Berroco Arugula Bag Knitting Pattern

Berroco Arugula Knit Bag

What Is Being Made

The Arugula is a structured knit bag designed by Åsa Buchta, measuring approximately 14 inches wide by 14 inches high (not including straps) with a 3-inch base depth. This intermediate-level project creates a finished tote bag featuring a two-color construction with a main body and coordinating lining, finished with leather bag handles.

Construction Method and Techniques

The Arugula bag employs a bottom-up construction approach, beginning with the base panels and working upward in the round. The exterior is worked first using the main color, followed by the lining worked downward in a contrasting color. The bag is worked in the round on circular needles, creating a seamless construction for the primary body. The design incorporates lace patterning throughout the exterior, adding visual interest and texture to the finished piece. Seaming techniques are used to join components and attach the leather handles securely.

Stitches and Pattern Details

The pattern features a repeating lace stitch pattern worked over a multiple of 6 stitches. The stitch pattern includes:

• SSK (slip, slip, knit) and k2tog (knit two together) decreases that create the lace openings
• Yarn overs (yo) that form the characteristic holes and decorative elements of the lace design
• Slip 1, knit 2 together, pass slipped stitch over (sl 1, k2tog, psso) for central decreases
• Stockinette stitch (St st) as the base fabric between pattern rounds
• Alternating knit rounds on even-numbered rows to balance the lace decreases

The body is worked in pattern for approximately 14½ inches from the cast-on edge, then finished with additional knit and purl rounds before transitioning to the lining.

Yarn and Materials

This project uses Berroco Remix Chunky, a substantial yarn that creates quick, visible progress. The pattern calls for 2 balls of #9901 Birch (main color) and 2 balls of #9922 Buttercup (contrasting color), with each ball weighing 100 grams. The yarn is worked at a gauge of 15 stitches and 24 rounds over 4 inches in stockinette stitch on the smaller needle, or 15 stitches and 23 rounds over 4 inches in the pattern stitch on the larger needle, measured after blocking.

Needles and Notions

Construction requires a 24-inch circular needle in size 8 (5 mm) and a size 9 (5.5 mm) needle to work between the two gauges specified in the pattern. Additional notions include a stitch marker for tracking rounds, waste yarn for provisional cast-on or other techniques, and one set of two 26-inch leather bag handles for finishing the top edges of the completed bag.