LITTLE KID'S BACKPACK

Special thanks to the ladies who tested this pattern.

SIZE: Approximately 22 circumference and 13 inch depth

MATERIALS:

Approximately 8 oz worsted weight yarn

US K (6.5 mm) crochet hook
Stitch marker
Tapestry needle

NOTES:
1. Read instructions all the way through before beginning pack.
2. Backpack is crocheted in the round while holding 2 strands of yarn throughout.
3. When joining with a slipstitch, pull the stitch tight until it almost disappears.
4. The 24 inch straps should fit most preschoolers. To customize the fit, try the straps before fastening off and sewing to pack. Remember they will stretch some.

BASE:

Round 1: Ch 2, 6 sc in 2nd st from hook. Do not join, place marker to keep track of rounds.

Round 2: 2 sc in ea sc. (12 sc)

Round 3: *2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in next sc, repeat from * around. (18 sc)

Round 4: *2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in next 2 sc, repeat from * around. (24 sc)

Round 5: *2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in next 3 sc, repeat from * around. (30 sc)

Round 6: *2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in next 4 sc, repeat from * around. (36 sc)

Round 7: *2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in next 5 sc, repeat from * around. (42 sc)

Round 8: *2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in next 6 sc, repeat from * around. (48 sc)

SIDES:

Round 9: Slipstitch in next st. Ch 1, hdc in same st as join and each st around. Join with a slipstitch in top of first hdc. (48 hdc)

Rounds 10-23: Ch 1, hdc in each st around. Join with a slip stitch in top of first hdc. (48 hdc)

Round 24: Ch 3 (counts as first hdc and ch 1), skip join and 1 st, hdc in next 5 st, *ch 1, skip 1 st, hdc in next 5 sts. Repeat from * 6 times. Ch 1, skip 1 st, hdc in next 4 st, slipstitch in 2nd ch of ch 3.

Rounds 25-26: Ch 1, hdc in each st around. Join with a slipstitch in top of first hdc. (48 hdc)

Fasten off leaving a 15 inch tail for sewing.

CORD: Using a size K crochet hook and 2 strands, make a chain approx. 24" long. Knot both at ends. Thread it through the holes made by the ch 1 spaces in round 24, with both ends coming out the front.

STRAPS:
Row 1: Still using 2 strands of yarn and K hook start with a 15 inch tail, ch 6, sc in 2nd chain from hook and remaining chs, ch 1 turn. (5 sc)

Row 2: Sc in ea st, ch 1 turn. (5 sc)

Repeat row 2 until strap is approx. 24 inches in length.

Fasten off leaving a 15 inch tail for sewing to backpack.

FINISHING:
Fold strap in half and mark the center. Sew center of strap to the center of pack one round down from top edge. When sewing the strap to the pack sew through the center of the cord. That will keep the cord from being pulled out of the holes.

Use the 15 inch tails to sew the strap ends to the sides of the pack starting at round 9.