Berroco Matese Bag Knitting Pattern

Berroco Matese Knit Bag

What is Being Made

The Berroco Matese is a knitted shoulder bag designed by Amy Christoffers. This finished accessory measures approximately 12 inches across by 11 inches high (after finishing, not including straps), making it a compact and practical carryall. The bag is worked as a flat knitted piece that is subsequently seamed together to create the finished three-dimensional form.

Craft and Project Type

This is a knitting project classified as an easy skill level, making it suitable for knitters with basic to intermediate experience. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF, allowing crafters to access the instructions digitally and work at their own pace.

Techniques Used

The Matese bag employs several fundamental knitting techniques to achieve its finished structure:

• Worked Flat: The bag is knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, creating two-dimensional fabric that is later assembled
• Seaming: After the flat knitted pieces are completed, they are seamed together to form the three-dimensional bag shape
• Lace: Decorative lace patterning is incorporated throughout the body of the bag, creating an open, textured fabric with visual interest

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Matese utilizes a combination of fundamental and decorative stitches:

• Garter Stitch: Used for the initial 1¾ inches of the bag, creating a dense, textured foundation
• Pattern Stitch (Lace): A four-row repeat pattern based on a multiple of 4 stitches plus 5. This stitch pattern incorporates:
  • Yarn Overs (yo): Creating decorative holes and openness in the fabric
  • Centered Double Decrease (CDD): A custom decrease worked by slipping 2 stitches together as if to knit 2 together, knitting 1 stitch, then passing the 2 slipped stitches over the knit stitch, resulting in 2 stitches decreased
  • SSK (Slip, Slip, Knit): A left-leaning decrease that pairs with yarn overs for balanced lace shaping
  • K2tog (Knit 2 Together): A right-leaning decrease used within the pattern repeat
  • Knit and Purl: The pattern alternates between knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side, creating a stockinette base with lace motifs

Materials and Yarn

The Matese pattern calls for 1 hank of Berroco Espresso yarn (150 grams) in colorway #7963 Melone. Berroco Espresso is the specified yarn for this design, and the pattern recommends using the called-for yarn to ensure accurate results and proper gauge.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern uses straight knitting needles in size 11 (8.00 mm), or the size needed to obtain the correct gauge. The required gauge is 11 stitches and 16 rows equal 4 inches in Pattern Stitch. Checking gauge before beginning is emphasized as essential to ensure the finished bag meets the intended dimensions.

Pattern Details

The bag begins with casting on 33 stitches and working 1¾ inches in Garter Stitch to create a stable, textured base. The knitter then transitions to the four-row Pattern Stitch repeat, which features alternating rows of lace decreases and yarn overs on the right side, paired with plain purl rows on the wrong side. This creates an openwork lace fabric that is both decorative and structurally sound. The pattern is designed to be straightforward enough for knitters developing their skills while producing a polished, finished accessory.