← Home

The Crafters
Tote

Crafters Tote sketch

Problem Statement

How might we design an everyday bag with a routine knitter or crafter in mind?

Mood Board and Color Palette

Mood board collage with military bag, orange yarn, denim, woven textile, and patched pants
#aba791
#3c4962
#6b644a
#212024
#d26014

Research

I talked to two of my knitter friends about their experiences. This is what the inside of their bags look like on a daily basis.

Here is a list of features we came up with:

  • laptop, notebook section
  • zipper/button pocket
  • separated section for yarn
Yarn in leather bag Knitting supplies in bag

Current Market

Most crafting and knitting bags on the market lack versatility. They are typically designed to hold a single project and often do not include functional features like a laptop sleeve or compartments for everyday essentials. Additionally, many are quilted or made in bright, childlike patterns that limit their use in daily settings such as school or work.

Blue striped drawstring knitting bag
Brand: Hobbii Price: $36.39 Material: 70% Cotton, 30% Polyester Features: Drawstring, quilted Problems: Small (fits one project), not stylish for everyday use
Blue floral tote knitting bag
Brand: Eldenwood Craft Price: $82.43 Material: Home decor weight fabric, canvas, cotton (no specified %) Features: Drawstring, many interior pockets, well organized Problems: Only holds projects (no daily necessities like laptop), not stylish for everyday use
Green and white striped knitting bag
Brand: Maika Goods Price: $88 Material: Recycled canvas (no specified %) Features: Drawstring main pocket, many interior and exterior pockets, well organized Problems: Only holds projects, not great for an everyday bag, not stylish for everyday use
Steele brown canvas knitting bag
Brand: Steele Utility Price: $119.95 Material: Waxed canvas (no specified %) Features: Bucket shape, many interior and exterior pockets, well organized Problems: Only holds projects, not great for an everyday bag

Materials

Here are some common materials used for the style of bag I am going for. I really wanted to stay away from the idea of a quilted bag so a thicker canvas or denim will work well with my design

Denim fabric swatch

Denim

Canvas/tan fabric swatch

Canvas

Olive gold heavyweight cotton suiting

Cotton

User Persona: Meet Sandra

Sandra — user persona, woman drinking coffee while knitting
Age:
40 years
Occupation:
Elementary School Teacher
Location:
Salt Lake City, Utah
Lifestyle:
Sandra spends most of her downtime knitting, and crafting. Because she moves between school, work, and the other creative spaces throughout her day, style is important to her. Especially in pieces she wears daily. She looks for products that feels expressive and intentional.

User Needs

Style
Organization
Durability
Versatility

Ideation

Hand-drawn bag concept sketches with annotations
Additional bag concept sketch

Design Brief

This bag is designed for the everyday maker who moves between work, home, and creative spaces. It provides intentional organization for yarn, tools, and personal everyday items while remaining stylish enough to carry daily. The goal was to create a thoughtfully structured bag that supports creativity on-the-go without sacrificing aesthetics or quality.

Design brief sketch

Tech Pack

Tech Pack page 1 Tech Pack page 2 Tech Pack page 3 Tech Pack page 4 Tech Pack page 5 Tech Pack page 6 Tech Pack page 7 Tech Pack page 8