Sirdar Next Big Thing Tassel Tote Bag Knitting Pattern

Sirdar Next Big Thing Tassel Tote

What Is Being Made

The Sirdar Next Big Thing Tassel Tote (Design N° 10548) is an intermediate-level knitted shoulder bag featuring a contemporary tassel detail. This one-size tote measures 30 cm wide by 35 cm in length (11¾" x 13¾"), making it a practical accessory for everyday use. The design draws inspiration from current fashion trends, offering knitters the opportunity to create a stylish, crocheted-look piece using knitting techniques.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its distinctive appearance. The primary construction method uses loop stitch, which creates the textured, crochet-inspired aesthetic that defines this tote's visual character. The pattern also incorporates i-cord construction for the strap, a technique that produces a sturdy, rounded cord perfect for bag handles. The i-cord is worked on double pointed needles using a slip-and-turn method, where stitches are slid to the opposite end of the needle and yarn is brought across the back of the work to begin each new row from the right side again.

Stitches Used

The Sirdar Next Big Thing Tassel Tote features the following stitches and techniques:

• Loop Stitch — the primary stitch creating the textured, dimensional fabric throughout the main body of the tote
• Knit Stitch — used as the foundation stitch for the i-cord strap construction
• Cast On and Cast Off — standard edge techniques, with cast-off worked knitways for a finished edge
• I-Cord — a specialized technique for creating the bag strap using double pointed needles

Materials and Tools

This downloadable PDF pattern requires Sirdar Stories Double Knitting (DK) yarn in a cotton-rich acrylic blend. The cool, comfortable natural cotton component makes this yarn ideal for creating lighter garments that maintain their shape. You will need 3 balls of 50g yarn in shade 800 Henna, though alternative colorway options are provided including shade 816 Carnival, 831 Iced Lattes, and 804 Celebrate.

The pattern calls for 3¼mm (UK10 - USA3) knitting needles for the main body construction and 3¼mm (UK10 - USA3) double pointed knitting needles for working the i-cord strap. The recommended tension is 28 stitches measured over 10 cm (4 inches) when working loop stitch, ensuring proper gauge and finished dimensions.

About Sirdar

Sirdar is an established British yarn company founded in West Yorkshire in 1880, with a rich heritage in hand knitting design. The brand triple-checks every pattern to guarantee successful results when using recommended Sirdar yarns, and the Stories collection represents the company's commitment to combining classic knitting traditions with contemporary fashion innovations.