The Melissa Bag is a fun felted bag. The knitting in different directions produces a subtle change in the pattern of the fabric when felted. Short rows and strategic decreases are used to avoid flair on the free edges which often happens when felting articles. This is knit in garter and is a great pattern for a new knitter. Gauge is approximate so any small mistakes will be lost when the bag is felted. Add a cool lining and great button closure and you will have a cute tote for your knitting or books! Knit the Melissa Wristlet to match for tucking into your tote to hold your essentials. The redbag with the purple lining is knit from a multicolored yarn. The striped one is knit from multiple solid colors where the striping is random.

If you choose to knit this from another yarn, you may get different results. Note: Acrylic, rayon, cotton, and other non-animal fibers will not felt. For best results, use worsted weight wool or wool blended with other animal fibers.

Note:
The finished size is approximately 7”X7”X13” (US inches), however there are lots of factors to felting and your results may be different. Shaping is an important part of the felting process to achieve the shape you want.

For the striped version with the larger flap, please follow instructions that indicate to pick up all stitches across the back for the flap.

Lining:
Although I like to line my bags, it is not required. This thread in the Bags-Bags-Bags forum also has lots of links and advice on lining bags: link text