Lace Border Bag

Lace Border Bag by Sharon Slarke

Project Overview

The Lace Border Bag is a knitted accessory designed by Sharon Slarke that combines functionality with decorative lace detailing. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a firm, structured bag enhanced by an elegant lace border pattern. The design is quick to complete, making it an ideal project for knitters seeking a satisfying result without an extensive time commitment.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a practical handbag with finished dimensions of 25cm (10 inches) wide by 30cm (11.75 inches) tall. The bag features a lace border that adds visual interest and sophistication to the piece while maintaining the bag's utility for everyday use.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Lace Border Bag employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its finished structure and aesthetic:

• Gauge Manipulation: The bag is intentionally knitted on smaller needles than typically recommended for the yarn weight to create a firmer, more durable fabric suitable for a functional bag that will hold items without stretching.
• Lace Work: The lace border incorporates openwork stitch patterns that create decorative holes and texture, sourced from a 1980s English knitting publication called Creative Knitting, volume three.
• Stocking Stitch Foundation: The main body uses Stockinette stitch, which provides a smooth, classic knit fabric base.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern utilizes traditional knitting stitches and abbreviations:

• Wigwams Stitch: A textured pattern stitch featured in the design, worked over multiple rows with alternating knit and purl stitches to create visual dimension.
• Yarn Overs (yon/yrn): Used to create the openwork lace effects that characterize the border.
• Decreases: Including skpo (slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over) and dec 2 (slip 2 stitches together, knit 1, pass the 2 slipped stitches over) to shape the lace pattern and control stitch counts.
• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch for the bag body, created by alternating knit and purl rows.

Materials and Yarn

The Lace Border Bag requires 4 balls of chunky or 12ply yarn. The original pattern specifies Heirloom Easy Care 12ply in 50g balls, with each ball yielding approximately 66 meters (72 yards) of 100% wool fiber. However, the pattern is adaptable to any Chunky, Bulky, or 12ply weight yarn, offering flexibility for yarn substitution based on availability and personal preference.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern calls for one pair of size 5.5mm needles, or the size necessary to obtain the specified gauge. The target gauge is 19 stitches and 24 rows over 10cm (4 inches) when working Stockinette stitch using 6mm needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for creating the firm fabric required for a functional bag.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, this project suits knitters with foundational skills who are ready to work with lace patterns and understand gauge adjustment. The combination of basic stitches with lace techniques provides an accessible challenge without overwhelming complexity.