Deramores A Day at the Beach Bag Knitting Pattern

A Day at the Beach Bag

What is Being Made

The A Day at the Beach Bag is an intermediate-level knitted tote bag designed by Wendy Kippax for Deramores. This finished piece measures 35 x 43cm (excluding handles) and is intended as a practical accessory for beach outings and everyday use. The bag combines knitted fabric with a cotton lining, creating a durable and functional carryall.

Design and Inspiration

The bag features three different Shale Stitch patterns worked throughout the design to recreate the visual textures of sand, sea, and sky. This thematic approach demonstrates how stitch selection can evoke natural landscapes and environments. The designer, Wendy Kippax, draws inspiration from history, travel, textures, and vibrant colours observed in everyday life, bringing these influences into her yarn-based creations.

Knitting Techniques Used

This project employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques:

• Provisional Cast On Method: The bag is knitted in one piece using a provisional cast on, allowing for seamless construction and flexible finishing options.
• Shale Stitch Pattern: Three variations of the Shale Stitch are used throughout the bag to create textural interest and visual depth that mimics natural elements.
• Increases and Decreases: The pattern incorporates yarn overs (yo) for increases and knit 2 together (k2tog) decreases to shape the fabric.
• Make 1 Increases: The M1 technique (picking up the horizontal loop between needles and knitting into the back) is used for additional shaping and stitch increases.
• I-Cord Handles: Double pointed needles are used to create i-cord for the bag handles, adding a finished and professional touch.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes essential knitting stitches combined to create the Shale Stitch texture:

• Knit (K): The fundamental knit stitch forms the base of the fabric.
• Purl (P): Purl stitches are combined with knit stitches to create the characteristic texture of the Shale Stitch pattern.
• Knit 2 Together (K2tog): Used for decreasing stitches and shaping the bag structure.
• Yarn Over (Yo): Creates deliberate eyelet holes and increases stitches for pattern and shaping.
• Make 1 (M1): Increases stitches by picking up the horizontal loop between needles and knitting into the back of it.

Materials and Specifications

The bag is constructed using Deramores Studio DK yarn in three complementary colorways totalling 300g of yarn:

• 1 x 100g Latte Yarn (Yarn A)
• 1 x 100g Ultramarine Yarn (Yarn B)
• 1 x 100g Pearl Yarn (Yarn C)

Needles and Tools:

• 4mm straight knitting needles for the main bag body
• Two 4mm double pointed needles for creating the i-cord handles
• Sewing needle and thread for attaching the cotton lining

Additional Materials:

• 72 x 45cm piece of cotton fabric for the bag lining, providing structure and durability

Tension: The pattern is worked to a tension of 22.5 stitches x 28 rows over a 10 x 10cm swatch using the closed Shale pattern on 4mm needles. Achieving correct tension is essential for the bag to reach its intended finished dimensions.

Construction Notes

The pattern includes important construction details: the first three stitches and the last three stitches remain consistent on every row and are not included in the pattern instructions, functioning as selvage edges. Each row is worked beginning with K1, p1, k1 before proceeding into the Shale Stitch pattern sections. The combination of knitted fabric with a sewn cotton lining creates a professional finish and adds longevity to the finished bag.