Pouch of Gold

Pouch of Gold by Natàlia Prats

What is Being Made

The Pouch of Gold is a small knitted drawstring bag designed by Natàlia Prats. This luxurious accessory features a 6x6cm (2½x2½in) square base and is intended for storing treasures or presenting special gifts as an elegant envelope. The finished piece showcases a distinctive construction combining a flat square foundation with a textured body that rises from the base.

Construction and Techniques

This intermediate-level knitting project employs a two-stage construction method. The first stage involves knitting a flat square base measuring 6x6cm (2½x2½in) worked in stockinette stitch. The second stage transitions the work from flat to in-the-round construction, which is a key technique that allows the bag to take its three-dimensional form.

The body of the pouch is created using a distinctive textured stitch pattern that produces bullion-like columns. This effect is achieved through a combination of specialized stitches that create vertical ribbed texture reminiscent of bullion embroidery. The top edge of the bag finishes with a scalloped border, adding an elegant decorative element to the opening.

The transition from flat to circular knitting is accomplished by picking up stitches from the sides of the completed square base, a common technique for creating three-dimensional structures from flat foundations. This method ensures structural integrity and a seamless integration between the base and body sections.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch (St st) – used for the flat square base, creating a smooth, classic knitted fabric
• Knit stitch (k) – fundamental stitch used throughout the project
• Knit 2 together (k2tog) – a decrease stitch used in the body pattern to create texture and shaping
• Yarn over (yo) – creates openwork and contributes to the decorative scalloped border effect
• Cable cast-on variation (u stitch) – a specialized technique where the needle tip passes between two stitches, picks up yarn, and places the loop back on the left needle, creating a secure edge for the in-the-round section

Materials and Specifications

This project requires 1 ball of Twilleys of Stamford Goldfingering yarn in color 02 gold, providing 218 yards (199 meters) of light fingering weight (3 ply) yarn. The 3 ply weight classification indicates a fine yarn suitable for delicate, detailed work that creates a refined finished fabric.

Needles required are 3mm (US 2½) circular needles or double-pointed needles (dpns). Circular needles allow for smooth in-the-round knitting, while dpns offer an alternative for those who prefer that method. A tapestry needle is needed for finishing and weaving in ends.

The recommended gauge is 28 stitches and 36 rows per 10cm (4in) square in stockinette stitch. Achieving this gauge is important for obtaining the correct finished dimensions of the 6x6cm base and proportional body height.

Skill Level and Difficulty

Rated as an intermediate difficulty project, the Pouch of Gold requires knitters to be comfortable with fundamental stitches and techniques. The intermediate classification reflects the combination of flat and circular knitting, the transition between these two methods, and the specialized stitch patterns used to create the textured columns and scalloped border. Knitters should have experience with basic increases, decreases, and working in the round before attempting this design.