The best stitches for knitting t-shirt yarn and cord bags

Choosing the right stitch is what makes the difference between a bag that stays beautiful and keeps its shape and one that becomes soft, deforms, or stretches out with use. With t-shirt yarn and cord (materials with body and some elasticity), the goal is usually clear: compact, durable, and with a clean finish .

This guide offers a selection of the best stitches for handbags, along with their advantages, when to use them, and tips for achieving a professional result.

Index

1. What should a handbag stitch have?
2. 1) Low point (the basic one that works)
3. 2) Centered low point (firmer and premium)
4. 3) Low point in BLO (texture + structure)
5. 4) “Grain” point / rice-like texture (very stable)
6. 5) Half point (fast, with nuances)
7. 6) Basket stitch / relief (for structured bags)
8. And the openwork stitches?
9. How to choose according to the type of bag
10. Pro tips to keep your bag from sagging
11. Recommended materials

What should a handbag stitch have?

Before getting into specifics, these are the 4 qualities we look for when we knit bags with t-shirt yarn and/or cord:

• Compactness: that the fabric does not remain "open" and withstands friction.
• Stability: that it does not stretch too much with the weight (especially in handles and top).
• Definition: that the point looks clean and uniform.
• Comfort while knitting: if the stitch forces you to tighten too much, you will end up with uneven tension.

1) Low point (the basic one that works)

The low point is the "all-rounder" for bags: compact, durable, and easy to handle. With t-shirt yarn, it usually looks very striking, and with cord, it can give a very clean finish.

Advantages

• Good, uncomplicated structure.
• Perfect for beginners and for repeatable patterns.
• Ideal for bags with a round base and walls.

When would I choose it?

• Rectangular bags, bucket bags, compact shoppers and clutches.
• If you want a uniform and quick-to-understand fabric.

Tip

When working with t-shirt yarn, the single crochet stitch is much better if you maintain constant tension and avoid loosening it when closing the loop. Use a stitch marker.

2) Centered low point (firmer and premium)

This stitch (also called a centered single crochet ) is tighter and stiffer than a regular single crochet. It's a great option when you want a bag that will hold up well with use.

Advantages

• More compact: it supports weight better.
• Beautiful and very "professional" texture.
• It reduces the "warping" effect on walls.

When would I choose it?

• Bags that you want to have a structured look (box type, firm bucket bag, mini crossbody).
• When the t-shirt yarn is more elastic or soft and you want to compensate.

3) Low point in BLO (texture + structure)

Knitting single crochet in the back loop only (BLO) creates a defined line and a ribbed texture that looks great on modern bags. It also adds structure and helps define volume.

Advantages

• Beautiful texture without complicating the pattern.
• It gives a more "architectural" finish.
• Perfect for marking transitions (base/wall, body/edge).

When would I choose it?

• If you want a bag with a minimalist aesthetic and subtle texture.
• Made with rag yarn, to achieve more stable walls.

4) “Grain” point / rice-like texture (very stable)

There are simple textures (like "grain", "seed", combinations of single crochet stitches and chains) that give a very stable fabric, with less tendency to stretch and with a discreetly textured finish.

Why it works

• The texture “breaks” the natural elasticity of the material.
• The bag stretches less with use.
• It disguises small variations in tension.

When would I choose it?

• For t-shirt yarn bags that tend to be soft.
• If you want a different finish than the plain single-knit sweater.

5) Half point (fast, with nuances)

The half double crochet allows you to progress quickly and leaves a higher fabric per round, but with t-shirt yarn it can be a bit more elastic if you don't control the tension.

Advantages

• It performs quickly: ideal for large projects.
• Good balance between compactness and speed.

When would I choose it?

• Large shoppers (if you are going to line or add a rigid base).
• When the cord already provides structure and you want to move faster.

Eye

If it's too "open", compensate with: more tension , a reinforcing single crochet round at the top edge, or lining.

6) Basket stitch / relief (for structured bags)

The raised stitching (basket-style) creates a very attractive and substantial finish. It adds structure, but uses more material and is slower to apply.

Advantages

• Very "boutique bag" finish.
• Large structure and presence.

When would I choose it?

• Clutches or small/medium handbags with a premium focus.
• When you want the point to be the main focus.

And the openwork stitches?

Yes, you can knit openwork bags with t-shirt yarn and cord… but with one condition: think about the reinforcement from the beginning .

• If it's a perforated shopper bag, it usually looks better with a lining .
• If it's a small bag, you can use an internal structure or a "closed" openwork stitch.
• For handles, it's best to avoid openwork (they tend to give way).

How to choose according to the type of bag

Pro tips to keep your bag from sagging

1. Make a small sample and hang it with a weight for a few minutes: it will tell you immediately if the stitch gives way.
2. Reinforce the top edge (1–2 firm rounds in single crochet or relaxed slip stitch).
3. Take care of the base/wall change : a BLO turn usually prevents the "hat".
4. Handles: If the handle is woven, use a compact stitch and consider combining it with cord or a rigid piece.
5. Lining: it's not just for looks; it's for structure. If the bag is going to be heavy, the lining protects the fabric.

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If I had to sum it up in one sentence: for bags that keep their shape, opt for compact stitches (single crochet or centered single crochet) and reinforce the top edge. The finish is completely transformed.