Oh-So-Frugal Shopping Bag
designed by Sue McLeod
SEPTEMBER2O12
After knitting up some market bags and being frustrated with certain features, and getting feedback from the supermarket clerks who had to fill them with my groceries, I finally decided that I had to design my own! Using those plastic bags we get at supermarkets in the US as my guide, I've created a bag that's 1.easy to knit out of any yarn 2.easy to fill with groceries 3.strong enough and stretchy enough to hold a LoT 4. won't stretch and drag on the ground while you're carrying them while full. The clerks at my market LOVE these!
Dimensions
Circumference: 24 inches Length without handles (not stretched): 12 inches Length of handles: 14 inches
Yarns
DK or Sport Sample made with Halcyon's Pearl Cotton 3/2 (light blue) 1.5 ounces (l20 yards) used of a 180 yd mini cone Knitting pattern created by Sue McLeod. This pattern write-up and all photos are copyrighted. Please do not use without attribution or republish in any way without permission. You are free to use your knitting of this pattern in any way you'd like.
Instructions
Sport or DK Weight Yarn
NOTIONS:
Size 8 US 16" circular and set of 4 or 5 Double Pointed needles Tapestry Needle
INSTRUCTIONS:
Cast on 90 stitches and join for working in the round. Round l:Knit Round 2: Purl Round 3: Knit Round 4: Purl Round 5: Knit Start lace pattern: Round 6: K, wrapping yarn twice around the needle and pulling both strands through. Continue this way to end of round. Round 7: K into one loop only, allowing the other look to drop Round 8: K Repeat Rounds 6-8 until bag length measures 9” (without stretching). Start bottom decreases: Round 1: (decrease round) \*K8 K2tog\* repeat to end of round Round 2: K Round 3: (decrease round) \*K7 K2tog\* repeat to end of round Round 4: K Continue repeating these two rounds, working one less Knit stitch on the decrease rounds each repeat until only 9 stitches remain. When necessary, switch from the circular needle to double points to finish the bottom. Cut yarn, leaving an 6" tail. Tread tail onto tapestry needles and through the remaining stitches on the needle. Bring tail to the back and weave in.
HANDLES:
Measure 2 inches from side of bag. Pick up 3 stitches along edge using one of the double pointed needles. Work 3 stitch Icord for 14 inches. Measure 2 inches from opposite side of bag (see photo). Bring I-cord to the front and graft I-cord stitches to top edge stitches. Repeat on other side of the bag.
FINISHING:
Weave in ends securely, especially for the handles. I like to use a few knots, just in ca.se!
