Free Backpack Knitting Pattern

From LoveToKnow Crafts

While a fabric or craft store may stock the supplies you need to make a new bag, the Internet makes it easy to find the free backpack knitting pattern you want.

Knitting a backpack can be an easy project.

Finding a Free Backpack Knitting Pattern

When you look online for a free backpack knitting pattern, you will have more than enough selections from which to choose. It all depends on the style and size of backpack you are looking to make, as well as the kind of yarn and stitch you want to use.

Children's Backpacks

A children's backpack, or knapsack as it is also commonly called, has many uses. It can hold books for school or be packed for an overnight visit to Grandma's house. It can be lined for durability or simply stitched and used as more of a decorative item. Whatever the use, you can be sure the child you are making this for will love and enjoy it. Here are some Internet sites with some free children's backpack patterns:

Knitty - Little Purls of Wisdom has a cute felted backpack for girls that is pink, purple and perfect for school.
Knitting-and has instructions for a cute toddler-sized backpack made by fulling knitting. A list of needed supplies and a picture of the finished product is also included.
Tejemanejes is a Spanish-language knitting Web site with a translated English version of a cute kid's backpack called Mochi mochi. The bag is shaped like the Japanese television mascot Domo-kun and is becoming popular worldwide.
Knitting Pattern Central has a pattern for a child's backpack with adjustable straps.

Adult Backpacks

Adults use knapsacks for a variety of reasons -- as purse or duffel bag or simply just as an accessory to an outfit. Here are a few online sites that have some free backpack knitting patterns:

Fuzzy Galore has a cute "Surprise Bag" pattern that uses domino knitting. The "surprise" comes when you unlatch the top of the backpack and find a different pattern inside.
Lion Brand has a great "Jiffy" backpack that is easy to knit. However, you may need to register with this site to receive the free knitting patterns.
National Knitting Week has a great denim bag pattern that is knitted with denim yarn that fades over time -- just like jeans.
Caron has free step-by-step instructions on how to make this "Jewel Box" knit backpack. If you use a knitting machine, those instructions are also available.
Berroco Free Patterns offers this nifty, one-size-fits-all "Vale" backpack in a variety of colors. It suggests using Vibe-brand yarn to create this beginning knitter's bag.
Cascade Yarns has a unique knapsack pattern available.

Backpacks Kids Can Knit

If you have a young knitter in your family, there are several styles of backpacks that she can make. For example:

The Beginner Knit Backpack should take a novice knitter about four hours to create. With only a handful of knitting supplies needed to make this pint-size pack, the cost should also be minimal.
DIY Network has an awesome colorful backpack pattern created by a 12-year-old girl.

Pattern Books

If you can't find a pattern online, check out your local library or bookstore. There are several books available with free patterns for backpacks. They include:

Kids Knitting has several patterns easy enough for a child to follow including bookmarks, bracelets and backpacks.
Vogue Knitting on the Go: Bags and Backpacks offers a mix of designs and patterns for backpacks, totes and purses.
Kids Knit! Simple Steps to Nifty Projects is a kid-friendly book with colorful photos and simple directions for cool projects including headbands and backpacks.
Knit One, Felt Too: Discover the magic of knitted felt with 25 easy patterns is an editor's pick at HGTV and includes bags as well as other simple projects.

A Final Thought

Remember, when knitting a backpack, make sure the style and size of it is what you want. You don't want to loosely knit a backpack for your child to carry school books. If you are giving the bag as a gift, finding out the recipient's favorite colors ahead of time will help shopping for yarn go much smoother.