Type
Machine Knitting
Difficulty
intermediate
Category
bag
AI Thinking Process
Planning
1. **Design Strategy**:
* **Addressing the Conflict**: The user requested a pattern for "crochet in tunisian simple stitch" while simultaneously providing "MACHINE-KNITTING REQUIREMENTS" and a persona for an "expert Pattern Designer and Technical Editor for machine knitting patterns." Given the detailed machine-knitting specific instructions and the persona, this pattern will be designed for **machine knitting**. The core requirements for the bag (straps part of the body, wide, sturdy for 7kg, quick mock-up, mesh pattern, bottom-up, chunky yarn) will be translated into machine knitting techniques.
* **Bag Body**: To create a "round" bag "from bottom up" on a flatbed machine, a single rectangular panel will be knit, folded, and seamed along one side and the bottom. This allows for a quick mock-up.
* **Mesh Pattern**: For intermediate difficulty and chunky yarn, a simple eyelet mesh will be created using a 1x2 transfer tool to transfer stitches, creating a mock-lace effect. This provides stretch suitable for a market bag.
* **Straps**: Integrated directly from the top edge of the bag body. They will be knit as a continuation of the main panel, with designated "gap" sections placed on hold. Each strap will be wide (approximately 3.5 inches / 9 cm, or 12 needles) and knit in a sturdy stockinette stitch for comfort and to support up to 7kg (15 lbs).
* **Sturdiness for 7kg**: Chunky cotton yarn provides natural strength. The dense cast-on edge and robust strap design, combined with careful seaming, will ensure durability. The mesh pattern, while stretchy, will use a relatively close eyelet repeat to maintain structural integrity.
* **Quick Mock-up**: The bag dimensions are scaled for a smaller, manageable project. The stitch patterns are chosen for straightforward execution.
2. **Construction Plan**:
* **Machine Setup**: Bulky gauge machine (e.g., LK150/Knitmaster 155), specific tension, waste yarn, ravel cord setup.
* **Cast On**: Full needle bed cast-on using main yarn for the bag's total circumference.
* **Base Edge**: Several rows of stockinette stitch for a stable bottom edge.
* **Main Body**: Implement the eyelet mesh pattern over the entire width of the panel for the specified body height.
* **Strap Division**: Once the body height is reached, needles will be divided into two strap sections and two 'gap' sections. The gap sections will be placed on hold while the straps are knit.
* **Strap Knitting**: Each strap will be knit individually in stockinette stitch for the required length.
* **Bind Off**: Straps will be bound off using a sturdy method (e.g., latch-tool bind off).
* **Finishing**: The main panel will be folded and seamed along the side and bottom to form the bag structure. Steaming and blocking will be applied for final shaping.
3. **Quality Assurance**:
* **Strap Strength & Comfort**: The chosen strap width (12 needles) and stitch (stockinette) with chunky yarn will provide sufficient strength and distribute weight comfortably for the specified 7kg load.
* **Seamless Transitions**: Clear instructions will be provided for transitioning from the base to the mesh body, and from the body to the individual straps, ensuring smooth changes.
* **Gauge Consistency**: A detailed gauge swatch is recommended, and all calculations will be based on a consistent gauge for chunky yarn on a bulky machine.
* **Machine-Specific Detail**: Every instruction will include RC checkpoints, carriage position (COL/COR), tension settings, and specific tool usage, as required by the persona and machine knitting instructions.
* **Seaming Robustness**: Instructions for strong seams (e.g., mattress stitch for side, backstitch for bottom) will be included.
4. **Final Calculations**:
* **Yarn Weight & Machine Type**: Chunky cotton yarn on a Bulky Gauge Machine (e.g., LK150/Knitmaster 155).
* **Estimated Gauge (Stockinette, Tension 7-8)**: 3.5 stitches per 1 inch (2.5 cm), 5 rows per 1 inch (2.5 cm). This gauge will be explicitly stated.
* **Finished Bag Dimensions (Mock-Up)**:
* Flat Width: Approximately 12 inches (30.5 cm).
* Body Height: Approximately 10 inches (25.5 cm).
* Strap Length (from bag body to top of shoulder): Approximately 18 inches (45.5 cm).
* **Stitch Counts**:
* Total Body Panel Width (circumference): 24 inches (61 cm).
* Total Needles Cast On: 24 inches * 3.5 sts/inch = 84 needles (L42 - R42).
* Bag Body Rows: 10 inches * 5 rows/inch = 50 rows.
* Strap Width: 3.5 inches (9 cm) * 3.5 sts/inch = 12.25 stitches. Rounded to **12 needles per strap**.
* Strap Rows: 18 inches * 5 rows/inch = 90 rows.
* Strap Division: Two 12-needle straps (24 needles total) and two 30-needle 'gap' sections (60 needles total), summing to 84 needles.
* **Mesh Repeat**: The eyelet mesh will be designed to repeat over an even number of rows and a simple stitch count.
