I used Judi’s Magic Cast on (a variation of the cast on used in the pattern), which is found here. It’s a little tricky for the first few rounds, but it gets better.

I also switched the increases to M1L and M1R.

If you get confused with the pattern, keep in mind that the pattern has been updated since the test knitters. The chart is correct (yes, even on row 12 when you think it’s not). Sometimes when you put the last stitch of the row back onto the left needle you have to really think about where the stitch marker that marks the end of the row should go. I would usually wait until the row after, and then make sure the stitch marker was in the correct place.

Instead of increasing 3 stitches at the end of the row for the strap, I increased evenly throughout the 11 stitches. On the other end of the strap, I did the same- knit one row, increasing 3 stitches evenly throughout. Then I used kitchener stitch to sew the strap to the other end.