It's been a while since I added a new knitting pattern to the blog but I know you're going to love this one!
The Moss stitch is one of my favourite stitch patterns when knitting. It's such a simple pattern repeat, yet gives a really elegant look to any project. So when I was thinking about what to make for my next project it had to be something that incorporated this stitch pattern which is a perfect for beginners, young & old.
Also, a knitted zipper pouch can be used for so many things - a pencil case, notions pouch, make up pouch - you get the idea.
This post will take you through making your pouch, from casting on, right through to adding the zip. So, let's get started!
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Construction
The pouch is worked flat & then seamed up the sides, using the mattress stitch to create the pouch shape. The zip is added next & the pouch can then be lined (which is optional).
About the yarn
Paintbox yarns Simply chunky is available in 56 shades & is a 100% Acrylic yarn making it easy to care for. Each 100gm ball is approx. 136 metres (149 yards) long.
Good substitutes for this yarn would be Hayfield bonus chunky or Stylecraft special for babies chunky. Both of these yarns are also 100% acrylic & also come in 100gm balls.
Supplies needed to make your own knitted zipper pouch
Paintbox yarns Simply chunky in Jewel (Col SC72) or a similar chunky weight yarn. Approx 56 grams per pouch.
Darning needle (for sewing up & weaving in ends)
Sewing clips or small bulldog clips (for holding the zip in place)
Sewing thread in matching colour
Co-ordinating cotton fabric for lining (optional) Fat quarters are perfect for this as are old shirts, bed sheets or similar that you no longer need.
Abbreviations:
K - Knit stitch
P - Purl stitch
Rep - Repeat
St(s) - Stitch(es)
Co - Cast on
Bo - Bind off
Gauge
14 stitches X 25 rows over 10 cm (4”) in moss stitch.
The finished size of your pouch should be approx. 23cmx12cm.
Making a swatch
It’s important to make a gauge swatch as, if you cannot match the gauge given, your pouch may not be the size intended & the zip may not fit correctly. Making a swatch will also help you to get used to the pattern repeat before starting the full pattern.
Top tip – don’t cut or fasten off your yarn after you finish the swatch. Simply pop a stitch marker in, check your measurements are correct & then you can undo your swatch & use the same yarn to start your pouch.
Swatch pattern
Cast on 19 St’s using the cable cast on method (If, you are unfamiliar with this method, you can find a YouTube tutorial here).
Row 1 – K1, *P1, K1, rep from *to end. (19 St’s)
Rep this row until you have 28 rows.
Measure across & down the centre of your swatch to see if it matches the measurements given for gauge above.
If your swatch measures smaller, try increasing your needle size. If it’s too big, try going down a needle size.
Pattern begins
Co 31 st’s, using the cable cast on method (Video tutorial available) & leaving a long tail (approx. 30cm) for seaming up the side afterwards.
Row 1 – k1, *p1, k1. Rep from * to end. (31 st’s)
Rep this row until you have 61 rows.
Bo using the cable cast off method (Video Tutorial available).
Seaming the sides
Seam the sides together using the mattress stitch (Watch this video tutorial if you are unfamiliar with this method).
Weave in ends using the darning needle.
Adding the zip
Open up the zip & line up the stopper end (where the zip pull should now be sitting) with one of the side seams, use a sewing clip or bulldog clip to hold it in place.
Without stretching the fabric, use clips to hold the zip to the pouch (make sure that the zip itself lines up with the top of the pouch) at approx. 4cm intervals on both sides. Any excess length can be dealt with once the zip is secured in place.
Turn the pouch inside out. Starting at the side seam & using matching sewing thread, use backstitch to sew the zip in place along the zipper tape, approx. 0.5cm from the zip teeth. Tip – don’t sew all the way through the fabric of the pouch, you only need to catch a little of the yarn.
Once the zip has been sewn in, cut off any excess zipper tape.
This video tutorial may help if you’ve never sewn a zip to a knitted fabric before.
Lining your zipper pouch
Attaching a lining is optional as the pouches look great either way, however, if you know that the pouch is going to get heavy use then I would recommend lining it, as it will give the pouch a bit more structure & make it more hard-wearing.
The below instructions are for adding a simple lining. There are alternative ways to add a lining (Many available on YouTube), but if you have never added a lining before, then this would be my recommended method.
Using your chosen fabric, cut a rectangle that is 25cm x 24cm, (30cm x 31cm, 34cm x 25cm). This will allow for a 1cm seam allowance all the way around.
Fold over the top & bottom of the fabric by 1cm, wrong side to wrong side & iron to fix in place.
Fold the fabric in half lengthwise, right side to right side. Sew a 1cm seam along both of the side (short) edges & then Iron them open.
You can now sew the lining into the bag, along the zipper tape & as close to the top edge of the bag as possible.
A final note!
I really hope you've enjoyed using this free pattern & would love to see your versions. Don't forget to tag me if you post your version on social media. You can comment below to let me know how you found it.
A PDF version of this pattern is also available & includes instructions for three different sizes. You can purchase the PDF pattern for a small fee from my Ravelry, Etsy or Ribblr shops & you can also find it on Lovecrafts.com. 😊
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