DROPS Alaska
DROPS Alaska
100% Wool
from 2.60 $ /50g
Get the yarn to make this pattern from 13.00$.

The yarn cost is calculated from the pattern’s smallest size and the yarn’s cheapest product type. Looking for an even better price? You might find it on the DROPS Deals!

DROPS Super Sale
DROPS 98-50
Measures before felting:
Width at the top: 32 cm / 12½
Width at the bottom: 45 cm / 17 3/4"
Height: 35 cm / 13 3/4"

Measures after felting:
Width at the top: 25 cm / 9 3/4"
Width at the bottom: 35 cm / 13 3/4"
Height: 19 cm / 7½"

Materials: DROPS Alaska from Garnstudio
250g color no 48, mustard

DROPS STRAIGHT NEEDLES size 5.5 mm / US 9 or size needed to obtain the correct knitting gauge.
DROPS crochet hook size 4.5 mm/ US 7 (for the flower)

Accessories: 1 small safety pin for the flower

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Alternative Yarn – See how to change yarns here
Yarn Groups A to F – Use the same pattern and change the yarn here
Yarn usage using an alternative yarn – Use our yarn converter here

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DROPS Alaska
DROPS Alaska
100% Wool
from 2.60 $ /50g
Get the yarn to make this pattern from 13.00$.

The yarn cost is calculated from the pattern’s smallest size and the yarn’s cheapest product type. Looking for an even better price? You might find it on the DROPS Deals!

DROPS Super Sale

SAVE 30% on 6 cotton favorites!
Valid until 04.12.2024

Pattern instructions

NOTE: This pattern is written in American English. All measurements in charts are in cm. For conversion from inches to cm - click here. There are different terms for crocheting in American and British English. If this pattern includes crochet, click for "crochet terms" here. For this pattern in British English, please click here.
Knitting gauge: 16 sts x 20 rows on needles size 5.5 mm / US 9 in stockinette sts = 10 x 10 cm / 4'' x 4''.

Garter sts (back and forth on row): Knit all rows.

Bag:
Cast on 53 sts (includes 1 edge st each side) on needle size 5.5 mm / US 9 in Alaska.
Work in garter sts. Note: Make sure not to knit too loose.
When the piece measures 7 cm / 2¾'' continue in stockinette sts at the same time inc 21 sts evenly distributed on row = 74 sts.
Knit until the piece measures 69 cm / 27 1/8''.
Continue in garter sts at the same time dec 21 sts evenly distributed on row = 53 sts.
Bind off when the piece measures 76 cm / 30''.

Strap:
Cast on 7 sts on needle size 5.5 mm / US 9 in Alaska.
Work in stockinette sts until strap measures 80 cm / 31½" and bind off.
Make another strap.

Assembly:
Fold the bag double and sew the side seams tog inside the edge sts.
Fold down the garter sts edge (towards the right side of the bag) and sew it to the bag with small sts.
Twist the 2 handles tog and sew them to the bag each side.

Felting:
Put the bag in the washing machine and use a detergent without any enzymes or optical bleach. Wash hot at 40C/104F normal wash without any pre-wash.
When washed, shape and leave to dry flat.
Use a wool program for subsequent washes.


