En Pointe Cloud Bag Free Pattern – Knitted Ribbon Wrap Ballet Tote

En Pointe Cloud Bag Free Pattern – Knitted Ribbon Wrap Ballet Tote

Imagine carrying your daily essentials in a bag that feels as light and dreamy as a ballet slipper. The En Pointe Cloud Bag is a beautifully textured knitted tote that combines the softness of worsted weight yarn with an elegant ribbon weave detail, finished with a graceful scalloped crochet edge. Whether you're heading to the studio, the café, or simply want to add a touch of feminine charm to your outfit, this bag is the perfect accessory.

This pattern is designed with beginners in mind—it's knitted flat in simple panels, uses basic knit and purl stitches, and features a clever slip-stitch technique that creates a woven texture without any special tools. The result is a professional-looking, slouchy tote that feels luxurious and looks handmade with love.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth and enjoyable knitting experience:

• Yarn: Worsted weight (Category 4) in blush pink (MC) and cream (CC) – approximately 250g of main color and 100g of contrast color. A soft acrylic or wool blend works beautifully.
• Knitting Needles: US Size 8 (5mm) straight or circular needles for the main body.
• Crochet Hook: US Size G/6 (4mm) hook for the scalloped edging.
• Other Tools: Yarn needle for seaming and weaving in ends, scissors, stitch markers (optional), and a measuring tape.

Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Always check your gauge to ensure your bag turns out the correct size.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions carefully, and you'll have a beautiful ballet-inspired tote in no time. The bag is worked in two identical flat panels, seamed together, and finished with a crocheted edge and knitted handles.

Panel 1 (Front)

1. Cast On: With your main color (MC) yarn and US 8 needles, cast on 40 stitches.
2. Garter Stitch Border (Rows 1-6): Knit every row for 6 rows. This creates a sturdy, non-curling base for the bag.
3. Row 7 (Right Side): Knit 5 stitches, then repeat the following sequence until 5 stitches remain: *slip 2 stitches purlwise with yarn in front, knit 6*. Finish the row by knitting the last 5 stitches.
4. Row 8 (Wrong Side): Purl all stitches across the row.
5. Rows 9-10: Work in stockinette stitch (knit on the right side, purl on the wrong side).
6. Repeat the Pattern: Continue repeating Rows 7 through 10 until the piece measures approximately 12 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a wrong-side row. The slipped stitches will create vertical columns where you'll weave the ribbon later.
7. Top Border: Knit every row for 6 rows in garter stitch to match the bottom border.
8. Bind Off: Bind off all stitches loosely to maintain a flexible edge.

Panel 2 (Back)

1. Work exactly as you did for Panel 1. This ensures both sides of your bag match perfectly.

Seaming the Bag

1. Prepare Panels: Place both panels together with the right sides facing each other.
2. Sew Side Seams: Using a yarn needle and MC yarn, sew the side seams and the bottom seam using a mattress stitch. This creates an invisible, sturdy seam. Leave the top edge open.
3. Turn Right Side Out: Carefully turn the bag so the right side faces out. Gently shape it with your hands.

Adding the Ribbon Weave Detail

1. Cut Strips: Cut 4 strips of cream (CC) yarn, each approximately 30 inches long. You'll have one strip for each column of slipped stitches on the front panel.
2. Thread the Strips: Thread one strip onto a yarn needle. Starting at the bottom of a slipped-stitch column, weave the yarn over and under the knit stitches, moving upward. This creates a beautiful woven lattice effect.
3. Repeat: Repeat this process for all 4 columns on the front panel.
4. Tie Bows: At the top edge of each column, tie the ends of the ribbon strips into small, neat bows. Trim any excess yarn.

Crocheted Scallop Edge

1. Join Yarn: With your cream (CC) yarn and US G/6 crochet hook, join the yarn at the top edge corner of the bag opening.
2. Round 1: Work a round of single crochet (sc) evenly around the entire top opening. Place 2 single crochet in each corner to help the edge lay flat. Join with a slip stitch to the first stitch.
3. Round 2: *Skip 1 single crochet, work 5 double crochet (dc) into the next single crochet, skip 1 single crochet, slip stitch into the next single crochet.* Repeat from * to * around the entire opening. This creates the lovely scalloped shell pattern.
4. Fasten Off: Cut the yarn and pull through the last loop to secure. Weave in the end.

Knitted Handles

1. Cast On: With MC yarn and US 8 needles, cast on 8 stitches.
2. Work in Stockinette: Knit on the right side and purl on the wrong side for 18 inches. This length provides a comfortable shoulder or hand carry.
3. Bind Off: Bind off all stitches loosely. Make a second handle in the same way.
4. Attach Handles: Using a yarn needle and MC yarn, sew each handle securely to the inside of the top edge, positioning them about 3 inches from each side seam. Reinforce with a few extra stitches for durability.

Finishing Touches

1. Weave in Ends: Carefully weave in all loose yarn ends using a yarn needle, making sure they are hidden within the fabric.
2. Block Gently: To give your bag a polished shape, lightly block it. Mist with water and shape with your hands, then allow it to dry completely. Avoid heavy blocking to maintain the slouchy look.

Your En Pointe Cloud Bag is now complete! This elegant, textured tote is perfect for everyday use or as a thoughtful handmade gift. The combination of soft blush pink, cream ribbon accents, and the delicate scalloped edge captures the grace of a ballerina, making it a truly special piece. Enjoy your beautiful new creation!