Chunky Sampler Bag

Chunky Sampler Bag by Sharon Slarke

What Is Being Made

The Chunky Sampler Bag is a sustainable shopping bag designed by Sharon Slarke, combining multiple decorative stitch patterns in a single practical project. This knitted bag measures 30cm (12 inches) wide by 32.5cm (12.75 inches) tall, making it an ideal size for everyday shopping and carrying items. The design celebrates vintage knitting traditions by incorporating stitch patterns sourced from volume three of a 1980's English knitting series called Creative Knitting.

Techniques and Construction

This intermediate-level knitting project uses a sampler approach, meaning it showcases multiple distinct stitch patterns within one garment rather than repeating a single stitch throughout. The bag is constructed using two different needle sizes to create varying fabric densities and textures. The larger 6mm needles are used for the main fabric, while smaller 5.5mm needles are employed to achieve proper gauge and structure in specific sections. Knitters will work with standard knitting abbreviations including tbl (through back loops), yf (yarn forward), ytb (yarn to back), and ytf (yarn to front), which are essential for executing the pattern variations accurately.

Stitches Used

The Chunky Sampler Bag features two primary stitch patterns that create visual interest and texture:

• Moss Stitch (also called Seed Stitch) – A fundamental textured stitch created by alternating knit and purl stitches in a checkerboard pattern. Row 1 works as *K1, p1* repeated to the end, while Row 2 reverses this to *P1, k1*, and these two rows repeat throughout. Moss stitch produces a dense, bumpy fabric with excellent structure, making it ideal for bag construction.
• Purl Triangles – A decorative stitch pattern worked over a multiple of 12 stitches plus 2 edge stitches. This pattern creates geometric triangle shapes using combinations of knit and purl stitches, adding visual complexity and interest to the sampler design. The pattern involves strategic placement of purl stitches to form the triangular motifs against a knit background.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Chunky Sampler Bag is designed to be worked in chunky-weight yarn, specifically 12ply (bulky) yarn. The pattern calls for 8 balls of 50g yarn, with each ball containing approximately 66 meters (72 yards). The recommended yarn is Heirloom Easy Care 12ply, which is 100% wool, though the pattern accommodates any chunky, bulky, or 12ply weight yarn as a suitable substitute. This yarn weight choice ensures the bag knits up quickly while maintaining durability for everyday use.

The needle requirements are straightforward: one pair of 6mm needles (or the size needed to obtain proper gauge) and one pair of 5.5mm needles. The gauge is set at 15.75 stitches and 29 rows to 10cm (4 inches) when working Moss Stitch on 6mm needles, which is essential information for achieving the correct finished measurements.

Design Heritage and Sustainability

This bag celebrates sustainable craftsmanship by creating a functional, long-lasting accessory from natural wool fiber. The stitch patterns are sourced from authentic vintage knitting resources, connecting contemporary makers to knitting traditions from the 1980's English Creative Knitting series. By using chunky yarn and straightforward construction techniques, the Chunky Sampler Bag is accessible to intermediate knitters while producing a durable item suitable for repeated use.