Large Messenger Style Rag Bag Purse KNITTING PATTERN
Featuring...Lilly Pulitzer Signature Fabrics Finished Size: 15" wide x 12" deep
The Knitty Details...
$\circledcirc$ Size 19 knitting needle (you could also use, 15/17/35, you will just have to adjust the width of the fabric you are using!) FABRIC AND FABRIC STRIP WIDTH: about 4 yards total of fabric in desired color palette or completely random, make fabric strips approx. 1-1.25" wide... A rule of thumb that I go by (only by making so many of these rag bag purses) is that the width of the fabric strip should be about the width of the knitting needle OR the crochet hook!!! $\circledcirc$ ribbon: your choice of .5", 1.0" and $\pmb{1.5^{,}}$ widegrosgrain ribbon to create the tie on the flap. \*\*You could choose a button instead. Because you are using a large crochet hook, the stitches are larger and a smaller button could fit though the actual stitch. $\circledcirc$ GAUGE: on us 35 knitting needles, 5 stitches=3" (gauge is somewhat subjective because it is dependent upon width of fabric strips, knitting needles used and type of knitter you are). Gauge is NOT nearly as important when knitting up these rag bags as it is with traditional knitting and crochet with yarn. FINISHED SIZE OF LARGE TOTE: Base of purse is approx. 15" wide x 12" deep. Flap comes down over the purse about 6”.
Knit on!
1. Prepare fabric for knitting. Follow the directions listed on the attached guide sheet!
\*\*s you arknitingkenmnd that youwill knitting a large rectangle. Once the rectangle is large enough, you will be folding it up to create the "body" of the purse, leaving about 6"" at the top that will create the "messenger style flap". You will then tie up the two sides of the purse with short fabric strips.\*\*\*\*\* NOTE: Gauge can be highly variable depending on your tension and the fabric that is used. The gauge when crocheting or knitting with fabric is not NEARLY as important as when knitting in a more traditional fashion.
Cast on 25 stitches. Knit until the rectangle is 30" Iong. Bind off.
2. Now you are ready to finish the purse. With some of the left over fabric you have cut up many, $\mathbf{12^{,}}$ strips of fabric. 3. Fold up your purse so that at the bottom you have a $\mathbf{12^{,}}$ base (You have $\mathbf{12^{,}}$ of crocheted rectangle folded up on top of another $\mathbf{12^{,}}$ of your crocheted rectangle and you have a remaining ${\mathfrak{6}}^{,,}$ of the top of the rectangle that will be used for the messenger flap.
4. Lay down purse flat, folded. Lay the strips out alongside the purse approximately 2 inches apart.
5. Using the strips tie the two ends of the purse together-the top of the purse will remain open. The fold will become the bottom of your purse! You will use about 6-7 ties on the left side and 6-7 ties on the right side. Just slide the piece of fabric in one hole of each end (the front and the back) of the purse and tie a double knot-it really is that easy! \*\*TIP+\*\*Leave the ties hanging out OR you can trim them. I personally like them hanging out-it really adds to the texture and charm of the rag bag look!
6. Now you are ready to knit the narrow strip for the messenger bag. For my bag I made a strip that was approximately $\mathbf{3}^{\circ}\mathbf{x}\,30^{\circ}$ long 7. Knit the purse straps as follows: Cast on 3 stitches. Knit each row. Knit until you have the desired length or $\mathbf{30^{\,\circ}}$ long. Bind off. Continue to stitch rows until you have a second, narrow rectangle that measures approximately $\mathbf{30^{\circ}}$ in length (or approx. 40-45 rows). The total length of your strap will be completely dependent upon what you desire. I like to wear messenger style bags across my body. Therefore, I made a longer strap. Just knit a strap as long as you need! Bind off. Cut about 6 short fabric strips to use to attach the purse handle to the purse. I used three on each side and simply made the double knots again-the same method used for the sides of the purse. For the purse FLAP, you can add a ribbon. In the picture I used a 7/8" width coordinating grosgrain ribbon just to tie the flap to the body of the purse. You do NOT need to do this, only if you want! Check out the hint and tip guide to sew a liner for your new messenger bag. If you want to add a sewing dimension to this oroject, you could sew a zipper into the top opening of the bag if you like closures! Congratulations!!! You have now created your very own fabric rag bag large tote! Enjoy it! me and not intended for copy or reproduction. If you are interested, I would be delighted to speak with you about any retail or consignment options that may be available. I'd be happy to accommodate you.
