Thursday, May 19, 2011

Finally finished - a felted bag!

I started this bag weeks ago.......planning on making it a tote bag and then got distracted with other projects and it just sort of sat on the needles waiting for attention. Then, I realized that the next project I was planning on starting also needed the size 13, 24 inch circulars and I used that as inspiration to just get the bag finished.


This is a simple bag that I will try in other colors.........perhaps as gifts.........

Felted Bag

Worsted weight - 100% wool – about 250 yards.  I used Patons Classic Wool in Rosewood

Size 13 circular knitting needles

Handles of your choice

Gauge isn’t important for this pattern. A little shorter or longer bag will not make a noticeable difference.


Cast on 120 stitches.

Place marker and join in the round, being careful not to twist stitches.

Knit every row until your piece measures about 16 inches long.

Bind off loosely.

Stitch the center 8 inches of the bottom seam together.

Stitch the sides of the bottom seam, perpendicular to the center seam, forming a T shape on either side. This will help the bag stay open.

I - - - - - - - - - - - - - I

To felt the bag, place it in a pillowcase and either zip the case closed or cinch it closed with a rubber band. Run it through your top loading washing machine using a hot wash, cold rinse cycle and a small amount of detergent. Throw a pair of jeans in with your pillowcase for increased agitation.

Check your bag once it is finished. If you want it felted more, just repeat the wash. If it’s felted enough, gently press it into shape and allow to completely dry.

Sew handles onto the bag. If you prefer, you can make an i-cord to use for handles or knit a garter stitch strap.  Any sort of handle will work.  You can also add a snap closure or a zipper if you like.



Now, I've got another felted bag started on those same size 13 needles and I just got a delivery of metallic yarn to make some necklaces with.  I'm looking forward to the weekend!!!

Happy Knitting!
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27 comments:

  1. KathyJuly 15, 2011 at 8:33 PM

    This might be a stupid question, but do you sew it together on the sewing machine, or with yarn that will also felt??

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  2. RobinJuly 16, 2011 at 8:45 AM

    Use the same yarn that you knit with and it will work great. You could sew it after it was felted on a sewing machine, but I think it is easier to stitch it using yarn. Happy knitting! :)

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  3. SunflowersJuly 16, 2011 at 7:59 PM

    July 16, 2011

    Hello Robin.. I just wanted to say I really like your little Felted Bag. You noted you used Size 13 (which for me here in Canada is 9mm) Circular Needle - but what about the cord length? Would it be 24 or 32" - I use Addi-Turbo Clicks (Interchangeable Tips) which are the Best. Also can we increase the Size of Bag if we want to? If so, how many more Stitches do you think I would require to do so?

    And what about the Handles? I was thinking if I could find 'Wooden Handles' that would add to this pretty felted bag.

    Thanks so much for sharing your Pattern with us.

    Sandy (mssunflowers)

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  4. zoeymarieJuly 16, 2011 at 10:01 PM

    Love this pattern. Thanks so much for sharing. Can you please tell me how and the heck you put on the magnetic closure thingy? The one I bought has instructions that simply say, follow your purse instructions. Can these things be put on after felting? Is there a way they don't show on the outside?

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    Replies
    1. farmkitiAugust 14, 2014 at 2:37 AM

      To zoeymarie about those magnetic closure thingys:

      Those magnetic closure thingys must be used with a lining. I have an idea, though, if you don't want to line the entire purse. This would require basic sewing machine skills. You could sew together a small piece of canvas or other strong cotton fabric. It's a good idea to machine wash and dry the fabric before you cut and sew it. Cut two rectangles (about 1 1/2" by 3") that you will then fold into a square. Sew 1/4" seams on three sides, clip across the corners, and then turn it right side out. Press it flat and turn the open ends inward, then stitch across the open folded edges to close it.

      After all that, attach your metal closure thingy to the fabric, Then you can hand sew the squares across from each other in the center near the top of the bag (I would recommend about 1" from the top). This way you don't have to line the entire bag, but will have a way of attaching the metal closure thingys without having them show on the outside of the bag.

      Of course, if you go to all this trouble, you might prefer to just line the bag with the same type of sturdy cotton, and at the same time, you could add some pockets to the inside. Personally, I would just line it to make it nicer, and besides, you can never have too many pockets in a purse!

      Delete
    2. farmkitiAugust 14, 2014 at 2:50 AM

      To zoeymarie about the magnetic closure thingys:

      I forgot to say that you would have to felt the bag first before you sew on the fabric squares that hold the magnetic closure thingys, or before you line your bag. The fabric won't shrink enough when you felt the bag, so make sure you felt it first!

      Delete
  5. AnonymousJuly 16, 2011 at 11:43 PM

    That is a fabulous bag! Love it! Great yarn!

    One question, what was its final size?

    I have about 300 yards of handspun that would be perfect for this project; but I really need bags that are on the bigger side (I carry lots of stuff!)

    Thank you for sharing this terrific (and super-easy) pattern!

