Soleil Bag

The Soleil Bag is a small tote worked in raffia yarn and featuring a textured herringbone stitch that creates a structured fabric with an elegant, leather-like appearance. The bad has two versions to choose from, with or without notches at the handles section. The bag is worked from the bottom up. Construction begins with the base, which is knitted flat in rows to the desired length. Stitches are cast on and then picked up along both long edges of the base to form the front and back panels. The bag is worked straight to the specified height before the upper edge is shaped to create the distinctive notch detail. Once the knitting is complete, the sides are sewn together, and an I-cord edging is worked around the top opening to finish the piece. Optional tabs are included for those wishing to add a magnetic closure. The bag can be finished with either knitted braided I-cord handles or leather straps, allowing you to customize the final look to suit your style. Timeless and versatile, the Soleil Bag can be knitted in a single color for a refined aesthetic or in multiple shades to complement your summer and early autumn wardrobe. GAUGE Herringbone stitch pattern (after blocking) 24 sts x 23 rows = 10 x 10 cm / 4" x 4" using 5 mm / US 8 needles, or size needed to obtain gauge. SIZES One size FINISHED MEASUREMENTS (Approx.) Width: 30 cm / 11.75" Height: 24 cm / 9.5" Depth: 10 cm / 7.75" Notch Width: 15 cm / 5.9" Notch Height: 6 cm / 2.4" YARN Nakyangyarn, Summer; 100% rayon; 113 m / 124 yds per 50 gr in colorway 105 (deep brown): 4 balls. Or approx 400 m / 450 yds of raffia yarn. MATERIALS 4 mm / US 6 and 5 mm / US 8 circular needles, 60-100 cm / 24”-40” long depending on size worked. 3.5 mm / E-4 crochet hook. Always use a needle size that will result in the correct gauge after blocking. 2 stitch markers. Waste yarn or stitch holder. Tapestry needle. Lining (optional) 1 meter of washed linen. 2 times, 1 meter of a cord (ruban, leather strings, i-cord, or linen string cords) to close the bag. Hardware and leather handles (optional) 2 leather handles of approx 70 cm / 27.5” length. Magnetic closures. Designer’s Notes: The sample features leather handles attached to the front and back of the bag. Handle length and placement may vary depending on the handle style used.