I was looking for an easy bag to knit and found this.
I am going to make a larger version than the measurements provide and using Red Heart Super Saver yarn in “Plum Pudding” (Dye Lot 0240).
If anyone is curious, I am making it with the following measurements/adjustments.
To begin with, I have cast on 85 stitches, instead of the 38 in the pattern. At 85 stitches wide (with the provided gauge on the yarn label being 17 stitches per every 4 inches), that’ll make the bag around 20 inches wide. Again, instead of following the pattern and knitting to about 22 inches, as the pattern suggests, I am going to knit to about 55 inches, then I’ll bind off.
After blocking it with steam, like suggested to make it lie flat (this method works with the acrylic yarn I am using so I won’t change that part), I’ll fold the work, leaving 10 inches for a closure flap (instead of the 4 inches the pattern suggests). This should make the bag 22 and a half inches deep after I am done sewing it together.
Next, I’ll make the handle and button closure as suggested (I might make two as the bag will probably close better that way), unless measurements don’t add up somehow and the handle is too small. In that case, I’ll just cast on more stitches (I’ll calculate that part later, my head is still swimming from all the math I did earlier in this post 
). I just need to find some nice large ( and preferably matching) buttons to use, which shouldn’t be a problem. My mother has plenty to choose from.
I’ll show you all if and when I complete this project. It shouldn’t take too terribly long and also shouldn’t be too terribly hard for me, what with being a knitting novice.
You might get really adventurous and try some decreases when you get near the end of your knitting to shape the flap a bit - just a thought. It’s YOUR bag and YOU are planning it and making it, so do whatever you want. I look forward to seeing it. 