Knit this versatile “everywhere bag” in different sizes to carry almost everything. This is a great project for novice knitters because it calls for garter stitch, which you never have to purl.
Here are the materials and vital statistics for this project:
Measurements: 8 inches x 9 inches, with a 4-inch flap
Yarn: Tahki Donegal Tweed (100% wool); 3.5 ounces; 1 skein; any color
Needles: One pair of size US 7 (4 1/2 mm) needles
Other materials: One button, any size
Gauge: 18 stitches per 4 inches in garter stitch (4 1/2 stitches per 1 inch)
Warm up your fingers and get started on your knitted “everywhere bag”:
Cast on 38 stitches (sts).
Work in garter stitch until the piece measures 22 inches in length. (In garter stitch, you never have to purl; just knit every row.)
Bind off and steam lightly.
Steaming makes sure your work lies flat.
Measure down 9 inches from one edge and fold your piece with wrong sides together.
Even though garter stitch is reversible, your cast-on edge looks different from each side. Choose the side you like better and make that side the right side.
Sew the sides closed.
You should have 4 inches left over for the flap. It doesn’t really matter how you sew the sides closed, but to make a neat seam, use a tapestry needle and a strand of the same yarn.
Cast on 189 sts (about 42 inches of stitches), work in garter stitch for 3 rows, and then bind off.
This portion becomes your bag's strap.
Sew the ends of the strap to either side of the top of the bag.
Use the same yarn you used for the bag.
Cast on 8 sts, knit 1 row, and bind off.
This step makes the button loop.
Center the loop on the bag flap and attach it with yarn.
Position the ends of the loop 1 inch or so apart.
Sew your button on the bag, making sure it’s opposite the loop on the flap.
Use embroidery floss or sewing thread.
If you work the bag in a plied yarn, you can separate a single ply and use that to sew on your button. Then the “thread” matches your bag exactly!