felted bags for variety

double felted

Felted bags don't need to be smooth. This felted bag is fun, hairy and double felted to highlight its interesting muted tones.

For this bag we chose Patons Jet - because of its alpaca content. Although the body of the bag contains self striping yarn the alpaca content together with the double felting technique creates its interesting felted fuzzy-muted appearance.

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felted bags
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Photograph © 2008
Angella Baird - Designer

Skill level : felting - easy
Size :
Height: 11inches (28cms)
width top : 10.5 inches (27cms)
base . 3.5 inches (9cms)
(not including handles height)
Yarn :
medium yarn
Both imperial and metric measurements - inches and cms - and needle sizes are included within the pattern together with yarn suggestions and substitutions.

patons jet wool alpaca .
click for larger image

felted bags yarn used

Patons Jet alpaca wool blend

Patons Jet for felting

We frequently use Patons Jet for felting the larger bags and totes, loving the firm finish and quick results knitting a 12ply (heavy worsted ) brings.

However, we usually only single felt our Jet self-striped bags and totes giving them a smooth finish with the stripes clearly visible. This muted finish is created by the Alpaca component of Jet’s alpaca/wool blend together with the double felting process

If you prefer the smooth striped appearance - only single felt your bag - keep in mind it will be a a little larger. (both double felting and single felting is explained within the pattern).

Patons Jet (check your ball band says 30% alpaca 70% wool) is readily available from knitting wool stores in Australia and New Zealand and can be purchased online worldwide.

If for some reason you are unable/or don't wish to purchase Patons Jet, substitute any self striping 12 ply (heavy worsted) feltable wool, preferably one with an alpaca component. Simply choose one with a ball band tension of 16.5 sts to 22 rows based on US9 (UK5/5.5m) needles.
(We’ve included both metric and imperial measurements and needle sizes within the pattern.)

Needles: This pattern begins with double pointed needles (dpns) then moves to circular needles - making all rounds knit - easy...

How to felt this tote

If you're a beginner to felting you'll find the links in this pdf invaluable. We've included information and links to knitting and felting how-to sections and free downloads - plenty of step-by-step information and photographs.