You will get compliments when you are out and about with your lacy backpack!

The backpack is worked in one piece from top edge to bottom, beginning with a picot cast on and ending with a 3-needle bind off. The drawstring cord runs behind “belt loops” that are knit in to the top band, is inserted through metal eyelets in the base section, and knotted securely inside. Fabric lining is optional, but strongly suggested since it helps maintain the shape of the backpack. Photographed model was double-lined: outer layer is white to showcase the lace pattern, then a colorful inner lining.

Gauge is not super critical. HOWEVER, if you work to a looser gauge, you may need additional fabric for lining, and more importantly, you may not be able to get a good grip of the knitted fabric with the eyelets/grommets because the yarn over hole in which the grommets are inserted will be too large. In this case, you can opt for a larger grommet, or weave a scrap of yarn around the hole and gather it to a smaller hole. Also, yarn amounts for any gauge other than that listed in the pattern are not guaranteed.

I-cord is not recommended as a substitute for the cord because it stretches. A better alternative would be to make a twisted cord from leftover project yarn or crochet cotton.

Photographed model was made with 4 skeins of Tahki Cotton Classic. Cord was purchased at Hobby Lobby.