This beautiful knitted and then felted bag, available in two different styles - circular and rectangular - was inspired by the trellis that supports the climbing hydrangea in my garden. Woven through that hydrangea is a purple clematis with blossoms as big as dessert plates. The stunning pattern is created by a cable pattern that is worked in two different colors, fair-isle style.
Both sizes of this felted bag are perfect for a dramatic every day purse or knitting bag.
Add sweetheart roses with long stems from the Noni Flowers book to twine their way up the cables. Work the long stems in and around the cables before felting, tack in place, and then felt altogether for stunning results.
Conclude the bag with stiffener in the bottom, 6 24mm bag feet (one in the center and 5 around) and a JUL rolled leather handle. Consider the Prague handle attached with medium-sized handle brackets. Close with the beautiful Amazing Magnetic Snap.
Spectacular.
See the Additional Details Tab below for information about knitting techniques used in this pattern, Approximate Felted Dimensions, Yarn Requirements, and Other Required Materials.
Intrepid Intermediate to Advanced: Requires knowledge of casting on, knitting in the round on circular needles, increasing, cable-work with two colors, and hand-sewing during the finishing process.
Each felted bag is worked with two strands of worsted weight, feltable yarn throughout. I suggest pulling from the inside and outside of the same ball for maximum economy and efficiency.
• Circular Lattice: The body of the bag is worked from bottom to top. Then, stitches are picked up on the inside of the bag body in order to work the bottom.
• Rectangular Lattice: The bottom of the bag is worked first, then stitches are picked up around the bottom and the bag is worked in the round from the bottom up.
• A note about long carries involved in the color and cable-work: they can sometimes make it difficult to maintain an even tension and introduce a pucker into your work; however, do not wrap your strands to reduce the carry distance—this changes the appearance of the pattern on the front. Keep your work as flat as possible by keeping the carried yarn loose and by stretching your work out on the circular needles as you knit.
Circular Lattice Bag 14" (35.5cm) tall 36" (91.5cm) top circumference 29" (73.5cm) bottom circumference
Square Lattice Bag 10" (25.5cm) tall 12" (30.5cm) wide across front/back face 7" (17.75cm) deep
12 stitches and 16 rounds = 4" (10cm) in St st with a double-strand of yarn on size 11 (8mm) needles or needle size to obtain gauge
Circular Lattice: 3 skeins or 630 yds (580m) A; 3 skeins or 630 yds (580m) B
Square Lattice: 3 skeins or 630 yds (580m) A; 3 skeins or 630 yds (580m) B
Size 11 (8mm) 32" (81cm) circular needle
Size 13 (9mm) 32" (81cm) circular needle
Size 13 (9mm) double pointed needles (at least 3)
Cable needle or hook
Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
JUL 26" (66cm) Flat Strap Forager Handles, pair
1 Rivet-in or Sew-in Snap Closure
Circular Lattice: 5 Fancy Screw-in Bag Feet
Square Lattice: 6 Fancy Screw-in Bag Feet