Counting Sheep Bag

Counting Sheep Bag by Lisa Hannan Fox

Project Overview

The Counting Sheep Bag is a knitted tote bag designed by Lisa Hannan Fox, featuring an entire herd of sheep motifs covering the sides. This intermediate-level knitting project combines functional bag construction with decorative colorwork, making it an ideal project for knitters looking to expand their technique repertoire while creating a practical, wearable accessory.

What Is Being Made

A fully reversible knitted bag with dimensions of approximately 4.5 inches in width, 12 inches in length, and 11 inches in height (not including handles). The bag showcases sheep designs across its sides and is constructed to be worn as a tote with handles.

Design Features and Colorwork

The Counting Sheep Bag is notable for its reversible construction, featuring opposite color schemes on each side. Knitters have complete creative freedom in color selection—the sheep motifs can be rendered in classic white and black, or in imaginative combinations such as blue and yellow, purple and green, or any other color pairing the maker prefers. This versatility makes each finished bag unique to the maker's vision.

Primary Techniques

The bag is constructed using double knit, a specialized knitting technique that creates a two-sided fabric with distinct patterns on each face. This technique is what enables the bag's fully reversible nature. Complete instructions for the double knitting technique are included in the pattern, making this project accessible to intermediate knitters who may be new to this method.

Stitches and Construction

While specific stitch details are referenced in the pattern instructions, the double knit technique forms the foundation of the construction. This method requires careful attention to yarn management and stitch placement to achieve the reversible colorwork effect.

Materials and Yarn

The pattern calls for Size 5 US (3.75 mm) circular needles. The Counting Sheep Bag is designed to work with DK weight or worsted weight yarn, offering flexibility depending on desired finished fabric density and drape. The choice between these yarn weights will affect the final appearance and handle of the completed bag.

Skill Level

This project is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle more complex techniques like double knitting and colorwork patterning.

Pattern Format

The Counting Sheep Bag pattern is available as a downloadable PDF, designed by independent designer Lisa Hannan Fox and published through Nifty Knitter Designs.