The Diechi Squared Up Handbag is made by choosing two worsted wool contrasting yarn colors, knitting striped squares in garter stitch and then seaming them together to form the bag shape. Two i-cord reinforced handles and a button loop are attached to the bag and then the bag is felted and air dried. Two inside slip pockets are knitted and felted separately. You can dress the handbag up or down based on your yarn colors and button closure. The small size makes a very smart looking evening bag. The finished handbag is washable, durable and makes a great gift (if you can part with it).

Don’t worry about being a perfect knitter, the felting hides minor irregularities. If you are an advanced beginner and can follow video tutorials, you should be able to complete the project. It takes me 3-4 weeks to complete a bag.

This knitted handbag is a great take-along project. The pattern is written for the medium-sized handbag, but includes guidelines for making other sizes. Each step is fully explained and photo illustrated on 18 pattern pages, which also include:

• Layout template
• Guidelines for small to extra large sizes
• Unique handle reinforcement technique to minimize stretch
• How to attach i-cord handles to the bag
• Washing machine felting guidelines
• How to add a reinforced button
• How to make and attach inside slip pockets
• Tested tutorial links
• Supply resource links

Number of skeins
Medium size approximate yarn requirements: MC 2 skeins; CC 1 skein

Measurement
Medium: 15”w x 10”h

Additional materials
One 1⅜“ shank button
Tapestry needle
⅜” twisted cotton cording 40-60”
Heavy sewing thread / Pearl Cotton
Plastic chopstick
Large flat head pins