The Portland Plaid City Bag is a fun, updated take on a traditional plaid handbag with a modern shape. 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. If you like a more traditional plaid, make both the horizontal and vertical stripes in a uniform repeating pattern. You could also make it all one color, or with just horizontal stripes. 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:
Finished Size: 12.5” wide, 8” high, 2.5” deep

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

Materials needed:
yarn - 200-300 yards of main color, 50-75 yards each of 5 additional colors
Size 10.5 (6.5mm) 24” circular knitting needles
Size H, I or J crochet hook
Stitch marker
tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends

If you wish to line your bag:
1/3 yard of fabric or piece approximately 25” x 17” (36” x 24”)
Heavy duty interfacing (Craft Bond works great) approximately 25” x 17” (36” x 24”)
magnetic closure

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