Cast on 112 stitches. Join and *purl 1 round, knit 1 round, repeat from * for total of 6 rounds. Next round: knit 20 stitches, increase 1 stitch, knit 36 stitches, increase 1 stitch, knit 20 stitches, increase 1 stitch, knit remaining 36 stitches and increase 1 stitch – total of 116 stitches. Knit until bag measures about 12 to 13”. Purl next round.

Bottom: *knit 19 stitches, bind off next 2 stitches, knit 35 stitches, bind off next 2 stitches; repeat from *. The bottom of bag is worked as 4 separate flaps. After felting, the flaps are folded in—one on top of the other—then glue or stitch flaps together. So the bottom of the bag will be 4x as thick as the rest of the bag. This makes a sturdy and firm bottom and the bag will keep its shape even loaded with knitting books. You’ll be working back and forth in stockinette stitch (knit on right side and purl on wrong side). Work the 19-stitch flaps to width of bag—about 12” long. And work the 35-stitch flaps to depth of bag—or about 6˝” long.

For a neat edge at the four corners, pinch 2 stitches together (the stitches that you bound off before beginning bottom part) and sew them together.

Darn in ends. Then felt bag in washing machine. Add colorful swatches from some of your previous projects and felt together with bag. When bag and swatches are completely dry, fold in the 4 flaps (see illustration) and sew or glue them together. Add swatches to front of bag (sew or glue). Then cut the measuring tape into 2 lengths for straps and attach them to bag (sew them on with strong sewing thread).


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    Morehouse Farm