Starlit Snowdrift Gift Bag Free Knitting Pattern – Textured Nordic Charm

Wrap your holiday treasures in this cozy, textured gift bag that evokes a snowy evening under the stars. Knitted with a soft chunky yarn and featuring a delicate star motif, it's a reusable and heartfelt alternative to paper wrapping. This pattern is perfect for beginners who want to try colorwork, and it makes a beautiful, practical gift for loved ones (or a treat for yourself!).

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Having everything ready will make your knitting session smooth and enjoyable.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in three colors:
  • MC (Main Color): Cream – approximately 200 yards
  • CC1 (Contrast Color 1): Deep Forest Green – approximately 100 yards
  • CC2 (Contrast Color 2): Warm Gold – approximately 50 yards
• Needles:
  • US 7 (4.5 mm) circular knitting needles, 16-inch length (for the body)
  • US 7 (4.5 mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) (for the bottom decreases)
• Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch, after blocking. (Always check your gauge to ensure the correct size!)

Step-by-Step Instructions

This bag is knitted in the round from the bottom up. The bottom is a flat circle, then the sides are worked straight, and the top features a drawstring casing. The star motif is worked in stranded colorwork. Don't be intimidated by the colorwork – it's simpler than it looks, and you'll be amazed at the result!

Abbreviations

• CO: cast on
• K: knit
• P: purl
• K2tog: knit two together (decrease)
• Kfb: knit into front and back of stitch (increase)
• St(s): stitch(es)
• MC: main color (Cream)
• CC1: contrast color 1 (Deep Forest Green)
• CC2: contrast color 2 (Warm Gold)
• PM: place marker
• RM: remove marker
• SM: slip marker
• YO: yarn over (increase, creates a hole)

Bottom of the Bag (worked in the round)

We'll start by creating a flat, circular base. This is done by increasing evenly every other round.

1. With MC, CO 8 sts. Distribute onto 4 DPNs (2 sts per needle). PM to mark beginning of round. Join in the round, being careful not to twist.
2. Round 1: Kfb into every st. (16 sts)
3. Round 2: K all sts.
4. Round 3: *Kfb, K1* repeat to end. (24 sts)
5. Round 4: K all sts.
6. Round 5: *Kfb, K2* repeat to end. (32 sts)
7. Round 6: K all sts.
8. Round 7: *Kfb, K3* repeat to end. (40 sts)
9. Round 8: K all sts.
10. Round 9: *Kfb, K4* repeat to end. (48 sts)
11. Round 10: K all sts.
12. Round 11: *Kfb, K5* repeat to end. (56 sts)
13. Round 12: K all sts.
14. Round 13: *Kfb, K6* repeat to end. (64 sts)
15. Round 14: K all sts.
16. Round 15: *Kfb, K7* repeat to end. (72 sts)
17. Round 16: K all sts.
18. Round 17: *Kfb, K8* repeat to end. (80 sts)
19. Round 18: K all sts.
20. Round 19: *Kfb, K9* repeat to end. (88 sts)
21. Round 20: K all sts.
22. Round 21: *Kfb, K10* repeat to end. (96 sts)
23. Round 22: K all sts. The bottom should measure about 6 inches in diameter. If you want a larger bag, continue increasing in this pattern until desired size, ensuring the stitch count is divisible by 8 for the star motif.

Sides of the Bag

Now we'll work the body of the bag straight up. This is where the magic happens!

23. Switch to the circular needle. Work in stockinette stitch (knit every round) with MC for 10 rounds.
24. Begin Star Motif (worked over 8 stitches): This is a repeating pattern. Carry the unused yarn loosely behind your work.
    • Round 1: *With MC, K3; with CC1, K1; with MC, K4* repeat to end.
    • Round 2: *With MC, K2; with CC1, K2; with MC, K4* repeat to end.
    • Round 3: *With MC, K1; with CC1, K3; with MC, K4* repeat to end.
    • Round 4: *With MC, K1; with CC1, K1; with CC2, K1; with CC1, K1; with MC, K4* repeat to end.
    • Round 5: *With MC, K1; with CC1, K3; with MC, K4* repeat to end.
    • Round 6: *With MC, K2; with CC1, K2; with MC, K4* repeat to end.
    • Round 7: *With MC, K3; with CC1, K1; with MC, K4* repeat to end.
    • Round 8: With MC, knit all sts.
25. Work 10 more rounds in stockinette with MC.

Drawstring Casing

This section creates the channel for your drawstring. The yarn overs (YO) create little eyelet holes.

26. Next round: *K2tog, YO* repeat to end. (This creates eyelet holes for the drawstring.)
27. Knit 4 rounds in stockinette stitch.
28. Bind off loosely. Weave in all ends.

Drawstring

This is a simple, sturdy cord to cinch your bag closed.

29. With CC2, CO 120 sts. Knit 4 rows (garter stitch). Bind off loosely. Alternatively, you can make a twisted cord or an i-cord for a different look.
30. Thread the drawstring through the eyelet holes. Weave in ends.

Finishing

31. Block the bag gently to even out the stitches and set the shape. Fold the top edge over the drawstring to create a neat casing, or simply pull the drawstring to close the bag.

And there you have it – a beautiful, handmade Starlit Snowdrift Gift Bag! This project is not only a joy to knit but also a sustainable and personal way to present your gifts. The recipient will surely treasure both the gift and the gorgeous bag it came in. Happy knitting!