Friesland Tote Bag in Deramores Studio Organic Cotton DK - Downloadable PDF

Friesland Tote Bag in Deramores Studio Organic Cotton DK

What is Being Made

The Friesland Tote Bag is a knitted shoulder bag designed by Wendy Kippax, measuring approximately 35cm x 38cm. This project combines traditional stranded colorwork techniques with practical tote bag construction, featuring a cotton lining and press stud closures for everyday use.

Craft and Techniques

This is an advanced-level knitting project that employs stranded knitting (also known as Fair Isle knitting), a colorwork technique where two yarn colors are carried across the row to create intricate patterns. The stranded method requires managing multiple yarn colors simultaneously, making tension control and color dominance critical skills. The project uses both straight needles and double-pointed needles, indicating construction across flat and circular sections.

Beyond knitting, the Friesland Tote Bag incorporates finishing techniques including sewing the cotton lining fabric to the knitted body and attaching press stud closures for functional closure. These hybrid skills combine traditional knitting with basic sewing and garment assembly.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K) – the fundamental stitch forming the base fabric
• Purl (P) – used in combination with knit stitches, likely for textural variation or ribbing
• Slip stitch purlwise (Sl1yb) – a stitch technique where the next stitch is slipped with yarn positioned at the back, commonly used in stranded colorwork to maintain even tension and create clean edges
• Stocking stitch – the primary fabric structure, worked in stranded colorwork across the design

Materials and Tools

Yarn: The pattern calls for Deramores Studio Organic Cotton DK weight yarn in two colors: 2 x 50g Vanilla (Yarn A) and 2 x 50g Breeze (Yarn B). DK (double knitting) weight yarn is a medium-weight option ideal for creating fabric with good drape and stitch definition, essential for displaying colorwork patterns clearly. The organic cotton fiber provides breathability and durability suitable for a frequently-used tote bag.

Needles: 4mm straight needles and a set of 4mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) are required. The combination of needle types suggests the bag is constructed using both flat knitting sections (worked on straight needles) and circular or small circumference sections (worked on DPNs).

Tension: The pattern specifies 22.5 stitches x 25 rows = 10cm x 10cm measured over stranded stocking stitch. Achieving accurate tension is particularly important in stranded colorwork projects, as inconsistent tension can distort the pattern and affect the finished bag's dimensions and appearance.

Additional Notions and Finishing Materials: Two 1.1cm press studs provide functional closure. Matching cotton lining fabric (71cm x 39cm) is required along with a sewing needle and thread for attaching the lining. A yarn or tapestry needle is needed for weaving in yarn ends and assembling the knitted pieces.

Designer

This pattern is designed by Wendy Kippax, a professional designer whose inspiration draws from history, travel, textures, and vibrant colors. Kippax won a Designer of the Year award that launched her professional design career, and she specializes in creating home accessories and garments that showcase the creative potential of yarn.