How To Knit A Felted Bag

Want to get your kids started on knitting? This bag is easy to make from scratch and is a great project for youngsters and adults alike.

Six 100g balls of 100% bulky or super bulky weight wool yard (avoid anything that says 'superwash' on the label as it won't felt)

A pair of 12mm knitting needles

Scissors

Buttons and sequins to decorate

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Skill

This project is aimed at children, but complete beginners will need help getting started - and you'll definitely need to show them how to work the washing machine! Adult beginners can easily tackle this bag.

Budget

If you don't already have wool and knitting kit to hand at home, expect to spend under £10 for this project.

Time

Beginners should allow at least a weekend to complete this project.

Step One: Knit The Bag

Unwind about 2m of yarn and make a slip knot. Cast on 30 stitches. First row - knit (K) to end. Next row - purl (P) to end. Repeat these two rows until your knitting measures 75cm. Cast off.

For the handles (knit 2): cast on four stitches. First row - K to end. Second row: P to end. Repeat these two rows until your knitting measures 75cm. Cast off.

Step Two: Sew The Bag

Fold the bag in half and pin the sides. Thread a needle with some yarn, then join the sides using mattress stitch. Turn the bag inside out and pin one handle to each side. Sew the ends of the handles around their sides and along the top edge of the bag.

Step Three: Shrink The Bag

Put the finished bag into the washing machine along with a large old towel. Add some washing detergent or powder. Set the machine for a half load at 60 degrees. Then switch it on and let it run through its washing and rinsing cycles.

Step Four: Embellish The Bag

Take your bag out of the washing machine. The stitches will have felted together. Lay your bag on a flat surface and let it dry. You can decorate your bag with badges, knitted flowers, sequins and buttons.