Big Girl Backpack

Ok, here it is (finally) for all of you who have requested this pattern. I do apologize at how pokey I've been getting it posted.

Big Girl Backpack

by Elizabeth Mareno 2009

Materials:

WW yarn- scraps work great- about 1/2 skn.

H hook

Yarn needle for assembly

row marker

BASIC-ONE COLOR

**do not join rounds unless stated**

ch37

Row 1- sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (36) (do not ch1), work down the opposite side of the starting ch, sc in each ch. (72sc)

**from here you start working in a circle, so mark your first sc of your first row and keep moving it up as you go.

Row 2-42 sc in each sc around.

Row 43- ch3 (cts as dc and ch1), (sk sc, dc in next sc, ch1) around to last sc, join with 2nd ch of ch3. (36 ch1sp)

Row 44-ch1, sc in sm st as join, sc in each sc and ch1 around, join with first sc and finish off. tuck in ends. (72sc)

TIES: make 2

ch101, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Fasten off leaving long end for sewing.

Assembling ties: First tie, weave over and under through dc. Sew ends together, pull on opposite end to hide. Do the opposite for second tie.

STRAPS: make 2

Holding 2 strands throughout, ch5

Row 1- sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (4sc)

Row 2-47- ch1, turn, sc in each sc.

Row 48- drop one strand, ch1, turn, sc in each sc and row end around, putting 3sc in each corner.

Strap placement: Approx 3sc from edge, 3rows down (top) and 3 rows up(bottom) sew ends into place using a whipstitch.

"CHECK" Pattern:

Follow basic pattern through row18, 19th row (sc 2, chg color, sc 2, chg color) repeat around(carry the unused color in your sc all the way around, this will keep the inside of the bag neat). There will be one sc off at the end of the row.

Repeat this pattern for one more row, then switch to the next color for another 10 rows. Repeat check pattern for 2 rows, switching colors again for 5 more rows. Do the check pattern one more time, finishing with 3 rows.

Complete with the basic top, ties and straps.

This pattern is great to have fun with! Use lots of scraps and make it striped. Or mess around and see what kind of pattern you can come up with!

Enjoy!

biz