Little Red Knit Bag

Like the perfect little black dress, this purse is so versatile. You can dress this red knit bag up for an evening on the town or add interesting adornments that you will enjoy using every day.

Materials:

• 175 yards of nylon cord
• 2 handles
• Drawstring liner
• Beaded button
• Base board bottom
• Knitting Needle: 7 or 4.5mm

Gauge:

Seed stitch: 4 sts per 1 in.
Garter stitch: 5 sts per 1 in.
(k all rows)

Abbreviations:

k = knit
p = purl
sl = slip
garter stitch = knit every row
seed stitch = knit 1, purl 1
 

Steps:

BODY:

Cast on 77 stitches using US #7 (4.5mm) 16” or 20” circular needle

Round 1 k 1, p 1.
Using the seed stitch (k 1, p 1), begin with the 1st cast-on stitch. At the end of the first row, join stitches. Make sure circular needle is straight and that stitches are not twisted. You will be forming a complete circle by attaching the ends together with the first stitch.

Round 2: p 1, k 1

Continue using the seed stitch until the body measures 6 in. high. You will have made a tube shape.

Bind off using the seed stitch pattern until there are 11 stitches left. These stitches become the base of the closure flap of the bag.

CLOSURE:

Continue with the seed stitch pattern for 7 additional rows. Decrease 1 stitch at the beginning and end of each of the remaining rows until there are 3 stitches left.

Cut the cord leaving 24 in. Draw the cord through the remaining 3 stitches.

Using the remaining cord and the Size 1 crochet hook make a 4 in. chain and attach it to the bottom part of the flap creating a loop.

THE BUTTON:

Lay bag flat on a table. Attach the button to the middle front of the bag so that it will coordinate with the loop on the flap.

Weave in all loose ends with the crochet hook.

HANDLES:

Make two patches as follows:
Cast on 18 stitches. Using the garter stitch (knit every row) continue for 12 rows. Each patch will measure approximately 1 in x 3 in.

Whip stitch the top edge of one patch near the top inside center of the bag. Place one of the handles between the patch and the inside body of the bag and whip stitch the bottom of the patch in place. Repeat on opposite side.

THE BOTTOM:

Cast on 25 stitches. Using the garter stitch (knit every row) continue for 30 rows or until piece measures 4 in. Bind off. Whip stitch the knitted bottom to the baseboard.

Pin bottom in place, then whip stitch the bottom to the round end of the body tube.

Place drawstring liner inside and enjoy!

Shoulder Strap (Optional):

Knit: Cast on 5 stitches and use seed stitch to create strap about 40 in. long. Secure strap to inside of the baseboard and to top edge of bag.