Lion Brand^® Microspun

GAUGE:

22 stitches + 44 rows (22 ridges) = 4" (10 cm) in Garter stitch (knit every row) using Size 5 needles. BE SURE TO CHECK YOUR GAUGE. When you match the gauge in a pattern, your project will be the size specified in the pattern and the materials specified in the pattern will be sufficient. If it takes you fewer stitches and rows to make a 4 in. [10 cm] square, try using a smaller size hook or needles; if more stitches and rows, try a larger size hook or needles.

NOTES:

Pattern uses a very small amount of each of the colors of yarn in narrow stripes -- it is perfect for using up 'leftovers' from other projects. The yarn is cut and tied at the end of each row and all ends worked in afterwards. Do not give in to the temptation to simply knit the loose ends back as you go! If you do, you'll find that there are so many ends that one part of your bag will be distinctly larger and lopsided.

PENCIL BAG

Front
With A, cast on 50 stitches.
Rows 1-6 Knit
Rows 7-10 Change to B, knit
Rows 11-12 Change to A, knit
Rows 13-14 Change to C, knit
Rows 15-16 Change to A, knit
Rows 17-20 Change to D, knit
Rows 21-22 Change to A, knit
Rows 23-24 Change to E, knit
Rows 25-26 Change to A, knit
Rows 27-30 Change to F, knit
Rows 31-32 Change to A, knit
Rows 33-34 Change to G, knit
Rows 35-36 Change to A, knit
Rows 37-40 Change to H, knit
Rows 41-42 Change to A, knit
Rows 43-44 Change to I, knit
Rows 45-46 Change to A, knit
Rows 47-50 Change to J, knit
Rows 51-52 Change to A, knit
Rows 53 Take one size 8 needle. This is the row where the other side will be joined later and the purpose of using the larger needle is to create a larger stitch area so the other side can be joined. Tape a strand of #113 red to the needle at the place where the point ends so that the red yarn lies along the needle. Knit the row, sliding the stitches over the place where the yarn is taped. At the end of the row, slide the stitches down, cut the tape and cut the red yarn, leaving a tail of about 8 inches on either end. This will serve as a marker when you come to pick up these stitches to join the other side later.
Rows 54-58 Using size 5 needles, knit. Bind off all stitches. Cut, leaving a short tail, weave in ends, trim

Back
On the wrong side of the fabric and starting at the edge where the yarn has been tied off, pick up all 50 stitches by sliding your needle between the stitches as marked with the waste red yarn (Row 53) of the front side. Pull the waste yarn out, once you have the stitches on the needle.
Rows 1-2 With A, knit
Rows 3-6 Change to J, knit
Rows 7-8 Change to A, knit
Rows 9-10 Change to I, knit
Rows 11-12 Change to A, knit
Rows 13-16 Change to H, knit
Rows 17-18 Change to A, knit
Rows 19-20 Change to G, knit
Rows 21-22 Change to A, knit
Rows 23-26 Change to F, knit
Rows 27-28 Change to A, knit
Rows 29-30 Change to E, knit
Rows 31-32 Change to A, knit
Rows 33-36 Change to D, knit
Rows 37-38 Change to A, knit
Rows 39-40 Change to C, knit
Rows 41-42 Change to A, knit
Rows 43-46 Change to B, knit
Rows 47-53 Change to A, knit
Bind off all stitches. Cut, leaving a short tail, weave in ends, trim.

FINISHING
Cut the Velcro in half, lengthwise, so that it is¼ inch [.6 cm] wide. Position one half on the inside top edge of one side and stitch in place using the sewing needle and thread. This can be sewn by machine, using a zig zag stitch. If you do so, adjust the tension on the machine to be very loose because of the thickness of the fabric.

Place the other half of the Velcro on the other side and stitch that in place.

Weave in yarn ends and trim. Thread the yarn needle with black microspun and sew the sides together to make an envelope.

Put the key through the bottom part of the bag, between stitches as shown. Use this to clip to a binder or backpack

  Learn to Knit instructions:  http://learnToKnit.LionBrand.com