Maritima Bag

Maritima Bag by Jutta Maria Guerth

Project Overview

The Maritima Bag is a beginner-friendly knitted tote bag that combines handmade knitting with sewn fabric construction. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a finished bag measuring 35 x 38 cm (13 ¾" x 15"), making it a practical accessory perfect for everyday use. The design integrates sport weight yarn with structural fabric components to produce a durable, finished handbag.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a complete tote bag featuring a knitted exterior body paired with functional fabric linings and hardware. The bag includes interior organization with a zippered pocket and is finished with metal hardware for professional closure and carrying options. The combination of knitted and sewn elements creates a hybrid construction that balances handmade aesthetics with practical durability.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Maritima Bag uses fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginners. The primary stitch structure is garter stitch (knit stitch), which creates a textured, reversible fabric with excellent drape and stability. The pattern begins with a cast-on of 71 stitches and continues in stockinette or garter stitch construction depending on the designer's specifications. The straightforward stitch pattern allows crafters to focus on gauge accuracy and construction while building confidence with basic knitting fundamentals.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

• Yarn: 100 grams of sport weight knitting yarn (125 meters/50 grams or 136 yards/50 grams). The pattern accommodates mixed color leftovers, making it an excellent stash-busting project
• Knitting Needles: Size 4 (US 6) needles
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 29 rows = 10 x 10 cm (4" x 4") in the stitch pattern
• Tapestry needle: For weaving in yarn ends and finishing

Fabric and Hardware Components

Beyond the knitted elements, the Maritima Bag incorporates multiple fabric layers and hardware to create a structured, finished accessory:

• Jeans Fabric: 30 x 140 cm (11 ¾" x 55") for exterior structure and durability
• Cotton Lining Fabric: 50 x 140 cm (19 ½" x 55") for interior finish
• Microfiber Interfacing: 50 x 100 cm (19 ½" x 39 ½") for body stability
• Stronger Interfacing or Batting: 30 x 40 cm (11 ¾" x 15 ¾") for reinforcement
• Interfacing Ribbon: 2.5 x 125 cm (1" x 49 ¼") for edge finishing
• Metal Hardware: 2 square rings and 1 slider for handle attachment
• Zippers: One 50 cm (19 ½") zipper for main closure and one 16 cm (6 ¼") zipper for interior pocket
• Thread: Coordinating thread for all fabric construction and assembly

Construction Method

The Maritima Bag employs a hybrid construction technique that combines hand-knitting with sewing. The knitted fabric forms the primary exterior visual element, while the jeans and cotton fabrics provide structural support and lining. Interfacing layers are incorporated throughout to maintain bag shape and durability. The pattern includes seam allowances in all listed measurements, indicating a professional finish with properly sewn seams. Metal hardware and zippers are integrated to create a fully functional, closure-equipped bag suitable for regular use.

Difficulty Level

Rated as a beginner project, the Maritima Bag is accessible to knitters new to garment construction. The straightforward stitch pattern and simple shaping make it an ideal introduction to creating a finished accessory. While the pattern combines knitting with sewing elements, the techniques involved remain foundational, making this an excellent confidence-building project for crafters transitioning from simple practice pieces to functional items.