Crochet flower (not felted):
Crochet on hook size 4.5 mm/US 7 with Alaska as follows:
Ch 3 and make a ring with a sl st in 1st ch.
1st round: *1 sc in ring, 3 ch*, repeat from *-* a total of 3 times and finish with a sl st in the first sc from beg of round.
2nd round: Crochet as follows in each ch space: 1 sl st, 5 sc, 1 sl st = 3 leaves. Turn the piece – finish the flower from the WS.
3rd round: 1 sc around the 1st sc from the 1st round, ch 3, 1 sc around the next sc from 1st round, ch 3, 1 sc around the next sc from 1st round, finish with 3 ch and 1 sl st in the first round = 3 ch spaces.
4th round: Crochet as follows in each ch space: 1 sl st, 5 dc, 1 sl st = 3 leaves.
5th round: ch 1, crochet 1 sc around the first sc from 1st round, ch 3, crochet 1 sc at the bottom in between the 3rd and 4th sc on the first leaf from the 2nd round, then ch 3, crochet 1 sc at the bottom in between the 1st and 2nd sc in the second leaf from 2nd round, then ch 3, crochet 1 sc at the bottom in between the 5th sc and the sl st in the second leaf from 2nd round, then ch 3, crochet 1 sc at the bottom in between the 1st and the 2nd sc in the third leaf from 2nd round, then 3 sc, crochet 1 sl st in the first ch at the beg of round = 5 ch spaces.
Turn the piece – next round is crochet from the RS.
6th round: Crochet as follows in each ch space: 1 sl st, 5 dc, 1 sl st = 5 leaves.
7th round: ch 1, crochet 1 sc around the first sc from 3rd round, *4 ch, 1 sc around the next sc from 3rd round*, repeat from *-* and finish with a sl st in the first ch in first round = 5 ch spaces.
8th round: Crochet as follows in each ch space: 1 sl st, 7 dc, 1 sl st = 5 leaves.
9th round: ch 1, crochet 1 sc around the first sc from 3rd round, *5 ch, 1 sc around the next sc from 3rd round*, repeat from *-* and finish with a sl st in the first ch in first round = 5 ch spaces.
10th round: Crochet as follows in each ch space: 1 sl st, 9 dc, 1 sl st = 5 leaves.
Fasten off
Sew 1 safety pin in the back of the flower and attach flower to the bag.


AFTER FELTING:
If the piece is not felted enough and is too big: Wash the piece one more time in the washing machine while it is still wet add a terry towel that measures approx. 50 x 70 cm = 19 3/4" x 27 1/2" - NOTE: Do not use a short program.
If the piece has been felted too much and is too small: While the piece is still wet stretch it to the correct measurements, if the piece is dry, make sure to soak it first.
Remember: All subsequent washes are as a normal wool garment.
Do you have a question? See a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Knitting tension is what determines the final measurements of your work, and is usually measured per 10 x 10 cm. It is provided like so: number of stitches in width x number of rows in height - eg: 19 stitches x 26 rows = 10 x 10 cm.

The knitting tension is very individual; some people knit/crochet loosely while others work tightly. You adjust the knitting tension with the needle size, which is why the suggested needle size only serve as a guide! You need to adjust this (up or down) to ensure that YOUR knitting tension matches the knitting tension provided in the pattern. If you work with a different knitting tension than provided you will have a different yarn consumption, and your work will have different measurements than what the pattern suggests.

The knitting tension also determines which yarns can replace each other. As long as you achieve the same knitting tension you can replace one yarn with another.

See DROPS lesson: How to measure your tension/gauge

See DROPS video: How to make a gauge tension swatch

The required amount of yarn is provided in grams, eg: 450 g. To calculate how many balls you’ll need you first need to know how many grams are in 1 ball (25g, 50g or 100g). This information is available if you click on the individual yarn quality on our pages. Divide the amount required with the amount of each ball. For example, if each ball is 50g (the most common amount), the calculation will be as follows: 450 / 50 = 9 balls.

The important thing when changing from one yarn to another is that the knitting/crochet tension remains the same. This is so that the measurements of the finished piece will be the same as on the sketch provided. It is easier to achieve the same knitting tension using yarns from the same yarn group. It is also possible to work with multiple strands of a thinner yarn to achieve the knitting tension of a thicker one. Please try our yarn converter. We recommend you to always work a test swatch.

Please NOTE: when changing yarn the garment might have a different look and feel to the garment in the photo, due to individual properties and qualities of each yarn.

See DROPS lesson: Can I use a different yarn than the one mentioned in the pattern?

All our yarns are categorised into yarn groups (from A to F) according to thickness and knitting tension – group A contains the thinnest yarns and group F the thickest. This makes it easier for you to find alternative yarns to our patterns, should you wish to switch yarn. All yarns within the same group have a similar knitting tension and can easily replace each other. However, different yarn qualities have different structures and properties which will give the finished work a unique look and feel.

