purlJam

# BOLSITA SHOULDER BAG

A simple, classic shoulder bag perfect for everyday essentials. This beginner-friendly design features a sturdy reverse stockinette base, smooth stockinette body, and comfortable i-cord strap. The bag is knit flat in one continuous piece and seamed at the sides for easy construction.

**Finished Measurements:**
- Width: 10" (25.5 cm)
- Height: 9" (23 cm)  
- Depth: 2" (5 cm)

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn:** Approximately 250 yards (229 m) of worsted weight yarn
- Sample shown uses a sturdy, non-superwash wool or wool blend for best structure
- Suggested yarns: Cascade 220, Berroco Vintage Worsted, Lion Brand Wool-Ease

**Needles:** 
- US 7 (4.5 mm) straight or circular needles (for flat knitting)
- US 7 (4.5 mm) double-pointed needles or long circular for i-cord
- Or size needed to obtain gauge

**Notions:**
- Stitch markers
- Tapestry needle for seaming
- Blocking materials
- Optional: fabric for lining (10" x 22" piece), sewing needle and thread

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## GAUGE

18 stitches and 24 rows = 4" (10 cm) in stockinette stitch, blocked

**Gauge is important for this project!** If your bag is too loose, it won't hold its shape. Take time to check your gauge and adjust needle size if necessary.

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## ABBREVIATIONS

- k: knit
- p: purl
- st(s): stitch(es)
- RS: right side
- WS: wrong side
- pm: place marker
- sm: slip marker

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## PATTERN NOTES

- The bag is worked flat in one continuous piece, starting with the bottom panel and continuing up to create both the front and back of the bag.
- Reverse stockinette stitch (purl on RS, knit on WS) is used for the bottom to provide extra durability and texture.
- The i-cord strap is worked separately and sewn on at the end.
- Blocking is essential to achieve the correct dimensions and a professional finish.
- For extra structure, consider adding a fabric lining after completion (instructions provided in Finishing section).

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## INSTRUCTIONS

### BOTTOM PANEL

**Cast on 45 sts using your preferred method.**

Row 1 (RS): P to end.
Row 2 (WS): K to end.

Repeat Rows 1-2 five more times (12 rows total).

**Check your work:** You should have 12 rows of reverse stockinette stitch (bumpy texture on RS). Piece should measure approximately 2" (5 cm) from cast-on edge.

### FRONT PANEL

Row 1 (RS): K to end.
Row 2 (WS): P to end.

Repeat Rows 1-2 until piece measures 11" (28 cm) from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row (approximately 54 rows of stockinette).

**Check your work:** You should have 54 rows of stockinette stitch (smooth on RS). Total piece should measure 11" from cast-on edge (2" reverse stockinette bottom + 9" stockinette front).

### BACK PANEL

Continue in stockinette stitch as established:

Row 1 (RS): K to end.
Row 2 (WS): P to end.

Repeat Rows 1-2 until piece measures 20" (51 cm) from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row (approximately 54 more rows of stockinette).

**Check your work:** Total piece should measure 20" from cast-on edge. This includes: 2" bottom + 9" front + 9" back.

Bind off all sts loosely.

**Inline verification:** 
- Cast on: 45 sts
- Bottom: 12 rows reverse stockinette = 2"
- Front: 54 rows stockinette = 9" 
- Back: 54 rows stockinette = 9"
- Total: 120 rows = 20" ✓

### I-CORD STRAP

Using dpns or circular needle for i-cord, cast on 4 sts.

**I-cord technique:** 
*Knit all 4 sts. Without turning work, slide sts to opposite end of needle. Pull yarn firmly across back of work. Repeat from * until i-cord measures desired length.

Work in i-cord until strap measures 40" (102 cm), or desired length for comfortable shoulder carry.

Bind off all sts. 

**Tip:** For a longer crossbody strap, work i-cord to 50-55" (127-140 cm).

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## FINISHING

### BLOCKING

1. Weave in all ends on bag body.
2. Soak knitted piece in lukewarm water with wool wash for 15-20 minutes.
3. Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring).
4. Lay flat on blocking surface and pin to dimensions: 10" wide x 20" long.
5. Allow to dry completely (24-48 hours).
6. Block i-cord by pinning straight on blocking surface, or steam gently.

### ASSEMBLY

**Step 1: Fold the bag**
With RS facing out, fold the bag at the midpoint so the bottom panel is at the fold and the cast-on and bind-off edges meet at the top opening.

The bottom panel (reverse stockinette section) will form the base of the bag between the front and back panels.

**Step 2: Seam the sides**
Using tapestry needle and yarn, seam both side edges using mattress stitch or your preferred seaming method. 

- Start at the folded bottom edge
- Seam up each side for 9" (to the top opening)
- Weave in seaming tails securely

**Inline verification for assembly:**
- Folded bag dimensions: 10" wide × 9" tall ✓
- Bottom depth: 2" (from the reverse stockinette panel) ✓

**Step 3: Attach strap**
Pin i-cord strap to inside of bag at side seams, approximately 1" down from top opening on each side.

Using tapestry needle and yarn, sew each end of strap securely to bag (sew through the i-cord and bag fabric in multiple directions for strength).

Weave in all remaining ends.

### OPTIONAL LINING

For added structure and a professional interior finish:

1. Cut lining fabric to 11" wide × 21" tall
2. Fold in half (RS together) to create 11" × 10.5" rectangle
3. Sew side seams with ½" seam allowance
4. Fold top edge down ½" and press
5. Insert lining into bag (WS of lining to WS of bag)
6. Hand-sew lining to inside of bag around top opening using slip stitch

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## CUSTOMIZE YOUR BAG

**Size variations:**
- For a larger bag: Cast on 54 sts (12" wide) and work front/back panels for 64 rows each (approximately 11" tall)
- For a smaller bag: Cast on 36 sts (8" wide) and work front/back panels for 44 rows each (approximately 7" tall)

**Color ideas:**
- Work in stripes (change colors every 10 rows)
- Use a gradient yarn for subtle color shifts
- Work body in one color and strap in a contrasting color

**Texture alternatives:**
- Substitute seed stitch for stockinette (k1, p1 across, alternating each row)
- Work the entire bag in garter stitch for extra structure
- Add a simple cable panel down the center front

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## ABBREVIATION REFERENCE

| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|--------------|---------|
| k | knit |
| p | purl |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| RS | right side |
| WS | wrong side |
| pm | place marker |
| sm | slip marker |
| dpns | double-pointed needles |

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## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Hand wash in cool water with wool wash. Lay flat to dry, reshaping as needed. Store bag stuffed with tissue paper to maintain shape when not in use.

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**Design Notes:** This streamlined shoulder bag is perfect for your essentials - phone, wallet, keys, and a small water bottle. The solid stockinette fabric is sturdy yet flexible, and the reverse stockinette bottom adds durability where the bag experiences the most wear. Enjoy your new everyday accessory!