SWS - Felted Cable Bag (knit)

Roomy felted tote with a leafy cable pattern carries all your stuff in style. Measures approx. 15" x 14" (38 x 35.5 cm) after felting, excluding straps. Shown in Patons SWS (70242 Natural Moss), using 5.5 mm (U.S. 9) knitting needles.

Important to know before felting

Record all the measurements and changes before and after felting. You will be able to adjust the method to produce proper results.
Always test a sample. Different colored yarns may felt differently.
Colorfastness can be affected by very hot water.
Any knitting that has been properly felted becomes very dense and matted.

Felting:

Put knitted pieces in top-loading washing machine. Using low water level, run a Hot/Cold cycle for 5-15 min. Put in a pair of jeans or large towel (in non-interfering color) for extra agitation.
Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda for a small load. After one cycle, check for size. Repeat as necessary.
Run through the rinse and spin cycle.
Lay felted piece on a dry towel, away from heat or sunlight.
Shape piece to correct measurements.
Allow to dry thoroughly. Do not use a clothes dryer.
If an edge ripples, baste a thread through the edge and gather in. Remove the thread after the felting is dry.

MEASUREMENTS
Approx 15 x 14 ins [38 x 35.5 cm] after felting, excluding strap.

MATERIALS
Patons SWS (80 g/2.8 oz)
8 balls: #70242 (Natural Moss)

Size 5.5 mm (U.S. 9) knitting needles or size needed to obtain tension. Cable needle � CN.

TENSION
17 sts and 21 rows = 4 ins [10 cm] in stocking st.

STITCH GLOSSARY
C10B = Slip next 5 stitches onto a CN and leave at back of work. K5, then K5 from CN.
C10F = Slip next 5 stitches onto a CN and leave at front of work. K5, then K5 from CN.

INSTRUCTIONS
Panel Pat A (worked over 16 sts).
1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th and 9th rows: (RS). P2. K10. P4.
2nd and alt rows: K4. P10. K2.
11th row: P2. C10B. P4.
12th row: As 2nd row.
These 12 rows form Panel Pat A.

Panel Pat B (worked over 16 sts).
1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th and 9th rows: (RS). P4. K10. P2.
2nd and alt rows: K2. P10. K4.
11th row: P4. C10F. P2.
12th row: As 2nd row.
These 12 rows form Panel Pat B.

FRONT and BACK (make alike).
Cast on 100 sts.
1st row: (RS). (Work 1st row of Panel Pat A. K18. Work 1st row of Panel Pat B) twice.
2nd row: (Work 2nd row of Panel Pat B. P18. Work 2nd row of Panel Pat A) twice.
Panel Pats A and B are now in position.
Cont in Pat until work from beg measures 20 ins [51 cm], ending with a WS row.

Strap: Cast off 32 sts beg next 2 rows. 36 sts.
Next row: (RS). K2. Pat to last 2 sts. K2.
Rep last row for 20 ins [51 cm].
Dec 1 st each end of needle on next and every following 4th row to 10 sts, ending with a WS row. Cast off.

FINISHING
With WS of Front and Back tog, sew sides and bottom, using flat seam.

Felt pieces following �How to Felt� instructions. Shape Bag to measurements and let dry. Knot ends of Strap tog.