You will need -

Balls of cotton / acrylic (you will need more for 100% cotton)

4mm knitting needles

Fabric for lining – paper to make a pattern, and something to cut and sew with.

Start at the top of the handle – work 2 sides the same.

Cast on 13 stitches

Row 1: knit 1, * purl 1, knit 1 – repeat from * to end of row.

Row 2: knit 1, * knit 1, purl 1 – repeat from * to last 2 stitches, knit 2.

Row 3: knit 1, * knit 1, purl 1 – repeat from * to last 2 stitches, knit 2.

Row 4: knit 1, * purl 1, knit 1 – repeat from * to end of row.

These 4 rows form the pattern. 

Keep the pattern in this form all through the piece allowing for increasing stitches.

Work about 60 rows for the handle – more if you want a shoulder bag.

Increase row: work the first and the last stitches as a knit stitch. Increase 1 stitch at each end of the next row – by knitting into the front and then the back of the 2^nd stitch.

Repeat increase row 6 times - 25 stitches.

Cast on 5 stitches at each end of the next row. 

Work 1 straight row in the pattern.

Cast on 5 stitches at each end of the next row. 

Work 1 straight row in the pattern.

Repeat the increase row if you want more width.

Work the body of the bag as deep as you wish.  Work both sides before you cast off.

Cast off both sides together at the bottom seam.  This gives you a stronger – neater finish.

Use the completed bag as a guide to cut out a paper pattern

Overlap the top handle edges slightly and stitch together.

Adding a lining – cut the fabric using the pattern you made – adding ¼” seam allowance.

– hem around the sides and join the handle – turn right side out – give it a good press – slip the lining inside the bag – turn the raw edges under and slip stitch to the outer.