A knitting bag can be any carrier with some type of handle used to hold knitted work in progress as well as supplies such as extra needles. Some knitters use an old tote bag to store or carry their craft items. There are also many knitting bag options sold in yarn and craft stores.
The two main kinds of knitting bags created for holding yarn craft projects are the folding, open-topped type and the tote style. Knitting tote bags may be soft or hard-sided; most of them fasten at the top. In addition to the main carrying section to accommodate the knitting project with its needles, many tote-style knitter's bags have compartments made to hold scissors and patterns as well as an extra needle collection. A knitting tote is made for travel, while folding bags are designed for at-home crafting.
Folding knitting bags usually have a wood frame that's joined together near the bottom. The metal or wood joint is typically located where the frame folds. Inside the frame is a cloth rectangular sack that is often open at the top for yarn and needles to show. This type of knitting bag is handy to have beside a chair because its open access allows for easy handling and restoring of the project. The cloth section of folding knitting project bags is usually quite decorative in color and/or pattern, so the knitter can choose an indoor bag to fit in with a room's style.
Any type of knitting bag should have enough space to hold the size of the project. A knitter who works on afghan blankets will need a much larger carrier than one who makes dish cloths. Miniature knitting bags or a tote that doubles as a purse may be used to transport smaller projects. Advanced as well as beginner knitters use bags to hold their supplies. Some knitters prefer a backpack rather than a bag with handles to carry their projects, needles, patterns and scissors.
Some people who love to craft with yarn make their own knitting bag. These knitters can use up scrap yarns as well as create a custom carrier in the size they need with the types of pockets or compartments designed specifically to hold their supplies. A knitting bag can be brought along on day trips and vacations as well as to crafting retreats or workshops. Some knitters like to have their project bag when waiting at a doctor's office.