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  6. RobinJuly 17, 2011 at 9:01 AM

    Hi Sunflowers. I used a 24 inch cord. Absolutely you can make a different size bag. If you want one that is wider, cast on 150 or 200 stitches and if you want one that is longer, just keep knitting more rounds. Wooden handles will look great!

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  7. RobinJuly 17, 2011 at 9:02 AM

    @goatsandhounds - Thanks. The finished bag is about 9 inches wide by 12 inches long. Just make it a little bit bigger if you want.

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  8. RobinJuly 17, 2011 at 9:04 AM

    @zoeymarie - These things need clearer instructions! Yes, they can be put on after felting and they won't show on the outside.

    Here are a couple of links to detailed directions for attaching a magnetic clasp:

    http://www.thepurseworkshop.com/magnetic-snap.html

    http://www.rnllee.com/description/twosidedbox.htm

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  9. AnonymousJuly 19, 2011 at 4:18 AM

    Hi, can you only use wool yarn for this to get the felting affect? or can you use worsted weight yarn as well? I have never done a felted project before..Thanks...very cute bag!

    suziebella99

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  10. RobinJuly 19, 2011 at 6:54 AM

    Hi suziebella99. Thanks.

    You have to use 100% wool yarn to get it to felt. Regular yarn won't felt in the washing machine.

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  11. AnonymousJuly 22, 2011 at 2:12 PM

    I have a fold up hat and lost the bag it fits in so I thought I could just knit on circular needles to make one as it's so hot here (CA tho not as bad as backEast) during the day and we work evenings at our State Fair. I've never done felting as I'm alergic to a lot of wool. It depends on how it's processed. How do I make a cord to close it so the hat stays inside? I've forgotten my "name" as I've never written before.

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  12. AnonymousJuly 23, 2011 at 10:52 PM

    Robin,
    Thanks for the pattern it looks so easy. I have a front load washer will it still work to do the felting?

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  13. RobinJuly 24, 2011 at 7:37 AM

    As far as making a cord so the hats stays inside, I'm not really sure. An i-cord threaded through about an inch or two from the top would probably work, but I haven't done it. Maybe add a zipper??

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  14. RobinJuly 24, 2011 at 7:38 AM

    I've never felted in a front load washer, but I found this page:

    http://www.woolcrafting.com/felting-in-a-front-load-washing-machine.html

    It should work just fine! Let me know.

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  15. KarenAugust 16, 2011 at 2:33 PM

    WONDERING WHY YOU DON'T TELL HOW MUCH YARN TO PURCHASE. 250 YARDS IS ONLY ABOUT ONE SKEIN, I KNOW THAT IS NOT ENOUGH. CAN YOU EXPLAIN HOW TO "JOIN IN THE ROUND"
    THANKS
    CONFUSED

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  16. RobinAugust 16, 2011 at 5:42 PM

    Hi Karen,

    Actually, that is the right amount......the bag only took about 250 yards!

    When knitting on circular needles, after casting on, you join your stitches so that they form a circle. There are lots of videos online that show the technique more clearly.

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  17. AnnOctober 16, 2011 at 5:12 PM

    I have felted in the front loader just fine. My washer has a setting called "quick wash". I use it, put water temp on hot/cold, place items in washer and let 'er rip. Some yarns take 1 cycle, others take 2 or 3. Not sure if its the yarn or if my water has to get hot, but I notice the yarns that are not so tightly twisted do better.

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  18. AnonymousJune 2, 2012 at 8:53 AM

    Hi Robin, Great pattern! Thanks for sharing!

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  19. annetteJuly 8, 2012 at 5:17 PM

    Hi Robin
    just finished the knitting portion of my bag, trying to o undestand how to sew it up. I have two open ends the top and bottom, how do I sew the "sides"?? am I sewing them even though there isn't an opening?? Thanks Annette

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    Replies
    1. RobinJuly 8, 2012 at 5:26 PM

      Hi Annette,

      You only have to stitch the bottom seam as in the pattern.........

      Stitch the center 8 inches of the bottom seam together.

      Stitch the sides of the bottom seam, perpendicular to the center seam, forming a T shape on either side. This will help the bag stay open.

      I - - - - - - - - - - - - - I

      The top remains open.

      Delete
  20. AnonymousJanuary 24, 2013 at 1:15 PM

    What are the feted dimensions of this bag? Have a friend that wants one 14 inches wide by 9 inches long? Thank you

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    Replies
    1. RobinJanuary 24, 2013 at 1:49 PM

      The finished bag is about 9 inches wide by 12 inches long.

      Delete
  21. AnonymousMay 8, 2013 at 3:36 PM

    Hi, can I use a 10inch round needle for this bag? Thanks, Monika

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    Replies
    1. RobinMay 8, 2013 at 3:49 PM

      I think it would be very crowded - I'd recommend using a 16 inch....but you can certainly try it.

      Delete
  22. UnknownMarch 1, 2021 at 2:16 PM

    I'm sorry for the very stupid question, but is there a way to better explain the seaming? I can't really picture how you are doing it... sorry! (Beginner)

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