Cabled Clutch Bag Knitting Pattern

Cabled Clutch Bag Knitting Pattern by Lion Brand

Project Overview

This downloadable knitting pattern from Lion Brand creates a sophisticated cabled clutch bag suitable for knitters of all experience levels. The finished clutch measures approximately 9 by 6 1/2 inches when folded, making it an ideal size for carrying small essentials. The pattern is classified as Easy skill level, making it accessible to beginners while still incorporating classic cable techniques that add visual interest and texture to the finished piece.

Construction Method

The clutch is worked in a single continuous piece from cast-on to bind-off, then folded and seamed to create the finished bag. This straightforward construction approach minimizes the number of separate components to assemble. After the main knitting is complete, the piece is folded so that the cast-on edge meets the bound-off edge, and the sides are seamed together. A decorative ribbon is then woven through the cable crosses and around the top edge, finishing with a tied bow.

Cable Stitches and Techniques

The pattern features two primary cable crossing techniques that create the distinctive textured design:

• 4/4 LC (4 over 4 Left Cross): Four stitches are slipped to a cable needle and held in front of the work, then four stitches are knitted from the main needle before knitting the four stitches from the cable needle. This creates a cable that twists to the left.
• 4/4 RC (4 over 4 Right Cross): Four stitches are slipped to a cable needle and held in back of the work, then four stitches are knitted from the main needle before knitting the four stitches from the cable needle. This creates a cable that twists to the right.

The pattern works over a 12-row repeat, with cable crosses occurring on Row 7, while other rows maintain the cables in stockinette stitch with reverse stockinette borders. The pattern can be followed using either a provided chart or written row-by-row instructions.

Materials and Tools

The pattern calls for Lion Brand Homespun Yarn in the Quartz colorway, requiring one ball for the project. Knitting needles in size 9 (5.5 mm) are used for the main fabric. A Lion Brand Cable Needle Set of 2 is essential for executing the cable crosses throughout the pattern. A Large-Eye Blunt Needle Set of 6 is used for weaving in yarn ends and finishing. Additionally, 1 yard of ribbon approximately 1 3/8 inches wide is required for the decorative finishing detail that weaves through the cable pattern.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 14 stitches and 20 rows over 4 inches in the cable pattern stitch. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure the finished clutch matches the intended dimensions and that the materials provided will be sufficient. Knitters who achieve fewer stitches and rows in their 4-inch gauge square should use smaller needles, while those achieving more stitches and rows should use larger needles.

Pattern Structure

The clutch begins with casting on 32 stitches and knitting 2 rows in garter stitch to create a stable edge. The 12-row cable pattern repeat is then worked four times, followed by 2 final rows of garter stitch before binding off. This structure creates a balanced design with cable motifs framed by reverse stockinette borders on either side, creating a symmetrical appearance when the piece is folded.