Embossed Stitch Bag

Embossed Stitch Bag by Sian Brown

Project Overview

The Embossed Stitch Bag is an intermediate-level knitted accessory designed by Sian Brown. This downloadable knitting pattern produces a structured bag measuring 29 cm wide by 25 cm deep, combining decorative lace elements with dimensional embossed texturing for a sophisticated finished piece.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a knitted bag constructed from two matching pieces that are subsequently lined and finished with faux leather handles and a press stud closure. The bag features a combination of openwork lace stitches and raised embossed sections that create visual and tactile interest across the fabric surface.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Embossed Stitch Bag employs several intermediate knitting techniques to achieve its distinctive appearance:

• Lace knitting: Yarn overs and decreases (k2tog and skpo) create openwork patterns throughout the design, allowing light to pass through the fabric
• Embossed stitch work: A specialized technique involving multiple passes of knitting and purling in the same stitch column, followed by decreasing stitches together with corresponding stitches from six rows below, creating raised three-dimensional texture
• Stockinette and reverse stockinette combinations: Alternating knit and purl rows build the foundation fabric and create contrast with the decorative elements

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern utilizes a 10-row repeat that combines multiple stitch techniques:

• Yarn overs (yo): Create decorative holes within the lace sections
• Knit two together (k2tog) and slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over (skpo): Decreasing stitches that pair with yarn overs to form lace motifs
• Embossed stitch special abbreviation: Defined as working (p5, turn, k5, turn) three times, then purling each stitch together with the corresponding stitch six rows below by inserting the needle through the next stitch and back loop of the stitch below. This creates raised, dimensional texture distinct from the surrounding fabric
• Knit and purl stitches: Form the base fabric and create textural contrast

Materials and Specifications

The pattern calls for Rico Fashion Modern Tweed yarn in shade 002, a blend of 60% wool, 20% polyamide, and 20% acrylic. Three 50-gram balls (yielding 95 meters each) provide sufficient yardage for the completed bag. The yarn knits to aran weight specifications at a tension of 19 stitches and 20 rows over 10 by 10 centimeters (4 inches) when worked on size 4.5mm needles.

Additional materials required include lining fabric, wadding for structure and body, faux leather handles for durability and aesthetic appeal, and a press stud for secure closure. These finishing components transform the knitted pieces into a functional, wearable accessory.

Pattern Construction

The pattern instructs knitters to cast on 55 stitches and work two identical pieces. The 10-row repeat combines openwork lace sections with embossed stitch blocks, creating a balanced design that repeats across the width of the fabric. The combination of decreases with yarn overs produces the lace effect, while the embossed stitches add sculptural dimension and visual complexity to the finished bag.