Berroco Ponderosa Bag Knitting Pattern

Berroco Ponderosa Knit Tote Bag

What is Being Made

The Ponderosa is an intermediate-level knit tote bag designed by Donna Yacino. This project creates a structured handbag with finished measurements of approximately 19 inches wide by 11 inches high (not including handles). The bag features a tubular frame insert and cardboard bottom support for a professional, polished appearance suitable for everyday use or as a finished gift item.

Techniques Used

This knitting project employs circular knitting as the primary construction method, with the bag worked in the round to create a seamless body. The pattern utilizes a seamed construction approach for finishing details, including securing the tubular frame insert and closing side edges. Knitters will also use basic crochet techniques with a size 4.00 mm hook for finishing elements. The bag incorporates a tubular frame from Ghee's (a 16-inch frame) and a cardboard insert (16 inches long by 4.5 inches wide) to provide structure and stability to the finished tote.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern is a custom Pattern Stitch (Pat St) worked over 4 rounds. This stitch combines fundamental knitting techniques:

• Knit stitches (K) for basic fabric creation
• Slip stitches (Sl 1) worked with yarn in back (wyib) to create texture
• Yarn overs (yo) to generate decorative openings and lace-like elements
• Pass slip stitch over decreases to balance the yarn overs and maintain stitch count
• Stockinette stitch (St st) used for gauge reference and structural sections

The pattern stitch repeats every 4 rounds and creates a visually interesting textured fabric. Knitters will also use cast-on and bind-off techniques, with the bind-off worked in pattern stitch to maintain consistency with the fabric design.

Materials and Tools

The Ponderosa pattern calls for Berroco Suede yarn in colorway #3718 Holster, requiring 4 balls (50 grams each). This yarn choice provides a soft, suede-like texture appropriate for a sophisticated tote bag. Knitters will need a 24-inch circular needle in size 8 (5.00 mm) or the size required to achieve proper gauge. Additional notions include a size 4.00 mm crochet hook for finishing, a stitch marker to track the beginning of rounds, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming. The project also requires a 16-inch tubular frame from Ghee's and a piece of cardboard measuring 16 inches by 4.5 inches for the bottom insert to maintain bag shape.

Gauge and Sizing

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project. The pattern stitch should measure 22 stitches and 28 rounds over 4 inches, while stockinette stitch measures 17 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches. The pattern emphasizes checking gauge before beginning to ensure the finished bag meets the intended dimensions. The project is one size only, with the finished tote measuring approximately 19 inches wide by 11 inches high (excluding handles).