Knit Linen Stitch Argyle Square Backpack Free Pattern

Knit Linen Stitch Argyle Square Backpack Free Pattern

Introduction

This square backpack is a wonderful first bag project for anyone who can knit and purl. It is worked in linen stitch from 3 mm lilac macrame cord, which gives the fabric a dense, woven look that holds its shape beautifully without any lining or stiffening. The front panel carries a classic argyle diamond pattern in intarsia, while the back, sides, bottom and straps stay plain lilac for a clean, modern finish. At 30 cm square and 10 cm deep, it is just right for summer days, markets and everyday errands, and the zippered top keeps everything secure.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Lilac macrame cord, 3 mm diameter, 100% cotton, approx. 200 g / 100 m. You will need roughly 180–200 g in lilac, plus a small amount of contrast cord for the argyle diamonds on the front.
• Needles: 5.0 mm (US 8) circular needle with a 60 cm cable, used flat.
• Notions: A zipper at least 30 cm long, sewing needle and matching thread, a yarn or tapestry needle for seaming, stitch markers, a tape measure and scissors.
• Finished size: Width 30 cm, height 30 cm, depth 10 cm.

Abbreviations

• CO – cast on: make the starting loops on your needle.
• BO – bind off: finish the edge so the stitches do not unravel.
• st(s) – stitch(es).
• k – knit stitch.
• sl1 wyif – slip one stitch purlwise with the yarn held in front of the work.
• sc – single crochet (used only for the top edging).

Gauge

16 stitches and 32 rows = 10 cm in linen stitch. Knit a small swatch in linen stitch, block it lightly, and measure a 10 cm section in the middle; if you have more stitches, go up a needle size, and if you have fewer, go down.

Tips Before You Start

• Linen stitch is simply [k1, sl1 wyif] on every row, so keep the slipped stitches loose and even; tight slips make the fabric stiff and narrow.
• Macrame cord has little stretch, so check your gauge carefully before knitting the full panels.
• For the argyle front, wind small bobbins of each color and twist the strands at every color change to avoid holes.
• Measure each panel against the finished size as you go; the dense fabric grows only slightly with blocking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Back Panel (make 1)

Row 1: With lilac, CO 48 sts.
Row 2 (and every row): [k1, sl1 wyif] to end (48 sts).
Rows 3–97: Repeat Row 2 until piece measures 30 cm (96 rows total).
Next row: BO all sts.

Front Panel (make 1)

Row 1: With lilac, CO 48 sts.
Rows 2–49: Work in linen stitch, [k1, sl1 wyif] to end, following the argyle chart for color changes across Rows 1–48, centering the diamonds on the panel (48 sts).
Rows 50–97: Continue in linen stitch in plain lilac until piece measures 30 cm (96 rows total).
Next row: BO all sts.

Side Panels (make 2)

Row 1: With lilac, CO 16 sts.
Row 2 (and every row): [k1, sl1 wyif] to end (16 sts).
Rows 3–97: Repeat Row 2 until piece measures 30 cm (96 rows total).
Next row: BO all sts.

Bottom Panel (make 1)

Row 1: With lilac, CO 48 sts.
Row 2 (and every row): [k1, sl1 wyif] to end (48 sts).
Rows 3–33: Repeat Row 2 until piece measures 10 cm (32 rows total).
Next row: BO all sts.

Straps (make 2)

Row 1: With lilac, CO 8 sts.
Row 2 (and every row): [k1, sl1 wyif] to end (8 sts).
Rows 3–193: Repeat Row 2 until strap measures 60 cm (192 rows total).
Next row: BO all sts.

Top Edging

With lilac cord and a crochet hook, work 1 round of sc evenly around the entire top edge of the assembled bag, joining with a slip stitch to the first sc. Fasten off and weave in the end.

Assembly and Finishing

Block all panels lightly to the measurements given (front and back 30 x 30 cm, sides 30 x 10 cm, bottom 30 x 10 cm, straps 60 cm long). Sew the front to the back along both side edges and the bottom edge, inserting the side panels between them and the bottom panel along the base, using a flat seam and matching lilac cord. Sew the straps securely to the top back corners, checking the length against your shoulder before fastening the second end. Sew the zipper to the top opening by hand with small, even stitches, then work the top edging as described above. Weave in all remaining ends and steam gently to settle the fabric.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Work the straps in a contrast color or add a fabric lining for extra structure and a polished inside finish.
• Swap the argyle chart for stripes or a single large diamond to make the front quicker to knit.
• Add a small inner pocket panel in linen stitch before seaming for keys and cards.