Watermelons are smiles of summer. ~Anonymous

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I designed this felted tote and purse watermelon bag pattern in 2010 and have now updated it to match my current designs. It is still one of my favorite bags. The large size is about the size of a paper grocery bag and I love that it is sturdy enough to carry many knitting projects. You might have to head to a local laundromat to felt your bag as most newer washing machines have low agitation. The black seed buttons are available on Etsy.

This is a checklist pattern, each row is written out for easier tracking – however, this makes the pattern significantly longer – check to see the pages you want to print before starting.
There are two separate patterns included in this listing.

Pattern Notes: The base of the bag is worked as a complete square and bound off, then picked up around its entirety to insure a symmetrical felted seaming. Also, all decrease stitches in this pattern were made by K2tog. All increase stitches were made with a reverse loop over the needle (or thumb loop.) However, since the bag is felted, the knitter may use any increase or decrease method as the stitches will not show.

This pattern was written for personal use, please honor the copyright. Tech editing and graphic design by Corrina Ferguson.
Test knitters were Valerie Arthur and Jessica Schick, and sample knitter was Ann Templin.
Photography by Anna Stauber of Boreal Photography Studios.

Keep it colorful!
Originally published ©2002
Pattern Updated ©2024 Cori Eichelberger