Product Description
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This posh knitted messenger bag with its little vintage look is perfect for the whirling of modern life. Make yourself a handy sized, comfy companion for night-outs, concerts, sightseeing, museums or for just being an urbanist, chic girl.
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The pattern contains detailed construction help with photos and a pattern for a simple lining.
(Note: I bought the bag accessories, but if you like, you can knit the bottom, the cap and the straps. But note, that this pattern doesn’t include instructions for them and the amount of yarn in Materials doesn’t cover the supply for knitted bag accessories.)
City Friend Messenger Bag by Janka Sipiczki
Project Overview
The City Friend Messenger Bag is a knitted messenger bag designed by Janka Sipiczki that combines modern functionality with vintage aesthetic appeal. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a structured, handy-sized bag perfect for urban lifestyles, night-outs, concerts, sightseeing, museum visits, and everyday carry. The finished bag measures 23 x 20 x 8 cm (9" x 7.8" x 3.14"), making it an appropriately scaled companion piece that balances style with practicality.
Knitting Techniques and Construction
This project employs fundamental knitting techniques combined with finishing methods that elevate the final piece. The knitted body is constructed using chunky-weight cotton cord yarn, which creates a sturdy, textured fabric suitable for a structured bag. The gauge is established at 13 stitches and 20 rows over a 4x4 inch swatch, providing a foundation for accurate sizing and fit. After the main knitting is complete, crochet techniques are used to join the various knitted parts together, requiring both knitting needles and a crochet hook for assembly.
Stitches and Yarn Materials
The pattern utilizes standard knitting stitches worked with size 5.5mm (US 9) needles. The primary yarn material is cotton cord in 3mm weight, with approximately 100 meters (110 yards) required for the knitted body and an additional 10 meters (11 yards) of the same yarn reserved for crocheting the parts together. Cotton cord provides durability, structure, and a refined appearance suitable for a sophisticated accessory. A size 3-4 crochet hook is needed for the assembly phase, allowing the designer to join knitted sections with precision.
Hardware and Finishing Components
The City Friend Messenger Bag incorporates several optional hardware and leather accessories that enhance both function and aesthetics. These include two D-rings for strap attachment (recommended for secure buckle placement), an oval leather bottom measuring 20 x 8 cm (7.8" x 3.14") with pre-drilled holes for integration, a leather bag cap measuring 20 x 18 cm (7.8" x 7") without a lock mechanism, an adjustable leather crossbody strap with adjustment range from approximately 80 to 150 cm (31" to 59"), two buckle mortise locks for closure security, and zip needle thread for final assembly. These components transform the knitted base into a polished, functional accessory with vintage charm.
Difficulty Level and Skill Requirements
Rated as an intermediate project, the City Friend Messenger Bag requires knitters to be comfortable with basic knitting techniques, gauge work, and finishing methods. The combination of knitting and crochet assembly means crafters should have familiarity with both techniques. The structured nature of the design and the incorporation of hardware components make this project suitable for knitters with some experience who are ready to tackle multi-step construction and accessory integration.
```Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Yarn Weight: | Chunky |
| Pages: | 11 |
| Designer: | Janka Sipiczki |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
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