Verification
[PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS]
1. **Completeness**: Yes. The plan addresses all required sections (Pattern Name, Skill Level, Measurements, Gauge, Materials, Abbreviations, Notes, Instructions, Finishing) from the template structure, and integrates all specific machine-knitting requirements (machine setup, RC, COL/COR, tension, needle movement, tools, shaping, finishing guidance).
2. **Consistency**: Yes. The stitch counts (84 needles total, 12 needles per strap, 30 needles per gap) are consistent with the calculated gauge (3.5 sts/inch) and target dimensions (24-inch circumference, 3.5-inch strap width). Row counts (50 for body, 90 for straps) are consistent with the row gauge (5 rows/inch) and target heights/lengths.
3. **Constraints**:
* "crochet in tunisian simple stitch": Addressed. The pattern is designed for machine knitting, as explained in the Design Strategy, due to the persona and detailed machine knitting requirements.
* "straps must be part of the bag body and wide enough to comfortably carry up to 7kg across the front/side of the body": Addressed. Straps are integrated, 12 needles (approx. 3.5 inches / 9 cm) wide, knit in sturdy stockinette stitch with chunky cotton yarn.
* "smaller quick to mock-up version": Addressed. The dimensions (12-inch flat width, 10-inch body height) are modest for a quick project, and the stitch patterns (stockinette, simple eyelet mesh) are intermediate and efficient.
4. **Safety**: Yes. All calculations for stitches and rows are verified against the stated gauge and dimensions. The machine instructions will be detailed to prevent errors during knitting.
Pattern
# Market Tote Bag (Mock-Up Version)
This pattern is designed for a bulky gauge machine, creating a sturdy and stretchy market tote with integrated straps. The bag is worked flat as a single panel and then seamed.
**SKILL LEVEL:** Intermediate
**FINISHED MEASUREMENTS:**
* **Bag Body Width (flat)**: Approximately 12 inches (30.5 cm)
* **Bag Body Height**: Approximately 10 inches (25.5 cm)
* **Strap Length (from bag body top to top of shoulder)**: Approximately 18 inches (45.5 cm)
* **Total Bag Length (including straps)**: Approximately 28 inches (71 cm)
**GAUGE (Stockinette Stitch):**
On a Bulky Gauge Machine (e.g., LK150/Knitmaster 155) at Tension 7-8 with chunky cotton yarn:
**14 stitches = 4 inches (10 cm)**
**20 rows = 4 inches (10 cm)**
*Equivalent: 3.5 stitches = 1 inch (2.5 cm), 5 rows = 1 inch (2.5 cm)*
**MATERIALS:**
* **Yarn**: Chunky weight Cotton yarn, approximately 400-500 yards (365-457 meters).
* **Machine**: Bulky Gauge Machine (e.g., LK150/Knitmaster 155)
* **Tools**:
* Waste Yarn
* Ravel Cord
* Cast-on Comb and Weights (claw weights)
* 1x2 Transfer Tool (or single latch tool for transfers)
* Latch Tool (for bind off)
* Tapestry Needle
* Crochet Hook (for seaming)
* Row Counter (RC)
**ABBREVIATIONS:**
* **RC**: Row Counter
* **COL**: Carriage On Left
* **COR**: Carriage On Right
* **T#**: Tension Dial Setting
* **sts**: Stitches
* **rows**: Rows
* **FNS**: Full Needle Set Up (all needles in B position)
* **HW**: Hold Work (needles moved to E position for holding)
* **IW**: In Work (needles moved to B or D position for knitting)
* **WY**: Waste Yarn
* **MC**: Main Color Yarn
**NOTES:**
* It is highly recommended to knit a tension swatch to verify your machine's gauge with your chosen yarn. Adjust tension as needed to match the pattern gauge.
* This pattern uses a simple eyelet mesh repeat for the bag body.
* All measurements are approximate and can vary with individual tension and yarn choice.
* **Carriage Setup**: Ensure your carriage is set to plain knit (stockinette) unless otherwise specified (e.g., for tuck or slip stitches, which are not used in this pattern).
---
### INSTRUCTIONS
**1. MACHINE SETUP**
* Set up your Bulky Gauge Machine with all needles in working position (B position / FNS).
* Attach a cast-on comb and weights.
* Set Tension Dial to **T3**.
* Using Waste Yarn, cast on across all 84 needles (L42 - R42).
* Knit 10-15 rows with Waste Yarn.
* Knit 1 row with Ravel Cord.
* **Carriage**: Position your carriage on the **LEFT (COL)**.
**2. BAG BASE AND BODY**
* **Cast On (Main Yarn)**
* Set Tension Dial to **T7**.
* Attach MC yarn.
* Knit 1 row (COR).
* Knit 1 row (COL). RC is now 002.
* **Initial Edge (Sturdy Base):** Knit 8 more rows in stockinette stitch.
* _Verification:_ RC will be 010.
* _Carriage_ is now **COL**.
* **Main Body (Eyelet Mesh Pattern)**
* Set Tension Dial to **T8** for the mesh pattern.
* **RC 010 (COL)**: Knit 1 row (COR).
* **RC 011 (COR)**: Knit 1 row (COL).
* **RC 012 (COL)**: Knit 1 row (COR).
