Easy cable handbag

Cast on this cutie and discover a world of twisted bliss. Siân Brown’s handy bag makes a great first cable knit.

When starting a new knitting technique it’s always wise to opt for a pattern that’s a regular square or rectangle, eradicating all those distracting increases and decreases. Enter this quick knit by Siân Brown. Filled to the brim with chunky cable in a quick-to-knit yarn, this fun bag looks great in all the colours of the rainbow. Cast on and off in a weekend!

BAG (MAKE 2)

Cast on 32 sts.

Purl one row.

Row 1 (RS) Knit.

Row 2 and every alt row Purl.

Row 3 K1, *K2, C4B; rep from * to last st, K1.

Row 5 Knit.

Row 7 K1, *C4F, K2; rep from * to last st, K1.

Row 8 Purl.

These 8 rows form the pattern. Repeat until work measures approx 35cm.

Work in stocking st for 3 cm. Cast off.

TO MAKE UP

Block pieces and press edges. Pin and sew bottom seam and side seams.

1 Cut a piece of lining fabric the width of the bag plus 0.5cm seam allowances, and twice the depth of the bag plus 0.5cm seam allowances. Cut a piece of wadding the same size as the lining fabric.

2 With the lining fabric on top of the wadding, fold over one of the top edges and sew in place.

3 Put the lining inside the bag and fold over and pin the second top piece 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. Sew in place.

4 Pin side seams, try the lining inside the bag and adjust to fit. It is better to have the lining slightly narrower than the bag to stop it being loose, so that the knitted piece is eased to fit the lining piece.

5 Sew the side seams.

6 Pin the lining into bag and hand sew in place.

7 Pin a piece of the fringe along the top a little way down and handsew in place.

9 Pin a second piece along the top of the bag, just under the cast-off edge. Hand sew in place. Repeat for the second side. 10 Sew the handles onto the finished bag and add a press stud if preferred.

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MEET OUR DESIGNER Siân Brown “My idea for this bag was to have a simple cable pattern in a really chunky yarn which was easy and quick to knit. The faux suede inge and leather look handles give it a more individual look.”

If you don’t want to use faux suede, opt for another favourite trim to finish your bag.

Choose a bold lining for your knitted bag for a truly awe-inspiring finish.

This chunky raised cable pattern creates a strong bag, ideal for purses and keys.