Lee Bag

Lee Bag by Sharon Slarke

What is Being Made

The Lee Bag is a small, elegant lace knitting project designed as a simple square bag measuring 17cm (6¾ inches) by 17cm (6¾ inches). This compact accessory features an I-cord strap for carrying, making it a practical yet decorative piece suitable for holding small essentials. The design prioritizes simplicity through its straightforward square construction with no shaping required, making it an accessible project for intermediate knitters.

Techniques Used

This knitting pattern employs several key techniques to create visual interest and texture. The primary construction method involves working a lace stitch pattern that creates an open, airy fabric characteristic of lace knitting. The pattern utilizes yarn-over increases paired with slip-knit-pass-slipped-stitch (skpo) decreases to create the signature eyelet effects throughout the fabric. The I-cord strap is created using the traditional I-cord technique, which produces a tubular cord by working a small number of stitches in the round on double-pointed needles. The bag is constructed as a single flat square piece, eliminating the need for complex shaping or seaming techniques.

Stitches Used

The Lee Bag features a specialized Lace Triangles Stitch as its primary pattern element. This stitch pattern works over a multiple of 11 stitches plus 5 additional stitches and repeats over 16 rows to create a complete pattern repeat. The stitch combines:

• Knit stitches (k) – the foundation of the fabric
• Purl stitches (p) – used on alternate rows to create structure
• Yarn-forward increases (yf) – creates the decorative eyelet holes
• Slip-knit-pass-slipped-stitch (skpo) – a left-leaning decrease that pairs with yarn-overs to maintain stitch count while creating lace

The Lace Triangles Stitch pattern progresses through 16 rows, with purl rows on every alternate row (rows 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16) to balance the lace pattern and create a cohesive fabric structure. The staggered placement of yarn-overs and decreases across the 16-row repeat creates the distinctive triangular lace motifs that give this stitch its name.

Materials and Tools

The Lee Bag is designed to be knitted with DK weight yarn (also known as 8 ply), specifically using Katia Linen1 ball of yarn to complete the project. Any comparable DK or 8 ply cotton or linen yarn may be substituted. The project calls for 3.25mm knitting needles (or the appropriate size needed to achieve the specified gauge). The recommended gauge is 22 stitches to 10 centimeters (4 inches) when working the Lace Triangles Stitch on 3.25mm needles, ensuring the finished bag achieves its intended dimensions and drape.