Knit a useful shopper

This bright knitted bag is perfect for the beach and is made using bramble stitch

YOU WILL NEED

3 x 100g ball of F032 n Bonus Super Chunky shade 686

1 Pair of 8mm (UK0 – USA11) knitting needles

Lining fabric

36cm (14in) ribbon for bag handles

TENSION

11 sts measures 10cm, (4in) and 20 rows measures 14cm, (5½in) over bramble stitch pattern on 8mm needles or the size required to give correct tension. Check your tension – if fewer stitches use a thinner needle, if more use a thicker needle.

It is essential to work to the stated tension to ensure success.

FRONT AND BACK (Both alike)

Using 8mm needles and thumb method cast on 34 sts.

1st row: Knit.

2nd row: Knit.

3rd row: K1, purl to last st, k1.

4th row: K1, * (k1, p1, k1) into next st, p3tog, rep from * to last st, k1.

5th row: As 3rd row.

6th row: K1, * p3tog, (k1, p1, k1) into next st, rep from * to last st, k1.

7th row: As 3rd row.

8th row: As 4th row.

9th to 12th row: Knit.

13th row: As 3rd row.

14th row: As 6th row.

15th row: As 3rd row.

16th row: As 4th row.

BEFORE YOU START

cont – continue; g-st – garter stitch (knit every row); k – knit; p – purl; p3tog – purl 3 together; patt – pattern; rep – repeat; rs – right side; st(s) – stitch(es); tog – together; ws – wrong side. 17th row: As 3rd row.

18th row: As 6th row.

19th row: Knit.

20th row: Knit.

From 1st to 20th row sets bramble stitch patt.

Rep from 1st to 20th row once then rep 1st row once more.

Cast off knitways.

SIDE PANELS AND BASE (Worked in one piece)

Using 8mm needles and thumb method cast on 77 sts.

1st row: Knit.

Working in g-st (throughout) cont until work measures 8cm, (3in), ending with a rs row.

Cast off knitways.

Place markers at upper and lower edges, 28cm (11in) from each end. These markers will indicate depth of side panels and width of base when sewing bag together.

HANDLES (Make 2)

Using 8mm needles and thumb method cast on 3 sts.

Working in g-st (throughout) cont until handles measure 45cm (17¾in) ending with a rs row. Cast off knitways.

TO MAKE UP

Cut out lining pieces using bag as a guide. Join side panels and base section to front and back pieces using markers as a guide. Join lining seams and stitch in place inside bag. Sew ribbon to underside of handles. If required, using bag as a template, make a cardboard insert for base of bag and cover with lining fabric. Sew on handles to outside of bag. See ball band for washing and further care instructions. For help with Sirdar designs or for more patterns and wools visit www.sirdar.co.uk or call 01924 231 682