HIT THE ROAD OVERNIGHT BAG

This bag may look polished and complex but it’s actually easy knitting.

OVERVIEW
The sample bag is photographed holding 4 pairs of ladies pants and 4 t-shirts and it is not stuffed. This can definitely be used as luggage for short trips. The entire bag is lined so the knit side of the work shows both inside and out. This also adds to its sturdiness and prevents the floats of the fairisle fabric from getting into trouble. A wooden bottom is inserted between the fabric layers to make the bag sturdy and shape-holding. Feet are screwed through the outside of the bag and into this wooden piece which prevents abrasion to the bottom of the bag. You may use a purchased bag frame or 1/2” dowels for the top support. Knitting and the end result is slightly different using each option. The footprint of the bag is 20.5”X9”. Sides are 14” tall on the sample. You may, of course, alter the height easily by altering row count. Just make sure that every time a side or end is knitted, whether lining or outer fabric, the same number of rows is used. Multiple gauges are offered. The sample is 7 stitches/7 rows/inch in fairisle using Tamm Microtamm yarn at stitch size 10 on the standard gauge machine. The fact that stitch and row gauge are the same may seem odd but all-over fairisle does lengthen the rows and decrease the width. In my opinion, this is the best of the gauges to use because we want the fabric really sturdy but not so thick as to be awkward when seaming or so heavy as to make the bag something only Hercules could carry. This fabric fits the bill. However, stitch and row gauges from 4-8 are provided so you can decide on your own favorite fabric and use any machine. Fairisle fabrics should be pulled lengthwise, then allowed to rest before measuring for gauge.