

        Reply

        1. Hello Alex,
          I haven’t tried any other stitches for the bag only the bamboo stitch but the shape o it means you can do any stitch pattern you like really!
          The tape yarn is very nice to work with though.
          I have used it for other bags – crochet mainly and a crochet bathroom rug that washes really well.
          I have those free patterns in my Free Crochet Pattern library in the main menu if you are interested.
          I hope you enjoy making the bag 🙂
          Louise

          Reply