This crossbody cell phone bag can hold a device with a measurement around 8cm (3 inches) wide by 16.5cm (6.5 inches) high. The I-cord handle is 1.7m (42 inches) long.
My gauge is 26 stitches and 26 rows = 10cm (4 inches) using the colourwork pattern.
Broken seed stitch reminds me of the scales on a mermaid tail. It looks complicated but is actually quite straightforward. It is created by alternating two colour yarns each row while knitting in the round. It does not involve stranded work, intarsia or fair isle.
Supplies
- 12 ply acrylic yarn in 2 different colours. (I use Spotlight 4 Seasons Marvel 12 ply acrylic yarn).
- 3.75mm / US 5 circular needles 32 inches (76 cm) in length (affiliate link)
- Stitch Markers (affiliate link)
- Sewing needle
Techniques Used
1. Turkish Cast on
I prefer this cast on method because I don’t have to seam the bottom later and I don’t have to worry about joining for the round correctly.
2. Magic Loop Technique
The Turkish cast on is easiest with the Magic loop technique. Since it is a flat bag, dividing the stitches in half suffice. I also avoid having laddered stitches that sometimes occur when using double pointed needles.
If you are new to Magic loop technique, do watch this tutorial by Lovecrafts.
3. Broken Seed Stitch
The colourwork is created by using two colour yarns in alternate rows. Knit stockinette stitch with the main colour yarn and knit seed stitch with the complementary colour yarn. Note: For Round 4, purl the knit stitches and knit the purl stitches from Round 2.
Body of the crossbody cell phone bag
Cast on 36 stitches in main colour yarn (MC) using Turkish cast on. (18 stitches per needle). Place a stitch marker to mark out the beginning.
Using MC, knit 5 rounds of single rib. That is, *Knit 1, Purl 1, repeat from * to the end.
To start the colourwork pattern:
Round 1: With second colour yarn (CC), *k1, p1, repeat from * for the round.
Round 2: With MC, knit.
Round 3: With CC, *p1, k1, repeat from * for the round.
Round 4: With MC, knit.
Repeat these 4 rounds until the bag measures 14cm or 5.5 inches.
Take note that Round 2 and Round 4 make up the seed stitch. If you are not sure if you are knitting round 2 or 4, do practise a bit first to help you recognize the stitches.
For the opening band, knit 5 rounds of single ribbing in MC yarn.
Cast off using the Russian Bind off.
I-cord Handle
The handle is a 4-stitch I-cord. A double stockinette handle is possible too but I like the sturdiness and infinity feel of the I-cord for this cross body cell phone bag.
If I-cord knitting is new to you, do watch Suzanne’s Bryan’s tutorial on it.
Pick up 4 stitches from one side of the bag, start knitting the I-cord until the length is 107cm (42 inches). Adjust the length according to body length of the wearer. At 1.7m, mine sits nicely at my waist. Cast off once the desired length is reached. Attach the end of the I-cord to the other side of the opening band using mattress stitch. Weave in all the ends.
The I-cord handle can be knitted separately and attach to the bag afterwards. I just like picking up stitches. 🙂
The crossbody cell phone bag is basically done. Lining is optional.
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Happy knitting
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