The outer layer of this bag couldn’t be simpler; it’s just three straight pieces of stockinette stitch. The trick is to use a really heavyweight iron- on interfacing to create a boxy shape that looks very professional. Adding a leather strap also helps turn “homemade” into “handmade.”
ESTIMATED TIME TO COMPLETE
The bag took 5 hours to knit the pieces and 2½ hours to finish: 7½ hours total.
ABOUT THIS YARN
Debbie Bliss Aran Tweed is a flecked yarn with a hand-spun look. It’s 100% wool and has approximately 109 yds. (100 m) to a 50 g (approx. 1¾ oz.) ball.
SIZE
Width: 11 in. (28 cm); length: 7 in. (18 cm); depth: 3 in. (7.5 cm)
YOU WILL NEED
• 3 x 50 g balls (approx. 5¼ oz.) of Debbie Bliss Aran Tweed in shade 07
• pair of size US 8 (5 mm) knitting needles
• 11 x 22 in. (28 x 56 cm) heavyweight iron-on interlining
• 11 x 22 in. (28 x 56 cm) and two pieces 3 x 7 in. (7.5 x 18 cm) iron-on bonding adhesive
• 11¾ x 23 in. (30 x 58.5 cm) lining fabric and 2 pieces 4 x 8 in. (10 x 20 cm)
• matching sewing thread and sewing needle
• leather belt to use as strap
• 2 small D rings
• 2 small single cap rivets
• Brooch or decorative button (optional)
• small amount of Debbie Bliss Cotton Cashmere in shade 18 and pair of size US 2 (2¾ mm) knitting needles for flower trim (optional)
• tapestry needle
GAUGE
18 sts and 24 rows to 4 in. (10 cm) over st-st on size US 8 (5 mm) needles. Change needle size, if necessary, to obtain this gauge.
ABBREVIATIONS
beg = beginning; k = knit; RS = right side; st(s) = stitch(es); st-st = stockinette stitch; WS = wrong side.
NOTE
• The instructions give both the number of rows and the length to knit. If you knit to the stated length, make sure you have the correct gauge, or you could need a different amount of yarn.
BAG
Main piece. Using Aran Tweed and size US 8 (5 mm) needles, cast on 52 sts.
Beg k row, st-st 133 rows, or until work measures 22 in. (56 cm), ending with a k row. Bind off knitwise.
Side pieces. (Make 2) Cast on 16 sts. Beg k row, st-st 43 rows, or until work measures 7 in. (18 cm), ending with a k row. Bind off knitwise.
KNITTED FLOWER TRIM
Using cotton cashmere and size US 2 (2¾ mm) needles, work as given for the flower trim on the floppy brim hat (see page 35).
TO FINISH
Press according to yarn label. Stretching knitting slightly, so that 1 stitch at each side and cast-on and bound-off edges are free, fuse heavyweight interfacing to WS of bag. Leaving ½ in. (1.5 cm) free around all edges, use iron-on bonding adhesive to join lining to bag and to side pieces. With RS of bag facing, and leaving 4¾ in. (12 cm) at bound-off edge of bag for flap, use a sharp needle and matching thread to join the lining fabric of the side pieces to the lining fabric of the bag. With RS of bag facing, using a tapestry needle, yarn, and mattress stitch (see page 154), join the side bag pieces to the main bag piece. Using a sharp needle and matching sewing thread, fold in edges of lining ½ in. (1.5 cm) and slip stitch in place around flap and top edge of bag. Fasten belt and cut it in half. Cut a small amount from each end, and use to attach D rings. Slip ends of belt through D rings and secure them with the rivets. Pleat bag sides, so the handle protrudes, and sew pleats in place with a few hand stitches. Fold down flap and decorate with knitted flower or pin to close.
TIPS
• Instead of knitting a gauge swatch, cast on and knit one of the side pieces, counting the rows carefully. If it measures 3 in. (7.5 cm) wide by 7 in. (18 cm) long, you’re doing well, and you’ll be that much nearer to finishing.
• Steam-iron the knitted pieces for a slightly felted look.
• If you can’t find a matching belt, use a short dog leash, recycle a handle from another bag, or knit a strap.
• For a really heavyweight iron-on interlining, look for the kind that’s made to stiffen collars or furnishings.
Tweedy yarn gives a smart look to this boxy bag.