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:
Main Colour / MC: Lily Sugar ‘n Cream heavy worsted weight yarn, 100% cotton, 183m/200 yds:113 gm/4 oz Super Size ball in colour: #18004 Ecru / Cream x 1 ball.

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

• Note: The sample bag used almost all of the 1 ball of the Main Colour yarn specified. Please purchase or hold an extra ball to ensure you have enough yarn to complete your project.

Actual amount of yarn used in sample as shown:
. MC: 112gm/3.95 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.
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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.

Notions: Row counter, markers, sewing needle & thread, and tapestry needle for finishing

For Provisional Cast-On: Crochet hook and small amount of waste yarn.

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

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, 2024
Website: www.wyndlestrawdesigns.com