It’s a project bag, a wristlet, a gift bag… perfect for however you want to use it.
100g of yarn – 100 stitches – 100% fun
100g of Yarn
Yes, this little wonder bag takes less than 100g of yarn to make and it holds 100g of yarn comfortably!
Sure, we all have fabric project bags, but let me tell you, it is fun to knit from a knit bag. The looped strap construction allows it to rest comfortably on your wrist and you can knit while on the go.
Use a single skein or mix it up and add stripes or blocks of color. It’s a clean slate for you to customize!
100 Stitches
Cast on 100 stitches and then just relax and have a nice knit. The body is worked in the round on a 16″ circular needle. The straps work up quickly using the same circular needle, or DPNs if you like.
Absolutely no seaming, the 100 bag is truly seamless! Sure, there is a bit of grafting, but I’ll help you through it if it’s new to you. The result looks so neat, I wouldn’t do it any other way.
Getting Started
- 100g DK weight yarn (can also use fingering weight, held double)
- one piece of scrap yarn in a contrasting color
- 16″ circular needle – size US 3 (3.25mm)
- Crochet Hook – size F
- Yarn needle (just to weave in a few ends)
Gauge – This isn’t a project to fuss about gauge with. I like a tight gauge for a more dense fabric, but if you prefer to use a larger needle for a looser feel and look, go for it!
Step 1: The Cast On
Quick note – I know a bunch of knitters are a firm “no” for provisional cast ons, but stick with me on this. I have a simple way to do it that might just change your mind if you’re in the “nope” camp…
- Using contrast color scrap yarn, make a slipknot on the crochet hook
- Hold the circular needle in your left hand & hold the hook in front of the needle
- Wrap yarn around the back of both the needle and hook at the same time
- Use the hook the pull the yarn through the loop below, then repeat
Click here for the full tutorial on my favorite method for Provisional Cast Ons.
Step 2: The Bag – Knit Around & Around…
The is the best part. Sit back, relax and have a good knit. Round and round and round we go.
Start knitting with your main yarn right into the contrast stitches of the cast on. Join to work in the round, leaving a marker at your beginning of round.
Important note… leave a 60” (150cm) tail when you start. I know, it sounds like a huge amount, that’s not a typo. The tail is used to finish the bottom so it’s better to have a bit extra than run short. Tip: It’s no fun at all having a huge tail dragging around on your lap while you knit. I roll mine up and clip it to the cast on edge and it hangs out there until the end.
Keep knitting in the round until the bag measures 8-10” (20-25cm) from the cast on edge. The length is the depth of your bag, I like at least 8” but no more than 10” for mine, but it’s up to you!
Step 3: Set Up for the Straps
Once the bag is the depth you want, set things up to knit the straps that become a handle and looped closure.
Setting things up:
- Knit 16 stitches
- Bind off 18 stitches
- Knit 31 stitches
- Place the last 32 stitches worked on a stitch holder or scrap yarn
- Bind off 18 stitches
- Knit 15 stitches
- Place the last 16 stitches worked on a stitch holder or scrap yarn
- Remove the beginning of round marker and keep the yarn attached
Step 4: The Long Strap
Work with the 16 stitches remaining on the needle. Starting with the right side facing.
- K1, sl1wyif, knit to last 2, sl1wyif, k1
- Sl1wyif, k1, purl to last 3, sl1wyif, k1, sl1wyif
Repeat 1 & 2 until strap measures 12” (30cm). End after working row 1.
Use kitchener stitch to attach the strap to the 16 stitches on hold on the opposite side.
Click here for the full tutorial on my simplified method for Kitchener stitch.
Step 5: The Short Strap
Position the bag with the completed handle on the right side. Place the 16 stitches facing you on the left side on the needle to begin working the short strap. Keep the other 16 stitches (on the backside from this position) on hold.
Repeat the pattern from the long strap. Stop after the strap measures 8” (20cm).
Use kitchener stitch to attach to the remaining 16 stitches on hold.
Step 6: The Bottom of the Bag
Place the stitches from the provisional cast on onto the needles.
Click here for tips on working the stitches from the Provisional Cast On.
Use that super, extra long tail from the beginning and kitchener stitch to graft a seamless bottom for the bag.
Enjoy your 100% fabulous, 100 Bag!
I always recommend blocking your finished items, they deserve to look their very best.
Fill your 100 Bag with yarn, needles & notions for your next little project. It’s a lovely gift, an indulgent treat for you, and just an all around fun knitted item to enjoy!
Make me smile and share your finished items with me on Ravelry or Instagram – or email me a hello if you’re more of the private type 🙂
I love this! The quote from the article, “have a good knit”, makes me feel as happy and with a warm feeling like a cup of delicious tea. I can’t wait to start mine 🥰
What size knitting needles would you use with fingering weight yarn held doubled. Thanks in advance
Becky wells
I use the same needle size! If your fingering weight is thicker than 400m/100g (some hand-dyed bases are more like 350m/100g) then you might want to go up one size. Whatever is comfortable for you! Thanks for asking 😊
I’m having trouble working the set up for the straps. I have 100 sts on my needle, but my set up isn’t working right. Any more instructions, pics, or tutorial on how do set up for straps. Thanks in advance
I’m not sure what part you are having trouble with, but let’s see if this helps…
Think of it as the front 50sts and back 50sts with the BOR at the side and halfway point the other side.
16sts are a strap, 18 bind off for the center opening, then 16 are the other strap.
16+18+16=50 (same on both front & back).
In the setup, you knit 16 sts (thats a strap) then you need to knit 2 more sts to start binding off the 18.
You might find it easier to visualize if you work one final round and place markers like this:
BOR (side between straps)
16sts (strap)
18sts (front opening)
16sts (side between straps)
16sts (strap)
18sts (back opening)
16sts (strap)
Please let me know if this helps or if you are still stuck!
Is there any way this can be crocheted? I would love to make a bag at least similar to this lovely little bag!!!! 😁
Hi Pamela, a crochet version would be fun. I crochet but I haven’t a clue how to write crochet patterns! Maybe someone here knows of a good pattern to share.
Ooooh I love love this bag!! I have been making tons of beaded jewelry trying to make a go of a new business and I miss working with yarn!! I am super new at knitting as I usually crochet but I think I can manage this due to your awesome instructions 🤗(i might need help with the handels ha ha). I also absolutely lovec the phrase, “have yourself a good knit”!! I felt so relaxed and cozy as if sitting by a fire working up some yummy fiber on my hook (or needles).
Anyway, thanks so much for sharing your 100 bag with us. I will send pics when I finish.
Your instructions are awesome, your words are joyful and encouraging and I love this little but fun project! I can’t wait to cast this on! Thank you so much for sharing!
Linda
Can this be made in worsted weight? If so what needle size and do I still cast on 100 stitches?
Hi Anne, Thanks for asking. Yes, this pattern works for any weight of yarn. Use 1 needle size down from the lowest recommendation on the yarn you choose. I like to keep the 100 stitch count and follow the pattern as written. You just get a bigger bag! You might want to adjust the length of your straps, but by then you’ll see how big your bag is and can choose from there. ~keep in mind you may need more than 100g if you’re using a heavier weight yarn~
I love this pattern! I have learnt to do provisional cast on using your good instructions and also made versions in aran and chunky yarn as well as DK.
That’s wonderful, I’m so happy you’re enjoying it!
Just found this pattern and am so excited to cast on. It was exactly what I was looking for. It looks like perfect car-knitting. Thank you.