Valley Yarns Parides Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Parides Knitted Bag

What Is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Parides is a colorful knitted tote bag designed by Susan Baron. This project offers two size options—Medium with a finished circumference of 22½ inches and height of 15 inches, or Large with a circumference of 30 inches and height of 19 inches. The bag features practical design elements including secure I-Cord drawstring closures and an optional interior pocket, making it suitable for shopping, carrying projects, or everyday use. The finished bag is both durable and visually striking, combining functionality with attractive striped colorwork.

Techniques Used

The Parides bag is worked in the round from the top down, a construction method that creates a seamless, tubular garment. This approach is efficient and allows for easy customization of the bag's height if desired. The pattern incorporates slip-stitch colorwork, a technique that creates bold striped patterns while maintaining structural integrity. Eyelets are strategically placed near the top of the bag to accommodate two I-Cord drawstrings, which provide secure closure. The I-Cord drawstrings are worked on smaller double-pointed needles, adding a refined finishing detail. An optional interior pocket can be added for those who wish to organize their belongings within the bag.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern is slip-stitch, which creates the distinctive colorful striped effect throughout the bag body. The pattern alternates between knit and purl rounds in different colors to build the slip-stitch pattern. The top of the bag features basic knit and purl stitches worked in the round. Eyelets are created using a standard eyelet technique to allow the drawstrings to pass through. I-Cord, a tubular cord structure, is used for both the drawstring closures and potentially for the optional pocket detail.

Materials and Yarn

The Parides bag is worked in Valley Yarns Leverett, a blend of 70% Pima Cotton and 30% Linen. This fiber composition creates a durable, breathable fabric ideal for a functional tote bag. The pattern uses three coordinating colors: C1 Stone (2 hanks), C2 Natural (2 hanks), and C3 Burgundy (2 hanks for Medium size, 3 hanks for Large size). Each hank contains 109 yards and weighs 50 grams. The cotton-linen blend ensures the finished bag is both attractive and long-wearing, suitable for frequent use.

Needles and Gauge

The project requires US size 4 (3.5 mm) circular needles in 16-inch length for the Medium size or 24-inch length for the Large size. US size 3 (3.25 mm) double-pointed needles are used for working the bottom of the bag, the I-Cord drawstrings, and the optional pocket. The recommended gauge is 21 stitches and 32 rounds over 4 inches in the slip-stitch pattern on the larger needles, measured after blocking. Achieving proper gauge is essential for the bag to reach the intended finished measurements.

Skill Level

The Parides is rated as an Adventurous Beginner project, making it accessible to knitters with some foundational experience who are ready to expand their skills. The pattern introduces colorwork through slip-stitch techniques and working in the round with circular needles, both valuable skills for advancing knitters. The straightforward top-down construction and clear pattern instructions support knitters at this level in successfully completing a wearable, functional garment.