purlJam

# The Kimono Fold Bag
*A beginner-friendly knitted tote*

A clean, modern little bag inspired by the simple lines of kimono folding. The whole bag is knitted flat as a single rectangle, then folded and seamed at the sides — no shaping, no fuss. A tidy garter-stitch border keeps the edges flat, and a knitted I-cord strap gives it a polished finish. Perfect for a confident first project beyond a scarf.

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## Materials
- **Yarn:** Worsted weight (Aran-ish) yarn, approximately **150 m (165 yds)** total in your favourite colour. One 100 g ball is usually plenty.
- **Needles:** 5 mm (UK 6 / US 8) straight or circular needles.
- **Notions:**
  - Tapestry/darning needle for seaming
  - 2 stitch markers (optional)
  - Scissors
  - Optional: a fabric lining and sewing thread if you wish to line the bag

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## Tension (Gauge)
**18 sts × 24 rows = 10 cm (4 in)** in stocking stitch on 5 mm needles.

*Tip: Knit a small swatch first. If your fabric feels loose and floppy, go down a needle size — a firmer fabric holds the bag's shape and stops small items slipping through.*

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## Finished Size
- **Width:** approx. **25 cm (10 in)**
- **Height (folded):** approx. **28 cm (11 in)**
- **Strap length:** approx. **70 cm (27½ in)**

This is a roomy everyday pouch. Adjustments are easy — see Pattern Notes.

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## Abbreviations (UK terms)
- **k** – knit
- **p** – purl
- **st(s)** – stitch(es)
- **RS** – right side
- **WS** – wrong side
- **st st** – stocking stitch (k on RS, p on WS)
- **g st** – garter stitch (k every row)
- **rep** – repeat
- **I-cord** – knitted cord (instructions given)

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## Pattern Notes
- The bag is worked **flat in one long rectangle**, then **folded in half** widthwise and seamed up both sides.
- A **4-stitch garter border** runs up each long edge to keep the sides from curling and to give the opening a neat finish.
- The **first and last 6 rows are garter stitch**, forming the top edges of the finished bag.
- **To make a bigger bag:** add stitches in multiples for width (each extra 9 sts ≈ 5 cm) and add rows for height (each extra 24 rows ≈ 10 cm). Keep the row total even.
- **To line the bag:** cut fabric to the flat rectangle's size plus seam allowance, sew into a pouch, and hand-stitch inside after seaming.

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## Instructions

### The Body
Cast on **45 sts**.

**Set-up garter band (top edge 1):**
Rows 1–6: K every st across. *(6 rows g st)*

**Main body:**
- **Row 7 (RS):** K all sts.
- **Row 8 (WS):** K4, p to last 4 sts, k4.

Repeat Rows 7–8 until you have worked **122 rows in this pattern** (i.e. 61 repeats of the 2-row pattern), ending after a WS row.

*Stitch & row check:* 45 sts remain throughout (no shaping). Rows so far = 6 (band) + 122 (body) = **128 rows.**

**End garter band (top edge 2):**
Next 6 rows: K every st across. *(6 rows g st)*

**Total rows = 128 + 6 = 134 rows.**
*Length check:* 134 rows ÷ 24 rows per 10 cm = **55.8 cm ≈ 56 cm.** ✓

Cast off **all 45 sts** loosely knitwise.

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### Assembly
1. Lay the rectangle flat, WS facing up. It measures approx. **25 cm wide × 56 cm long.**
2. **Fold in half widthwise** so the two garter top edges meet at the top opening. The fold becomes the bottom of the bag. The folded piece now measures approx. **25 cm wide × 28 cm tall.** ✓
3. **Seam the two side edges:** using mattress stitch and your tapestry needle, sew from the folded bottom up towards the top opening on each side. Sew right up to the top garter edges.
4. Weave in the side-seam yarn tails on the inside.

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### The Strap (I-cord)
Using 5 mm needles, cast on **4 sts** (do not turn).

**I-cord row:** *K4. Do not turn the work. Slide all 4 sts back to the right-hand point of the needle, bringing the yarn firmly across the back.* Rep from * until the cord measures **70 cm (27½ in).**

Cast off all 4 sts.

*Tip: Give the cord a gentle tug every few rows — this evens out the stitches and hides the carried strand at the back.*

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## Finishing
1. **Attach the strap:** Pin one end of the I-cord to the inside of one side seam at the top opening. Using your tapestry needle, stitch it firmly in place, going through the strap and seam several times for strength. Repeat with the other end of the strap at the opposite side seam.
2. **Weave in** all remaining yarn ends on the inside.
3. **Block lightly:** Pat the bag into shape, mist with water or steam gently (following your yarn's care instructions), and leave to dry flat. Blocking smooths the stocking stitch and crisps the folded bottom edge.
4. **Optional lining:** Insert and hand-stitch a fabric lining for extra body and to protect smaller contents.

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### Quick Reference
| Step | Sts | Rows |
|------|-----|------|
| Top garter band 1 | 45 | 6 |
| Main body (Rows 7–8 ×61) | 45 | 122 |
| Top garter band 2 | 45 | 6 |
| **Total** | **45** | **134** |
| I-cord strap | 4 | until 70 cm |

Enjoy your finished Kimono Fold Bag! 🧶