There are some tricky maneuvers here, but the techniques are basic.

The Skill

Knitting in-the-round on circular needles, or on 4-5 double-pointed needles looks difficult, but once you get over the new hardware it's many knitters' prefered way to knit. I recommend point protectors for starters, used on all unused points. You'll need 8.

You will need:

• about one ball of super bulky yarn
• 5 double-pointed needles, Size 13
• 3 yrds of 1/2" cord for the drawstring

Cast on 10 stitches onto one double-pointed needle (dpn).

Using a second double-pointed needle, Knit back & forth (garter stitch) until you have a square, about 15 rows. This will be the bag's bottom

Pick up one stitch on the corner by pulling a loop of your ball yarn through your knitting. You can do this with the point of your needle. (You now have 11 stitches on this needle.)

Continueing around the corner with another needle, pick up 12 stitches on the second side of the square.

Pick up 12 stitches on the 3rd side on another needle.

Pick up 12 stitches on the 4th side on another needle.

Using the 5th needle, pick up one stitch at the beginning of the 1st side. Knit the rest of the stithes on that side of the square.

You should have 48 stitches on 4 needles, and one empty needle.

Knit in the round for 7 inches. Stop knitting at a corner between needles. Now it should look like a bag.

Begin binding off

Using the same right-hand needle, Knit one more stitch. Bind Off the second to the last stitch you knit. Repeat until 10 stitches remain.

Working with 2 needles, Knit back and forth (garter stitch) until this flap measures 5 inches.

Bind off all stitches.

Try making your own drawstring cord from your bulky yarn. With 2 double-pointed needles, Cast on and knit 2 stitches, then, without turning the needle around, slide the 2 stithes to the other end of the needle and switch hands. Continue to Knit these 2 stitches until your strap measures 2 yards (72 inches).

Fold the opening like the top of a paper bag. Follow the diagram for threading the strap. You may want to make a loop on the flap and sew a button to the front of your pack for a closure. Our sample uses a funky mini CD as a simple flap weight.

Adjust the straps so they are even. Pulling on the straps closes the bag. Sling your pack onto your back and you're ready to roll.