Berroco Essentials Arbor Bag Knitting Pattern

Berroco Essentials Arbor Knit Bag

What is Being Made

The Arbor is an intermediate-level knitted tote bag designed by Åsa Buchta. This structured handbag measures approximately 13 inches wide by 14 inches high (excluding straps) with a 4-inch base depth. The finished bag is a practical everyday carryall created using a combination of flat and circular knitting techniques to build a polished, professional-looking accessory.

Construction Method

The Arbor employs a multi-stage construction approach that combines flat and in-the-round knitting. The project begins with two bottom panels worked flat on straight needles, which form the foundation of the bag. After completing these panels, stitches are cast on for the side panels, and the knitter transitions to circular needles to work the main body of the bag in continuous rounds. Once the bag body reaches the desired height, the work is separated again, and the straps are worked flat. The bottom panels, top edges, and strap attachments are then seamed together to complete the finished bag.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns Used

The Arbor features a custom pattern stitch that differs depending on whether it is being worked flat or in the round. This textured stitch creates visual interest and dimension throughout the bag.

• Pattern Stitch (Flat): Worked over an odd number of stitches across four rows. The pattern alternates between knit rows and slip-stitch rows. Rows 1 and 2 are worked entirely in knit stitches. Row 3 uses a [K1, slip 1 with yarn in back] repeat to the final stitch, which is knitted. Row 4 mirrors this structure with [K1, slip 1 with yarn in front] to the last knit stitch. This four-row repeat creates a subtle texture when worked flat.
• Pattern Stitch (In the Round): Worked over an even number of stitches in four rounds. Round 1 is knit entirely. Round 2 is purled entirely. Round 3 alternates [K1, slip 1 with yarn in back] around the entire circumference. Round 4 alternates [P1, slip 1 with yarn in back] around. This four-round repeat produces a coordinated textured effect when working circularly.
• Seaming: Flat panels and strap components are joined using seaming techniques appropriate to the stitch pattern.

Yarn and Materials

The Arbor is designed to be knitted using Berroco Pima Soft yarn in the colorway #4609 Fossil. This project requires seven 50-gram balls of yarn, providing approximately 350 grams of fiber total. Berroco Pima Soft is a premium yarn choice that combines comfort with durability, making it well-suited for a structured bag that will receive regular use.

The required needles are a 24-inch circular needle in size 4 (3.5 mm), or whatever size is necessary to achieve the specified gauge. Additional notions include a stitch marker for tracking rounds during in-the-round sections and waste yarn for temporarily holding stitches during construction transitions.

Gauge and Finishing Details

The pattern specifies a gauge of 28 stitches and 24 rounds or rows equal 4 inches (10 centimeters) in the pattern stitch. This gauge is measured after blocking, which is an important step for achieving accurate finished measurements. Knitters are strongly advised to knit a gauge swatch and block it before beginning the project to ensure their finished bag matches the intended dimensions of 13 inches wide by 14 inches high by 4 inches deep.

The intermediate skill level indicates that knitters should be comfortable with basic techniques including casting on and binding off, working both flat and in the round, reading pattern instructions, managing stitch markers, and executing seaming. The combination of flat and circular knitting, along with the textured stitch pattern, provides an engaging project that builds practical skills while creating a beautiful, functional accessory.