Friesland Messenger Bag in Deramores Studio Organic Cotton DK - Downloadable PDF

Friesland Messenger Bag in Deramores Studio Organic Cotton DK

Project Overview

The Friesland Messenger Bag is an advanced-level knitted accessory designed by Wendy Kippax. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a structured messenger-style bag measuring approximately 25cm x 24cm, featuring a practical snap closure. The design combines traditional knitting techniques with contemporary bag construction, making it an ideal project for experienced knitters seeking to expand their skills into wearable accessories.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a finished messenger bag with a tailored construction. The bag features a main body knitted in two complementary colorways, a coordinating cotton lining fabric, and a functional 1.8cm snap closure (or large press stud alternative). The compact dimensions make this bag suitable for carrying essentials while maintaining a refined, structured silhouette.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Houndstooth Pattern: A classic two-color knitting technique creating a distinctive checked texture. This pattern requires careful stitch management and color changes throughout the knitting process.
• Stranded Stocking Stitch: A colorwork method where yarn colors are carried across the back of the work, creating a reversible fabric with excellent durability. This technique is measured at 22.5 stitches x 25 rows over a 10cm x 10cm gauge swatch.
• Slip Stitch (Sl1yb): Slipping stitches purlwise is used to create clean edges and transitions within the knitted fabric.
• Bag Construction: The pattern incorporates lining integration, requiring knowledge of finishing techniques and assembly methods beyond basic knitting.

Stitches and Abbreviations

• K: Knit stitch
• P: Purl stitch
• St(s): Stitch(es)
• Sl1yb: Slip the next stitch purlwise with yarn in back

Materials Required

Yarn: Deramores Studio Organic Cotton DK yarn in two colorways—2 x 50g balls of Vanilla (Yarn A) and 2 x 50g balls of Air Blue (Yarn B). The DK weight provides excellent stitch definition for the colorwork patterns and creates a fabric with good structure suitable for bag construction.

Needles: 4mm straight needles are required for this project.

Additional Supplies: Matching cotton lining fabric (76cm x 26cm), a yarn or tapestry needle for weaving in ends and assembly, and a 1.8cm snap closure or large press stud for the bag closure.

Tension and Sizing

Achieving correct tension is critical for this advanced project. The Houndstooth pattern should measure 22 stitches x 32 rows over a 10cm x 10cm swatch, while stranded stocking stitch sections measure 22.5 stitches x 25 rows over the same gauge. The finished bag dimensions are approximately 25cm x 24cm, making it a compact accessory suitable for daily use.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as Advanced, reflecting the complexity of colorwork techniques, tension management across multiple stitch patterns, and the finishing skills required to integrate lining and hardware. Knitters should be comfortable with two-color knitting, reading complex stitch patterns, and assembling finished pieces before attempting this project.