Dual Colored Bag

This is a relatively simple bag that is a good size to carry schoolbooks. It's a lot of knitting, but almost all of it is stockinette stitch worked in the round. This project is good for a beginner, but it is also nice for a more advanced knitter because it is something that you can work on while watching a movie or working on something else.

Materials:

-US Size 8 circular needles
-US Size 7 circular needles (optional)
-Acrylic DK yarn in CC (I used light yellow)
-Acrylic Worsted weight yarn in MC (I used black)
-Stitch marker
-Crochet hook (size G or H) for handle
-Tapestry needle for weaving in loose ends
-Cloth for lining the inside of the bag

Gauge:

tbd

Pattern Difficulty:

Advanced Beginner

Skills:

-Knitting in the round
-Crocheting
-Basic Finishing

Instructions:

USING BOTH COLORS:
CO 100 stitches using whatever method you want. I used the Old Norweigan CO method. Leave a six-inch tail.
You will be knitting with both strands held together for the majority of the bag.
Insert stitch marker and join in the round.
Rows 1-70 (?): k100 or until bag is desired length.
If you want to make your bag shorter or longer, either subtract or add a few rows. The number of rows isn't critical and if you're off by a few, it's perfectly okay.
After the first 70 rows, you have the choice to switch down a needle size.
Row A: p100
Row B: k100
Repeat rows A-B twice, finishing with a row of A. Bind off loosely in knit.
Using your smaller needle, knit 50 stitches from the larger needle to the smaller one.
SMALL NEEDLE
Row A: p50
Row B: k50
Row C: p50
Bind off loosley in knit.
LARGE NEEDLE

Finishing:

HANDLE
Using the crochet hook with both colors of yarn, attatch at the start of the round near the top of the bag. Make a foundation chain that is the desired length of the bag strap. Fasten on the opposite side of the bag with a slip stitch.
Make a row of half-double stitches (one in each of the stitches in the foundation chain) all along your handle. Turn. Repeat the half-double stitches.
Switch to only your MC. Make a row of single stitches all along the outside of the handle. This should look like a border. Fasten with a slip stitch and cut a six-inch tail.
GENERAL
LINING

Disclaimer:

Feel free to use this pattern to make bags for yourself or for your friends.