How to knit a large Felted Hobo Handbag free pattern
Felted bags make great quick gifts, or go ahead and treat yourself to one. Made with bulky or two strands of worsted wool yarn, they are inexpensive and a really funky addition to anyone's accessories. In this economy, when shopping for $150 purses, it makes sense for women to make their own trendy handbags. Compliments assured! This is How to knit a large Felted Hobo Handbag free pattern.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- 3 skeins, approx 345 yds, bulky gauge all wool yarn, main color (MC)
- 1 skein, approx 140 yds, bulky gauge all wool yarn, contrast color (CC)
- Size 13 US or 9mm 24" circular needle
- suitable lining, cotton, silk, wool, almost any fabric that complements your yarn color
- interlining, plastic or woven needlepoint sheets, available at craft stores
- magnetic purse snap or large button
Instructions
-
-
1
Free pattern for knitted and felted large hobo purse:
With MC, cast on 100st with circular needle, join to make round, careful not to twist stitches. Knit in stockinette stitch (knit all rows) for 22".
-
2
Bottom:
Next row mark for bottom rectangle: Knit 12st, place marker(pm), knit 38 st, pm, knit 12st, pm, k38st, pm. Dec 1st each side of marker, each corner, until rectangle is complete, approx 32st remain. Pull cord of needle through middle of st, creating 16st on each side of circular points. Using Kitchener Stitch and third single point needle, cast off knitting both sides together.
I-cord straps:
Make two I-cords for straps: cast on 3st, using both colors together. Work i-cord on the three stitches for 30in. Bind off.
-
-
3
Felting:
Pre-felted handbag will be approximately 22" long and 15" wide. Do not sew on straps on the purse until they have been fulled, along with the bag. In order to full the purse, run through hottest wash cycle of machine with a little wool wash and a pair of heavy jeans to agitate. Keep an eye on the felting process. Wool felts at various amounts of time. When purse is felted to your liking, rinse and pat damp dry between towels. Insert gift or mailing box to shape while drying.
Design, optional:
If you would like to embellish the handbag with a design, do so in the midst of felting. Just before handbag is fulled to your liking, remove wet purse and loosely embroider design, return to machine to finish. Design will then be defined, as it will be less felted than the handbag. Fine embroidery, as in the eyes and nut of this squirrel can be done after purse has dried.
-
4
Drying your handbag:
After damp drying between towels, shape the purse, as it is drying by stuffing the wet purse with a sturdy gift box, or mailer postal box. Place on a towel, as it will still be somewhat wet and as the handbag dries, it will weep. Let dry, may take a few days, turning over once a day to dry fully on both sides of the purse.
-
5
Lining and interlining the purse:
Before adding lining, reinforce handbag by loosely sewing to the inside interlining pieces cut to fit your bag. Use small stitches on the outside and pull thread through so they won't show on the outside. For outer lining, fold fabric in half and cut 1/2" larger than bag on sides for seam allowance. If you want to do an inner pocket for cell phone and/or keys, now is the time. Sew rectangle sides together. Stand lining up and fold triangles to make corners. For more information on lining and more free felted knitting patterns, consult resources at the bottom of this free pattern.
Insert magnetic snap to lining, according to package instructions, and sew on straps to the felted bag before securing final stages of lining.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Copyright Sharon Watterson, knittingscribe. Any transcription, printing, or reproduction of this article or pattern, is to be for personal use only, not to be used for resale or profit in any way. All photos are property of writer and cannot be reused without permission.
Resources
- Photo Credit writer's photo
