Well handled

This pretty bag is the perfect weekend project – it's knitted in super chunky yarn on 10mm needles, so is really quick to make! The stitch pattern is an interesting twist on basketweave as it also incorporates simple lace effects. Adding a fabric lining helps the bag hold its shape with everyday use and you can use an off-cut of material to make a funky corsage.

Front and back (alike)

Using 10mm needles, cast on 43 sts
Row 1: p2, k3, (p3, k3) six times, p2
Row 2: k2, p3, (k3, p3) six times, k2
Row 3: k2, * yfwd, sl 1, k2tog, psso, yfwd, k3, rep from * six times in all, yfwd, sl 1, k2tog, psso, yfwd, k2
Row 4: p2, (k3, p3) six times, k3, p2
Row 5: k2, p3, (k3, p3) six times, k2
Row 6: p2, (k3, p3) six times, k3, p2
Row 7: k2tog, yfwd, k3, * yfwd, sl 1, k2tog, psso, yfwd, k3, rep from * six times in all, yfwd, k2tog
Row 8: k2, (p3, k3) six times, p3, k2 These eight rows form patt
Rows 9-40: rep Rows 1-8 four times
Row 41: k2tog, (k1, k2tog, sl 1, k2tog, psso) six times, k1, (k2tog) twice. 22 sts
Row 42: p
Row 43: k
Row 44: p
Cast off

Pin Front and Back together with RS facing. Using a tapestry needle and all six strands of embroidery thread, slip stitch bottom edges together, then oversew bottom 25cm of side edges. Turn RS out, easing out corners. With RS facing, pin two lining pieces tog along bottom and machine stitch with a 1cm seam allowance. Press seam flat. Pin together bottom 25cm of each lining side seam and sew with a 2cm seam allowance. Press seam to WS, then press a 2cm turning along rem side edges to top. Press a 2cm turning along both top edges. Slip lining inside bag. Join by pinning four open parts of side edges together (lining will reach st st at the top edge). Using single strands of embroidery thread and a sewing needle, slip stitch lining to bag, making sure it’s gathered evenly. Pin top edge of lining to bag, below first row of st st, stretching bag to fit. Stitch lining to bag with a single strand of thread, holding knitting taut as you go.
Working from WS of bag, hold bottom edge of handle against cast-off edge of bag. Fold top over handle and pin to main bag four rows down from edge. Sew castoff edge to bag, with small, secure sts.

Work running stitch down long edge of fabric strip and draw up tightly to gather. Coil fabric round in a flat spiral and st gathers tog to make a flower. Dismantle rosebuds and sew some of petals to centre of spiral, then sew button in middle. Cut ribbon into tails and sew to back of flower. Add a few loops of darkest shade. Sew Rosette to bag close to handle, then sew on a cluster of remaining flower petals.

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Width: 40cm at base
Height (exc. handles): 31cm