Debbie Bliss Etta Bag Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Etta Bag

What Is Being Made

The Debbie Bliss Etta Bag is an intermediate-level knitted handbag measuring 26cm (10¼ inches) high by 38cm (15 inches) wide. This is a structured, finished accessory project suitable for knitters with some experience beyond basic techniques.

Yarn Materials

This project uses Debbie Bliss Roma yarn, a worsted-weight option ideal for creating a sturdy, well-defined bag. The pattern requires two 100g balls in Midnight 11 (color A) and one 100g ball in Duck Egg 09 (color B), allowing for a two-color colorwork design. The yarn quantities provided are approximate and based on average requirements, making it essential to work to the stated tension before beginning to ensure accurate yardage consumption and finished dimensions.

Needles and Tools

The pattern calls for a pair of 9mm (US size 13) knitting needles. Proper needle selection is critical—if your tension produces too many stitches per 10cm, you should switch to larger needles; conversely, if you have too few stitches, smaller needles are needed. Achieving the correct tension is essential for the bag to reach its intended finished size.

Techniques Used

• Stranded Colorwork: The two-color yarn selection (Midnight and Duck Egg) indicates stranded knitting, a technique where two colors are carried across the row to create a patterned fabric. This method produces a thicker, more durable textile suitable for a bag that will bear weight.
• Flat Knitting: The bag is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, meaning you knit back and forth in rows.
• Seaming: After the flat pieces are completed, they are seamed together to construct the three-dimensional bag shape. This technique creates clean, professional-looking joins between panels.

Stitches and Construction

The pattern uses standard knitting abbreviations and stitches common to intermediate projects. Key stitches referenced include knit (k), purl (p), yarn overs (yon, yrn, y2rn), decreases (dec, skpo, sk2togpo, ssk, k2tog), and increases (inc, m1, kfb, pfb). Stocking stitch (stockinette stitch) is likely the primary stitch used for the main fabric, providing a smooth, classic appearance. The pattern includes directional instructions worked in brackets, repeated as specified, allowing for shaping and pattern placement.

Pattern Notes

This is a downloadable PDF pattern from Debbie Bliss. The instructions are provided for multiple sizes, with the first size given in the main text and larger sizes indicated in round brackets. A tension square should always be worked before beginning the project to verify your gauge matches the pattern requirements. Refer to the yarn ball band for specific washing and pressing instructions to maintain the finished bag's appearance and structure.