Soap Sack Sachet Sashay (updated with pattern)

The Soap Sack is worked in two pieces to avoid using double pointed needles on a "first lace" project, but it could easily be converted to working in the round by eliminating the selvedge stitches and working Rows 1 & 3 in knit instead of purl.

It's worked from the top down to put the more elastic Cast On edge at the opening.

The directions specify whipstiching the bound off bottom edges together, but they could also be joined with a three needle bind off or grafting.

MATERIALS

Small amount of baby/sport weight cotton
1 set US #5 straight needles or size needed to obtain gauge
tapestry needle for sewing seams
1/2 yd narrow ribbon or fancy yarn for tie, a bar of scented soap

GAUGE
19 sts = 4" in stockinette stitch for bath soap, tighter for a smaller bar

ABBREVIATIONS
k - knit
k2tog - knit 2 stitches together (right leaning decrease)
sk2p - slip 1 stitch knitwise, k2tog, pass the slipped stitch over (a double decrease)
ssk - slip one stitch knitwise, slip the next stitch knitwise, place these stitches back on the left needle and knit them together through the back (left leaning decrease)
yo - yarn over

Little Leaf Stripe Pattern Stitch
Rows 1 & 3 (Wrong Side): Purl.
Row 2: k4, k2tog, yo, k3, yo, ssk, k4.
Row 4: k6, yo, sk2p, yo, k6.

PATTERN
Cast on 15 sts.
Rows 1, 3, and 5: Purl
Rows 2 and 4: Knit
Row 6: K2, (yo, k2tog) 6 times, k1.
Rows 7 and 9: Purl
Rows 8 and 10: Knit.
Work Rows 1 - 4 of Little Leaf Stripe
Pattern 4 times.
Work Rows 1 and two only of Little Leaf Stripe Pattern.
Next Row: Purl
Next Row: Knit
Next Row: Purl
Next Row: Knit
Bind off in Purl.
Make a second piece identical to the one just finished.

FINISHING
With right sides together, whipstitch the two bound off edges together.
Turn right side outward and sew side seams with mattress stitch (invisible seam).
Weave in loose ends.
Thread ribbon through eyelets, insert soap, pull ribbon snug and tie.

CHART KEY