Click here for an overview of the yarns in each yarn group

At the top of all our patterns you’ll find a link to our yarn converter, which is a helpful tool should you wish to use a different yarn than suggested. By filling in the yarn quality you wish to replace, the amount (in your size) and number of strands, the converter will present good alternative yarns with the same knitting tension. Additionally it will tell you how much you’ll require in the new qualities and whether you’ll need to work with multiple strands. Most skeins are 50g (some are 25g or 100g).

If the pattern is worked with multiple colours, every colour will have to be converted separately. Similarly, if the pattern is worked with several strands of different yarns (for example 1 strand Alpaca and 1 strand Kid-Silk) you will have to find alternatives for each, individually.

Click here to see our yarn converter

Since different yarns have different qualities and textures we have chosen to keep the original yarn in our patterns. However, you can easily find options among our available qualities by using our yarn converter, or simply pick a yarn from the same yarn group.

It is possible that some retailers still have discontinued yarns in stock, or that someone has a few skeins at home that they would like to find patterns for.

The yarn converter will provide both alternative yarn as well as required amount in the new quality.

If you think it's hard to decide what size to make, it can be a good idea to measure a garment you own already and like the size of. Then you can pick the size by comparing those measures with the ones available in the pattern's size chart.

You'll find the size chart at the bottom of the pattern.

See DROPS lesson: How to read size chart

The needle size provided in the pattern serves only as a guide, the important thing is to follow the knitting tension. And since knitting tension is very individual, you will have to adjust the needle size to ensure that YOUR tension is the same as in the pattern – maybe you’ll have to adjust 1, or even 2 needle sizes, up or down to achieve the correct tension. For this, we recommend that you work test swatches.

Should you work with a different knitting tension than the one provided, the measurements of the finished garment might deviate from the measurement sketch.

See DROPS lesson: How to measure your tension/gauge

See DROPS video: How to make a gauge tension swatch

Working a garment top-down provides more flexibility and room for personal adjustment. For example it is easier to try the garment on while working, as well as making adjustments to length of yoke and shoulder caps.

The instructions are carefully explaining every step, in the correct order. Diagrams are adjusted to the knitting direction and are worked as usual.

The diagram depicts all rows/rounds, and every stitch seen from the right side. It is read from bottom to top, from right to left. 1 square = 1 stitch.

When working back and forth, every other row is worked from the right side and every other row is worked from the wrong side. When working from the wrong side, the diagram will have to be worked reversed: from left to right, knit stitches are purled, purl stitches are knit etc.

When working in the round every round is worked from the right side and the diagram are worked from right to left on all rounds.

See DROPS lesson: How to read knitting diagrams

The diagram depicts all rows/rounds, and every stitch seen from the right side. It is worked from bottom to top, from right to left.

When working back and forth every other row is worked from the right side: from right to left and every other row is worked from the wrong side: from left to right.

When working in the round, every row in the diagram are worked from the right side, from right to left.

When working a circular diagram you start in the middle and work your way outwards, counter clockwise, row by row.

The rows usually start with a given number of chain stitches (equivalent to the height of the following stitch), this will either be depicted in the diagram or explained in the pattern.

See DROPS lesson: How to read crochet diagrams

Instructions for working several diagrams after each other on the same row/round, will often be written like so: “work A.1, A.2, A.3 a total of 0-0-2-3-4 times". This means you work A.1 once, then A.2 is worked once, and A.3 is repeated (in width) the number of times provided for your size – in this case like so: S = 0 times, M = 0 times, L=2 times, XL= 3 times and XXL = 4 times.

The diagrams are worked as usual: begin with the first row in A.1, then work the first row in A.2 etc.

See DROPS lesson: How to read knitting diagrams

See DROPS lesson: How to read crochet diagrams

The total width of the garment (from wrist-to-wrist) will be larger in the larger sizes, despite the actual sleeves being shorter. The larger sizes have longer sleeve caps and wider shoulders, so there will be a good fit in all sizes.

