Dewdrops Bag

Dewdrops Bag by Sian Brown

What is Being Made

The Dewdrops Bag is an intermediate-level knitted handbag designed by Sian Brown. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a structured bag measuring 27 cm wide by 25 cm deep, featuring a sophisticated textured design. The finished bag is constructed from two identical knitted pieces that are sewn together and finished with faux leather handles, lining, and wadding for structure and durability.

Craft and Primary Technique

This project is created using knitting as the primary craft method. The pattern is suitable for knitters with intermediate-level skills, as it incorporates multiple stitch techniques and shaping methods that go beyond basic stockinette stitch. The construction involves working flat pieces on straight needles before assembly, making it an accessible yet engaging project for experienced beginners and intermediate knitters.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques Used

The Dewdrops Bag pattern employs a variety of knitting stitches and techniques to create its distinctive textured appearance:

• Stockinette stitch (st st) — forms the foundation of the fabric, worked in rows with knit stitches on the right side and purl stitches on the wrong side
• Twisted knit stitch (k1 tbl) — knit through the back of the loop, creating a subtle twisted detail that adds visual interest and texture
• Yarn overs and increases — a five-stitch increase worked as (k, p, k, p, k) into a single stitch, creating an eyelet or lace-like expansion in the pattern
• Slip stitch and decrease (sl 2, k3sts tog, psso) — a complex decrease technique that reduces five stitches down to one stitch, creating dramatic shaping and textural contrast
• Reverse stockinette sections — purl stitches on the right side create contrast and depth within the overall design

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Dewdrops Bag pattern calls for Rico Fashion Linen Swell Aran yarn in colour 003, requiring 3 balls total. This yarn is a blend of 80% cotton and 20% linen, with each ball weighing 50 grams and yielding 110 meters. The cotton-linen blend provides breathability, structure, and a natural drape ideal for a bag that needs to hold its shape while remaining comfortable to carry.

The pattern specifies a pair of 4.5mm needles for working the knitted pieces. Additional materials include a pair of faux leather handles measuring 40 cm long, lining fabric, wadding for structure and padding, and a press stud for closure.

Tension and Gauge

The pattern is designed to be worked at a tension of 18 stitches by 24 rows over a 10 x 10 cm (4 x 4 inch) square in stockinette stitch. Achieving the correct tension is essential for the bag to reach the intended finished measurements of 27 cm wide by 25 cm deep. Knitters should swatch before beginning the project to ensure their personal gauge matches the pattern requirements.

Pattern Construction

Each of the two bag pieces begins with casting on 58 stitches and working 2 rows of stockinette stitch before entering the main pattern repeat. The pattern is worked over 9 rows, which creates the textured design through the combination of twisted stitches, strategic increases, and dramatic decreases. The pattern repeat expands the stitch count to 94 stitches at its widest point (Row 5) before returning to the original 58 stitches by Row 9, creating a sculptural, three-dimensional quality to the finished fabric.