Size
28 x 13.5cm

You will need
NOTE this bag is knitted in bamboo DK; if you are unable to obtain this yarn use any 100% cotton DK yarn of your choice

• 3 x 50g balls of Vinnis Colours Bamboo DK in avocado or a colour of your choice
• 5mm knitting needles
• stud fastener
• antique brooch
• silver chain for strap

Abbreviations
c/on(off)        cast on (off)
g st                  garter stitch
k                      knit
st(s)                stitch(es)

To make
1 Using 5mm knitting needles c/on 40 sts. The method of c/on shown is called the cable method and it produces a firm edge.

2 Working every row in k st, work 75 rows. This stitch pattern is called garter stitch (g st) or plain stitch.

3 To form the front flap, decrease as follows: on the next row, k the first 2 sts together (you will have lost 1 st). now k to the last 2 sts and k these 2 sts together. You should have 38 sts left on your needles.

4 Continue in this way decreasing 1 st at the beginning and end of the row until there are 4 sts remaining on your needles. The flap section is triangular in shape.

5 C/off these 4 sts. This completes the knitted section. Darn in all the loose ends of the yarn at the back of the work.

To make up
1 Place the knitting on a flat surface with the wrong side uppermost. Fold the bag so there are 35 rows for the front and 35 rows for the back; the remaining 5 rows of the back and shaped triangular piece form the flap.

2 Thread a tapestry needle using the same yarn as the bag. Now sew the two side edges together. The neatest stitch to use is a mattress or ladder stitch as it produces an invisible seam.

3 Sew one piece of the stud fastener to the inside of the flap and the other piece to the front of the bag so that when they are closed the two pieces correspond. Sew the brooch to the front flap in the same position as the stud fastener. This is for decoration only, however it will also disguise the stitches used to sew the stud fastener in position.

4 To complete your knitted bag, attach the silver chain strap to both sides of the handbag at the top edge. Make sure that the stitching is secure as this is the section of the bag that will take the most weight.

Cast on

Garter stitch (plain stitch)

Decrease

Text and image: Ideas magazine