Felted Flap Top Purse Pattern

After looking at many felted bag patterns and not finding exactly what I was looking for, I created the following pattern. I am posting it as a freebie for you!

Knit with US 10.5 needles with Western Sky Knits 3-ply merino. Any worsted weight wool yarn will work, but 100% wool is needed for proper felting.

Base of the bag
CO 40 stitiches
Knit 34 rows in garter stitch
Place marker (A)
Pick up and knit 16 stitches along left side of rectangle, place marker (B)
Pick up and knit 49 stitched along CO edge, place marker (C)
Pick up and knit 16 stitches along right side of rectangle, place marker (D)
Join stitches and begin knitting in stockinette stitch in the round for 60 rows.

Body of the bag
On row 12 - Decrease by k2tog after marker A, before marker B, after marker C and before marker D. You will have 14 stitches on each of the short sides and 49 stitches on the long sides.

On row 24 - Decrease by k2tog after marker A, before marker B, after marker C and before marker D. You will have 12 stitches on each of the short sides and 49 stitches on the long sides.

On row 36 - Decrease by k2tog after marker A, before marker B, after marker C and before marker D. You will have 10 stitches on each of the short sides and 49 stitches on the long sides.

On row 48 - Decrease by k2tog after marker A, before marker B, after marker C and before marker D. You will have 8 stitches on each of the short sides and 49 stitches on the long sides.

Once you have knit 60 rows with decreases, beginning at marker D, bind off 49 stitches. Place the 8 stitches between markers A and B on a stitch holder. Keep stitches between B and C on your circular needle. Place the 8 stitches between C and D on a stitch holder.

Bag flap top
If you would like to change yarn color for the flap top, do so here by tying on new yarn.

Knit in SS stitch for 36 rows. Bind off.

Strap
Remove the 8 stitches from the stitch holder and place on needle. Knit in garter stitch until the strap measures 22" long. Join with the remaining 8 stitch on the other stitch holder using the Kitchener stitch.

Weave in ends and felt. :)


Pre-felted measurements

Strap - 22" long in garter stitch
Flap - 14" wide by 7" tall
Bag body - 14" wide by 11" tall
Bag base - 14" long by 5" wide



Post-felting

Current Design Projects

I am currently working on knitting a sample for a pattern I wrote this winter. It is called the Avalon Cabled Cardigan. The cardigan is currently sized for children aged 12 monnths - 10 years.

I am about 4 inches from finishing the second sleeve. As soon as I bind off, I will be casting on for the sample of a coordinating hat called the Avalon Cabled Hat. I will be photographing both the hat and cardi next week, so I will update with photos soon. I committed to sending both samples to the publisher next week, so I am knitting whenever possible.

I have plans to create a pattern for women based on the feedback from the child version. I have the prototype on the needles for me in my "Dark Night" colorway on Sequoia Superwash Merino. It will definitely be a while until it is finished based on my other design commitments. I want to finish it this summer, so I can wear it in the fall/winter.

Joining the blogging ranks

I am finally joining in the blogging world. The blog will be used to share my recent knitting projects, knitwear designs, and fiber art. I plan on updating at least every week.

I look forward to sharing my ideas and art with you!