LADDER-STITCH BAG

BAG PANELS (MAKE 2)

Cast on 61 sts using 5mm needles and Yarn A.

Row 1 (RS) Knit.

Row 2 (WS) Purl.

LADDER PATTERN

Row 1 (RS) Using Yarn B, K4, *sl 1, K3; rep from * to last st, K1.

Row 2 K4, *sl 1 wyif, K3; rep from * to last st, K1.

Row 3 Using Yarn A, P2, sl 1, *P3, sl 1; rep from * to last 2 sts, P2.

Row 4 P2, sl 1, *P3, sl 1; rep from * to last 2 sts, P2.

Row 5 Using Yarn C, K4, *sl 1, K3; rep from * to last st, K1.

Row 6 K4, *sl 1 wyif, K3; rep from * to last st, K1.

Row 7 Using Yarn A, P2, sl 1, *P3, sl 1; rep from * to last 2 sts, P2.

Row 8 P2, sl 1, *P3, sl 1; rep from * to last 2 sts, P2.

Rep last 8 rows until panel measures 26cm from cast-on edge after a Row 8.

Cut Yarn B and Yarn C.

GARTER EDGE

Dec row Using Yarn A, *K5, k2tog; rep from * to last 5 sts, K5. [53 sts]

Row 1 Knit.

Rep last row another 9 times. Cast off.

MAKING UP

Weave in ends and block gently to measurements, following any yarn care instructions on the ball band.

1 With WS facing each other, pin and sew the bottom seam and side seams of the panels together. Turn RS out.

2 Cut a piece of lining fabric the width of the bag plus seam allowances, and twice the depth of the bag plus seam allowances.

3 Cut a piece of wadding slightly smaller than the lining fabric.

4 With the lining fabric on top of the wadding, fold over one of the top edges to cover the wadding. Pin to inside top of bag and sew in place securely.

5 Put the lining inside the bag and fold over the wadding to cover it.

6 Pin to the other side of the bag to fit just below the top of the knitted bag. It is better to have the lining slightly shorter than the bag to stop it being loose at the top.

7 For the handle, cut the rope in half, and spread the ends out to make it less bulky. Place the rope into the bag between the lining and the knitted piece. Hand sew into place, securing the rope a few times from inside to outside of the bag. Sew both tops in place.

8 With WS facing, pin side seams, and turn RS facing so you can check the fit and adjust. It is better to have the lining slightly narrower than the bag to stop it being loose, so that the knitted piece isn’t stretched larger by the lining piece.

9 Sew the side seams.

"Rope handles and a seaside-y colour scheme scream summertime, and with a little luck, springtime too! If the weather warms up I’ll be planning this as my next knit." SOPHIE JORDAN, DEPUTY EDITOR