Modular Bento Bag

I gravitate towards rhythmic, intuitive, and practical designs, and this pattern checks all those boxes for me. MODULAR BENTO BAG uses garter stitch modular construction with worsted weight cotton yarn to create a surprisingly functional finished object. You’ll find a purpose for each of the 4 bag sizes: smaller sizes work well for children’s toys or a small jar of jam, and larger sizes are perfect for fruits, vegetables, or a loaf of bread at the farmers’ market. Washable cotton yarn makes the bag easy to launder, and it folds up into itself for easy storage. Adjust the handle length to meet your needs, creating shorter handles to attach to a carabiner clip, longer handles to fit around a wrist, or one of each! Experiment with striping and color blocking for a truly unique bag. Create a bag or two for farmers’ market purchases or knit one to hold a gift.

Modular Bento Bag on Ravelry

Modular Bento Bag on Payhip

Find full gallery images here.

YARN
Knit Picks Dishie or Dishie Twist in 2 or more colors or similar worsted weight cotton dishcloth yarn.
100% Cotton, 190 yd / 174 m per 100 g, www.knitpicks.com

Samples shown in 3 colors with various stripe patterns:
Dishie Twist in colorway Black, and Dishie in colorways Black and Kenai

Yarn requirements per size:
Size 1: 61 yd / 56 m (32 g)
Size 2: 125 yd / 114 m (66 g)
Size 3: 270 yd / 247 m (142 g)
Size 4: 462 yd / 423 m (243 g)
Yarn estimate includes 10% buffer.

GAUGE & NEEDLES
15 stitches & 30 rows = 4” / 10 cm in garter stitch knit flat
US 6 / 4.0 mm or size needed to get gauge, minimum length 16” / 40 cm
Gauge is not critical but will impact the feel of the fabric and final size of the bag.

FINISHED DIMENSIONS
Sizes 1 (2, 3, 4)
Width: 6” (9”, 13.6”, 18.1”) / 15.2 (22.9, 34.5, 46) cm
Height: 6” (9”, 13.6”, 18.1”) / 15.2 (22.9, 34.5, 46) cm
See schematic for additional size information.

TECHNIQUES
Provisional cast-on, knit stitch, join-as-you-go modular knitting, icord bind-off in the round

PATTERN ATTRIBUTES
This is a written pattern with a schematic and photo tutorials.

EXPLORE ON INSTAGRAM
#ModularBentoBag

Tech editing: Bronwyn Hahn
Test knitting: Cathy A., Niad A., Rhianda G., Sarah J., Amanda K., Jennie K., Katie M., Sondra P., Linda S., Rachel S., Vicky S. & Emilia W.

From Rebecca F.

I’ve tested multiple patterns for Shana and they’re always already well-written and well thought out before we see the testing version. She’s very responsive with answers to questions and clearly cares about making patterns accessible to knitters of all skill levels, budgets, and bodies. I love the way her patterns flow and present a canvas for your creativity and individuality.

Rebecca has knit many Shanalines Designs patterns, and test knit Space Positive Wrap, Upstanding Hat, Adulthood and Side Hustle Wrap (Light).

From Tina P.

I have knit many of Shana’s patterns and never been disappointed! Her patterns are always fun to knit with really interesting construction so they’re never boring to knit (sometimes I can be a short attention span knitter!) She provides really clear instructions for techniques and great tutorials as well. Shana is one of my very favorite designers and I am always excited when I see she has a new pattern.

Tina has knit many Shanalines Designs patterns!

From Marieke, Solace in Stitches

Duplex is a quick and fun to make. The striping and modular joining kept me engaged throughout the project without being to complicated. It’s a great pattern to use up sock yarn leftovers and play with colors. Excited to cast on another one.

Marieke test knit Duplex, and has knit many other Shanalines Designs patterns.

From Rebecca F.

From Tina P.

From Marieke, Solace in Stitches

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