Wheatsheaf Carpet Bag Needlework Pattern

Austen's heroines often traveled in their adventures, and one can imagine them packing up their belongings in a tapestry bag or carpetbag before heading off on an extended visit with friends or family. This bag owes its interesting shape to an internal aluminum frame. Without the frame, the bag is actually a basic tote shape, attractive in its own right if you cannot find a frame or prefer a tote. Finished Size: About 12" wide, 12" tall, and 6" deep.

Yarn: Plymouth Galway Worsted (100% wool; 210 yd [192 m]/31/2 oz [100 g]): #190 silver (A), #751 grey heather (B), #121 jade (C), 2 balls each; #83 birds egg blue (D), 1 ball.

Needles: Bag—size 8 (5 mm): 24" circular (cir); Straps and Tab—size 10 (6 mm): double-pointed (dpn). Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

Notions: Markers (m); tapestry needle; 1 yd lining fabric; sewing needle and thread; sewing machine; 12" aluminum tubular purse frame; 1" button; 12" &times 6" piece of 1/2" thick EVA foam (if you cannot find 1/2" thick foam, you can glue tog thinner sheets to get desired thickness).

Gauge: 18 sts and 20 rnds = 4" in Brocade patt on smaller needles, before blocking.

Originally Published: Jane Austen Knits 2014

All items in the library are intended for personal use. Please do not distribute without written approval.