Pelican Bag Knitting Pattern

Pelican Bag by Lisa Richardson

What is Being Made

The Pelican Bag is a structured knitted bag designed by Lisa Richardson. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a finished bag measuring 25 cm (9¾ inches) wide and 13 cm (5 inches) tall. The design features a decorative front flap with shaped shaping and an optional shoulder strap, making it a versatile accessory suitable for everyday use or special occasions.

Craft and Techniques

This is a knitting project classified at an advanced beginner skill level, making it suitable for knitters with some experience who are ready to tackle more complex construction methods. The pattern employs several intermediate knitting techniques including patterned knitting, strategic decreasing for shaping, and specialty edging construction.

Key techniques used in this pattern include:

• Slip stitch patterning: The pattern incorporates slipped stitches on specific rows (rows 5, 6, 11, and 12) that require careful tension control to avoid pulling the yarn too tightly across the knitted fabric
• Decreasing for shaping: The front flap is shaped by decreasing one stitch at each end on alternating rows, then on consecutive rows, creating a tapered flap design
• Three-stitch decrease: A K3tog (knit three together) decrease is used to fasten off the front flap point
• Double-pointed needle edging: The front flap edging and optional strap are worked using double-pointed needles with a slip-stitch technique that creates an I-cord-like border
• Seam finishing: Side seams are joined using appropriate seaming techniques for a polished finish

Stitches Used

The Pelican Bag pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined with specialty techniques. The main fabric is worked using a stitch pattern that incorporates knit stitches, purl stitches, and slipped stitches to create texture and visual interest. The pattern instructions reference yarn-over abbreviations (yb for yarn to back and yft for yarn to front), indicating that the stitch pattern likely includes yarn-over elements for decorative effect. Decreasing stitches, including single decreases and the three-stitch decrease (K3tog), are essential to the front flap shaping.

Materials

This pattern is designed to be worked in Rowan Creative Linen, a high-quality yarn that provides structure and drape suitable for a bag construction. The yarn is worked at a tension of 26 stitches and 66 rows to 10 centimeters using 4½mm (US 7) needles.

Yarn requirements include:

• Yarn A (Teal): 625 grams (1 ball of 100gm)
• Yarn B (Natural): 621 grams (1 ball of 100gm)
• Yarn C (Foggy): 624 grams (1 ball of 100gm)

Needles and notions required:

• 1 pair of 4½mm (no 7, US 7) needles for main bag construction
• 2 double-pointed 4mm (no 8, US 6) needles for front flap edging and optional strap
• 25 cm (10 inch) zip for bag closure
• Lining fabric measuring 30 cm (11¾ inches) wide by 45 cm (17¾ inches) long
• Stitch markers for tracking shaping points

Pattern Construction Overview

The bag is constructed in several components that are assembled together. The main bag body is knitted in patterned rows until it reaches approximately 26 centimeters in length. Markers are placed to denote where the front flap shaping begins. The front flap is then shaped through strategic decreases, creating a tapered point. A decorative edging is added around the shaped flap edge using double-pointed needles and a slip-stitch technique. An optional shoulder strap can be created using the same edging technique, worked until it reaches 122 centimeters in length. Finally, the knitted pieces are lined with fabric and assembled with a zip closure, creating a finished, functional bag.