Materials:
I used Bernat Cotton Natural, which is a softer cotton yarn, but any worsted weight cotton will work. A softer yarn helps protect the apple from bruising if it gets bumped around in your lunch sack, but a washable yarn is recommended. The Bonita Apple Protector only requires a partial skein exact yardage yet to be measured. Great for left over yarn scraps.

6mm/ US sz 10 double pointed needles (4)
4mm/ US sz 6 double pointed needles (2)
Yarn needle (optional)

Size:
Guage is not so important, as the draw-tie closure helps make the protector fit any apple.

Abbreviations:
CO = Cast On
K = Knit
K2tog = Knit 2 stitches together
YO = Yarn Over
St/sts = Stitch/stitches

Pattern:
Using 6mm/Sz 10 needles, cast on 24 sts using long tail method, and divide evenly on 3 double pointed needles.
Join to work in the round, careful to not twist sts
Row 1: k all sts
Row 2: k2tog, yo repeat (careful to not let any YOs at the end of a needle slip off)
Row 3: k all sts
Repeat rows 2 and 3 eight times, or for 16 rows.
Row 20: repeat row 2
Row 21: k2tog (12 sts total on needles)
Row 22: repeat row 2
Row 23: k2tog (6 sts total on needles)
Row 24: k all sts
Row 25: break yarn and draw yarn through the knitted loops, draw together, and secure. I like to use a yarn needle to weave in the ends, and secure the bottom by weaving the yarn through the loops a second time. You can also use the needle to weave the yarn through the loops while they are on the needles as well.

I-cord tie:
On double pointed 4mm/ Sz 6 needles, CO 3 sts
K 1 row
Do not turn the work. Move the sts to the other end of your needle, and pull yarn across the back to the right side of the work to begin a new row
K the next row
Repeat, and continue on until you have an i-cord of your desired length. I knit my ties to approximately 14”/35cm to create a bow. Ends can be knotted, and you can use the yarn needle to weave ends inside the tie.