Marias Bag Knitting Pattern

Marias Bag in Berroco Suede

What is Being Made

Marias is an intermediate-level knitted tote bag designed by Donna Yacino. The finished bag measures approximately 34 inches around by 12 inches high when unstretched and does not include the strap measurement. This is a structured, practical accessory suitable for everyday use, featuring a two-color colorwork design.

Construction Method and Techniques

The Marias bag employs a multi-technique construction approach that combines crochet and knitting methods. The base of the bag is worked first using single crochet in the round with a crochet hook, starting from a small ring and increasing gradually over four rounds to establish the foundation. Once the base reaches the required width, stitches are picked up around the perimeter of the crocheted base and the body is then knit upward in the round using circular needles. The strap is knit separately as a flat piece and attached to the completed bag during the finishing stage.

Stitches Used

The pattern incorporates several fundamental stitches across its different components:

• Crochet base: Single crochet (sc) and slip stitch (sl st) are used to construct the foundation. The base begins with a chain (ch) and increases are worked by placing 2 single crochet stitches into individual stitches across multiple rounds.
• Knitted body: Knit 2, purl 2 ribbing (k2, p2) forms the main fabric of the bag body when worked in the round, creating a textured, elastic surface.
• Strap construction: The pattern references knit stitches including knit 2 together through the back loop (k2tog tbl) as part of the strap shaping.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Berroco Suede, a yarn produced by Berroco, Inc. Two colorways are used: 4 balls of #3737 Roy Rogers (main color) and 3 balls of #3714 Hopalong Cassidy (contrast color). Each ball weighs 50 grams. The yarn is worked at specific gauges depending on the stitch pattern: 26 stitches and 32 rounds equal 4 inches in knit 2, purl 2 ribbing, while 20 single crochet stitches and 20 rounds equal 4 inches in single crochet.

Needles, Hooks, and Notions

Construction requires multiple needle and hook sizes to accommodate the different techniques:

• 24-inch circular needle in size 7 (4.50 mm) for knitting the ribbed body of the bag in the round
• Straight needles in size 9 (5.50 mm) for knitting the strap separately
• Crochet hook in size 3.75 mm (F) for crocheting the base
• One stitch marker for tracking the beginning of rounds
• Safety pin to serve as a marker during the base construction

Skill Level and Gauge Importance

Rated as an intermediate project, Marias requires familiarity with both knitting and crochet techniques, as well as the ability to transition between methods and pick up stitches. The pattern emphasizes the importance of checking gauge before beginning, noting that taking time to verify gauge measurements prevents costly mistakes and ensures the finished bag meets the specified dimensions.