Everyday satchel

Jane Burns’ knitted twist on the classic school satchel will add a touch of retro style to your look.

Finished with leather fasteners.

The delicate colourwork pattern on this pretty knitted satchel by Jane Burns is worked in two contrasting shades of blue, for a stylish accessory that you can pair with any outfit.

Notes The first stitch of each row is slipped – this is to assist with sewing up and to produce the chunky seam. Seams are worked using a crochet hook and the slipped stitch crochet method. If you prefer, sew the seams with the WS facing to produce a similar look.

BACK PANEL

Note Back Panel includes Front Flap and is worked from the bottom of the Back Panel up. Cast on 54 sts using 4mm needles and Yarn A. Note Slip the first stitch of every row purlwise throughout this piece. Starting with a RS row, work Rows 1– 62 from Chart A, do not cast off. Row 63 In Yarn B: Purl. Row 64 In Yarn B: Purl. Rows 65–90 In Yarn B: Starting with a knit row, work stocking stitch. Rows 91–121 Work rows 61– 31 from Chart A in stocking stitch as set. Cast off using Yarn B.

FRONT PANEL

Cast on 54 sts using 4mm needles and Yarn A. Note Slip the first stitch of every row purlwise throughout this piece. Starting with a RS row, work Rows 1– 62 from Chart A. Cast off.

POCKET

Cast on 40 sts using 4mm needles and Yarn A. Work from Chart C. Row 1 K1A, work Row 1 from Chart C, K1A. Row 2 P1A, work Row 2 from Chart C, P1A. Continue as set until end of Row 13. Row 14 P1B, work Row 14 from Chart C, P1B. Row 15 K1B, work Row 15 from Chart C, K1B. Continue as set until end of Chart C. Cast off.

BASE

Cast on 54 sts using 4mm needles and Yarn A. Row 1 Knit. Row 2 Purl. Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until 25 rows have been worked in total. Cast off.

SIDE PANELS

(MAKE 2) Starting at the bottom of the Panels, slip the first stitch of every row purlwise throughout this piece. Cast on 20 sts using 4mm needles and Yarn A. Row 1 K2A, work Row 1 from Chart B, K2A. Row 2 P2A, work Row 2 from Chart B, P2A. Continue as set until end of Row 23. Row 24 P2B, work Row 24 from Chart B, P2B. Row 25 K2B, work Row 25 from Chart B, K2B. Continue as set until end of Chart B. Cast off.

HANDLE

Cast on 20 sts using 4mm needles and Yarn B. Row 1 Sl1, knit to end. Row 2 Sl1, purl to end. Continue until strap measures 120cm from cast- on edge. Cast off.

TO MAKE UP

Block all pieces. Sew the Pocket to the Front Panel, lining up the pattern. Sew the pieces together using seaming instructions in pattern notes. Sew on the handle. Sew the straps to the bag.

Sewing a large cross helps the straps to stay secure and the bag last longer!

Attach the straps using a sharp sewing needle and matching thread.