Red Bag

This bag is knitted in the simplest stitch of all — garter stitch. As there is no shaping required you don't have to worry about increasing or decreasing and you can concentrate instead on producing a neat, even fabric and enjoying knitting your first project.

Materials
6 l ¾ oz/50g balls of Rowan DK Handknit Cotton.
Pair of US 6 (4mm/No 8) knitting needles.

Measurements
Approximately 13in x 13 1/2 in/33cm x 34crn.
 
Gauge
20 stitches and 38 rows to 4in/10cm square over garter st (every row k) on US 6 (4mm/No 8) needles

Abbreviations
The instructions are written out in full for this project.

To Make
With US 6 (4mm/No 8) needles cast on 132 stitches.

1st row Knit to end.
This row forms garter stitch. Repeat this row until work measures 13 1/2in/34cm from beginning.

Shape for Strap
Cast off  knitwise 60 stitches at beginning of next 2 rows. 12 sts.
Continue on these stitches until strap measures approximately 29 1/2in/75cm or required length. Bind off.

To Finish (see also Finishing Workshop)
Fold bag in half widthwise and join side and bottom seam. Placing centre of cast-off edge of strap to side seam, sew strap in position.