MillaMia Malmo Clutch Knitting Pattern

MillaMia Malmo Clutch

What is Being Made

The MillaMia Malmo Clutch is a knitted bag project designed as a practical accessory with finished dimensions of approximately 30cm (12 inches) wide by 18cm (7 inches) deep. This clutch features a two-colour stranded pattern combined with a colour block intarsia section, creating visual interest through contrasting colourways. The finished piece is completed with a 30cm (12 inch) zip closure and optional lining fabric for a professional finish.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level project employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its finished design:

• Stranded Colourwork (Fair Isle Method): The two-colour pattern is worked using the Fair Isle technique, where yarn not in use is stranded across the wrong side of the work. The pattern instructions specify weaving stranded yarn under and over the working yarn every 3 or 4 stitches to maintain even tension and prevent long floats.
• Intarsia Method: Colour blocks within the design are worked using the intarsia technique, a method for creating larger areas of solid colour without carrying yarn across the back of the work.
• Seamed Construction: The clutch is worked flat and then seamed together, allowing for precise shaping and a structured finished piece suitable for holding a zip closure.
• Worked Flat: Rather than working in the round, this project is constructed using flat knitting on straight needles, which is then assembled through seaming.

Stitches Used

The Malmo Clutch utilizes fundamental knitting stitches as the foundation for its colourwork patterns:

• Stocking Stitch (Stockinette Stitch): The primary stitch throughout the project, creating a smooth, flat fabric ideal for displaying the stranded and intarsia colour patterns.
• Garter Stitch: Used selectively within the pattern for textural variation.
• Moss Stitch (Seed Stitch): Incorporated as a textural element in the design.
• Ribbing: Likely used for edges or structural elements to provide elasticity and definition.

Materials and Gauge

The Malmo Clutch is knitted using MillaMia Naturally Soft Aran yarn, which is exclusively available through Love Knitting. The yarn requirements are two 50g (1¾oz) balls in Slate (colour 200) for the main colour (A) and one ball in Ochre (colour 240) for the contrast colour (B). Alternative colourway combinations are provided, including Ultramarine, Cloud, Paradise, Oat, Shocking Pink, and Ivory options.

The project requires a pair each of 4mm (US 6) and 5mm (US 8) needles. The 4mm needles are typically used for ribbed edges or cuffs, while the 5mm needles are used for the main fabric. The working gauge is 19 stitches and 25 rows to a 10cm (4 inch) square over the pattern using the 5mm (US 8) needles.

Additional materials include a 30cm (12 inch) zip for the closure and optional lining fabric measuring 35cm (13¾ inches) by 45cm (17¾ inches) for a lined finish.

Skill Level and Project Overview

Classified as a Beginner/Improving project, the Malmo Clutch is accessible to knitters developing their skills while introducing them to intermediate techniques such as stranded colourwork and intarsia. The combination of flat knitting, seaming, and colour techniques makes this an ideal project for practising precision and colour management in a small, finished accessory.