The Portland Plaid Bag is a fun, updated take on a traditional style handbag. Random horizontal stripes and random vertical stripes create an unexpected plaid pattern. Use your own creativity to develop a unique plaid pattern or make the bag as pictured using the suggested pattern. You could also make it all one color, or with just horizontal stripes. A rolled edge along the bottom of the bag gives definition and helps the bag stand up on it’s own. You can finish this bag with purchased leather handles or you can make felted handles. There are unlimited possibilities for making this bag uniquely your own!

Skill level: advanced beginner

This bag has no seams to sew and you only knit with one color of yarn at a time!!

Pattern directions include lots of color pictures, very detailed knitting instructions, definitions of stitches used and complete instructions for turning your knitted bag into a beautiful felted bag using your washing machine. You will also receive my tutorial “Simple Linings for Knitted and Crocheted Bags” for lining the bag with fabric.

Bag can be made in two sizes:
Small Bag Measurements after felting:
Finished Size: 13.5” wide, 8” high, 3.5” deep

Medium Bag Measurements after felting:
Finished Size: 17” wide, 9” high, 4.75” deep

Materials needed: (Yardage given in parenthesis is for medium size bag)
You will need six different colors of worsted weight 100% wool yarn in the following amounts:
Color A (used for the base of bag, top edge, bag flap and straps – if you are making felted straps): 310 (350) yards – or two balls of Patons Classic Wool
Colors B, C, D, E, F: 100 (120) yards of each color
Size US 10.5 (6.5mm) 24” circular knitting needles
Additional 24” circular knitting needle size 10.5 (6.5mm) (or the same size needle you will be using after determining gauge) or one size smaller
Two size US 10.5 (6mm) double-point needles if you are making felted handles
size I (5.5mm) or J (6mm) crochet hook
stitch markers
tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends
20” (or any length you prefer) leather straps that can be sewn onto the front of the bag
button thread in the same color of the leather straps for sewing them onto the bag
1” – 1 ½” button or snap or metal closure for flap (shown on teal/natural bag)
If you will be lining the bag:
½ yard of fabric and matching sewing thread
½ yard of heavyweight fusible interfacing such as Craft Bond or Craft Fuse

Gauge:
4 stitches per inch and 5.5 rows per inch in stockinette stitch using size 10.5 needles and one strand of worsted weight yarn