Spool knitting over core for bag handle

A simple, and very effective way to make a bag handle is to spool knit it.  There’s often a problem with spool knitted handles, though.

They can stretch and stretch and stretch. Not so good.

photo by Noreen Crone-Findlay copyright

So, I use a couple of techniques to get around that problem.

Spool knitting with 2 interlocking colors works well.

Another way  to make a spool knitted handle that doesn’t stretch

is to spool knit over a stabilizing core of non stretchy yarn or cord.

I have been working on a bag that I have woven on the Lily Speed-O-Weave Loom.

I decided that I wanted to spool knit the handle and have the handle become the sides and bottom of the bag, too.

To make handles like this, you need to make a loop that is the desired length of the handle plus the measurement of the sides and lower part of the bag. Having a continuous loop for the handles and outside of the bag gives a really nice finish to a bag.

photo by Noreen Crone-Findlay copyright

I used 2 strands of Lily Sugar’n Cream in black and one of my larger 6 peg spool knitted cords.

I spool knitted 86 inches.   Then, I cut 2 strands of parachute style cord that are each 180 inches long.

I folded them in half and put a large safety pin through the fold. Before I took the spool knitting off the spool knitter, I slid the safety pin into the spool knitting, drawing the parachute cords through the spool knitting:

photo by Noreen Crone-Findlay copyright

I folded the ends of the parachute cord through the loops, and then used duct tape to secure the ends:

photo by Noreen Crone-Findlay copyright

When the ends were secured, forming a big loop, I slipped the ends of the spool knitted cord together. I stitched the ends to each other.

And, now, it was a spool knitted loop that would not stretch.

photo by Noreen Crone-Findlay copyright

And then, I pinned the loop around the  back panel of the bag.  I stitched the loop to the back of the bag:

photo by Noreen Crone-Findlay copyright

And then pinned and stitched the front of the bag to the spool knitted cord:

photo by Noreen Crone-Findlay copyright

The Butterfly fairy on the front of the bag ended up with a few changes.  I included 2 tatted fairies in the butterfly wings, too.

Here is the bag that I made using the Lily Speed-O-Weave loom, spool knitting, vintage flower looms, crochet, tatting and hand sewing.

Lots and lots of techniques in a fun new bag:

photo and project by Noreen Crone-Findlay copyright