* **RC 013 (COR)**: With a 1x2 transfer tool (or single latch tool), beginning from R42, transfer the stitch on N2 to N1, N4 to N3, N6 to N5, and so on, across the entire needle bed. This moves every even-numbered stitch to its left neighbor. The previously even-numbered needles should now be empty. Ensure these empty needles are pushed to D position (IW) so they will be knitted in the next pass, creating the eyelet.
* _Note_: For machines without dedicated transfer tools, use a single latch tool to pick up the stitch from N2, move it to N1, then push N2 to D position.
* **RC 014 (COL)**: Knit 1 row (COR). This knits the empty needles, creating the eyelets.
* **RC 015 (COR)**: Knit 1 row (COL).
* **RC 016 (COL)**: Knit 1 row (COR).
* **RC 017 (COR)**: Repeat the transfer instruction from **RC 013**.
* **Repeat RC 014-017** until the body measures 10 inches (25.5 cm) from the MC cast-on edge.
* _Calculation_: 10 inches * 5 rows/inch = 50 rows.
* _Verification_: Total RC from MC cast-on will be approximately 50 rows (from RC 002 to RC 052).
* Ensure you end after a **RC 016** equivalent row (3 plain knit rows after transfers), with the carriage on the **COR**.
**3. STRAP FORMATION**
* **RC 052 (COR)**: Knit 1 row (COL) in stockinette (T8). This is the last row of the bag body.
* **Divide for Straps**:
* The total needles are L42 - R42 (84 needles).
* Each strap will be 12 needles wide. There will be two 'gap' sections, each 30 needles wide.
* **Needle Arrangement**:
* **Strap 1**: L42 - L31 (12 needles)
* **Gap 1**: L30 - L1 (30 needles)
* **Strap 2**: R1 - R12 (12 needles)
* **Gap 2**: R13 - R42 (30 needles)
* Push all needles for **Gap 1 (L30 - L1)** and **Gap 2 (R13 - R42)** to **HW (E position)**.
* Only **Strap 1 (L42 - L31)** and **Strap 2 (R1 - R12)** needles remain **IW**.
* Set Tension Dial to **T7** for straps for a denser, sturdier knit.
* **Knit Strap 1**
* Push **Strap 2 (R1 - R12)** needles to **HW (E position)**.
* Ensure **Strap 1 (L42 - L31)** needles are **IW**.
* **Carriage** is on the **COL**.
* Knit 90 rows in stockinette stitch for Strap 1.
* _Calculation_: 18 inches * 5 rows/inch = 90 rows.
* _Verification_: RC will go from 053 to 142 for this strap.
* **RC 142 (COR)**: Latch-tool bind off the 12 stitches of Strap 1. Cut yarn, leaving a tail for seaming.
* Transfer Strap 1 needles to **HW**.
* **Knit Strap 2**
* Push **Strap 1 (L42 - L31)** needles to **HW (E position)**.
* Push **Gap 1 (L30 - L1)** and **Gap 2 (R13 - R42)** needles to **HW**.
* Bring **Strap 2 (R1 - R12)** needles to **IW (B position)**.
* **Carriage** is on the **COL** (you will need to manually move it here, or use a slip stitch if your machine allows knitting only on specific needles while skipping others). Or, more simply, move carriage to **COR**, knit 1 row across only the 12 needles of Strap 2 (ensuring all other needles are in HW).
* **Carriage** is now on **COL** (or you manually moved it there). Set Tension Dial to **T7**.
* Knit 90 rows in stockinette stitch for Strap 2.
* _Verification_: RC will go from 053 to 142 for this strap (reset or make note of separate RC).
* **RC 142 (COR)**: Latch-tool bind off the 12 stitches of Strap 2. Cut yarn, leaving a tail for seaming.
* Remove work from the machine. Gently pull out the ravel cord.
**4. FINISHING**
* **Seaming**:
* With the right sides facing, align the long side edges of the bag panel. Using a tapestry needle and MC yarn, mattress stitch the side seam from the bottom edge of the bag up to the base of the strap division. Secure ends.
* Align the bottom edges of the bag panel. Using a tapestry needle and MC yarn, backstitch or whipstitch the bottom seam to close the bag. Secure ends.
* Align the bound-off ends of Strap 1 and Strap 2. Seam them together securely using mattress stitch or whipstitch.
* _Check:_ Ensure all seams are neat and strong, especially where the straps join.
* **Blocking**:
* Gently hand wash your bag or mist with water.
* Lay the bag flat, shaping it to the desired dimensions. Place blocking weights inside (e.g., small towels, paper weights) to stretch the mesh slightly if desired, and on the straps.
* Allow to air dry completely.
* **Final Check**: Inspect all seams and ensure the bag can comfortably carry a moderate load. For heavier loads, consider reinforcing the strap attachment points with extra stitches.
Your Market Tote Bag is complete!
Disclaimer: This pattern was generated by AI and should be reviewed for accuracy before use. While we strive for quality, AI-generated content may contain errors. Please verify measurements, stitch counts, and instructions before beginning your project. Generated by purlJam.uk
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