The measurement sketch/schematic drawing provides information regarding the full length of the garment. If it’s a jumper or a jacket the length is measured from the highest point on the shoulder (usually closest to the neckline), and straight down to the bottom of the garment. It is NOT measured from the tip of shoulder. Similarly, the length of yoke is measured from the highest point on the shoulder and down to where yoke is split into body and sleeves.

See DROPS lesson: How to read a schematic drawing

Diagrams are often repeated on the round or in height. 1 repeat is the diagram the way it appears in the pattern. If it says to work 5 repeats of A.1 in the round, then you work A.1 a total of 5 times after/next to each other in the round. If it says to work 2 repeats of A.1 vertically/in height you work the entire diagram once, then begin again at the start and work the entire diagram one more time.

Chain stitches are slightly narrower than other stitches and to avoid working the cast-on edge too tight, we simply chain more stitches to begin with. The stitch count will be adjusted on the following row to fit the pattern and measurement sketch.

The rib edge is more elastic and will contract slightly compared to, for example, stocking stitch. By increasing before the rib edge, you avoid a visible difference in width between the rib edge and the rest of the body.

It’s very easy to cast off too tightly, and by making yarn overs while casting off (and simultaneously casting these off) you avoid a too tight cast off edge.

See DROPS video: How to bind off with yarn overs (yo)

To achieve an even increase (or decrease) you can increase on, for example: every 3rd and 4th row alternately, like so: work 2 rows and increase on the 3rd row, work 3 rows and increase on the 4th. Repeat this until the increase is complete.

See DROPS lesson: Increase or decrease 1 st on every 3rd and 4th row alternately

Should you prefer to work in the round instead of back and forth, you may of course adjust the pattern. You’ll need to add steeks mid-front (usually 5 stitches), and follow the instructions. When you would normally turn and work from the wrong side, simply work across the steek and continue in the round. At the end you’ll cut the piece open, pick up stitches to work bands, and cover the cut edges.

See DROPS video: How to knit steeks and cut open

Should you prefer to work back and forth instead of in the round, you may of course adjust the pattern so you work the pieces separately and then assemble them at the end. Divide the stitches for the body in 2, add 1 edge stitch in each side (for sewing) and work the front and back pieces separately.

See DROPS lesson: Can I adapt a pattern for circular needles into straight needles?

Pattern repeats can vary slightly in the different sizes, in order to get the correct proportions. If you’re not working the exact same size as the garment in the photo, yours might deviate slightly. This has been carefully developed and adjusted so that the complete impression of the garment is the same in all sizes.

Make sure to follow instructions and diagrams for your size!

If you have found a pattern you like which is available in women’s size it’s not very difficult to convert it to men’s size. The biggest difference will be the length of sleeves and body. Start working on the women size that you think would fit across the chest. The additional length will be worked right before you cast off for the armhole/sleeve cap. If the pattern is worked top-down you can add the length right after the armhole or before the first decrease on sleeve.

Regarding additional yarn amount, this will depend on how much length you add, but it is better with a skein too many than too few.

All yarns will have excess fibres (from production) that might come off as lint or shedding. Brushed yarns (ie hairier yarns) have more of these loose, excess fibres, causing more shedding.

Shedding also depends on what is worn under or over the garment, and whether this pulls at the yarn fibres. It’s therefore not possible to guarantee that there will be no shedding

Below are some tips on how to get the best result when working with hairier yarns:

1. When the garment is finished (before you wash it) shake it vigorously so the looser hairs come off. NOTE: do NOT use a lint roller, brush or any method that pulls at the yarn.

2. Place the garment in a plastic bag and put it in your freezer - the temperature will cause the fibres to become less attached to each other, and excess fibres will come off easier.

3. Leave in the freezer for a few hours before taking it out and shaking it again.

4. Wash the garment according to the instructions on the yarn label.

Pilling is a natural process that happens to even the most exclusive of fibers. It's a natural sign of wear and tear that is hard to avoid, and that is most visible in high friction areas of your garment like a sweater's arms and cuffs.

You can make your garment look as new by removing the pilling, using a fabric comb or a pill/lint remover.

