Polka Dot Bag

by Elizabeth Georgoulis, all rights reserved 2011

Materials: MC 3 balls Noro Hitsuji (100% wool Color 10, 100 g, 100 m) CC 2 balls Ella Rae Classic Heathers this yarn is held double throughout (100% wool, Color 163, 219 yd, 100 g) US Size 15 circular needles 24 US Size 15 dpn (for strap) Stitch markers Tapestry needle Gauge is not important since this is not a garment. Bag in the photo was made to carry a 15 laptop and/or school books. Bag can be made with thinner yarn and smaller needles to result in a smaller bag. Bag will shrink approximately 30%. NOTE: Always carry unused yarn up at color changes. Polka Dot Stitch Pattern: Start with CC held double: (Note: CC will always be held double throughout) Round 1: Knit. Round 2: Purl . Round 3: Knit. Round 4: Purl . Without breaking yarn, switch to MC. Carry CC up. Rounds 5-10: *K 4. Slip next 2 st purlwise. K4.* Repeat ** to end of each round.

Switch to CC without breaking yarn. Carry MC up. Round 11: Knit. (note: these rows are just like 1-4) Round 12: Purl . Round 13: Knit. Round 14: Purl . Without breaking yarn, switch to MC. Carry CC up. Rounds 15-20: *Slip 1 st purlwise. K8. Slip 1 st purlwise. * Repeat ** to end of each round. To make bag With CC and circular needles CO 100 sts. Being careful not to twist sts, pm and join for working in the round. Knit 6 rds. Change to MC. Knit 4 rds. Start Polka Dot Stitch Pattern. Knit 4 repeats of the polka dot stitch pattern. Switch to MC. Knit 3 rounds. Begin I-cord bind-off as follows: Using backward loop method, CO 4 st onto left needle. * K3, K2togtbl. Return these 4 st to left needle. * * Repeat ** until there are 4 st remaining. Bind off last 4 st. To make strap Using dpns and MC, CO 16. Being careful not to twist sts, join for working in the round. Knit in the round until strap is 48 or desired length, keeping in mind that it will shrink approximately 30% after felting. Finishing Weave in loose ends. Using MC or CC and tapestry needle, attach strap to opposites of inside of bag top slightly below I-cord bind off. At bottom of bag, using CC yarn and tapestry needle, sew bottom of bag (across CO edge) together to close bottom of bag. To make gusset, turn bag inside out. Lay flat. With CC yarn threaded on tapestry needle, sew a short diagonal seam (to make a triangle) about 3 in from each corner. This shapes lower corner of bag. Alternatively, use a sewing machine to sew corners along

dotted lines as shown in paper model below, a view looking down on the bottom. Note that in paper model the fold in the middle is the CO edge that has been sewn together.

Felting Machine wash on hottest water setting and lowest water level. Add a touch of laundry detergent. Boiling water may be added to the machine. Watch carefully and take out frequently to manipulate shape and check on felting progress. If after one cycle of agitation the bag requires more felting, turn dial to repeat agitation cycle. When bag is to desired size remove from machine and forward dial to spin cycle as further agitation will continue felting process. Allow to rinse(cold water) and spin to finish. Remove bag from machine. Pull into shape if desired. Stuff with crumpled newspaper or plastic bags. Allow to air dry. Drying in sun may be helpful. Drying under a fan may be helpful. Shave or trim as desired.