Brigitte Shopping Bag
The Brigitte Shopping Bag will quickly become your go-to bag for any sort of errand you need to run. This lace mesh bag also features a delicate pearl trim that really adds something extra to an already beautiful free knitting pattern. The next time you go to the supermarket, you can skip the paper or plastic bags and use this lovely knit tote instead. Made in a neutral cream color, you can take this knit bag anywhere and everywhere with ease. Plus, the handles are long enough to comfortable fit over your shoulder without slipping off. Get started now on this versatile free knitting pattern and you will not be disappointed.
NotesNote for beads: All beads are added after knitted sections are complete.
Knitting Needle Size2 or 2.75 mm, 3 or 3.25 mm, 8 or 5 mm
Yarn Weight(4) Medium Weight/Worsted Weight and Aran (16-20 stitches to 4 inches)
Gauge17 sts and 33 rows to 10 cm measured over lace patt using 5mm (US 8) needles and Kid Classic.
Finished SizeCompleted bag is approx 32 cm (12½ in) wide at base and approx 34 cm (13½ in) deep.
Materials List
- Kid Classic and Summerlite 4 ply - A: KCl Feather 828: 2 x 50gm, B: 4ply Still Grey 422: 1 x 50gm
- 1 pair 3mm (no 11) (US 2/3) needles
- 1 pair 5mm (no 6) (US 8) needles
- Piece of lining fabric 40cm by 70cm (15½in by 27½in)
- 1 pack of Swarovski Silver Selection 9825101-00021 (containing faux pearl beads and 5mm faceted crystal beads – 126 beads in total)
Sides (make 2)
Using 5mm (US 8) needles and yarn A cast on 55 sts.
Row 1 (RS): K1, *yfrn, P1, P3tog, P1, yon, K1, rep from * to end.
Row 2 and every foll alt: K1, P to last st, K1.
Row 3: K2, yfwd, sl 1, K2tog, psso, yfwd, *K3, yfwd, sl 1, K2tog, psso, yfwd, rep from * to last 2 sts, K2.
Row 5: K2tog, P1, yon, K1, yfrn, P1, *P3tog, P1, yon, K1, yfrn, P1, rep from * to last 2 sts, sl 1, K1, psso.
Row 7: K2tog, yfwd, K3, yfwd, *sl 1, K2tog, psso, yfwd, K3, yfwd, rep from * to last 2 sts, sl 1, K1, psso.
Row 8: As row 2.
These 8 rows form lace patt.
Cont in lace patt until work meas 30 cm, dec 1 st at centre of last row and ending with RS facing for next row. 54 sts.
Now work in border patt as folls:
Row 1 (RS): K2tog tbl but leave 2nd of these 2 sts on left needle (thereby only dropping first of these 2 sts off needle), *K2tog tbl (this is st left on left needle from last “K2tog tbl” and next st) but leave 2nd of these 2 sts on left needle (thereby only dropping first of these 2 sts off needle), rep from * to end – one st still on left needle, K this st tbl.
Row 2: P2tog but leave 2nd of these 2 sts on left needle (thereby only dropping first of these 2 sts off needle), *P2tog (this is st left on left needle from last “P2tog” and next st) but leave 2nd of these 2 sts on left needle (thereby only dropping first of these 2 sts off needle), rep from * to end – one st still on left needle, P this st.
These 2 rows form border patt.
Completing work in border patt, cont as folls:
Work 6 rows, ending with RS facing for next row.
Break off yarn A and join in yarn B.
Change to 3mm (US 2/3) needles.
Work in border patt for 5 rows, ending with WS facing for next row.
Cast off.
Handles (make 2)
Using 3mm (US 2/3) needles and yarn B cast on 162 sts.
Beg with row 1, work in border patt as given for sides for 8 rows, ending with RS facing for next row.
Cast off.
Making Up
Press as described on the information page.
From lining fabric, cut two pieces same size as side sections, adding seam allowance along side and lower edges.
Mark points along row-end edges of knitted side sections 10 cm below cast-off edges. Join sides along row-end and cast-on edges, leaving row-end edges open above marked points.
On side sections, attach beads as in photograph – use the darker, larger beads at the top and the smaller, lighter beads lower down. Join side and lower edges of lining pieces in same way as knitted side sections. Slip lining inside knitted side pieces, and then fold under raw edges along open row-end edges and across top – folded edge of lining should “sit” level with beg of border patt. Neatly sew lining in place.
Fold each handle strip in half and join cast-on and cast-off edges to form a long thin tube, leaving approx 4 cm open at each end. Using photograph as a guide, wrap open ends of handles around top corners of sides and securely sew in place.