Sierra Bag

Sierra Handbag by Anna Ravenscroft

What is Being Made

The Sierra Handbag is a delicate, natural shoulder bag designed as a versatile accessory suitable for everyday use. This knitted handbag features a finished size of 39cm (14.5 inches) long by 40cm (16 inches) wide, with a flat handle length of 52cm (20.5 inches). The bag is constructed from a single piece of knitted fabric measuring 74cm (29 inches) in length and 42cm (16.5 inches) in width before sewing and finishing.

Techniques and Construction

The Sierra Handbag is created using advanced knitting techniques that require patience and precision. The primary construction method involves the Linen stitch pattern, a textured stitch that creates a woven appearance and produces a firm fabric that resists stretching. This stitch pattern is worked using slip stitches, which contribute to the bag's structural integrity but result in a slower knitting pace compared to standard stitch patterns. The designer notes that while the slip stitches make this a slow grower, the finished result justifies the additional time investment.

Once the knitted fabric is complete, the piece is sewn together to form the finished handbag shape. The construction method allows for a seamless integration of the handle with the body of the bag.

Stitches Used

• Linen Stitch – The primary stitch pattern, created using slip stitches to achieve a woven texture and firm fabric structure
• Slip Stitches – Used throughout the Linen stitch pattern to create the characteristic woven appearance and durability

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Sierra Handbag is knitted using Rowan Creative Linen, a DK weight yarn composed of 50% cotton and 50% linen. This fiber blend is specifically chosen for its compatibility with the Linen stitch pattern, providing both aesthetic appeal and functional performance. Each 100g (3.5 oz) ball contains 200 meters (219 yards) of yarn.

The design uses three coordinating colorways from the Rowan Creative Linen range:

• Natural #621 – 2 balls (approximately 122g / 4.3 oz yarn used)
• Ochre #628 – 1 ball (approximately 80g / 2.8 oz yarn used)
• Eggplant #636 – 1 ball (approximately 75g / 2.6 oz yarn used)

The actual yarn quantities used may vary depending on individual gauge and the size knitted. The linen and cotton fiber content creates a natural, breathable fabric with a subtle sheen, making it ideal for a shoulder bag that combines durability with refined aesthetics.

Difficulty Level

This project is classified as advanced difficulty. The combination of slip stitch work, gauge precision requirements, and the patient attention needed for the Linen stitch pattern makes this suitable for experienced knitters who are comfortable with textured stitch patterns and have developed consistent tension control.