Cabled tote bag

Helen Ardley takes inspiration from the A/W catwalks with a chunky cabled bag

The perfect project for cable fanatics, this accessory could be knitted in a weekend and is sure to be the next it-bag. Adding a lining gives structural integrity so you can stash all your essentials, even your next LK make!

Yarn:Lofty Chunky Merino, shade
Sapphire, four 50g balls
Needles: 6mm, 5.5mm
Fabric for lining, 36cm x 80cm
Leather handles
Leather string, 50cm long, two pieces
Beads, wood, eight, 15mm

Side panel (make two)

Using 6mm needles cast on 72 sts
❒Row 1 (RS): (p1, k1) twice, p1, k8, p3, (c4b, c4f) five times, p3, k8, (p1, k1) twice, p1
❒ Row 2: (k1, p1) twice, k1, p8, k3, p40, k3, p8, (k1, p1) twice, k1
❒ Row 3: (p1, k1) twice, p1, k8, p3, k40, p3, k8, (p1, k1) twice, p1
❒ Row 4: as Row 2
❒ Row 5: (p1, k1) twice, p1,c8b, p3, (c4f, c4b) five times, p3, c8b, (p1, k1) twice, p1
❒ Row 6: as Row 2
❒ Row 7: as Row 3
❒ Row 8: as Row 2
These eight rows form patt
❒ Cont in patt until Front meas 25cm
Change to 5.5mm needles
❒ Next row: *k2, p2 rep from * to end
❒ Rep last row until rib measures 8.5cm
❒ Cast off

Sides (make two)

Using 6mm needles cast on 26 sts
❒ Row 1: k1, (c4b, c4f) three times, k1
❒ Row 2 and all alt rows: p
❒ Row 3: k
❒ Row 5: k1 (c4f, c4b) three times, k1
❒ Row 7: k
❒ Row 8: p
These eight rows form the patt
❒ Cont in patt until work meas 25 cm
Change to 5.5mm needles
❒ Next row : k2, * p2, k2 rep from * to end
❒ Next row : p2, * k2, p2 rep from * to end
❒ Next row: *k2, yrn, p2tog, rep to last two sts, k2
❒ Next row: p2, * k2, p2 rep from * to end
❒ Cont in rib for a further 4cm
❒ Cast off

Base

Using 5.5mm needles cast on 23 sts
❒ Row 1: k1, *p1, k1 rep from * to end
❒ Row 2: p1, * k1, p1 rep from * to end
These two rows form the rib
❒ Work in rib for 36cm
❒ Cast off

To make up

Sew in loose ends. Sew base to front and back cast-on edges, sew two sides to base and front and back. Fold over top of rib on front and back and sew down side seams to secure. Sew leather handles to either side of the bag. Make a lining to fit inside the bag (see Knit wise) and sew to cast-off edge of folded over rib on front and back and base of rib. Thread leather string in and out of the eyelets at either side of the bag. Add beads to end of leather string

Special abbreviations

C4b: Sl next two sts onto a cable needle and hold at back of work, k next two sts from left-hand needle, then k sts from cable needle
C4f: Sl next two sts onto a cable needle and hold at front of work, k next two sts from left-hand needle, then k sts from cable needle
C8b: Sl next four sts onto a cable needle and hold at back of work, k next four sts from left-hand needle, then k sts from cable needle

Pattern Images

Click any of the images below to see a larger, clearer shot

Measurements and sizes

33cm x 35cm

Copyright notice

All items from patterns published by http://www.letsknit.co.uk are for personal use only and cannot be sold. Copies of patterns and tutorials published by http://www.letsknit.co.uk cannot be sold

Lining the bag
Measure the dimensions of the bag. Lay the lining fabric flat and cut slightly smaller then the bag measurements in a rectangle. With wrong sides together, pin fabric to bag and ladder stitch around cast-off edge of rib on front and back and base of rib section. Ensure that edges are secure before continuing with making up.

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