Knit pouches
Knit pouches are versatile, stylish, and practical items that can serve as functional accessories for everyday use or as thoughtful handmade gifts. These pouches come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs, each catering to specific purposes or personal styles. From simple zippered pouches to more elaborate drawstring bags, knit pouches are the perfect way to showcase your knitting skills while creating something useful.
In this blog, we will explore 10 different types of knit pouches, covering a range of techniques, materials, and design options. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced knitter, you’ll find a pouch pattern here to suit your skill level and personal taste.
1. Basic Knit Zippered Pouch
A basic knit zippered pouch is one of the most versatile types of pouches. Its simplicity makes it a great project for beginner knitters who want to practice basic stitches while creating a practical item. The zippered pouch can be used to store makeup, small accessories, or even knitting supplies.
Materials:
- Worsted-weight yarn
- Knitting needles (size appropriate for yarn)
- Zipper
- Tapestry needle
Techniques:
- Knit stitch
- Purl stitch
- Sewing in a zipper
How to Make:
- Cast on stitches: Choose the width of your pouch and cast on the appropriate number of stitches.
- Knit in stockinette stitch: Alternate rows of knitting and purling until the piece measures twice the desired height of your pouch.
- Fold and sew: Fold the knitted piece in half and sew up the sides.
- Attach the zipper: Use a tapestry needle to sew the zipper onto the top of the pouch, securing both sides.
This simple pouch can be customized with different yarn colors, stitch patterns, or embellishments to give it a unique touch.
2. Drawstring Knit Pouch
A drawstring knit pouch is perfect for carrying small items like coins, jewelry, or even toiletries. The drawstring closure adds a fun and practical element to the design, making it easy to open and close.
Materials:
- DK-weight yarn
- Knitting needles
- Drawstring cord (or yarn)
Techniques:
- Circular knitting
- I-cord knitting for the drawstring
- Yarn-over stitch for eyelets
How to Make:
- Cast on stitches: Cast on the number of stitches needed to create the circumference of the pouch.
- Knit in the round: Work in stockinette stitch until the pouch reaches the desired height.
- Create eyelets: Use yarn-over stitches to create eyelets around the top of the pouch where the drawstring will go.
- Make the drawstring: Knit an I-cord and thread it through the eyelets to create the closure.
This type of pouch is great for storing items that need easy access and works well as a small gift bag or accessory pouch.
3. Felted Knit Pouch
A felted knit pouch is a sturdy and durable option, perfect for carrying heavier items like coins or keys. Felting the knitted fabric adds thickness and structure, making the pouch more resilient.
Materials:
- 100% wool yarn (for felting)
- Knitting needles
- Zipper or button (optional)
Techniques:
- Knit in the round
- Felting process (wet felting)
How to Make:
- Knit the pouch: Use a simple stockinette stitch to knit a pouch in the round, making it slightly larger than the desired size (felting will shrink it).
- Felt the pouch: After knitting, wash the pouch in hot water to shrink the fibers and create a felted texture.
- Add closure: Once felted, sew on a zipper or button for the closure if desired.
Felted pouches are durable and can withstand wear and tear, making them ideal for storing small essentials that you carry daily.
4. Colorwork Knit Pouch
For those who enjoy working with multiple colors, a colorwork knit pouch allows for creative patterns and designs. You can incorporate stripes, geometric shapes, or even images into your pouch.
Materials:
- Multiple colors of fingering-weight yarn
- Knitting needles
Techniques:
- Fair Isle or intarsia knitting
- Color changes
How to Make:
- Choose a colorwork pattern: Select a colorwork chart or design your own.
- Cast on stitches: Cast on the number of stitches needed for your pattern.
- Work in the round or flat: Follow your color chart, carefully switching between yarns to create your design.
- Finish the pouch: Sew up the sides if knitting flat, or add a zipper or button if desired.
This type of pouch is a great way to practice colorwork techniques and create a visually striking accessory.
5. Cable Knit Pouch
A cable knit pouch is a sophisticated design that adds texture and depth to your project. Cable knitting can create intricate patterns that make the pouch stand out, perfect for someone who wants to make a more advanced knit accessory.
Materials:
- Aran-weight yarn
- Knitting needles
- Cable needle
- Zipper or button (optional)
Techniques:
- Cable knitting
- Sewing up the sides
How to Make:
- Choose a cable pattern: Select a cable design from a stitch dictionary or create your own.
- Cast on stitches: Cast on enough stitches to accommodate the width of the pouch and cable pattern.
