Size 6 to 8 24" circular needle

Size 6 double points for making I-cord if desired

Gauge: 4 to 4.5 sts per inch

 

Cast on 110 sts , place marker and join without twisting stitches:

Rows 1,3 and 5: Knit

Rows 2, 4, 6: Purl

Row 7: *Knit 8, bind off 2* repeat around for "drawstring row"

Row 8: *Knit 8, Cast On 2* repeat around

Row 9: Purl

Continue knitting in desired pattern for the next 14" to make bag body. Add extra colors, crazy patterns, Fairisle, whatever you would like

Now we'll form the bag bottom:

Row 1: Purl

Row 2: Knit 8, K 2 tog around

Row 3,5,7,9,11,13, 15, 17: Knit

Row 4: Knit 7, K2 tog around

Row 6: Knit 6, K 2 tog around

Row 8: Knit 5, K2 tog around

Row 10: Knit 4, K 2 tog around

Row 12: Knit 3, K 2 tog around

Row 14: Knit 2, K 2 tog around

Row 16: Knit 1, K 2 tog around

Row 18: Knit 2 tog around, break off leaving a 12" tail, weave through remaining stitches and fasten off, weaving in ends.

 

Make a matching I cord tie or twisted cord tie.

You can add back pack straps to the back if desired by knitting a 1.5" x 36" strap. Fold in half and sew the fold to the bottom of your bag at the purl row at the beginning of the bottom decreases. Sew the other two straps at row 9 at the top of the bag about ten inches apart, in back pack style.