Pattern description from Bag Style: “The rectangular book bag is the bread and butter of knitted bags. In this version, Kristin Nicholas began with a flat base, then picked up stitches around the edges and worked the body in the round to the upper edge, alternating a few rounds of stockinette stitch and reverse stockinette stitch to punctuate the base and top. For the handles, she braided two lengths of the main color, felted them for strength, and sewed them securely in place. Then she added bright embroidery to one side of the bag (feel free to add it to both sides or to leave it out altogether), and she finished the bag by intersecting a piece of plastic needlepoint canvas in the base and lining it with a woven fabric.”

Finished Size: 17½“ (44.5 cm) wide at base, 13.75” (35 cm) wide at center of bag, 16½” (42 cm) tall and 3½“ (9 cm) deep.

Yarn: Chunky weight (#5 Bulky). Nashua Handknits Creative Focus Chunky (75% wool, 25% alpaca; 110 yd (101 m)/100 g): #CFC2124 cordovan (reddish-brown; A), 4 balls; #CFC1117 grass (green; B), 3 balls; #CFC1590 brilliant blue (C), 1 ball.

Needles: Size 9 (5.5 mm): 24” (60 cm) circular (cir). Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

Notions: Marker (m); tapestry needle; ½ yd (0.5 meter) tightly woven cotton fabric for lining; sewing machine (optional); sharp-point sewing needle; matching thread; straight pins; 3½“ x 17½” (9 x 44.5 cm) piece of plastic needlepoint canvas.