Free Bias Bag Knitting Pattern

This is the bag you've been dreaming of! Two sumptuous yarns knit on the bias combine to make this classic design unforgettable.

Free purse knitting patterns: bias bag
Knitting on the bias creates a diagonal
design that delights the eye.

Size

Bag: 10x10" (25.5x25.5cm)
Strap: 28" (71cm) long

What You'll Need

Yarn: Silk/rayon blend yarn, worsted weight, about 300 yards (274m); 100% cotton sport weight yarn (use doubled), about 230 yards (210m)

We used: Indra silk (70% silk, 30% viscos; about 300 yards [274m] per 71/2-oz juggle ball): all assorted colors -- no 2 balls are exactly alike (yarn A), 1 skein; Zitron Samoa (100% cotton; 115 yards [105m] per 50g skein): #38 (yarn B), 2 skeins

Needles: US size 8 (5mm)

Notions: Long sewing pins; tapestry needle

Gauge

16 stitches and 32 rows=4" (10cm)

Notes

  • This purse is knitted in garter stitch (knit every row) placed on the bias. We used 2 yarns and alternated them every 2 rows. You will start knitting in 1 corner of the body, first creating a triangle, then knit on an angle to complete a rectangle knitted on the bias.

  • When working with yarn B, use 2 strands held together as 1.

  • The strap is knitted separately and stitched in place.

Make the Bag

Section 1
With yarn A, cast on 3 stitches.

Free purse knitting patterns: bias bag
View Enlarged Image
The bias bag is a perfect mid-size
shoulder bag.

Row 1: Knit.
Row 2: Knit into front and back of next 2 stitches, knit 1. (5 stitches)
Row 3: Knit.
Row 4 (right side): With 2 strands held together as 1, join yarn B (do not cut yarn A). With yarn B, knit into front and back of first stitch, knit 2, knit into front and back of next stitch, knit 1. (7 stitches)
Row 5: Knit.
Row 6: With yarn A, knit into front and back of first stitch, knit 4, knit into front and back of next stitch, knit 1. (9 stitches)
Row 7: Knit.
Row 8: With yarn B, knit into front and back of first stitch, knit 6, knit into front and back of next stitch, knit 1. (11 stitches)
Row 9: Knit.

Continue in striped pattern, increasing on first and second-to-last stitches until there are 51 stitches on needle. End with wrong-side row (all knit, no increases).

Section 2
Maintaining established striped pattern, continue as follows:
Row 1 (right side): Knit into front and back of first stitch, knit 48, knit 2 together.
Row 2: Knit.

Repeat these 2 rows, changing colors every 2 rows until piece measures 21" (53.5cm) from cast-on corner. End with row 2.

Section 3
Maintaining established striped pattern, continue as follows:

Next row: Work slip slip knit decrease, knit across row until 2 stitches remain, knit 2 together.
Row 2: Knit.

Repeat these 2 rows until 3 stitches remain. Bind off loosely.

Make the Strap
With 2 strands of yarn B held together as 1, cast on 8 stitches.

Work in garter stitch (knit every row) until strap measures 48" (122cm). Bind off loosely.

Finishing

Fold body of purse in half with right sides together. The straight edge with 3 bind-off stitches and the straight edge with 3 cast-on stitches are together at the opposite end from the folded edge, forming the bag opening. Mark across fold line with pins. Unfold bag. Match center of strap cast-off edge to marked fold line on bag. Pin in place. With 1 strand of yarn B threaded on tapestry needle, sew together using backstitch. Pin strap to matching edges and sew in place. Repeat for cast-on edge of strap on other side of purse. Weave in loose ends to wrong side of purse. Turn purse to right side. Remove all pins.

Our next pattern is the perfect accessory for trips to the market -- on the next page, learn to knit our felted market bags.

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