The Back-to-Nature Bag takes a plain linen tote and transforms it into a stunning and stylish accessory. The exterior is worked in a crisp cotton yarn and features a neat stitch that almost looks crocheted.

Inside, this versatile tote bag has a canvas liner but with the advantage that only minimal sewing is necessary to complete the item.

The instructions can be used to knit a whole range of bags to suit all your summer outfits. Go for a nautical look in navy, turquoise and white or design a colourful rainbow from left-over yarns in your stash.

PATTERN INFORMATION

DIFFICULTY: Intermediate

TECHNIQUES REQUIRED: Knitting, purling, provisional cast-on, slipped stitches, increases & working in the round.

SIZE: 31.5cm/12.5 ins high x 34cm/13.25 ins wide
​Drop from handle to base: 52cm/20.5 ins.

MATERIALS:
Yarns:
MC: Bernat Handicrafter Cotton DeLux heavy worsted weight/Aran yarn, 100% cotton,215m/236 yds:142gm/5 oz ball, in colour: #78219 Seaspray / Light Green x 1 ball.

CC: Lily Sugar ‘N Cream heavy worsted weight/Aran yarn, 100% cotton, 183m/200 yds:113 gm/4 oz Super Size ball in colour: #18004 Ecru / Cream x 2 balls.

Actual amount of yarn used in sample as shown:
MC: 112gm/4 oz, 182m/198 yds
CC: 75gm/2.6 oz, 114m/125 yds.
Total: 187gm/6.6 oz, 296m/323 yds.

Yarn substitution: To use an alternative yarn, please select an Aran or heavy worsted weight yarn with a recommended gauge of about 18sts:10 cm/4 ins using 4.5mm/US #7 needles.

Needles: Size 4.0mm/US #6 circular needles in lengths 60cm/24 ins & 100cm/40 ins.
​
Gauge: 18 sts & 26 rows to 10cm/4 ins in Embossed Check Stitch pattern using MC yarn and 4.0mm/US #6 needles, when slightly stretched.

Bag Liner: Cotton, linen or canvas bag, size: 31.5cm/12.5 ins high x 34cm/13.25 ins wide.

Notions: Row counter, markers & tapestry needle for finishing.
Crochet hook & small amount of waste yarn for Provisional Cast-On.
Sewing needle & thread.

This pattern is also included in the “Southampton Collection – Five Fabric-Lined Bags”.

The pattern is worked in a reversible stitch from our book, Reversible Knitting Stitches – A Sourcebook of 250 Double-Sided Stitch Patterns.

© Moira Ravenscroft, 2021
Website: www.wyndlestrawdesigns.com