Please help a newbie understand this pattern

How-to Questions
1

Hi,

I have had a great week knitting outside in the sunshine. As I live in the west of Ireland where we usually get LOTs of rain, this has been a delight.

I am working on a pattern from this site to make a Linen Stich Shoulder Tote bag for my daughter . I am loving Linen stich but am a bit confused by the pattern.

http://www.knitting-and.com/knitting/patterns/bags/shoulderbag.htm

At the end of the front, I made 2 decreases to create the ‘Hem’ but the pattern says to make-up by attaching the front and back at the Cast Ons. I had thought the ‘Hem’ would form the base of the bag but this means it is actually the top of the bag’s front (where it opens). Do you think that is correct???

Also - should I handwash and/or iron my knitting before making up?

All opinions very much welcomed

Irishmam

2

Making Up:

Line up the cast on edges of the front and back and sew the sides and bottom together using a neat running st.

I think they do mean the cast on edges to be the top opening. But I can definitely see where it is confusing.

3

I read it as the CO edges will be the bottom. :shrug:

4

LOL - too funny!! :roflhard:

Irishman, I guess you should hold it together each way and decide which looks best. Whose ever going to know?

Yeah, I think I agree with Suzeeq - if the front is 8+ inches long, and the back is 12+ inches long and you line up the cast on edges, they would have to be the bottom, since the back piece folds over to be the flap.

5

Am very reasured it is not just me not understanding the secret code of patterns! thank you for your help