In response to a couple inquiries; here is how to do the alternating square knots (look at this page linked below, top right);
http://kuoi.com/~nyssa/projects/macowl/index.htmlyou basically do a bunch of larks heads around a cord that forms the top (braided jute on mine) w/ cord lock if you want, or just tie knot to close like I did. then you do the alternating squares as deep as you want, then you gotta tie both sides together to join.
the other is knitted; so you gotta learn to knit (l learned from videos on Lion Brand Yarn's website),
http://learntoknit.lionbrand.com/ very easy. you just knit a big rectangle (or when you get better, "reduce" the stitches at one end so top flaps like and envelope), then fold it over and stitch the sides together w/ hemp. I made the button as a chines button knot; and the back has cris/cross paracord to use as a belt loop.
there are so many tuturials I hope to video myself (including this one now!!) but until I get to them; please take a look at the resources pointed to above.