Deramores Bee Stitch Bag Knitting Pattern

Deramores Bee Stitch Bag

What Is Being Made

The Deramores Bee Stitch Bag is an intermediate-level knitted tote bag designed by Wendy Kippax. This project creates a finished bag measuring 28cm x 28cm with a 90cm strap, making it a practical everyday accessory. The bag features a distinctive textured front pocket and combines decorative colorwork with functional construction techniques suitable for knitters with some experience.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several core knitting techniques to create visual interest and structure:

• Garter stitch forms the foundation and finishing edges, providing a sturdy, textured border
• Bee stitch creates the signature decorative pattern on the front pocket and top edge, adding dimensional texture
• Stocking stitch comprises the main body of the bag, offering a smooth, classic fabric
• Two-color stranding using Yarn A and Yarn B together creates visual contrast in the handle
• Pocket construction involves dividing stitches, working sections separately, then rejoining for seamless integration
• Zip insertion at the top closure requires careful finishing and sewing

Stitches Used

The pattern relies on fundamental stitches executed with precision:

• Knit (K) – the basic stitch used throughout
• Purl (P) – used in stocking stitch sections and transition rows
• Knit one below (K1b) – the signature stitch that creates the bee stitch texture by knitting into the stitch below the working stitch while simultaneously removing both stitches from the needle

Materials and Tools

Yarn: The pattern calls for Deramores Studio DK weight yarn in two colorways:

• 1 x 100g Deramores Studio DK in Blue Haze (Yarn A)
• 1 x 100g Deramores Studio DK in Storm Cloud (Yarn B)

Needles and Notions: Knitters will need 4mm straight needles to achieve the correct tension over the bee stitch pattern (20 stitches x 28 rows) and stocking stitch sections (22 stitches x 28 rows). Additional supplies include a 24cm closed-end zip for the bag closure, stitch holders or spare yarn for managing stitches during pocket construction, and a tapestry needle for seaming the pocket and finishing edges.

Pattern Structure and Construction

The bag is constructed in distinct sections that are worked separately then joined:

• Foundation begins with casting on 46 stitches in Yarn A and working 6 rows of garter stitch for a stable base
• The bee stitch pattern is worked for 9cm (34 rows), establishing the decorative top edge
• A pocket section is created by dividing stitches: 30 stitches are worked in stocking stitch while remaining stitches are held
• The central 14 stitches form the pocket depth, worked for 44 rows in stocking stitch
• Stitches are rejoined and the main bag body continues for 16cm in pattern
• The bag body is completed with 24cm sections alternating between Yarn B and Yarn A in stocking stitch
• The top edge finishes with 2 rows of garter stitch, another 24cm bee stitch pattern section, and 4 final rows of garter stitch in Yarn A only
• The handle is worked separately by casting on 6 stitches with both colors held together and working in garter stitch for 100cm

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, this project requires competence with basic stitches and the ability to manage color changes, stitch holders, and pocket construction. The bee stitch pattern, while not complex, demands attention to detail as the knit-one-below technique must be executed consistently to create the characteristic texture. Knitters should be comfortable reading pattern instructions, managing multiple yarn colors, and finishing techniques including zip insertion and seaming.