These bags are great for a handbag, but if you make them just a little bit bigger they can also be great for the beach or the pool. Be sure to use cotton yarns as they are washable and dryable.
Materials –
3 or 4 skeins of cotton yarn. Always make sure yarn is returnable, buy extra (especially if there is a dye lot), and save your receipt.
1 yard matching solid or print washable fabric.
Matching thread
One large snap for a closure
Following the instructions on the paper yarn sleeve figure the size of the needle and the number of stitches needed to make the size purse you would like to have. I use a size #4US needle and 80 stitches. This gives a nice close knit bag that will be sturdy.
With 80 stitches on a #4 US needle you will knit each row back and forth until your knitting measures 36” in length.
**Cut your washable fabric to the same size as your knitting.
With right sides to right sides sew around the edges of the two fabrics leaving a 6 inch opening.
Turn right sides out and stitch the 6 inch opening closed.
Press flat with an iron.
Fold 1/3 of the way up and stitch the sides together. Stitch a second seam just inside of the first for strength.
Fold the flap over and sew the snap in place.
If a strap is desired, you can take a piece of your fabric and fold into several layers about 2” wide and about 48 inches long. Sew the ends of your strap inside the lining of your handbag stitching 2 rows, one inside of the other.
Variations –
1. With 80 stitches on a #4 US needle, knit one row, purl the next row and continue in stocking knit for 4 inches.
Following the alphabet chart work your initials in the center of the next rows maintaining the stocking knit stitch.
Finish as for the first 4 inches. Continue from **.
2. With 100 stitches on your #4 US needle, Work your favorite cables patterns for the entire 36 inches and finish as for**.
Remember to keep your cable patterns symmetrical.
3. With 80 stitches on your #4 US needle knit in stocking stitch changing color every 10 rows. |