Knitters and Their Bags

September 20, 2020

I’m sure non-knitters have bags: tote bags, purses (growing up in Philadelphia we called them “pocketbooks”), reusable grocery bags… I’m sure some non-knitters are even passionate about their bags. But do you think it’s possible for non-knitters to comprehend the importance of bags to a knitter?

I have so many favorite bags. It’s important to me, because each project gets its own bag and I am nothing if not capricious in my knitting. Today I might be determined that I really need to start one of the eighteen mosaic shawls in my queue; tomorrow I will be determined to design some socks. So I have … well, let’s just call it a lot of bags of knitting hanging around the house.

There is even a system for project-bag match. The bag has to be not only the right size for the project (and the needles… sometimes I like to work on 14″ straights and that takes a lot of bag!), but the material and the pattern of the bag have to feel “right” with the fiber and color of the yarn. Sometimes that means coordinating, but more often it means contrasting starkly. Rainbow socks clearly belong in a dark, somber bag, you’ll note. This one is by Grace’s Cases.

dark blue back with rainbow striped socks on top
The yarn is Vesper Sock from Knitterly Things

Since I always have several pairs of socks going on in the background, I always have several sock-sized project bags. Della Q makes some of my favorites (though I must confess I am hard on the buttons and often find they need to be re-sewn more securely).

small knitting bag with pink pattern

I am even lucky enough to have been the recipient of several lovely handmade bags by Julie S. at various Strungalong retreats. Julie makes (but does not sell) the most lovely small-project bags.

knitting bag with butterfly pattern

This 65 South tote has been a real favorite lately. It’s big enough for a medium-sized project — anything smaller than a bulky sweater, really — and it’s so very cute.

floral tote bag

I know this Putu bag by J. Maclear was intended to be a purse, but don’t you think it’s just that much better with some knitting inside?

Lately, I have been on a huge kick with Scout bags. These are the real workhorses of my collection — large, waterproof, and generous with the pockets. This is where my sweaters live.

black and white Scout tote bag

The Scout bags were owning my heart until I scored what may possibly be the last remaining Joji & Co Pampa Bucket bag in the Grocery Girls‘ special colorway IN THE WORLD. Seriously, I hunted this bag down at a retailer in Denmark. (Don’t bother; I got the last one.) It was my birthday present to myself.

navy blue leather bag

So… do you love bags? Have a bunch? What’s your favorite?

These are bags that I own and paid for; I did not receive any compensation for my reviews.