Ponderosa Bag Knitting Pattern

Ponderosa Bag in Berroco Suede

What is Being Made

The Ponderosa Bag is an intermediate-level knitted tote bag designed by Donna Yacino. This finished project measures approximately 19 inches wide by 11 inches high (excluding handles) and is constructed to accommodate a 16-inch tubular frame with a cardboard bottom insert for structure and stability. The bag is worked in the round using circular needles and is designed as a practical everyday carryall.

Techniques Used

This knitting project employs several key techniques appropriate for intermediate crafters. The bag is worked in the round using a circular needle, which creates a seamless construction. The pattern incorporates a custom pattern stitch that repeats over four rounds and features slip stitches with yarn overs to create a decorative, textured fabric. The pattern stitch requires attention to stitch manipulation, including slipping stitches with yarn in back (wyib) and passing slipped stitches over yarn overs and knit stitches. Handles are created separately using a stranded yarn technique, where eight 52-inch strands are tied together and worked as a unit. A crochet hook is used to finish the cover edges where the tubular frame insert is sewn closed.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (K) – the foundational stitch used throughout the main fabric
• Slip stitch (Sl 1) – worked with yarn in back (wyib) as part of the pattern stitch texture
• Yarn over (YO) – creates openings in the pattern stitch for visual interest and drape
• Pass slipped stitch over (PSSO) – a decrease technique that combines the slipped stitch, yarn over, and knit stitch into a single decorative element
• Stockinette stitch (St st) – referenced for gauge purposes
• Bind off in pattern – finishing technique that maintains the pattern stitch texture at the top edge

Materials

This project requires Berroco Suede yarn in the colorway #3718 Holster. The pattern calls for 4 balls of yarn, with each ball weighing 50 grams. A 24-inch circular needle in size 8 (5.00 mm) is used for the main bag construction, with gauge checked at 22 stitches and 28 rounds equaling 4 inches in the pattern stitch. A size 4.00 mm (G) crochet hook is included for finishing. Additional notions include a stitch marker for tracking round beginnings, a tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends, a 16-inch tubular frame from Ghee's, and a piece of cardboard measuring 16 inches long by 4½ inches wide for the bottom insert to provide structure to the finished bag.