Full of it!

Full of it! Knitted Bags by Threebagsfulled

What Is Being Made

Full of it! is an original knitting design by Threebagsfulled (© Hilary Designs 2012) that offers three distinct bag options for knitters of varying experience levels. The collection includes two different sized hand bags and an extra large tote bag featuring fun stripes, all designed specifically for the fulling process. This KAL (Knit-Along) project introduces crafters to the adventure of fulling, a technique that transforms knitted fabric through wet finishing.

Techniques and Process

The primary technique featured in this design is fulling, a wet finishing method that densifies and transforms knitted fabric. Fulling creates a felted appearance while maintaining stitch definition, resulting in durable, structured bags ideal for everyday use. The design accommodates different knitting tensions, as proper fulling requires very loose and relaxed fabric. Knitters are advised to work with appropriately sized needles based on their individual gauge to achieve the correct fabric density before fulling.

The KAL format provides structured guidance over a three-week period with video support, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced bag makers. The striped colorwork on the tote bag adds visual interest and demonstrates how multiple yarn colors can be incorporated into the fulling process.

Stitches Used

While specific stitch details are not fully detailed in the provided content, the bags are constructed using fundamental knitting stitches suitable for creating structured bag fabric. The design accommodates various knitting styles and tensions, suggesting straightforward stitch patterns that work effectively when fulled.

Materials and Tools

Needles: The pattern requires Size 13 24-inch circular needles and Size 15 double-pointed needles or short circular needles for all three bag options. Needle adjustments are recommended based on individual knitting tension: tight knitters should use Size 15 circulars for the bag body, while loose knitters may prefer Size 11 circulars for the body with Size 13 circulars for the strap.

Yarn Weight: Worsted weight yarn is used for this project, providing the appropriate thickness and yardage for creating substantial, durable bags.

Additional Supplies: Markers are required for tracking pattern sections. The pattern specifically recommends handmade markers created from short lengths of scrap wool rather than conventional markers, as traditional markers may not withstand the fulling process.

Difficulty Level

This design is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to explore the fulling technique. The structured KAL format with video support helps guide crafters through the process, whether they are new to bag knitting or experienced in the craft.