Plaits and Twists

Plaits and Twists Knitted Bag by Steven Hicks

Project Overview

Plaits and Twists is a downloadable knitting pattern for a structured handbag designed by Steven Hicks. This intermediate-level project creates a finished bag measuring 15 inches by 13 inches, combining decorative cable and twist stitch techniques with practical construction methods including fabric lining and button closure.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a finished knitted bag with a tailored appearance suitable for everyday use. The bag features a lined interior constructed from coordinating fabric and is secured with a button closure. The finished dimensions of 15" x 13" create a medium-sized handbag with substantial capacity.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Plaits and Twists bag employs several key knitting techniques to create visual interest and structure:

• Cable and Twist Stitches: The primary decorative element uses plaited and twisted stitch patterns, worked from a provided chart that guides stitch placement and creates the textured surface design.
• Stockinette Stitch: Used as the base stitch for gauge measurement and likely for sections between the decorative pattern elements.
• Chart Reading: The pattern requires following a stitch chart with directional considerations: odd rows (wrong side) are read left to right, while even rows (right side) are read right to left, a standard technique for working patterned knitting.
• Double-Strand Knitting: Yarn is held doubled throughout the entire project, which creates a thicker, more durable fabric suitable for a structured bag.
• Finishing Techniques: Construction includes casting on, working repeated chart sections, securing stitches on scrap yarn, and careful weaving in of ends on wrong sides before lining application.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The pattern calls for 630 yards of worsted weight yarn, worked with two strands held together throughout the project. This doubled-yarn approach creates a fabric equivalent to bulky weight yarn. The designer notes that a single strand of bulky yarn could be substituted as an alternative, which would require approximately half the yardage.

Needles required include US #10.5 (6.5mm) needles for the main body and US #9 (5.5mm) double-pointed needles for finishing work. Additional materials include a darning needle for weaving in ends, fabric for lining (less than ½ yard or two fat quarters of coordinating fabric), and one coordinating button for closure.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 13 stitches per 4 inches in stockinette stitch. This gauge measurement is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions and should be verified before beginning the project.

Construction Method

The bag is constructed by creating two identical side panels, each cast on with 62 stitches. The pattern directs knitters to work through a 24-row chart twice for each side panel, creating the decorative plait and twist pattern. After completing the charted rows, stitches are transferred to scrap yarn to hold the work. The pattern emphasizes securing all ends on the wrong side before applying the fabric lining, ensuring a professional finished appearance.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, this pattern assumes knitters have foundational skills including cast-on and bind-off techniques, the ability to read stitch charts with directional changes, and familiarity with working with doubled yarn. The cable and twist stitch elements require attention to stitch placement but are guided by the provided chart.