Market Bag

http://newandhorrible.wordpress.com/2009/07/13/pattern-hexagonal-market-bag/

MATERIALS:

• 350-400 yds cotton or hemp yarn (I recommend Lily Sugar N Cream)
• US 5-7 needles (circular – 24″)
• US 10.5 needles (circular – 24″)

With smaller needles, CO 19 sts.

Knit 2 rows.
Row 3 (RS): k1, kfb, k to last 2, kfb, k1
Row 4 (WS): knit all sts

Repeat rows 3 and 4 until you have 55 sts.

Begin decreasing.
RS: k1, k2tog, k to last 3, k2tog, k1
WS: knit all sts

Repeat these 2 rows until you are back to 19 sts.

With RS facing, pick up and knit 19 sts along each side of your base. You will have 114 sts total.

You should now be working in the round. Knit 5 rounds.

Change to larger needles and knit 1 round.

Begin mesh pattern:
Row 1: *YO, k2tog* around
Row 2: k all sts

Continue in mesh pattern until back measures 7-8 inches from base.

Knit one round.

Change to smaller needles. Work in garter stitch (k 1 round, p 1 round) for 10 rounds.

Set up for handle:
BO 24
K 9
BO 48
K 9
BO to end

The live stitches will now be worked as the handle. Work 1×1 rib, slipping the first stitch of each row, for 20-22 inches. (Handle will stretch with weight, so make sure it’s not longer than you’re comfortable with!)

Use a 3-needle bind off to attach handle to the other set of live stitches. Weave in ends.