Felted Watermelon Bags – Tote & Purse size

Description

I designed these felted tote and purse watermelon bag pattern in 2010 and have now updated it to match my current designs. It is still one of my
favorite bags. The large size is about the size of a paper grocery bag and I love that it is sturdy enough to carry many knitting projects. You might have to head to a local laundromat to felt your bag as most newer washing machines have low agitation. The black seed buttons are available on Etsy.

PATTERN NOTES: This is a checklist pattern, each row is written out for easier tracking – however, this makes the pattern significantly longer – check to see the pages you want to print before starting. The base of the bag is worked as a complete square and bound off, then picked up around its entirety to insure a symmetrical felted seaming. Also, all decrease stitches in this pattern were made by K2tog. All increase stitches were made with a reverse loop over the needle (or thumb loop.) However, since the bag is felted, the knitter may use any increase or decrease method as the stitches will not
show.

YARN: Cascade 220 worsted non-superwash (100% Peruvian Highland Wool, 220 yds (200 m)/ 100 g (3.5 oz) in 3 colors: Christmas Green 8894; Hot Pink 9469; Christmas Red 8895 1500 yards of green (MC), 100 yards of hot pink (CC1: optional transition color) and 200 yards of red (CC2) GAUGE: 16 sts and 22 rows/rnds = 4” (10 cm) in St st.
Loose! The gauge doesn’t have to be exact since you are felting.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS: After felting:

Tote size = approximately 17”/43 cm high X 20”/51 cm wide

Purse size = approximately 9”/23 cm high X 14”/35.5 cm wide

NEEDLE: Size 10 ½ (6.5 mm) 29-inch circular needle
NOTIONS:
4 stitch markers (1 in different color)
12-16 Black buttons: Available on Etsy at:
CottonCandyTiggers
1 button for felted closure tab (optional)