Felted Storyteller Tote Bag Knitting Pattern

Felted Storyteller Tote Bag Knitting Pattern

Project Overview

The Felted Storyteller Tote Bag is an intermediate-level knitting pattern from Lion Brand Yarn, designed to create a functional felted tote bag measuring approximately 13 x 14 inches (33 x 35.5 cm) not including the strap. This pattern combines traditional knitting techniques with wet felting to produce a durable, textured bag suitable for everyday use.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a single-size tote bag constructed through a multi-step process. The bag begins as a knitted piece that is subsequently felted to achieve its finished appearance and structure. The felting process transforms the knitted fabric, creating a dense, sturdy material ideal for a practical carryall.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Felted Storyteller Tote is worked using stockinette stitch (knit on right side, purl on wrong side) as the primary stitch pattern. The garment is constructed in several steps, beginning with yarn worked on circular needles. The multi-step construction method allows for the creation of the bag body and strap components before the felting process is applied.

This intermediate-level project (Level 3) requires knitters to understand basic shaping and assembly techniques, as the tote involves working with circular needles and managing multiple yarn colors and weights throughout the construction process.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The pattern calls for specific Lion Brand yarns chosen for their felting properties:

• Lion Brand Fishermen's Wool (Article #150): 100% Pure Virgin Wool, 1 ball (A). This yarn comes in 8 oz (227 g) packages with 465 yards (425 m) of yardage. The natural fiber content makes this yarn ideal for the felting process.
• Lion Brand Bonbons (Article #601): 100% Cotton, 1 ball (B) in Brights colorway. Each ball contains 6 oz (170 g) with 348 yards (318 m) of yardage. The cotton component adds texture and visual interest to the finished felted piece.

Additional yarn options are available in the pattern, including acrylic and metallic variations. The acrylic option is 100% Acrylic (Weight Category 3: DK Weight), while the metallic option combines 96% Acrylic with 4% Metallic Polyester (Weight Category 2: Sport Weight).

Tools and Equipment

The pattern requires the following knitting tools:

• Boye Aluminum Circular Knitting Needles, 36 inches, Size 08
• Large-Eye Blunt Needles (Set of 6) for finishing and assembly
• Sharp scissors for cutting yarn
• Straight pins for blocking and shaping
• Sewing needle and thread for attaching components
• Sharp embroidery needle with large eye for detailed work
• Tailor's chalk in blue or a contrasting color for marking
• Tissue paper for pattern support during felting

Optional materials that enhance the construction process include a rotary cutter, metal ruler, and cutting mat for precise measurements, as well as tear-away stabilizer for reinforcement during the felting stage.

Gauge and Felting Considerations

Notably, exact gauge is not essential for this project, as the felting process will naturally adjust the fabric dimensions and density. This flexibility makes the pattern more forgiving for knitters of varying experience levels within the intermediate range.

Care Instructions

The finished tote bag requires specific care depending on the yarn composition used. For the wool and cotton versions, machine washing on a cool, gentle cycle with flat drying is recommended. Bleach should be avoided, and low iron settings are appropriate if pressing is necessary. Dry cleaning is acceptable with any solvent except Trichloroethylene. These care instructions help preserve the felted texture and structural integrity of the completed bag.