Finished Size: About 12" (30.5 cm) wide and 10" (25.5 cm) tall, excluding straps, after felting.
Not only is this felted backpack perfect for carrying everything from books to a knitting project to your lunch, its 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 lopi yarn into a dense fabric that wont allow small items or a pencil end to work their way through the surface. Add a favorite funky button to secure the flap and voila! instant favorite.

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.
Yarn Weight: #4 - Medium
Gauge: 16 sts and 20 rows
WPI (Wraps per inch): 9

Needles: Size 8 (5 mm): 24" (60-cm) circular (cir) and set of 2 doublepointed (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 1½" (3.8-cm) black plastic D-rings (available at fabric and craft stores); severa

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Originally Published in Interweave Knits, Winter 2004