Ali Bag

Ali

I wanted a splash. Color, texture and a pocket. Not just a little internal pocket hidden in the lining but a big pocket conveniently located that offers easy access when digging out change at the market.

The bag is knit bottom up in two separate pieces which are then joined. Bottom shaping leads to a clean three needle bind off. The handles are made of twisted cord with ends concealed by the top facing. The Ali bag is a great way to use up small amounts of cotton while experimenting with color combos on the outer shell. Applied i- cord adds a polished look to the works.

Difficulty: Intermediate (requires some sewing)

Finished Measurements: Width: 7 inches (18cm), Body Height: 7 inches (18cm), Gusset Depth: 1.5 inches (4cm)

Materials: [MC1] BBB “Nilo” [80% cotton, 20% acrylic; 185yd/170m per 100g skein]; color: 32 Sea Blue; 1 skein, [MC2] BBB “Nilo” [80% cotton, 20% acrylic; 185yd/170m per 100g skein]; color: 1 White; 1 skein , [CC1] BBB “Nilo” [80% cotton, 20% acrylic; 185yd/170m per 100g skein]; color: 32 Light Green; 1 skein

1 # 16-inch US #4/3.5mm circular needle, 1 # 16-inch US #7/4.5mm circular needle, 1 # set(s) US #7/4.5mm double-point needles

Waste yarn for provisional cast on, 1 piece of fabric approx 18in (46cm) by 10in (25cm) for lining, Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, Sharp needle for sewing in lining, Thread for sewing in lining

Yarn Subbing: I used the BBB cotton blend because it is easy to find here in Italy. The suggested needle size on the label is US8/5mm. The internal bag is knit in St st. on US7/4.5mm circulars which gave me a gauge of 19 sts over 4in/10cm and resulted in a firm fabric. The bag would work up well in most any worsted to aran weight cotton/ cotton blend, adjust the needles to suit the yarn. Final measurements will vary when subbing but it is a bag as opposed to a garment so gauge is not terribly vital. I have written the instructions specifying length, rather than number of rows to make working with subs easier.

Gauge: 19 sts/26 rows = 4in/10cm in stockinette stitch on US7/4.5mm needles [gauge measurement post blocking].