Elspeth

Practise your colourwork skills with Luise Roberts' gorgeous Elspeth bag

This charming tote shows how just one band of colourwork can really bring a project to life. The simple motif uses just three colours and is a classic example of traditional Fair Isle design. The technique involves carrying or stranding the different colours across the wrong side of your work and is the best method for working smaller, more intricate motifs. If you're new to Fair Isle or just want to refresh you memory on how to do it, then turn over for our fabulous masterclass and step-by-step guide!

Yarn: Jamieson & Smith 2ply Jumper Weight, (A) shade FC34 Blue, three 25g balls; (B) shade 101 Pale pink; (C) shade 001 White; (D) shade 070 Deep pink; one 25g ball of each
Needles: 3mm, 3.25mm
Button: 50mm flat-back, smaller shank button (optional)
Eyelets, 8mm, four
Horseshoe handle hooks, two
Bag strap
Tapestry needle
For this project you can download the pattern template by clicking here.

About the yarn
Jamieson & Smith 2ply Jumper Weight is a gorgeous yarn comprising 100% Shetland wool. It is available in an extensive range of colours so feel free to experiment with different shades for the Fair Isle band in this project. Unless otherwise stated, pure wool should be washed by hand.

Need an alternative?
As the Fair Isle band only uses 25g of each shade it may be the perfect opportunity to use up some of your stash. Jamieson & Smith 2ply Jumper Weight yarn is equivalent to a standard 4ply but check your tension first. Natural yarns work best for colourwork projects as the strands bind more closely together, creating a smoother finish.

ELSPETH PATTERN - Front

BOTTOM SECTION
Using yarn A, 3.25mm needles and the long tail method, loosely cast on 73 sts
NOTE: the first row is a purl row so in this pattern the RS rows are even-numbered
❑ Row 1: p
❑ Row 2: k2, * sl1, k1, rep from * to last st, k1
❑ Rep the last two rows 27 more times
Change to 3mm needles
❑ Row 57: p5, (p2tog, p6) six times, p2tog, p to the end of the row. 66 sts
Rows 58-93: starting with a k row work in st st, ending on a p row
Change to 3.25mm needles
❑ Work from the chart
Change to 3mm needles
❑ Rows 109-125: starting with a p row work in st st, ending on a p row

BUTTONHOLE
❑ Row 126: k28, cast off ten sts, k to the end of the row
❑ Row 127: p28, cast on 12 sts, p to the end of the row
❑ Row 128: k27, ssk, k9, k2tog, k to the end of the row

TOP SECTION
❑ Rows 129-145: starting with a p row work in st st, ending on a p row

TURNOVER
❑ Rows 146-147: p
❑ Rows 148-160: starting with a k row work in st st ending on a k row
❑ Cast off loosely

Back

Work as for front but do not work the buttonhole, instead cont in set patt

To make up

Weave in ends. Pin and block both pieces to measure 22cm x 37.5cm. Position and punch the eyelets 28cm from the cast on edge and 1cm from each side edge on both front and back. Using a tapestry needle and mattress stitch, sew up the two side seams. Fold Turnover to the WS and slip stitch in place. Using mattress stitch, sew up the bottom edge. Secure the horseshoe handle hooks through the eyelets. Attach the bag handle to the horseshoe handle hooks.

Pattern Images

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

Measurements and sizes

Finished bag: 22cm x 33cm
Fair Isle motif (chart worked over 16 sts x 15 rows): 5.5cm x 4.5cm

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

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