1314 Sagitta - Bag Knitting Pattern for Women in Valley Yarns Leverett

1314 Sagitta - Knitted Market Bag Pattern

What is Being Made

The 1314 Sagitta is a practical market bag designed by Julie Turjoman for Valley Yarns. This women's bag features a spacious silhouette ideal for farmers' market shopping and everyday use. The finished bag measures 29 inches in circumference in the solid color sections, 27 inches in circumference through the colorwork area, and stands 16 to 18 inches tall depending on maker preference. The design includes a long cross-body shoulder strap for comfortable carrying and a hidden inside pocket for secure storage of valuables.

Techniques and Construction Methods

This intermediate-level knitting pattern employs several sophisticated techniques to create a durable, visually striking accessory. The bag is worked in the round beginning from the center of the base using small needles, which creates extra fabric density for a sturdy construction that can withstand the weight of market goods. The pattern incorporates stranded colorwork, a technique where multiple yarn colors are carried across the fabric to create patterned designs. The bag is also seamed in specific areas to complete the construction, and portions are worked flat as needed for the strap and other components. The bottom-up construction method allows knitters to work from the foundation upward, making it easy to adjust the final height to the preferred 16 or 18 inches.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

While the pattern description emphasizes the stranded colorwork technique, the specific stitch abbreviations and detailed stitch instructions are contained within the full PDF pattern. The colorwork sections create visual interest through the interplay of multiple yarn colors worked simultaneously, a hallmark of stranded knitting that requires managing multiple yarn strands while maintaining even tension.

Yarn and Materials

The 1314 Sagitta pattern calls for Valley Yarns Leverett, a yarn blend composed of 70% cotton and 30% linen. This fiber content is specifically chosen for stranded colorwork projects because the natural fibers provide excellent stitch definition and drape. The yarn is available in DK and worsted weights. The sample shown uses:

• Main Color (MC): 4 hanks of Valley Yarns Leverett in Stone (004)
• Contrast Color 1 (CC1): 2 hanks of Valley Yarns Leverett in Lilac (010)
• Contrast Color 2 (CC2): 2 hanks of Valley Yarns Leverett in Leaf (005)

The pattern requires US 4 (3.50 mm) double-pointed needles (dpn) to achieve the tight gauge necessary for a dense, structured bag fabric. The cotton-linen blend of Leverett provides a lovely color palette while offering the durability and breathability ideal for a practical market bag.

Skill Level and Pattern Format

This pattern is rated intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle stranded colorwork and circular knitting techniques. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF, allowing immediate access to complete instructions, charts, and finishing details.