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# The Simple Satchel — Small Shoulder Bag with I-Cord Strap

A charming little shoulder bag worked as one flat rectangle in cosy garter stitch, then folded and seamed into a neat pouch. The strap is a tidy I-cord — beginner-friendly and very satisfying to make. No shaping, no purling, just relaxing rows!

**Skill level:** Beginner

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## Finished Measurements
- **Width:** 20 cm (approx. 8 in)
- **Height:** 18 cm (approx. 7 in)
- **Strap length:** approx. 100 cm (approx. 39 in), adjustable

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## Materials
- **Yarn:** Worsted weight (Aran) yarn — approx. 150 m / 165 yds (roughly 75–85 g). A firm, smooth wool or wool blend works best for structure.
- **Needles:** 4.5 mm (UK 7 / US 7) straight or circular needles.
- **Double-pointed needles:** 2 × 4.5 mm DPNs for the I-cord strap.
- **Notions:** Tapestry/darning needle for seaming, scissors, optional 1 magnetic snap or button for closure.

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## Tension (Gauge)
18 sts and 36 rows (18 garter ridges) = 10 cm (4 in) square in garter stitch on 4.5 mm needles.

> **Tip:** Tension matters for a firm bag that holds its shape. If your fabric is loose and floppy, go down a needle size (4.0 mm).

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## Sizes
One size as written. To enlarge: add stitches in multiples for width (each extra 9 sts ≈ 5 cm wider) and add rows for height (each 18 rows ≈ 5 cm taller). Keep the row count even and fold at the halfway point.

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## Abbreviations (UK)
- **k** — knit
- **st(s)** — stitch(es)
- **RS** — right side
- **WS** — wrong side
- **I-cord** — knitted cord (see instructions)
- **cm** — centimetres
- **approx.** — approximately

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## Pattern Notes
- The bag body is **one long rectangle** worked flat entirely in garter stitch (knit every row).
- Garter stitch is reversible, so there is no strict right or wrong side — handy for beginners.
- The rectangle is **folded in half** and the two side edges are seamed, forming a pouch with the fold at the bottom.
- The **I-cord strap** is made separately and sewn to the top side seams.
- Work at a firm, even tension so the bag keeps its shape and holds its contents.

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## Instructions

### Bag Body

**Cast on 36 sts.**

Work in garter stitch (knit every row) until the piece measures **36 cm (approx. 14 in)** from the cast-on edge.

- This is **130 rows** (130 ÷ 36 rows per 10 cm = 36.1 cm ✓).
- The halfway point is **row 65** (18 cm), which will become the bottom fold.

> **Counting tip:** In garter stitch, each raised ridge = 2 rows. 130 rows = 65 ridges on each face. If counting ridges, count to 65 ridges total.

**Cast off** all 36 sts loosely. Cut yarn, leaving a 20 cm tail.

*Maths check: 36 sts ÷ 18 sts per 10 cm = 20 cm width ✓.*

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### I-Cord Strap

Using 4.5 mm DPNs, **cast on 3 sts.**

**Work the I-cord as follows:**
1. Knit 3 sts.
2. **Do not turn.** Slide the 3 sts back to the right-hand tip of the DPN.
3. Pull the working yarn firmly across the back of the work.
4. Knit the 3 sts again.

Repeat steps 2–4, always sliding the stitches back and pulling the yarn snugly across the back, until the cord measures **100 cm (approx. 39 in)** — or your preferred strap length.

**Cast off** all 3 sts. Leave a 20 cm tail at each end (the cast-on tail and the cast-off tail) for attaching.

> **Tip:** The first few rounds of I-cord look untidy — keep going and tug the yarn firmly; it forms a neat round tube within a few centimetres.

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## Finishing

### 1. Fold and seam the body
1. Lay the rectangle flat. **Fold it in half** widthways so the cast-on and cast-off edges meet at the top. The fold at the bottom is the base of the bag.
2. You now have a pouch 20 cm wide and 18 cm tall.
3. Using a tapestry needle and matching yarn, **seam the two side edges** from the bottom fold up to the top opening. Use a whip stitch or mattress stitch along the garter side edges.
4. Weave in and secure the ends. Turn the bag right-side out.

### 2. Attach the strap
1. Position one end of the I-cord **inside** the bag at the top of one side seam.
2. Using the cord's tail and tapestry needle, **stitch the end firmly** to the side seam, going over several times for strength.
3. Repeat with the other end of the I-cord at the **opposite** side seam, taking care not to twist the strap.

### 3. Optional closure
- Sew a **magnetic snap** or a **button-and-loop** to the centre of the top opening for security. For a button loop, make a short 15-stitch I-cord and sew it as a loop opposite the button.

### 4. Final touches
- Weave in all remaining ends on the inside.
- Gently steam-block the bag (if your yarn allows) over a folded towel to sharpen the rectangular shape.

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## Quick Reference Summary
| Element | Count / Measurement |
|---|---|
| Cast on (body) | 36 sts |
| Body rows | 130 (fold at row 65) |
| Finished width | 20 cm |
| Finished height | 18 cm |
| I-cord stitches | 3 sts |
| Strap length | approx. 100 cm |

Enjoy your handmade Simple Satchel! 🧶