Cinch Stripes Backpack Free Pattern – A Knitted Alpine Meadow Carryall

Cinch Stripes Backpack Free Pattern – A Knitted Alpine Meadow Carryall

Imagine carrying a piece of alpine charm on your back—a soft, slouchy backpack with cozy stripes in forest green, cream, and rust orange. This Cinch Stripes Backpack is the perfect blend of modern style and handmade warmth. Knitted in worsted wool, it features a drawstring closure, sturdy garter stitch straps, and a rounded silhouette that cinches beautifully at the top. Whether you're heading to a farmers market, a hike, or just want a unique everyday bag, this pattern is approachable for confident beginners and a joy for experienced knitters alike. Let's dive into creating your own alpine meadow carryall!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather these supplies to ensure a smooth knitting experience:

• Yarn: Worsted weight wool (e.g., Cascade 220) in 3 colors:
  • Main Color (MC) – Forest Green: approx 400g
  • Contrast A – Cream: approx 200g
  • Contrast B – Rust Orange: approx 150g
• Needles: US 7 (4.5mm) circular knitting needles, 24-inch length, plus double-pointed needles for small sections (optional for straps)
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS). Always check your gauge for best results!
• Extras: Tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends, stitch markers (optional), and a crochet hook (for drawstring cord, or use twisted yarn)

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked flat in pieces and then seamed, making it easy to manage. Follow each step carefully, and you'll have a beautiful backpack in no time.

Backpack Body (Worked Flat, Then Seamed)

Bottom Panel

1. With MC (Forest Green), cast on 40 stitches using your preferred method (long-tail cast on works well).
2. Work in garter stitch (knit every row) for 10 rows. This creates a sturdy, non-curling base.
3. Switch to stockinette stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS). On the next row (RS), increase 1 stitch at each end of the row (knit into the front and back of the first and last stitch). You now have 42 stitches.
4. Continue in stockinette, increasing 1 stitch at each end of every 4th row, 3 more times. After all increases, you'll have 48 stitches.
5. Work even (no increases) in stockinette until the piece measures 12 inches from the cast-on edge. End with a WS row.

Stripe Pattern

1. Now, begin the stripe sequence while continuing in stockinette stitch. Repeat the following 10-row pattern:
   • 2 rows with MC (Forest Green)
   • 2 rows with Contrast A (Cream)
   • 2 rows with MC
   • 2 rows with Contrast B (Rust Orange)
   • 2 rows with MC
2. Repeat this 10-row stripe sequence until the piece measures 18 inches from the cast-on edge. End with a WS row (a purl row if you're on the WS).

Top Casing (For Drawstring)

1. Switch back to MC (Forest Green) and knit 4 rows in garter stitch (knit all rows). This forms the casing base.
2. Next row (RS): Knit 6 stitches, then bind off the next 36 stitches loosely (knit 2, pass the first over the second, repeat until 36 are bound off). You'll have 6 stitches left on the needle after the bind-off. Knit to the end of the row. You now have 12 stitches total (6 on each side of the bound-off section).
3. Work each side separately:
   • For the first side: knit the 6 stitches in garter stitch for 8 rows. Bind off all 6 stitches.
   • Attach yarn to the other 6 stitches and repeat: knit in garter stitch for 8 rows, then bind off.
4. These side tabs will be where the straps attach.

Straps (Make 2)

1. With MC (Forest Green), cast on 8 stitches.
2. Work in garter stitch (knit every row) until the strap measures 24 inches long.
3. Bind off all stitches. Repeat to make a second strap.

Finishing and Assembly

1. Seam the body: Fold the knitted body in half with right sides together, matching the cast-on edge to the top casing. Use a mattress stitch to seam the side edges and the bottom edge. Weave in all loose ends.
2. Turn right side out: Carefully turn the backpack so the right side faces out. The stripes should be visible, and the garter stitch bottom will be at the base.
3. Create the drawstring cord: With Contrast A (Cream), use a crochet hook to make a chain 30 inches long. Alternatively, twist two strands of yarn together for a thicker cord. Thread this cord through the holes in the top casing (the bound-off section). Start at one side, go through the front hole, then the back hole, and tie the ends together in a knot.
4. Attach the straps: Position each strap on the inside of the top corners of the backpack, aligning the ends with the garter stitch tabs. Sew securely using a tapestry needle and MC yarn, reinforcing with a few extra stitches for durability.

Drawstring Cord (Alternative Method)

If you prefer a twisted cord, cut two lengths of Cream yarn about 3 times the desired finished length (about 90 inches each). Hold them together, twist in opposite directions until tight, then fold in half and let it twist onto itself. Knot the ends. This creates a lovely, sturdy cord.

Your Alpine Meadow Carryall Awaits

Once the drawstring is pulled, the backpack takes on its signature cinched, rounded shape with the top edges flaring slightly. The soft, slouchy silhouette is perfect for everyday use, and the handmade charm of visible knit stitches makes it truly one-of-a-kind. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or trying your first bag, this pattern is a rewarding project that results in a beautiful, functional accessory. Happy knitting!