ZigBagZ - Maxi Collection

ZigBagZ Maxi Collection by ColorJoy by LynnH

Project Overview

The ZigBagZ Maxi Collection features two practical, colorful knitted bags designed for everyday carry and project storage. These beginner-friendly designs combine functional construction with vibrant stranded colorwork techniques, making them suitable for knitters new to color work while producing professional-looking results.

Garment Designs

BiggieZig

Purpose: A manageable carry-all bag designed for everyday use and general storage.

Construction Method: The BiggieZig employs a practical two-stage construction approach. The base is worked flat, then stitches are picked up to knit the sides in the round. This method allows for easier colorwork management and creates a structured foundation. The bag features double-I-cord handles for durability and a button flap closure. A foam-reinforced base provides structure and protection for carried items.

BurlyZig

Purpose: A hefty project bag designed to accommodate larger items and serve as a substantial storage solution for knitting projects and supplies.

Construction Method: The BurlyZig uses the same foundational construction technique as the BiggieZig—base worked flat with sides knit in the round. It incorporates stranded colorwork throughout, double-I-cord handles, and a button flap. The foam-reinforced base provides structural support suitable for heavier contents.

Techniques and Stitches

Primary Technique: Stranded colorwork is the signature technique throughout the ZigBagZ Maxi Collection. This method involves carrying two colors of yarn across rows or rounds, creating the distinctive zigzag pattern that gives these bags their name.

Construction Techniques:

• Flat knitting for the base section
• Circular knitting for the sides
• Stitch pickup and transfer between flat and circular sections
• I-cord construction for reinforced handles
• Button band and flap closure

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Yarn Weight: Worsted-weight yarn is used throughout both bag designs, providing a medium gauge suitable for structured bags with good stitch definition.

Main Color Yarn (MC1 & MC2): Solid worsted-weight yarn in two main colors. The pattern recommends Paton's Classic Merino (equivalent to Cascade 220) or Nashua Creative Focus Worsted, a wool and alpaca blend. The designer emphasizes using one brand of main color yarn within each bag, as different yarn brands shrink at varying rates, which affects the final dimensions and appearance.

Contrast Color Yarn (CC1 & CC2): Slowly self-striping worsted-weight yarn creates the colorwork pattern. Noro Kureyon was used in the original designs. The self-striping nature of this yarn automatically creates color variation throughout the stranded colorwork sections. The designer notes that while other self-striping and felting yarns exist, careful monitoring during finishing is necessary as different yarns shrink at different rates.

Difficulty Level

Rated as beginner-friendly, the ZigBagZ Maxi Collection introduces knitters to stranded colorwork in a practical, project-based context. The manageable scale of the bags and the straightforward construction method make these designs accessible to those new to color work techniques.

Finishing Considerations

The pattern includes foam reinforcement for the base of both bags, adding structure and durability. The combination of multiple yarn types and self-striping qualities requires attention during finishing, particularly when blocking or felting, to ensure even shrinkage and final dimensions.