Zakka pouch

Knitted base

You'll need: 50g Rowan 4ply cotton (2 strands held tog); set of 5mm (US 8) DPNs

Tension: approx 5sts/in

Using 5mm DPNs and holding 2 strands of yarn tog, CO 88 sts. Divide evenly on 4 needles and join for knitting in the round.

Rnd 1: K
Rep rnd 1 until piece measures approx 6cm.

Next rnd: *K2, P1, K to last 2 sts on needle, P2tog; rep from * for rem 3 needles - 84 sts rem.

Rnds 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14: K

Rnd 3: *K3, P1, K to last 2 sts on needle, P2tog; rep from * for rem 3 needles - 80 sts rem

Rnd 5: *K4, P1, K to last 2 sts on needle, P2tog; rep from * for rem 3 needles - 76 sts rem

Rnd 7: *K5, P1, K to last 2 sts on needle, P2tog; rep from * for rem 3 needles - 72 sts rem

Rnd 9: *K6, P1, K to last 2 sts on needle, P2tog; rep from * for rem 3 needles - 68 sts rem

Rnd 11: *K7, P1, K to last 2 sts on needle, P2tog; rep from * for rem 3 needles - 64 sts rem

Rnd 13: *K8, P1, K to last 2 sts on needle, P2tog; rep from * for rem 3 needles - 60 sts rem

Rnd 15: *K9, P1, K to last 2 sts on needle, P2tog; rep from * for rem 3 needles - 56 sts rem

Rnd 16: *K to last 2 sts on needle; P2tog; rep from * for rem 3 needles - 52 sts rem

Rep rnd 16 until 12 sts rem (3 sts per needle). Break yarn, leaving an 8" (20.5cm) tail. Thread tail through rem sts, pull tight and fasten off on the WS. Weave in ends.

Body

You'll need: main fabric and lining; drawcord (ribbon, braid etc); tapestry needle and thread

1. Measure the circumference of the base and cut main fabric and lining accordingly (allow 1.5cm seam allowance). Use contrasting fabric for pockets and sew onto the lining.

2. Place main fabric and lining with RS facing each other and machine sew all the way around, leaving a 5cm gap at both top corners (for the drawcord) and a 15cm gap at one of the bottom corners.

Tip: Cut fabric with pinking shears to avoid over-locking the sides or fiddling with French seams.

3. Push/flip through the larger opening so that the RS is now facing you. Use a knitting needle to push the corner out and hand stitch closed. Do not stitch the 2 x 5cm gaps at the top.

4. Draw cord tube: Machine sew approx 4cm down from the top (from one gap to the other).

5. Iron the fabric before attaching it to the knitted base.

6. Hand stitch the fabric onto the knitted base, bringing both sides around to form a circle. Join. Hand or machine stitch closed.

7. Measure and cut drawcord/ribbon (ensure you have enough length to tie). Fasten a safety pin onto one side of the ribbon and push through the tube.

:: An alternative to the knitted base is a basket:

Body

Repeat steps 1 - 5 (above)

6. Before affixing the fabric onto the basket, try and pin it into place (as best as you can). Thread a tapestry needle with 3 strands of embroidery cotton and with RS facing you, sew the fabric onto a single ridge (weave) of the basket. Be careful not to snag/snap the cotton. Repeat approx 3 - 4 times for each stitch, threading the needle between the main fabric and lining to the next ridge, until you've sewn all the way around the basket. Join both sides together and hand stitch the seam closed.

7. As for knitted base (above).

Black Dog Knits