Knit a beach bag :: free knitting patterns

Materials

● 4 balls Rowan Denim (50g) in Tennessee (A)
● 3 balls in Memphis (B)
● 2 balls in Nashville (C)
● 2 balls in Ecru (D)
● Size 5 (3.75mm) double-pointed needles
● Size 5 (3.75mm) circular needle
● Approximately 150g of randomly bleached yarn
● Tapestry needle
● Stitch marker

Gauge

Knit 24 sts and 32 rows in stocking stitch. This should measure 4in (10cm) square before washing.

Base

With size 5 double-pointed needles and D, cast on 8 sts. Taking care not to twist the yarn, join into a ring. Mark the join.

Round 1: k to end - 8 sts.
Round 2: *k1, m1 (make one); rep from * to end of round - 16 sts.
Round 3: k to end.
Round 4: *k1, m1, k3, m1; rep from * to end of round - 24 sts.
Round 5: k to end.
Round 6: *k1, m1, k5, m1; rep from * to end of round - 32 sts.
Round 7: k to end.
Round 8: *k1, m1, k7, m1; rep from * to end of round - 40 sts.
Round 9: k to end.
Round 10: *k1, m1, k9, m1; rep from * to end of round - 48 sts.

Count working in rounds as a set (one round plain knit, one round increase), working stripes for a further 6 rounds in D, then 16 rounds each in C, B and A until a total of 64 rounds have been worked - 264 sts. Change the circular needle when necessary. Mark the ‘corner' of the base as the start of the rounds for the body.

Body

Work even for 28 rounds in each of D, C, B and A.

Handles

With A, count as foll:
Round 1: *yf (yarn forward), sl (slip) 1 p-wise, yb (yarn at back), k1; rep from * to end of round.
Round 2: *k1, yf, sl 1 p-wise, yb; rep from * to end of round. These rounds set the pattern.
Rounds 3-4: As rounds 1 and 2.
Round 5: patt 22 sts, bind off 22 sts, patt next 109 sts, bind off 22 sts, patt to end of round.
Round 6: patt 22 sts, cast on 88 sts, patt 110 sts, cast on 88 sts, patt to end of round - 396 sts. Work a further 18 rounds with pattern as set, then cast off knitwise. Sew in all ends securely.

Finishing

Taking a long length of randomly bleached yarn, thread tapestry needle. Begin at 1st round on the body of the bag (D section), weave in bleached yarn and out along row, over 1st st and under the following one. On 2nd round, alternately weave so that yarn goes under 1st st and over the next one. Repeat on B stripe of bag (omitting sections of C and A), being careful not to pull yarn too tight and keeping tension consistent.

Pattern taken from 'Indigo Knits' (Potter Craft, £29.99)