The cotton outer shell is worked in a crisp cotton yarn using Embossed Check Stitch, which is a wonderfully textural pattern from our Reversible Knitting Stitches book. This is a strong stitch with a structure that looks almost crocheted. I then added a light-weight fabric lining and love the versatility this has given the bag.
The lining was super-easy to do too, so that inspired me to add a lining to a few other bags and that is what I have been working on in the last couple of weeks.
I followed the lining instructions from the Weymouth Shoulder Bag pattern, but cut the fabric a little "oversized" so that the bag would still be flexible and roomy. I didn't want to lose the advantage of a nice stretchy bag the next time I headed to the Farmers' Market!
With the lining the bag works perfectly for heavier loads coming back from the market. It also co-ordinates really well with the unlined BYOB Bags that I always carry for all the bulky light-weight items. Perfect!
For this bag, I wanted to make it short and square so I could fit my lunch box and a few nibbles inside. I chose a combination of Rice Stitch and Half-Twisted Rib from our Reversible Knitting Stitches book for the sides and love the way this combination has worked. I can see myself using this again in the future. The twisted stitches also add strength to the fabric so it shouldn't stretch out of shape in use.
I added some long ribs at the corners for definition and then brought the top in slightly with a decorative top edge. I will thread a string through the holes in that border to act as a gather to cinch the bag closed.
Now I just need to put it all together and add the handles. I will probably also add a piece of plastic canvas as a base for extra stability. I used that technique in the Weymouth Shoulder Bag and found it worked so well to give a nice flat base.
I hope that will inspire you to add some fabric linings to your own knitting bags. To explore all the bag patterns I have available, please click here, and to read more about our Reversible Knitting Stitches book, please click here.
Until next time - Happy Bag Knitting!
Moira
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