Candy Corn Cascade Backpack Free Pattern – Knit a Sweet Striped Carryall

Carry a piece of autumn whimsy with this hand-knit backpack, featuring a gradient of candy corn hues and a cozy, textured body. Perfect for fall outings, this pattern blends classic knitting techniques with a playful, seasonal silhouette. Whether you're heading to a pumpkin patch, a farmers' market, or just want a unique accessory, this backpack is sure to turn heads. The seamless construction and simple striping make it an approachable project for knitters ready to move beyond scarves, while the drawstring closure and sturdy straps make it genuinely functional.

This pattern is designed to be worked in the round from the bottom up, creating a smooth, polished finish. The flat-knitted base gives the bag structure, while the stockinette body showcases the candy corn color progression beautifully. With clear instructions and a detailed step-by-step guide, you'll have a charming, handmade backpack ready for all your autumn adventures.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials. Using the specified yarn weight and needle size is crucial to achieving the correct gauge and final dimensions.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in three colors:
  • Color A (Cream): 100g
  • Color B (Warm Orange): 80g
  • Color C (Golden Yellow): 70g
• Needles:
  • US 7 (4.5 mm) circular knitting needle, 16-inch length
  • US 7 (4.5 mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) for the base (optional, but helpful)
• Notions:
  • Stitch markers (at least 4)
  • Yarn needle for weaving in ends
  • Scissors
  • Tape measure

Gauge: 20 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch, after blocking. Always knit a gauge swatch to ensure your finished backpack matches the intended size.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This backpack is knitted in the round from the bottom up, using a simple striped pattern and a drawstring closure. The base is worked flat, then joined to create a seamless tube. Follow these instructions carefully, and you'll have a beautiful, functional backpack in no time.

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• K2tog: Knit two stitches together
• St(s): Stitch(es)
• Rnd(s): Round(s)
• Rep: Repeat
• yo: Yarn over

Base (Worked Flat)

The base is a simple rectangle that will form the bottom of your backpack. It's worked flat in garter stitch (knit every row) for durability and structure.

1. With Color A, CO 40 sts.
2. Row 1 (RS): K all.
3. Row 2 (WS): P all.
4. Rep Rows 1-2 until the piece measures 5 inches from the cast-on edge. End with a WS row.
5. Do not bind off. Place a marker at each end of the last row to mark the sides. These markers will help you when picking up stitches for the body.

Body (Worked in the Round)

Now you'll pick up stitches around the base and join to work in the round. This creates the seamless tube of the backpack.

1. With the circular needle, pick up and knit 40 sts along the long edge of the base (the side with the live stitches).
2. Then, pick up and knit 40 sts along the opposite long edge. You will have 80 sts on the needle.
3. Place a marker for the beginning of the round and join to work in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches.

Striping Pattern

Follow this striping sequence to create the candy corn gradient. The pattern is symmetrical, starting and ending with cream, with orange and yellow stripes in between. Each stripe is 6 rounds tall.

1. Rnds 1-6: With Color A, K all.
2. Rnds 7-12: With Color B, K all.
3. Rnds 13-18: With Color C, K all.
4. Rnds 19-24: With Color B, K all.
5. Rnds 25-30: With Color A, K all.
6. Rnds 31-36: With Color B, K all.
7. Rnds 37-42: With Color C, K all.
8. Rnds 43-48: With Color B, K all.
9. Rnds 49-54: With Color A, K all.
10. Rnds 55-60: With Color B, K all.
11. Rnds 61-66: With Color C, K all.
12. Rnds 67-72: With Color B, K all.
13. Rnds 73-78: With Color A, K all.
14. Rnds 79-84: With Color B, K all.
15. Rnds 85-90: With Color C, K all.
16. Rnds 91-96: With Color B, K all.
17. Rnds 97-102: With Color A, K all.

Pro Tip: When changing colors, twist the new yarn around the old yarn at the beginning of the round to avoid holes. Carry the unused yarn loosely up the inside of the work, or cut and weave in ends at each color change for a cleaner interior.

Drawstring Casing

This section creates the eyelet holes for your drawstring. The eyelets are created with a simple yarn over and knit two together combination.

1. Rnds 103-106: With Color A, K all.
2. Rnd 107: *K2tog, yo*; rep from * to end of rnd. (This creates eyelet holes for the drawstring.)
3. Rnds 108-110: With Color A, K all.
4. Bind off loosely. Tip: Use a larger needle or a loose bind-off method (like the knitted bind-off) to ensure the top edge isn't too tight.

Drawstring

The drawstring is a simple i-cord, which creates a sturdy, round cord perfect for cinching the backpack closed.

1. With Color A, CO 3 sts onto a DPN.
2. Work i-cord: *K3, slide sts to other end of needle, do not turn; rep from * until cord measures 30 inches.
3. Bind off. Weave in ends.

Assembly

1. Thread the drawstring through the eyelet holes, starting and ending at the front center. Use a yarn needle or a safety pin to help guide the cord through.
2. Pull to close, and tie a bow.

Straps

The straps are also made using the i-cord technique, ensuring they're strong and comfortable to wear.

1. With Color A, CO 3 sts onto a DPN.
2. Work i-cord for 24 inches (or desired length). Tip: You can make them longer or shorter depending on your preference.
3. Bind off. Make a second strap.
4. Sew the ends of each strap to the inside of the backpack, near the top edge, spacing them about 4 inches apart on each side. Tip: Reinforce the stitching by sewing a small square or X pattern to ensure the straps hold securely.

Finishing

1. Weave in all ends using a yarn needle. Be sure to secure them well, especially at color changes.
2. Block the backpack to shape, if desired. Tip: Wet blocking will even out the stitches and give the backpack a more professional finish. Lay it flat to dry, shaping the base and body as needed.

Your Candy Corn Cascade Backpack is now complete! This charming accessory is perfect for carrying your essentials during fall adventures. The soft, plush texture and vibrant colors make it a joy to knit and wear. Enjoy your handmade creation, and don't be surprised if it becomes your new favorite accessory for the season!