Deiva Bag in Berroco Vernazza - Downloadable PDF

Deiva Bag Knitting Pattern by Åsa Buchta – Berroco Vernazza Downloadable PDF

The Deiva Bag is a stylish, structured knitted tote designed by Åsa Buchta and published by Berroco. This intermediate-level knitting pattern is available as a downloadable PDF and produces a square-based bag with a clean, minimalist silhouette. The finished bag measures approximately 9 inches square at the base and 12 inches high, making it a practical everyday carry with a handcrafted feel.

What Is Being Made

The Deiva is a knitted handbag or tote featuring a flat square bottom panel, a structured body, two sewn-on straps, and a braided drawstring closure. The design is elegant in its simplicity, relying on the texture and drape of the yarn rather than complex colorwork or shaping. The result is a polished, market-ready bag suitable for knitters who have moved beyond beginner projects and are comfortable with flat knitting, seaming, and basic construction techniques.

Construction Techniques

The Deiva Bag is worked entirely flat — meaning it is knitted back and forth in rows rather than in the round. This approach makes it accessible to knitters who prefer straight or circular needles used flat. The construction is modular, with each component worked separately and then assembled during finishing:

• Bottom Panel: Cast on 40 stitches and worked in Garter Stitch for 90 rows (45 garter ridges), producing a square base measuring approximately 9 inches.
• Body: Additional stitches are cast on at each side of the bottom panel to form the bag body, which continues upward from the base. This clever construction integrates the sides and body in a single flat piece.
• Straps (Make 2): Each strap is worked separately by casting on 100 stitches and knitting in Garter Stitch until the piece measures 2 inches wide, then bound off. The straps are sewn onto the bag — one end of each strap is attached near the center back seam just below the drawstring holes, and the other end is sewn to the outer bottom back corners.
• Seaming: The sides of the body are seamed together to form the center back of the bag. The bottom panel is then sewn to the body to complete the three-dimensional structure.
• Braided Drawstring: A drawstring is braided and threaded through eyelets or holes near the top of the bag to provide a closure. Braiding is a simple finishing technique that adds a handcrafted, artisanal touch.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout the entire pattern — for the bottom panel, body, and straps alike — is Garter Stitch, which is achieved by knitting every single row when working flat. Garter Stitch produces a dense, ridged fabric that is naturally stretchy widthwise and holds its shape well, making it ideal for structured bag construction. It also lies flat without curling, which is a practical advantage when seaming and finishing a bag. The repetitive nature of Garter Stitch makes this pattern meditative and approachable for intermediate knitters looking to build confidence with construction and finishing.

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Notions

• Yarn: Berroco Vernazza in colorway #10650 Findon — 6 balls of 50 grams each. Berroco Vernazza is a worsted weight yarn, which gives the Deiva Bag its sturdy, well-defined structure. The worsted weight also works up relatively quickly, making this a satisfying project to complete.
• Needles: Knitting needles in size 6 / 4 mm, or the size needed to obtain the correct gauge.
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 40 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm in Garter Stitch, measured after blocking. Checking gauge is strongly recommended to ensure accurate finished dimensions.

Who This Pattern Is For

Rated intermediate in difficulty, the Deiva Bag pattern by Åsa Buchta is best suited for knitters who are