Bee Stitch Bag in Deramores Studio DK Acrylic - Downloadable PDF

Bee Stitch Bag Knitting Pattern by Wendy Kippax in Deramores Studio DK Acrylic

This Bee Stitch Bag is an intermediate-level knitting pattern designed by Wendy Kippax, available as a downloadable PDF. The project produces a knitted bag featuring a striking two-colour textured body created with the distinctive bee stitch technique, combined with a neat integrated pocket worked in stocking stitch. It is an excellent project for knitters who are comfortable with basic techniques and ready to explore colourwork and textured stitch patterns.

What Is Being Made

The finished item is a knitted bag constructed using two contrasting shades of Deramores Studio DK yarn. The bag features a textured bee stitch body, a garter stitch border, and a cleverly constructed integrated pocket worked into the central section of the fabric. The combination of texture and two-colour knitting gives the bag a visually interesting, honeycomb-like surface that is both practical and decorative.

Techniques Used

• Two-colour knitting: The bee stitch section alternates between Yarn A (Blue Haze) and Yarn B (Storm Cloud), with each colour used on specific rows to create the characteristic textured pattern.
• Garter stitch border: The bag begins with 6 rows of garter stitch worked in Yarn A to create a firm, tidy cast-on edge.
• Integrated pocket construction: Stitches are divided using stitch holders, and the central 14 stitches are worked separately in stocking stitch for 44 rows to form the pocket lining before the full stitch count is rejoined.
• Working with stitch holders: The pattern requires placing groups of stitches on holders and returning to them, making familiarity with this technique essential.
• Tension management: The pattern specifies a tension of 20 stitches by 28 rows over bee stitch, and 22 stitches by 28 rows over stocking stitch, so achieving accurate gauge is important for correct sizing.

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch: Worked at the beginning of the bag for 6 rows to form the lower border.
• Bee stitch: The signature stitch of this pattern, worked over 4 rows using two yarn colours. The bee stitch is created by working k1b (knit one below — inserting the needle into the stitch one row below the current stitch) in alternating positions on wrong-side rows, with plain knit rows in between. This creates a raised, textured effect reminiscent of a honeycomb or woven fabric.
• Stocking stitch: Used for the pocket section, worked over the central 14 stitches for 44 rows, finishing with a purl row before the stitches are rejoined.
• K1b (knit one below): A key technique within the bee stitch pattern that creates the raised, interlocking texture characteristic of this design.

Bee Stitch Pattern Breakdown

The bee stitch is worked over a 4-row repeat using two colours:

• Row 1 (WS, Yarn B): K1, then work k1b, k1 alternately to the last stitch, k1.
• Row 2 (Yarn B): Knit.
• Row 3 (Yarn A): K1, then work k1, k1b alternately to the end.
• Row 4 (Yarn A): Knit.

This 4-row repeat is worked for approximately 9cm (34 rows), ending on an odd row so the wrong side is facing for the pocket construction. The offset placement of the k1b stitches on alternate pattern rows is what produces the characteristic bee-like texture across the fabric surface.

Materials

• Yarn A: Deramores Studio DK — 1 x 100g ball in Blue