06/07/21 • Knitting • Advanced Beginner

Seaside Knit Beach Bag

With summer right around the corner, a beach bag is the perfect next project. The Seaside Beach Bag is a terrific knit beach bag for this summer and beyond. Of course, you can use it on vacation at the beach as intended. However, it also doubles as a terrific market bag, tote bag, etc. Therefore, you’ll get a lot of mileage out of this knit pattern.

This bag can stretch and hold a TON! I simply love it.

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A felted bottom creates a sturdy foundation for this fun knit bag. At the same time, the mesh sides will leave the sand at the beach while keeping your toys and snacks secure inside. It truly is perfect for your next outing at the pool or the beach.

When making a bag you want it to be study so that it can hold your belongings. Worked holding two strands of yarn together for base and trim gives more structure to be able to hold all of our necessities. Felting is done after the entire bag is complete. This gives you that stronger, sturdier base.

Felting the Seaside Knit Beach Bag

Felting can be one of those scary knitting techniques that people are hesitant to try for the first time. However, it truly helps make your knit bag sturdier and more secure. And it’s not nearly as challenging as you might think it would be.I

My biggest piece of advice when it comes to felting is TEST! Knit a swatch using the same yarn in the same colors shown and test felt it before proceeding with your project. Just as I recommend doing a gauge swatch before every project, I recommend testing a felted swatch as well. By doing a test swatch you will know exactly how your yarn will react. Therefore, you won’t have surprises as you work your project.

The effects of all washing machines, detergents and local water conditions cannot be predicted. You are felting at your own risk. Felting is irreversible. Please proceed cautiously with the felting process. It is easy to felt “just a little more”, but impossible to undo the effects of over-felting. Even with that in mind, though, you shouldn’t be afraid to give it a try. Take it slowly. You’ll do fine.

Using Double Point Needles (DPNs)

Using double point needles (DPNs) is another “scary” knitting technique for some people. For example, I often hear that knitters don’t want to make socks because they will have to use DPNs to complete the project. The Seaside Knit Beach Bag is a great project to start using DPNs. DPNs are used to start the project at the base. This section will be felted so any inconsistencies will be hidden in the felting. Therefore, you’re going to hide any mistakes.

And really, if you’re new to DPNs, these aren’t that scary. Although you’re working with multiple knitting needles, you’re still only knitting with two at a time. The rest are just holding your stitches like circular cables would. You’ve got this.