Trio of Keepsake Bags

Trio of Keepsake Bags by Louisa Noble

Overview

The Trio of Keepsake Bags is a collection of three distinct circular drawstring bag designs created by independent designer Louisa Noble. Each finished bag measures approximately 8 x 8 cm, making them ideal for storing small keepsakes, presenting gifts, or creating wedding favours. These are quick knitting projects suitable for intermediate-level knitters working with DK weight yarn.

Design Variations

Version 1: Keepsake Bag with Fluffy Top

This design features a textured finish created by incorporating fluffy yarn in the final two rows of knitting. The bag combines a standard DK yarn base with a contrasting fluffy yarn to create visual and tactile interest at the top opening. One row of beading adds decorative detail and weight to the finished piece.

• Yarn Requirements: 50g DK yarn for the main body (the designer used a yarn with random colour changes for added visual interest), plus a small amount of fluffy yarn reserved for the last 2 rows only
• Beading: 11 x 3mm beads incorporated into one row
• Stitch Count: 65 stitches per row

Version 2: Keepsake Bag in Berry Pattern

This variation uses eyelash yarn in place of fluffy yarn to create a different textural effect. The berry pattern reference suggests a stitch pattern or colour work design, with eyelash yarn applied to the final 2 rows for a distinctive fringed appearance. Beading is incorporated into one row for added embellishment.

• Yarn Requirements: 50g DK yarn for the main body, plus a small amount of eyelash yarn for the last 2 rows only
• Beading: 11 x 3mm beads incorporated into one row
• Stitch Count: 66 stitches per row

Version 3: Beaded Keepsake Bag

This streamlined design focuses on beading as the primary decorative element, with no specialty yarn additions. The designer selected a shiny cotton mix yarn to complement the beaded embellishment, creating a refined, jewel-like finish suitable for formal occasions.

• Yarn Requirements: 50g DK yarn (the designer used a shiny cotton mix yarn for enhanced lustre)
• Beading: 200 x 2mm beads worked into the knitted fabric

Techniques and Stitches

All three designs employ circular knitting techniques to create seamless drawstring bags. The patterns use standard knitting stitches worked in the round, with the small finished size allowing for rapid project completion. Beading techniques are incorporated directly into the knitted fabric; the PDF includes instructions on threading beads onto yarn using a sewing needle and cotton thread, a traditional method that allows beads to be knitted into specific rows or distributed throughout the design.

Needles and Tools

Each design requires a pair of size 11 (3mm, US size 3) knitting needles for the main fabric, along with 3 double-pointed needles of the same size for working in the round and managing the circular construction. This needle size is appropriate for DK weight yarn and produces the compact gauge necessary for the 8 x 8 cm finished dimensions.

Skill Level and Project Scope

Designed as intermediate-level projects, these bags assume familiarity with basic knitting techniques including working in the round, managing multiple needles, and reading stitch patterns. The quick completion time makes them suitable for knitters seeking satisfying projects with immediate results, while the decorative options—fluffy yarn, eyelash yarn, and beading—allow for creative customization and skill development in embellishment techniques.