Slip Stitch Rib Bag Knitting Pattern (Muses Collection)

In this post, you will see the Slip Stitch Rib Project Bag Knitting Pattern, a stylish and practical knitted bag with a beautiful texture.

This bag is worked in slip stitch rib, which creates a structured fabric with a modern ribbed look.

It is ideal for everyday use and works especially well as a small bag for shopping, carrying essentials, or storing your knitting projects.

The design is part of the Muses Collection, a series of timeless knit designs with a refined, classic feel.

Please scroll down to view the free pattern, or grab the ad-free printable PDF here.

Before You Get Started

Skill Level – Easy (Advanced beginner)
This bag is worked flat in one piece and then seamed.
The handles are shaped by binding off the center stitches and working each side separately to create the two different strap lengths.
The slip stitch rib pattern is easy to follow and creates a durable, textured fabric that is well-suited to accessories like bags.
For this stitch pattern, you cast on a multiple of 3 stitches plus 2 extra stitches.
This is a great project for advanced beginners who are comfortable with knit, purl, and slip stitches.
You can see a tutorial here: How To Knit Slip Stitch Rib

Materials

Yarn

1 x Ra Ra Raffia from Wool and The Gang (Desert Palm)
This is 100% paper.
100g = 250m/273 yards.

Needles

5.50 mm (US 9) knitting needles.
The bag is worked back and forth on the needles – knit flat.

Notions

Scissors.
Darning needle/yarn needle.
Tape measure.
Stitch holder

Size Information

Finished measurements

Width of bag = 33 cm/13 inches.
Height of bag = 22 cm/8.5 inches.
Height of longest handle = 26 cm/10 inches.
Height of shorter handle = 16 cm/6 inches.
Width of handle = 8 cm/3 inches.

Gauge

15 sts/24 rows in /10 cm/4 inches in the stitch pattern.

Abbreviations

CO – Cast on
Cont – Continue
K – Knit
Patt – Pattern
P – Purl
Sl 1 WYIB – Slip one stitch with the yarn in the back
St(s) – Stitch(es)
Rep – Repeat
RS – Right side
WS – Wrong side

Pattern Instructions

Please note: For the slip stitch rib pattern, you cast on multiples of 3+2 st (for example, 3×5=15+2=17sts.

Worked flat knitting back and forth on two needles:

Worked in one piece and then seamed.

Cast on 47 sts.

Row 1 (RS): *P2, Sl 1 WYIB* – Rep from * to the end of the row, ending with P2.
Row 2 (WS): K2, *P1, K2* – Rep from * to * to the end of the row.

Rep rows 1 and 2 until your piece measures 44 cm/17 inches.

The Straps

Next RS row – Work in patt over the next 14 sts, cast off the center 19 sts, and work in patt over the final 14 sts.
Next row – Cont to work on the final 14 sts only and place the other 14 sts onto a stitch holder.
Cont to work in the stitch pattern on these 14 sts only – until the handle measures 51 cm/20 inches.
Cast off.
Place the other 14 sts from the stitch holder onto the needle and work in patt until the handle measures 31 cm/12 inches.
Cast off.

Please note – you may wish to make your bag handles shorter – work fewer rows in order to do this.

Making Up

You may wish to block your bag before seaming.
Fold the main body of the bag in half and seam each side using the mattress stitch.
Then fold over and seam each handle to the other side of the bag.
Weave in all loose ends.

Finishing and Blocking

You may wish to block your bag before seaming; you can do that as follows:

Lay the item out on blocking mats, lightly stretch it into place, and pin it with blocking pins.
Spray with cold water.
Allow to dry completely.

As this is 100% paper, you can also lightly steam it to block it.

FAQ

Is this bag pattern beginner-friendly?

Yes. This pattern is suitable for advanced beginners.

It uses simple stitches and a two-row slip stitch rib repeat.

What can I use this bag for?

This bag works well as a project bag, shopping bag, or everyday accessory.

What is the stitch multiple?

The slip stitch rib pattern is worked over a multiple of 3 stitches plus 2 extra stitches.

Can I make the handles shorter?

Yes. You can adjust the handle length by working fewer rows on each strap before casting off.

Do I need to block the bag?

Blocking is optional, but it can help neaten the shape before seaming.

I love seeing your finished projects on social media.

If you enjoyed this pattern, I’d love to see your work on Instagram, tag me @handylittleme.

If you are on Facebook, stop over to the Handylittleme Facebook Group and share a photo.

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Happy Knitting!

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Slip Stitch Rib Bag Knitting Pattern (Muses Collection)

Before You Get Started

Materials