Knitted Desiqns
Little Felted Bag
The scoop: This cute bag will liven up any fall or winter wardrobe! Its fuzzy look paired with your own unique buttons will always be eye-catching. It's small enough to be stylish, but big enough to hold your daytime essentials. This pattern is simplified by knitting in the round. If you are new to picking up stitches, the large needle size will make the stitches easier to see. This bag makes a great first felted project, since sizing for wear is not an issue. The final product is sturdy enough that a lining is not necessary.
Materials included:
· 2 hanks Cascade 220 wool · 2 skeins Classic Elite Phoenix or Ibis · 4 buttons · US size 11 circular needle, 24 inch cable US size 10 double-pointed needles (DPNs) small size crochet hook · 1 stitch marker (a safety pin works fine) blunt tapestry needle sewing needle and thread to match bag color · items for felting (see instruction sheet) Gauge: is not important for this project. Instructions: You will be knitting 3 strands together: both Cascade colors and the first of the Phoenix, for the bag. The straps are knit with just the 2 Cascade colors together. Bag: Cast on 20 stitches loosely, using circular needle. (Just knit back and forth- you do not knit in a round just yet.) This will be the bottom of the bag. Knit until you count 12 ridges, then knit 1 more row. Using the crochet hook, pick up 11 st. from the side of the knitted piece. Then pick up 20 st., in cast on row (at the bottom of your knitted piece); pick up 11 st. more from the opposite side. At this point your knitting will take on a rectangular shape- you have just picked up the stitches for the other 3 sides of the rectangle. You should now have 62 sts. Place a marker at the beginning of the round. Knit every row in the round until piece measures 8 inches. Bind off loosely. Straps (I-cords): You will need to make 2. Cast on 4 stitches, using DPNs. Knit all 4 stitches, slide sts. to opposite end of the needle, pull yarn across back and knit. Repeat until piece is 9 inches long. Bind off. Felt: You are now ready to felt. Finishing is done after felting process is completed. Follow felting instructions provided in your kit. Assembly: Using tapestry needle, sew bag closed at smaller end (where you started knitting). Turn inside out- it doesn't matter which side faces out: they will both look the same. Sew straps securely to inside of top of bag. Using needle and thread, sew on buttons at the base of each strap- refer to photo on hang tag for placement. Finished dimensions: approx. 10 in. wide $\times\,6$ in. high $\times\,4$ in. deep Skill level: EASY Care Instructions: Hand wash in cool water using a wool-friendly, gentle detergent. Stand upright with a towel placed inside the bag to help it keep its shape as it air dries. Suggestion for leftovers: you will have enough yarn to make another small item after completing the bag. One idea is to make a matching skinny scarfquite the catchy ensemble! You'll inspire envy on the part of your friends. Just cast on 12 stitches loosely, and knit all 3 yarns together. Row 1: K1, P1 across. Row 2: P1, K1 across. Repeat until piece measures your desired length (we've gotten approximately 50 inches of scarf from our leftovers). Bind off loosely. Simple, but oh so cute. Enjoy!
