Brioche Bag (approximate finished size of bag section: 10″ X 10″)
Sash Bag in Brioche
This archetypical bag is worn diagonally from one shoulder to the opposite hip. It is knitted in 2 identical pieces that extend from the bottom edge of the bag to the point at which the strap reaches the top of the shoulder. It is assembled in such a way that it sits like an extra “pocket”on which ever side you prefer (left or right handed). The wide strap makes it comfortable to wear. The kit includes a fashion button or bead that either matches the Brioche color you have chosen, or is appropriately neutral. This, combined with a crocheted loop becomes the closure. If you do not fill the bag with bulky things, it sits close to the body as a wonderful addition to your outfit. I’ve worn mine under my coat at times while traveling or if I happen to be in a place where I feel insecure. You will love working with “Brioche”!
Yarn Required:
357 yds of Artfibers “Brioche” (includes 10% extra to allow for differences between knitters)
Tools Required:
Size 9 (5.5 mm) and 10.5 (6.5 mm) straight or circular knitting needles.
Size G (4 mm) crochet hook
Darning needle
Sewing needle and thread for attaching button or bead
Stitch holders
Bag Stitch Pattern (multiple of 6 + 3)
Row 1 (RS): *K3, yf, sl3, yb; repeat from * to the last 3 sts, k3. (The yarn coming across the front of the 3 slipped stitches is called a “carry”.)
Row 2 (WS): Purl
Sash Bag, designed by Rox
Strap Stitch Pattern:
Row 1 (RS): K1, *YO, K2tog; repeat from * to the last stitch, k1.
Row 2 (WS decrease row): K2tog, *YO, k2tog; repeat from * to the last 2 sts, K2tog.
Sewing techniques, crocheted chain and three needle bind off can be found in technique books and/or internet sites such as www.youtube.com.
Making the Bag and Strap Pieces:
1. Using size 9 needles, cast on 57 sts.
2. Purl 1 row.
3. Work in the Bag Stitch Pattern until the piece measures 10″ (you will be able to count approximately 45 “carries” from bottom to top that point.
On the last purl row of the bag section, decrease by 1 stitch in the middle of the row to 56 sts.
4. Change to size 10.5 needles and Strap Stitch Pattern.
Make the tapered strap section until there are 16 sts remaining.
5. Continue on with the strap, by using Row 1 of the strap stitch pattern only (no more decrease rows), until entire strap measures approximately 18″ slightly stretched.
6. Change to Garter Stitch (all knits) for the adjustable section of the strap and continue until entire strap measures approximately 21″ slightly stretched. Cut the yarn, leaving about a 2 foot tail.
7. Put the 16 stitches on a holder.
Make a second piece just like the first one.
Sash Bag
Assembly and Finishing:
Before sewing, you might pin the pieces together and try on the bag to make sure everything is positioned properly and the strap is (at this point) the length you would like.
Assemble the front and back of the bag so that the opening is positioned like a pocket on your left side if you are left handed and the right side if you are right handed. The knit side of the bag should be facing the outside and the bag sections will sit against each other at a 45 degree angle (see photo).
1. Using an invisible stitch technique, your darning needle and Brioche, sew the two lower edge seams.
2. Using the same items and technique, sew the entire length of the seam that does not have a pocket opening.
3. Also using the same items and technique, sew about half of the edge with the pocket opening so that the opening is at the upper end of that edge (sewing half the length prevents things from possibly falling out of the bag). See the photo.
4. Use a three-needle bind off to join the strap at the shoulder. This will allow you to pull out the bind off and pull out some rows and re-bind off if the strap stretches over time. In order to easily find the ends, use your darning needle to run one end through the other end on the back side of the strap. It is only because Brioche is a hollow tubular yarn that you are able to do this wonderful trick! (See photo).
Sew the button or bead in the position shown using a sewing needle and thread.
Using your crochet hook and Brioche, crochet a chain long enough to form a loop that will capture the button or bead and leave a tail long enough for attachment to the bag. Using your darning needle, secure the loop to the bag in the position shown. A light steaming on the bag portion using your steam iron is a great way to even out any bumpiness or curl along the edges.
Embellish further if you want! The carries are a perfect place to weave ribbons or other materials through. Please send us photos of your finished projects!
Kit Price: $40.00 includes yarn, pattern and button or bead closure. To order send an email to artfibersyarn@earthlink.net (or yarn@artfibers.com) including your mailing address –we’ll bill you. Billing is normally through Paypal, where you can pay by credit card without having a Paypal account. We also accept checks.
Tags: artfibers, free pattern, knitting, sash bag
