Deramores Friesland Messenger Bag Knitting Pattern

Deramores Friesland Messenger Bag

What is Being Made

The Deramores Friesland Messenger Bag is a knitted shoulder bag featuring a distinctive Dutch tile design on the front. This advanced-level knitting project creates a neat, structured messenger bag measuring approximately 25cm x 24cm with a practical flap closure. The bag combines slip stitch construction on the body with two-colour stranded knitting on the front panel, creating visual interest through contrasting colourwork inspired by traditional Friesland tile patterns.

Construction and Design Features

The bag is knitted in one continuous piece and then folded to form the finished structure, with a top flap that closes securely. The design incorporates a 1.8cm snap closure (or large press stud) to keep the flap fastened. The construction method is efficient, eliminating the need for complex seaming while maintaining structural integrity. The piece is finished with matching cotton lining fabric measuring 76cm x 26cm, which provides durability and a professional interior finish.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Slip Stitch Knitting: Used throughout the body of the bag to create a dense, textured fabric that provides structure and durability for a functional accessory
• Stranded Knitting (Two-Colour): Applied to the front panel to create the Blue and White Dutch tile design, a traditional colourwork technique that carries yarn floats across the back of the work
• Blocking and Pressing: The finished piece requires pressing or blocking to achieve neat, professional results, with instructions to check yarn ball band guidance

Stitches and Stitch Abbreviations

The pattern uses standard knitting abbreviations including K (knit), P (purl), and St(s) (stitch/stitches). A key stitch technique is Sl1yb (slip the next stitch purlwise with the yarn at the back of the work), which is essential for creating the slip stitch texture throughout the bag body. The pattern distinguishes between RS (right side) and WS (wrong side) throughout the instructions, ensuring correct orientation of colourwork and texture.

Yarn and Materials

This project uses Deramores Studio Cotton DK yarn, a medium-weight cotton yarn ideal for structured accessories. The colourway combination consists of:

• Yarn A (Vanilla): 2 x 50g balls for the main body and background
• Yarn B (Air Blue): 2 x 50g balls for the contrasting Dutch tile design

Cotton DK yarn is chosen for its durability, structure, and breathability—qualities that make it particularly suitable for a functional bag that will receive regular use. The yarn provides excellent stitch definition for both the slip stitch texture and the stranded colourwork pattern.

Needles and Tools

The pattern requires 4mm straight needles for the main knitting. Additional tools needed include a yarn or tapestry needle for weaving in ends and attaching the lining, as well as a 1.8cm snap closure or large press stud for securing the bag flap.

Tension and Gauge

Achieving correct tension is critical for this advanced project. The pattern specifies two different gauge measurements:

• Houndstooth Pattern: 22 stitches x 32 rows = 10cm x 10cm
• Stranded Stocking Stitch: 22.5 stitches x 25 rows = 10cm x 10cm

These tension specifications ensure the finished bag achieves the intended dimensions and maintains proper structure. Knitters should swatch both pattern sections before beginning the project to verify their personal gauge with the specified needles and yarn.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as advanced, reflecting the combination of techniques required. Knitters must be comfortable with slip stitch construction, two-colour stranded knitting, and managing multiple yarn colours simultaneously. The one-piece construction method, while efficient, requires careful attention to shaping and fold placement. This project is best suited for experienced knitters with solid foundational skills and previous experience with colourwork techniques.

Designer Information

The Friesland Messenger Bag is designed by Wendy Kippax, a professional knitwear designer whose work draws inspiration from history, travel, textures, and vibrant colours. Kippax won a Designer of the Year award, which launched her