Vela Bag

I needed a thoughtful gift, had a pile of leftover yarn, and zero time for overthinking. So I made this little drawstring bag — and it unexpectedly became everyone’s favourite. The pattern is finally ready to share.

• Weight: Worsted / Aran (any stash yarn works)

• Yardage: Approx. 100–130 m (60–80 g)

• Fiber: Cotton, wool, or blend

• Sample used: I used some stash yarn that I had in my stash collections. . my suggestion If you have to buy yarn, Knitting For Olive DK cotton is my favorite

• Abbreviations

  • k = knit

  • p = purl

  • RS = right side

  • WS = wrong side

  • C4R = slip 2 sts to cable needle, hold in back, k2, then k2 from cable needle

  • C4L = slip 2 sts to cable needle, hold in front, k2, then k2 from cable needle

Size & Gauge

• Finished Size: Approx. 25 × 30 cm

• Gauge: ~18–20 sts = 10 cm in stockinette (not crucial)

🧵 Pattern Instructions

Cast On

Cast on 40 stitches.

Row 1 (RS): knit all
Row 2 (WS): purl all
Row 3: knit all
Row 4: purl all
Row 5: knit all

Row 6 (RS): knit all
(This row replaces the usual purl row and creates an easy fold line.)

Plain Setup Rows

Row 7: knit all
Row 8: purl all
Row 9: knit all
Row 10: purl all

• • Cable Section – Direction 1

    Row 11 (RS):

    k4, C4R repeat across the row, ending with C4R on the last 4 stitches.

    Row 12 (WS):

    purl all

    Row 13: knit all
    Row 14: purl

  • Cable Section – Direction 2

    Row 15 (RS):

    k4, C4L repeat across the row, ending with C4L on the last 4 stitches.

    Row 16 (WS):

    purl all

    Row 17: knit all
    Row 18: purl all

Repeat Cable Pattern

Repeat Rows 11–18 (the two cable directions) until you have worked approximately 20 cable rows or until the pouch reaches your desired length.

End after a WS row.

• Top Section (mirror of bottom)

  Row 1: knit all
  Row 2: purl all
  Row 3: knit all
  Row 4: purl all
  Row 5: knit all

  Row 6: purl all
  (This row creates the second fold line for the drawstring channel.)

• Bind Off

  Bind off all stitches loosely.

  Finishing

  • Fold the top and bottom sections inward along the fold rows.

  • Sew them down to form channels.

  • Sew the two side seams.

  • Thread a cord or i-cord through the top channel.

📖 Notes

 Notes

• Difficulty: Easy / Intermediate (basic cables).

• Techniques used: Knit, purl, cables, seaming, casing for drawstring.

• Languages: English

·       🧶 Pattern Title

·    Vela Bag

·       A little cable pouch to carry your everyday treasures

·      Vela is a small cable pouch, born from leftover yarn and a love of useful art. The cables give it sculptural texture, while its size makes it practical — for notions, makeup, or even a tiny knitting project. Light enough to carry everywhere, simple enough to knit in an afternoon, meditative enough to enjoy the process.