- Knit the cable pattern: Follow the cable instructions, knitting until the pouch reaches the desired size.
- Finish the pouch: Fold the piece in half, sew up the sides, and add a zipper or button for closure if desired.
Cable knit pouches make beautiful gifts and can be customized with different cable designs, adding elegance and texture.
6. Lace Knit Pouch
A lace knit pouch adds a delicate and feminine touch to your accessory collection. Lace knitting involves creating holes in the fabric using yarn-over stitches, resulting in a decorative, openwork pattern.
Materials:
- Lightweight lace yarn
- Knitting needles
- Drawstring or ribbon for closure
Techniques:
- Lace knitting
- Yarn-over stitches
How to Make:
- Select a lace pattern: Choose a lace stitch from a knitting stitch book.
- Cast on stitches: Cast on the number of stitches needed for your pattern.
- Knit the lace pattern: Follow the chart or instructions, repeating the pattern until you reach the desired length.
- Add a closure: Fold and sew the pouch, adding a drawstring or ribbon closure at the top.
Lace pouches are ideal for gifting, especially when used to hold small treasures or as wedding favor bags.
7. Textured Knit Pouch (Seed Stitch or Moss Stitch)
Textured pouches offer a tactile experience and a rustic appearance. Seed stitch or moss stitch creates a dense, textured fabric that adds interest to the pouch.
Materials:
- Worsted-weight yarn
- Knitting needles
- Button or zipper for closure
Techniques:
- Seed stitch or moss stitch
How to Make:
- Cast on stitches: Decide on the size of your pouch and cast on stitches for the width.
- Work in seed stitch: Alternate between knit and purl stitches across the rows, creating the seed stitch texture.
- Finish the pouch: Fold in half, sew up the sides, and add a closure.
The textured knit pouch is perfect for those who enjoy simple knitting with a little extra detail.
8. Beaded Knit Pouch
Adding beads to a knitted pouch gives it a glamorous and decorative look. Beaded knit pouches are ideal for evening wear or as a special gift.
Materials:
- Fingering-weight yarn
- Knitting needles
- Beads
- Button or drawstring for closure
Techniques:
- Bead knitting
- Sewing up the sides
How to Make:
- String beads onto yarn: Before knitting, string beads onto the yarn.
- Knit the pouch: As you knit, slide beads into place according to your pattern.
- Finish the pouch: Sew up the sides and add a button or drawstring closure.
Beaded knit pouches are elegant and can be customized with different bead designs for a truly unique look.
9. Striped Knit Pouch
A striped knit pouch is a great way to use up leftover yarn and add color to your project. You can create bold, wide stripes or subtle, thin stripes depending on your preference.
Materials:
- Multiple colors of yarn
- Knitting needles
- Zipper or button for closure
Techniques:
- Color changes
- Sewing up the sides
How to Make:
- Choose stripe colors: Select two or more colors of yarn.
- Knit in stripes: Alternate between the chosen colors to create stripes of varying widths.
- Finish the pouch: Sew up the sides and add a closure.
Striped pouches are fun and customizable, making them perfect for experimenting with color combinations.
10. Chunky Knit Pouch
Chunky knit pouches are perfect for those who want a fast, satisfying
project. The thick yarn knits up quickly, creating a durable and cozy pouch that can hold larger items like tech gadgets or toiletries.
Materials:
- Super bulky yarn
- Large knitting needles
- Button or zipper for closure
Techniques:
- Basic knitting
- Chunky yarn handling
How to Make:
- Cast on stitches: Cast on the required number of stitches for the width of your pouch.
- Knit in stockinette or garter stitch: Choose a simple stitch pattern, as the chunky yarn will provide enough texture on its own.
- Finish the pouch: Sew up the sides and add a closure.
Chunky knit pouches are great for last-minute gifts or practical accessories, offering a quick and rewarding knitting experience.
Conclusion
Knit pouches come in many different styles and designs, making them fun and versatile projects for knitters of all skill levels. Whether you prefer simple and functional designs or more intricate patterns with cables, lace, or beads, there’s a knit pouch out there to suit your needs. The 10 types of knit pouches explored in this blog provide a wide range of creative possibilities, allowing you to experiment with different techniques, yarns, and designs.
From basic zippered pouches to elegant beaded pouches, these projects offer the perfect balance of practicality and creativity. Whether you’re knitting for yourself, for a gift, or for a specific purpose, each pouch allows you to explore new skills and add a personal touch to your craft. So grab your knitting needles, choose your favorite type of pouch, and start creating your very own unique knit accessories today!
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