Knitted Barn Bag

The Knitted Barn Bag is the perfect accessory for those who appreciate a touch of rustic charm in their outfits. The intricate knitting patterns give this bag a cozy and handcrafted feel that is hard to resist. Its spacious interior provides ample room to carry all your essentials while on the go and the sturdy handles ensure that you can lug around your belongings with ease. Whether you're heading to the farmer's market or simply out for a stroll, the Knitted Barn Bag is sure to add a delightful element of country-inspired style to your ensemble. So, why not treat yourself to this charming accessory and embrace a bit of countryside fashion in your day-to-day life? You won't be able to resist its warm and inviting appeal!

Materials needed:

• 16" size 8 circular needle
• Size 8 dpn's
• Tapestry needle
• One ball of kitchen cotton - I used Lily Sugar & Cream Summer Splash Ombre

Directions:

Cast on 16 stitches. Knit back and forth in garter stitch for 24 rows (12 garter ridges). Turn work clockwise, pick up and knit 12 stitches from the short side (1 stitch from each garter ridge). Turn work clockwise. Pick up and knit 16 stitches along the next side. Turn work clockwise. Pick up and knit the next 12 stitches (again, one stitch from each garter ridge). You should now have 56 stitches on your circular needle.

Knit straight up in the round (stockinette) for four inches, or to desired length. Begin decreases: K6K2tog for one round (you will now have 48 stitches on your needle).

Switching to K2P2 rib, knit six rounds. Next round, decrease one stitch in each purl rib column (K2, P2tog). You may need to switch to dpn's at this point. Knit one more round of K2P1 rib, then bind off loosely following K2P1 rib pattern. Weave in ends.

For handle: Pick up four stitches at the base of one of the rib columns. Begin 4-stitch i-cord and knit to desired length. (Cord pictured on bag is 10"). When you have reached desired length, attach i-cord to bag by picking up four stitches at the base of a rib column on the opposite side of the bag, and using the 3-needle bindoff. Pull loose ends through to inside and weave in.

Finish!

This could be handy little bag for many purposes: toting around sock (or hat) knitting, discreetly toting, ahem, used plastic bags when walking your dog, storing Scrabble tiles during game play (the bag sits up on its own thanks to the garter base - you can just reach right in to grab your pieces).