Still can't find the answer you need? Then scroll down and leave your question so one of our experts can try to help you. This will be done normally within 5 to 10 working days.
In the meantime, you can read the questions and answers that others have left to this pattern or join the DROPS Workshop on Facebook to get help from fellow knitters/crocheters!

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Comments / Questions (53)

country flag Anne Shuyler wrote:

I love this pattern! My only question is that it all the increases are done right after the garter stitches are finished (and in reverse on the other side) The pattern clearly looks bigger on the bottom than on the top. However you are knitting 74 stitches for the entire body of the bag. Why does it slope out at the bottom? Please help.

10.12.2023 - 14:53

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Anne, the shape is obtained after felting the piece. While the piece is still wet, you should shape the bag by stretching the lower part of the bag more than the upper part. This way you will obtain the sloped look of the bag. Happy knitting!

10.12.2023 - 20:59

country flag Hanna wrote:

Mam przerobić do wysokości 69 cm i zacząć ścieg francuski. Od którego miejsca mam zmierzyć 69cm, od początku czy od ściegu prawego?

17.02.2023 - 14:36

DROPS Design answered:

Witaj Hanno, mierzysz od początku robótki, Pozdrawiamy!

17.02.2023 - 15:26

country flag Lisbeth Lie wrote:

Hei! Oppskriften på blomsten må være feil. Setter pris på om dere korrigerer dette. Takk!

02.04.2020 - 09:23

country flag Marialuiza S Jones wrote:

Thank you. It’s lovely!

18.11.2018 - 00:38

country flag Susanne Behrens wrote:

Guten Tag Wie nähe ich am Besten die Träger an ? Nehme ich dazu die Alaska Wolle oder besser Nähgarn, weil das Ganze sehr dick ist. Grüße aus NRW

29.09.2017 - 10:17

DROPS Design answered:

Liebe Frau Behrens, die Träger können Sie mit Alaska annähen. Viel Spaß beim stricken!

29.09.2017 - 13:23

country flag Teresa wrote:

The straps are finished and have curled lengthwise like long tubes. For best results when felted, should the straps be blocked flat - then twisted? Or is it best to twist them together as they are - naturally curled? Thanks. In advance.

24.01.2017 - 00:33

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Teresa, straps are twisted and sewn on bag before felting. Happy knitting!

24.01.2017 - 09:48

Israa wrote:

In the flower pattern I think we should turn the piece to wrong side after the sixth round.. Am I right?

22.12.2015 - 12:04

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Israa, you continue in the round, from RS after the 6th round, but you can turn if you rather work alternately from RS and from W. Happy crocheting!

22.12.2015 - 19:23

country flag Heidi C. B. Brekke wrote:

250 gr/5 nøster er for lite til denne vesken. Jeg brukte nesten 6 nøster. Er oppskriften på heklet blomst riktig? Både 7. og 9. omgang henviser til omgang 3. Dette får jeg ikke til å stemme. Videoen viser en blomst med 6 blader, men denne oppskriften har 5 blader(?).

11.01.2015 - 15:47

DROPS Design answered:

Hej Heidi, Tak for information, vi har dog ikke hørt noget om garnforbruget tidligere men vi skal se på det.

02.02.2015 - 15:49

country flag Gea wrote:

Ik snap het patroon van de bloem niet. Wanneer ik met de 5e toer begin, moet ik naar beneden steken aan de achterkant van het werk. Maar dan komt de draad waarmee ik moet haken toch om het werk heen te liggen? Ik snap het eigenlijk niet hoe het in elkaar steekt. Graag een reactie hierop! Groetjes Gea

25.09.2014 - 17:11

DROPS Design answered:

Hoi Gea. Kijk op deze video hoe je moet haken:

29.09.2014 - 14:23

country flag Karen Bullock wrote:

Please can you tell me how many balls of wool I need to buy to knit this. I cannot see this in the instructions

21.07.2014 - 12:54

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Mrs Bullock, you will find the total weight of yarn required to this pattern at the right side of the picture, ie 250 g DROPS Alaska / 50 g a ball Alaska = 5 balls. Happy knitting!

21.07.2014 - 13:17