Knit a mesh shopping bag

In case you didn't know, plastic bags are a things of the past. Many high street stores are encouraging shoppers to bring their own bags and - to add a touch of personal style to this revolution - we encourage you to knit your own. Whip yourself up this cute mesh shopper and become the envy of the checkout queue...

You will need…

- 4 x 50g/ 158m balls of Sirdar, Calico Chambray (720)
- Circular 5½mm needles
- One large button

Tension

15 sts and 21 rows to measure 4x4in (10x10cm) over stocking stitch using 5½mm needles and yarn doubled

Abbreviations

K knit
P purl
rep repeat
st(s) stitch(es)
st st stocking stitch
tog together
yf yarn forward

For the bag...

Cast on 30 sts using 5½mm circular needles and the yarn doubled.

Starting with a knit row, work in st st for 23 rows.

With the RS facing pick up 82 sts from round the edge. Place a stitch marker and knit the first row.

Round 1: *Yf, sl 1, K1, psso; rep from * to end of round.

Round 2: Knit.

Repeat these two rounds until your work measures 9½in (24cm), ending with round 2.

Next round: P1, K1 to end of round.

Continue with the P1, K1 rib for 7 rounds.

Next round: *Yf, k2tog; rep from* to end of row.

Continue with the P1, K1 rib for 7 rounds.

For the handle...

Next round: Rib 11 sts, cast off 30 sts, rib 11 sts, cast off 30 sts. Work a P1, K1 rib for 14½in (37cm).

Cast off.

With the RS facing, rejoin the yarn to the remaining stitches and work a K1, P1 rib for 8in (20cm)

Cast off.

Attach the button to the handle and weave in all loose ends. Make a twisted cord and thread through the eyelet holes.

Pattern reproduced with permission from Simply Knitting magazine. For more information visit www.simplyknitting.co.uk

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