Cloverly Bag

Cloverly Bag by Josie Bailey

What is Being Made

The Cloverly Bag is a knitted tote bag designed by Josie Bailey. This project creates a functional, everyday carry bag suitable for intermediate knitters. The finished bag is worked in super chunky yarn, making it a relatively quick knitting project that requires less than 200 yards of yarn total.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Cloverly Bag employs several fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate skill levels. The main bag body is constructed using circular knitting needles, which allows for seamless construction in the round. The pattern incorporates basic shaping methods including knit two together decreases to form the bag structure. Slip stitches worked purlwise are used for specific stitch manipulations. The i-cord straps are worked separately on double-pointed needles, a technique that creates a sturdy, rounded cord handle.

Stitches and Stitch Work

The pattern uses essential knitting stitches including:

• Knit stitches – the primary stitch forming the fabric
• Purl stitches – used for texture and pattern variation
• Slip stitches purlwise – for edge definition and stitch manipulation
• Knit two together decreases – for shaping the bag structure
• I-cord – a specialized technique for creating the bag handles using double-pointed needles

Materials and Tools

The Cloverly Bag is worked with super chunky yarn, specifically Lion Brand Thick & Quick in a size 6 bulky weight classification. Available colorways include Fisherman, Raspberry, Clay, Mustard, Grass, Denim, and Fig. The yarn requirement is minimal at less than 200 yards, making this an economical project.

Essential knitting tools include U.S. 11 (8 mm) circular knitting needles measuring 16 inches (41 cm) in length for the main bag body, and two U.S. 13 (9 mm) double-pointed needles for working the i-cord straps. A stitch marker is required to track rounds during circular knitting. Optionally, the pattern accommodates 6 to 8 extra-large grommets or eyelets (12 mm size) for decorative or functional finishing details.