The Glacier Bloom Felted Purse: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Nordic Ice Garden Tote

Imagine carrying a piece of a frozen meadow with you wherever you go. That's the magic of the Glacier Bloom Felted Purse—a sculptural, cozy bag that combines chunky cables reminiscent of ice crystals with soft, arctic-inspired stripes. This pattern is perfect for knitters ready to try something new: you'll knit a flat piece, felt it in the washing machine, and watch it transform into a dense, durable fabric that holds its shape beautifully. The result is a structured, Nordic-inspired tote that's as functional as it is artistic.

Whether you're a seasoned knitter looking for a satisfying project or a confident beginner eager to learn felting, this pattern offers clear, step-by-step guidance. Let's dive into creating your own Glacier Bloom purse.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Using the exact materials ensures your bag felts correctly and achieves the intended texture.

• Yarn: Worsted weight 100% wool (non-superwash) in 3 colors:
  • Color A (Snow White): 150g
  • Color B (Frost Blue): 60g
  • Color C (Glacier Pink): 40g
  Total: approx 250g. Note: Non-superwash wool is essential for felting—superwash is treated to resist shrinking.
• Needles: US 9 (5.5mm) knitting needles (straight or circular for flat knitting)
• Notions: Tapestry needle for seaming, stitch markers, cable needle
• For Felting: Zippered pillowcase or mesh laundry bag, old jeans or towels, mild detergent
• For Shaping: A small box or book to fit inside the bag while drying

Gauge (before felting): 16 sts x 22 rows = 4 inches in stockinette. After felting, the gauge will shrink approximately 20-25%, resulting in a final gauge of about 20 sts x 28 rows = 4 inches. Don't worry about perfect gauge—felting is forgiving and will even out minor inconsistencies.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This bag is knitted flat in one piece from the bottom up, then felted and seamed. All measurements are pre-felting. Follow these instructions carefully, and you'll have a beautiful felted purse in no time.

Bottom of Bag (Worked in Garter Stitch)

1. With Color A, cast on 40 stitches.
2. Work in garter stitch (knit every row) for 10 rows. This creates a sturdy, non-curling base for your bag.

Main Body – Stripe Sequence

Now you'll switch to stockinette stitch (knit on right side, purl on wrong side) and begin the beautiful arctic stripe pattern.

1. Switch to stockinette stitch.
2. Work the stripe sequence as follows:
   • 6 rows in Color A
   • 4 rows in Color B
   • 2 rows in Color A
   • 4 rows in Color C
   • 2 rows in Color A
   • 4 rows in Color B
   • 6 rows in Color A
3. Repeat this entire stripe sequence 2 more times (for a total of 3 stripe sequences).
4. After completing the third stripe sequence, work 6 more rows in Color A.

Cable Panel (Center 12 Stitches)

This is where the magic happens—the chunky cable that mimics ice crystals. You'll work the cable on the center 12 stitches while continuing stockinette on the remaining 14 stitches on each side.

1. On the next right-side row, begin the cable pattern on the center 12 stitches. Continue in stockinette on the 14 stitches on each side.
2. Cable Pattern (worked over 12 stitches):
   • Row 1 (RS): Slip 3 stitches to cable needle and hold in front, knit 3, knit 3 from cable needle, knit 6.
   • Row 2 and all even rows: Purl all 12 stitches.
   • Row 3: Knit 6, slip 3 stitches to cable needle and hold in back, knit 3, knit 3 from cable needle.
   • Row 5: Repeat Row 1.
   • Row 7: Repeat Row 3.
   • Row 8: Purl.
3. Work these 8 rows of the cable pattern 4 times total.
4. Important: While working the cable panel, continue the stripe sequence on the side stitches. However, keep the cable panel in Color A throughout for a striking contrast against the stripes.
5. After completing the cable panel, work 6 more rows in Color A in stockinette stitch across all stitches.

Top Edge

1. Work in garter stitch (knit every row) for 6 rows. This creates a clean, rolled edge that won't curl.
2. Bind off loosely. Your knitted rectangle is now complete!

Finishing and Seaming

1. Fold the knitted rectangle in half with right sides together, so the cast-on edge meets the bind-off edge.
2. Sew the side seams using mattress stitch, leaving the top open. Take your time to make neat, invisible seams.
3. Turn the bag right side out.

Felting Process

This is the transformative step! Felting shrinks and thickens the wool, creating a dense, durable fabric.

1. Place the bag in a zippered pillowcase or mesh laundry bag to protect your washing machine.
2. Add a pair of old jeans or towels to the load—this provides the agitation needed for felting.
3. Wash in a washing machine on hot water with a small amount of mild detergent. Use the longest cycle with high agitation.
4. Check the bag every 5 minutes. It will shrink and felt gradually. When the fabric is dense and no longer shows clear stitch definition (approximately 10-15 minutes), stop the cycle immediately.
5. Remove the bag and rinse it in cold water. Gently squeeze out excess water—do not wring, as this can distort the shape.

Shaping and Drying

1. While the bag is still damp, shape it carefully. Place a small box or book inside to create a flat bottom and straight sides.
2. Adjust the top edge and any wrinkles with your hands.
3. Let the bag dry completely, which may take 24-48 hours depending on humidity. Ensure it's fully dry before removing the shaping insert.

Handles (Optional)

To complete your purse, you have a couple of options for handles:

1. Felted Fabric Handles: Cut two strips of felted fabric (you can use leftover felted swatches or trim from the bag) and attach them securely to the inside top edge with strong thread.
2. Purchased Straps: Use a leather or faux-leather strap and attach with rivets or strong thread for a polished, professional look.

Tips for Success

• Yarn Choice is Critical: Use 100% wool that is not labeled "superwash." Superwash wool is treated to prevent felting and won't work for this project.
• Monitor Felting Closely: Felting happens quickly once it starts. Check every 5 minutes to avoid over-felting, which can make the bag too small or misshapen.
• Shape While Damp: The bag is most moldable when damp. Take your time shaping it perfectly before drying.
• Embrace Imperfection: Felting is an organic process—each bag will have its own unique character and texture.

Your Glacier Bloom Felted Purse is now complete! This Nordic-inspired tote is perfect for carrying books, groceries, or everyday essentials. The dense felted fabric is surprisingly sturdy and will hold its shape for years to come. Enjoy your beautiful, one-of-a-kind creation that truly captures the essence of a frozen garden.

Happy knitting, and may your bag bloom with arctic beauty!