DIY Network

Finishing Finishing From "Knitty Gritty" episode DKNG-108

Figure A

This bag doesn't have to be lined unless you just want to do so. If all the thread ends are woven in carefully so there's nothing to snag, the unlined bag should work quite well without a lining.

Figure A, at right, shows how the bag looks when it's finished, but before it's been blocked. Block the piece by whichever method you prefer (using steam from an iron or pinning the piece to a towel that has been taped to a table, spritzing it with water and leaving it to dry overnight).

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	Figure B
	Chain stitch (to see a step-by-step demo, click on the video link below) ...
	Media Watch the Video

To weave the ends, first thread a tapestry needle (one with a bent end is useful to help you pick up only small strands of yarn) with one of the tails that are still attached to the knitting (figure B). Then carefully weave the yarn into the back of the knitting, matching color to color and working the yarn into the stitches around the border of the polka dots.

Tip: Weave the thread in an irregular fashion; that way, if the thread were to be pulled accidentally, it would be less likely to unravel.

Accent some (or all) of the dots with chain-stitch borders. Try using light colors to accent dark polka dots and vice versa; this makes the dots stand out and also adds visual depth to the design.

Note: If you crochet, you may have already noticed that the chain stitch is essentially a single-crochet stitch worked with a needle onto fabric rather than formed with a hook. And did you know? If you place individual chain stitches in a circle to form a flower shape (anchoring each chain with a single tiny stitch), you've created a Lazy Daisy.

	Figure C
	Figure D (for a sewing diagram, click on the PDF file below)
	PDF Gusset diagram

Fold facings to WS along turning rows and with threaded tapestry needle, sew into place to form casing for drawstring (figure C). Beg at base of casing, sew side seams, matching stripes. Turn bag inside out and form gussets by sewing a short seam approximately 1-1/2" (3.8 cm) in from each side seam as shown (figure D). Weave in loose ends.

Note: If you prefer a ruffle at the top of the bag, don't fold down the facing. Instead, run the drawstring through the casing, and when it's pulled, it will create a ruffled effect.

Drawstring: You will need two, cut to desired length. Slip drawstring into casing so that both ends of one tie are on one side of the bag and both ends of the other tie are on the other side.

RESOURCES :

Rowan HandKnit DK Cotton
Suggested retail price: $5.00
Main color: Flame #254
Accent colors: Sugar #303, Celery #309, Rosso #215, Bleached #263
Rowan Yarns
Website: knitrowan.com

Stitch Painter Knitting Software
Cochenille
Website: cochenille.com

Chinese Symbols
Price: $2.50 each (minimum order: 4)
Website: logoi.com/symbols/index.html

Astrological Signs
We apologize no contact information is available.

GUESTS :

Leigh Radford
Art Director, Interweave Knits
Website: interweave.com/