Interweave SKU: EP0049

Pattern description from Interweave Knits, Winter 2004:
Not only is this felted backpack perfect for carrying everything from books to a knitting project to your lunch - it’s fun to make! The main bag is knitted in one piece; the inside and outside pockets, short carrier handle, and adjustable backpack straps are all worked separately, then sewn in place. A spin through the washer felts the softly spun lop yarn into a dense fabric that won’t allow small items of a pencil end to work their way through the surface. Add a favorite funky button to secure the flap and voila - an instant favorite.

Finished Size: About 12” (30.5 cm) wide and 10” (25.5 cm) tall, excluding straps after felting (one size only)

Yarn: Reynolds Lite Lopi (100% wool; 109 yd [100 m]/50 g): #0414 burgundy, 4 balls; #0005 black 5 balls. Yarn distributed by JCA, Inc.

Needles: Size 8 (5 mm): 24” (60-cm) circular (cir) and set of 2 double-pointed (dpn). Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

Notions: 2 yd (1.8 m) waste yarn in a contrasting color; size G/6 (4-mm) crochet hook; markers (m; one of a unique color); four 1.5” (3.8-cm) black plastic D-rings (available at fabric and craft stores); several yd (meters) of smooth cotton yarn to mark eyelets during felting; one 1.25” (3.2-cm) decorative button; one 5/8” (1.5-cm) backing button; tapestry needle; pillow cases or mesh bags, backing soda, and detergent for felting.

Originally Published: Interweave Knits, Winter 2004

Notes from Interweave Knits, Winter 2004:

• “Whenever possible, break yarn instead of cutting - ragged ends will felt better.”
• “Do not use a knot to join a new ball of yarn (it will create a hard bump); instead, work the first half of a square knot, then weave in the loose ends.”

Yarn Notes:
The pattern is knit in two colors; the main color requires 5 skeins, the accent color requires 4.