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As a dedicated knitter and homeschooling mom, I’m always on the lookout for projects that are both practical and charming. When I stumbled upon the Rosebud Bag free knitting pattern, I knew it was a perfect fit for my lifestyle. This tote bag, with its simple construction yet intricate details, has quickly become one of my favorite creations. Let me take you through my journey of knitting the Rosebud Bag and share why it’s a must-knit for any avid crafter.

Discovering the Pattern

The Rosebud Bag got me excited for several reasons. First, its unique construction intrigued me. Unlike traditional bags that are knit in the round or with multiple pieces, this bag is knit as a single rectangle. The rectangle is then cleverly folded to form the bag, showcasing the beauty of simple geometry in knitting. This aspect alone made it an exciting project to undertake.

Moreover, the tight weave slip-stitch pattern promised a sturdy and durable bag, perfect for carrying everything from groceries to knitting supplies. As someone who values functionality as much as aesthetics, this was a significant plus. The addition of an I-cord chain stitch handle added a lovely touch, combining strength and style seamlessly. And, for those who appreciate a bit of extra security, the option to add a magnetic snap closure was the cherry on top.

Choosing the Yarn

For this project, I decided to use KnitPicks CotLin, a blend of Tanguis cotton and linen. This yarn choice was ideal for several reasons. Firstly, the cotton-linen blend provides excellent durability and a beautiful drape, essential qualities for a tote bag. Additionally, CotLin comes in a wide range of colors, allowing me to choose a shade that perfectly matched my style.

I opted for the colorway whisper, inspired by the name of the pattern itself. The subtle yet elegant hue not only resonated with the “Rosebud” theme ( because it is the color of the roses at my wedding!) but also added a touch of femininity and sophistication to the bag. The yarn was a delight to work with, offering just the right amount of structure and softness.

The Knitting Process

Starting the project, I cast on the required number of stitches and quickly became engrossed in the slip-stitch pattern. This stitch pattern, while simple, created a beautifully tight weave that ensured the bag would be sturdy enough for daily use. The rhythmic motion of slipping stitches and knitting created a meditative knitting experience, one of the reasons I love this craft so much.

As the rectangle grew, I marveled at how such a straightforward process could yield such a textured and visually appealing fabric. The slip-stitch pattern gave the bag a professional, almost store-bought look, which was incredibly satisfying.

Once the rectangle was complete, it was time to fold and seam it into the shape of the bag. This step was akin to origami, where precise folding and stitching transformed a flat piece of fabric into a functional three-dimensional object. The sense of accomplishment I felt at this moment was immense – seeing the bag take shape before my eyes was a true testament to the magic of knitting.

Adding the Handle

The I-cord chain stitch handle was the next element to tackle. Creating I-cords has always been one of my favorite knitting techniques, as they add such a polished and finished look to any project. For the Rosebud Bag, the I-cord not only served an aesthetic purpose but also provided a sturdy and comfortable handle for carrying the bag.

Attaching the handle was straightforward, and I was pleased with how seamlessly it integrated with the rest of the bag. The chain stitch added a bit of texture and interest, complementing the slip-stitch pattern beautifully.

Optional Magnetic Snap Closure

While the bag looked fantastic as it was, I decided to add the optional magnetic snap closure for extra functionality. Installing the snap was simple and quick, and it provided a secure way to keep the bag closed when needed. This addition made the Rosebud Bag even more versatile, allowing me to use it in various settings, from casual outings to more formal occasions.

The Finished Product

Upon completing the Rosebud Bag, I was thrilled with the result. The combination of the tight weave slip-stitch pattern, the elegant I-cord handle, and the practical magnetic snap closure created a tote bag that was both beautiful and functional. The CotLin yarn provided a lovely texture and drape, and the rose pink color added a touch of elegance to the overall design.

This bag has quickly become a staple in my daily life. Whether I’m heading to the market, attending a homeschool co-op, or simply going out for a walk, the Rosebud Bag is my go-to accessory. Its durability and spaciousness make it perfect for carrying all my essentials, and its stylish appearance ensures that I always look put-together.

Final Thoughts

The Rosebud Bag is a delightful project that combines simplicity and elegance in a way that only knitting can. The process of creating this bag was not only enjoyable but also incredibly satisfying. From the moment I cast on to the final seam, every step was a testament to the versatility and beauty of knitting.

If you’re looking for a project that is both practical and stylish, I highly recommend giving the Rosebud Bag a try. Whether you’re a seasoned knitter or just starting, this pattern offers a rewarding experience that results in a stunning finished product. So grab your needles, choose your favorite color of CotLin yarn, and embark on the journey of knitting your own Rosebud Bag. You won’t be disappointed!

Materials and Info

MATERIALS AND INFO

Materials: Approximately 3 skein of KnitPicks Cotlin, needle, stitch markers, optional magnet closures

Needle Size: 5(US) 3.75mm needles

Gauge (tension): 24sts to make 10cm across (row gauge does not matter here), using size 5(US) 3.75mm needles working in pattern stitch

Finished Chest Measurement: 34.5cms across x 36cms tall  with a 53cms braided icord handle

METHOD

This pattern single rectangle folded to create the bag. There is a video tutorial included on how to fold the bag.

ROSEBUD STITCH PATTERN

Row 1 (right side row) – Sl1, (sl1 purlwise with yarn in back, k1, yo, psso) repeat (to) across to last st, k1

Row 2 – Purl across

Row 3 – sl1, (k1, sl1 purlwise with yarn in back, k1, yo, psso) repeat (to) across to last 2sts, k2

Row 4 – purl across

ABBREVIATIONS

k – knit

P – purl

pm – place marker

sm – slip marker

k2tog -knit 2 stitches together

psso – pass slipped stitch over

yo – yarn over

st – stitch

sl – slip stitch

Rosebud Bag Pattern

MAIN BODY OF BAG

Cast on 186 sts

Work in rosebud stitch pattern for 16cms.

Bind off.

Your rectangle should measure approximately 36×15.5cms.

FOLDING THE BAG

Lay your finished work wrong side facing up.

Fold the bottom left corner up and the top right corner down.

See fig 1

Now fold the right side up, lining up with the left edge that was folded over. See fig2

Sew the seams on both the front and back. I like to use a mattress stitch center of the bind off/cast on edge but a whip stitch works beautifully too.

If you would like a video tutorial of this you can find one on youtube here.

I-CORD LOOP (make 2)

Work an i-cord for 10 rows leaving a long enough tail on the cast on and bind off to sew the loop to the top of the folded corners.

HANDLE

Work an i-cord and finger chain stitch until the handle measures 53cms. Or you can make 3 icords and braid them together if you do not know how to make a chain stitch (which is a crochet term).

Using the end, sew the braid to the loop you sewed on in the previous step.

FINISHING

Weave in all ends. If desired you can add a magnetic snap to keep it closed. You can find the snaps here.

Rosebud Bag PDF