Mini Crossword Bags by Denise Sutherland

Mini Crossword Bags

Knitting
January 2009
Worsted (9 wpi) ?
20 stitches = 4 inches
in Stockinette
US 4 - 3.5 mm
34 - 36 yards (31 - 33 m)
Small and Large
English
This pattern is available for free.

These two little mini bags are quick and easy to knit, even if you’re new to stranded knitting. They are knit in the round.

There is 6 rows of ribbing, then 27 rows of crossword pattern, and then a black base which is knitted like a (mini) sock toe. You can finish the end in several ways - grafting, 3-needle bind off, or cast off and sew the end together.

You need two colors, black and white, in the same yarn. I used a bamboo/cotton blend, but any smooth yarn will work well. Fibre and gauge are not crucially important.

There are 2 sizes for the pattern :
Small (for thin tiny phones) - knit on 24 stitches
Large (for thicker phones and digital cameras) - knit on 30 stitches

Each pattern has two variations for the grid - either English-style crossword (with more black squares) or American-style crossword (with mostly white squares).

The crossword patterns are written out in two ways as well, with line-by-line instructions, and charts (as PDF downloads).

Knitting these in the round eliminates all sorts of hassles with the crossword pattern, and makes them quick and easy. I like using the Magic Loop technique to knit these, but you can also use double-pointed needles.

If the goodies you store in your bag catch on the strands of yarn (floats) inside, you may like to sew a simple lining for the bag and stitch it into place just below the ribbed section. You can also add a fastener to the ribbed section, something like a large snap would work well.

You can also make the bag longer (for pencils, or glasses, or other treasures) by knitting more repeats of the crossword pattern.

I’m always happy to help out, and grateful for notice of any mistakes.

Enjoy!