All Holiday Patterns All Adult Patterns Knit
The summer breeze tote bag is the perfect knit accessory for pool days, beach trips, and farmers market runs. The body of this tote is stretchy and flexible, comfortably holding everything from sunscreen and a beach towel to fresh produce — while still keeping its shape. With its breezy two-tone stripes and breathable openwork stitch, this bag is the ultimate summer carry-all.
Worked in the round on circular needles with two strands of yarn held together, the summer breeze tote bag knits up quickly in a chunky weight that gives it body and structure. The drawstring cord pulls everything in for a secure closure, and the alternating blue and white stripes give it that classic seaside look. Make it in any color combo to match your summer style.
Why You’ll Love This Summer Breeze Tote Bag
This bag is summer’s MVP:
✔ Stretchy, flexible body holds tons without losing its shape
✔ Beginner friendly — only knit, purl, and slip stitch
✔ Two-tone classic blue and white striped design
✔ The summer breeze tote bag uses just 2 balls of yarn
✔ Knit in the round with two strands held together for quick results
✔ Drawstring closure keeps belongings secure
✔ Perfect beach bag, pool bag, market tote, or everyday carry
✔ Customizable colors — match your summer wardrobe
Pattern Details
The summer breeze tote bag is worked in the round with two strands of worsted weight yarn held together to create a sturdy, chunky fabric. The body uses a simple 2-row repeat (knit + slip-1-purlwise) that creates a beautiful textured stripe.
Skill Level
Beginner. Requires knit, purl, slip-purlwise, and a basic I-cord for the drawstring.
Finished Size
Approximately 14 inches wide x 14 inches tall with a 60-inch drawstring cord.
Yarn Weight
Worsted weight (#4) — held doubled throughout for chunky fabric.
Materials You’ll Need
- 1 ball Main Color (MC) — Blue. I used Red Heart Super Saver in Delft Blue
- 1 ball Contrast Color (CC) — White. Red Heart Super Saver in White
- US Size 15 (10mm) circular knitting needles
- US Size 6 (5mm) circular knitting needles (or 2 double-pointed needles for the cord)
- Yarn needle for finishing and seaming
- Scissors
The summer breeze tote bag works in any worsted weight yarn. For a more vacation-ready feel, try a cotton blend instead — it breathes better in hot weather and washes well after sandy beach trips.
Abbreviations
- k — knit
- p — purl
- patt(s) — pattern(s)
- rep — repeat
- rnd(s) — round(s)
- sl1pw — slip one stitch purlwise
- st(s) — stitch(es)
- ws — wrong side
- MC — Main Color (blue)
- CC — Contrast Color (white)
The Summer Breeze Tote Bag Pattern
Body (Size 15 Circular Needles)
Using the Size 15 circular needles, with TWO STRANDS of MC held together, cast on 100 stitches. Join in the round, taking care not to twist your work.
Round 1 (wrong side): Purl.
Round 2: (k1, sl1pw) to end.
Repeat these 2 rounds until your work measures 12 inches, ending with Round 1 of the pattern. Alternate MC and CC colors every 3 inches — you should end up with 4 stripes total: Blue, White, Blue, White.
Top Hem (MC)
Switch to MC (blue) for the remainder.
Purl 12 rounds.
Cast off all stitches loosely.
Drawstring Cord (Size 6 Needles)
Using double-pointed needles (or the Size 6 circular needles), cast on 3 stitches.
Knit these 3 stitches normally, from the left needle to the right.
Now all 3 stitches are on the right hand needle and the yarn is attached to the left stitch.
Without turning the needle, place the needle in your left hand. The yarn is coming from the far left stitch. Pulling the yarn so that it is snug, knit the 3 stitches from the left to the right needle. Everything is normal EXCEPT the yarn is coming from the last stitch in the row instead of the first when you begin knitting this row.
When you have knit all 3 stitches onto the right needle, slide the stitches from one end of the double-pointed needle to the other. Repeat these steps, pulling the yarn snug at the beginning of each row to ensure even stitches.
Continue until the cord measures 60 inches. Bind off normally.
Finishing & Assembly
Sew the cast-on edge for the bottom seam. Turn the bag inside out so the right side is facing.
Weave the cord through the body twice on each end — push it in between stitches in the 7th and 8th last purl rows of the top hem, leaving a longer space in the middle for the drawstring to extend out.
Tie the cord in a knot at the right side to close.
Weave in all ends with your yarn needle. Enjoy your summer breeze tote bag!
Tips for the Perfect Summer Breeze Tote Bag
A few extra tricks to make your summer breeze tote bag look its best:
- Hold yarn doubled tight: the bag’s stretch and body come from holding two strands together. Don’t accidentally split the strands.
- Use a stitch marker: place a marker at the start of each round so you don’t lose track of the (k1, sl1pw) repeat.
- Color change cleanly: drop the old color at the start of a row, leaving a 6-inch tail to weave in later.
- Cast off loosely: the top edge needs to stretch when you load up the bag. A loose cast-off prevents puckering.
- Try cotton yarn: for a vacation-ready bag, swap to cotton — it’s lighter, breathes better, and handles sand and sun.
- Customize colors: coral + cream, sage + white, navy + sand — any two contrasting colors work beautifully.
- Make it bigger: add 25 stitches to the cast-on for a market-tote sized bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this summer breeze tote bag take to make? Plan for 6-10 hours total. The chunky yarn held doubled makes it work up quickly — most knitters finish in a weekend.
Is this beginner friendly? Yes! You only need knit, purl, and slip-purlwise. The trickiest part is holding two strands together — once you’ve done it for one row, it’s automatic.
Can I use a different yarn? Yes — any worsted weight yarn works held doubled. Cotton or cotton blends are especially nice for a summer bag. Bulky yarn used singly also works (adjust gauge).
How sturdy is the bag? The slip-stitch pattern + doubled yarn creates a dense, stretchy fabric. It holds a beach towel, sunscreen, water bottle, snacks, and a book without sagging.
Do I need to line it? Not required — the slip-stitch pattern creates a nearly opaque fabric. For wet bathing suits or sandy gear, a removable fabric liner is a nice add-on.
Can I make handles instead of a drawstring? Yes — knit two 12-inch I-cords and sew them to either side of the top hem for traditional tote handles.
Can I sell finished bags? Yes — small batch sales are allowed for personal income. Please credit SeeLoveShare as the designer.
More Summer Knit & Crochet Patterns You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this summer breeze tote bag, you’ll love these related summer patterns:
- Happy Hex Picnic Blanket — Free Crochet Pattern
- V-Stitch Throw — Free Crochet Pattern
- Mini Tulips Baby Blanket Pattern
- Honeycomb Knit Throw — Chunky Cable Pattern
Save This Summer Breeze Tote Bag Pattern
Want to come back to this summer breeze tote bag pattern later? Save it to Pinterest so you can find it when beach season hits — and share it with your knitting friends!