The Lindal Künstlertasche is part of my Lindal Collection focusing on short-row knitting techniques and highlighting the way color uniquely pools within the shapes of this design, which is well suited to self-striping and gradient yarn.

Size: This large handbag measures app. 52cm (20.5”) at the widest part across the width of the bottom, 15.2cm (6”) in depth measured across bottom side edge, and 24cm (9.5”) in height (including the portion that wraps around the handle).

Yardage: I am working with a worsted/aran weight fiber but using a 3.25mm (US3) needle to really make this as dense a fabric as possible for durability. If knit at this tension, the yardage is as follows:

MC Color 1: 87m (95yds)
MC Color 2: 57m (62yds)
MC Color 3: 60m (65yds)
MC Color 4: 64m (70yds)
MC Color 5: 160m (174yds)

CC Color: 144m (156yds)

Techniques: This design uses both garter stitch and stockinette stitch, short-row shapes, i-cord edging, lateral braids, and slipped stitches along with a provisional cast-on and center double decreases. Information is included.

Finishing: Wooden Handles were purchased through Amazon for this design. The link is here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KH7PD71?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo…

If you don’t have access to Amazon, don’t want to spend the money to purchase a set of three handles, or would prefer to make these yourself, I have included a vector diagram with measurements for you to use for this design element. You could also decide to use a braided cord, rope or woven strap as the handle instead.

Additionally, I cut a cork panel to fit inside the bottom of the handbag to give it more structure. This measures 5.5”x19.5”. The cork used was purchased here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B099KNQLTQ?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_p....

As previously written, if you don’t want to work with this product you can choose to create your own, but I do recommend using something, otherwise the bottom really falls limp and hangs weirdly. I wanted to stay away from using plastic, however if you had a thick piece of flexible plastic, thin cardboard, or heavy wool felt, it could be cut to the dimensions above and work great too.

One more add-on feature that I would recommend including is a metal framing element. This would be inserted just inside the top lip of the bag under the handles and extending to either side where the lateral braid creates the corners. This can be found here https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CF1V39PH?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_p... The third largest size works perfectly for this design. I personally like the way that it looks in this area as it adds a bit of extra structure to the finished piece.

Grafting: There are two different grafting techniques used for this design - one for stockinette and the other for garter stitch.

Diagrams: Vector diagrams are included in this design to serve as both a map for shape placement along with a color planning sheet. I have also included diagrams for cutting an optional liner.

Yarn: I am working with the beautiful Pennsylvania Avenue series from Plied Yarn Company. www.pliedyarns.com This fiber is perfect for this application as it has the strength to stand up to long term use and the friction associated with handling the bag. Although many yarns would look lovely in this design, Plied makes an exceptional product that will make this handbag a treasured heirloom. If working at the gauge outlined, and with the same yarn, you will need a total of 7 skeins = 2CC and 5MC.