The Woodland Gnome Backpack: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Whimsical Little Kids Backpack

Introducing the Woodland Gnome Backpack

This isn't just a backpack; it's a cozy, textured companion for your little one's adventures. Featuring a unique gnome-inspired shape with a soft, squishy body and a leafy flap, this free crochet pattern is designed to spark imagination and carry treasures. The backpack is worked from the bottom up in continuous rounds, creating a seamless, plush body. The whimsical gnome hat and leaf flap add a touch of woodland magic, making it a perfect project for crafters looking to create something special for a child.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) yarn in three colors:
  • Color A (Moss Green): 200g (for the backpack body)
  • Color B (Earthy Brown): 150g (for the leaf flap and straps)
  • Color C (Cream): 50g (for the gnome hat and optional leaf veins)
• Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook
• Gauge: 16 sc x 18 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet
• Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors, one button (approx. 1 inch diameter)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Notes for Success

Work in continuous rounds unless stated otherwise. Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round. The backpack is worked from the bottom up. All stitches are single crochet (sc) unless noted. "Sc2tog" means single crochet two stitches together (a decrease). "Sc3tog" means single crochet three stitches together.

Backpack Body (Make 2: one for front, one for back)

With Color A (Moss Green).

• Round 1: Make a magic ring, work 6 sc into ring. (6 sts)
• Round 2: 2 sc in each st around. (12 sts)
• Round 3: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (18 sts)
• Round 4: *Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (24 sts)
• Round 5: *Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (30 sts)
• Round 6: *Sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (36 sts)
• Round 7: *Sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (42 sts)
• Round 8: *Sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (48 sts)
• Rounds 9-20: Sc in each st around. (48 sts) – This forms the main body. Fasten off for the front piece. For the back piece, do not fasten off; continue to Round 21.

Joining the Body

Place the front and back pieces together with wrong sides facing. Using Color A, sc through both layers along the bottom and sides, leaving the top open. Work approximately 30 sc across the bottom and 20 sc up each side. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Flap (Leaf Motif)

With Color B (Earthy Brown). This is worked in rows, not rounds.

• Row 1: Ch 16, sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (15 sts)
• Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. (15 sts)
• Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc2tog, sc in next 11 sts, sc2tog. (13 sts)
• Row 4: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. (13 sts)
• Row 5: Ch 1, turn, sc2tog, sc in next 9 sts, sc2tog. (11 sts)
• Row 6: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. (11 sts)
• Row 7: Ch 1, turn, sc2tog, sc in next 7 sts, sc2tog. (9 sts)
• Row 8: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. (9 sts)
• Row 9: Ch 1, turn, sc2tog, sc in next 5 sts, sc2tog. (7 sts)
• Row 10: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. (7 sts)
• Row 11: Ch 1, turn, sc2tog, sc in next 3 sts, sc2tog. (5 sts)
• Row 12: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. (5 sts)
• Row 13: Ch 1, turn, sc2tog, sc in next st, sc2tog. (3 sts)
• Row 14: Ch 1, turn, sc3tog. (1 st) Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Leaf Veins (Optional)

Using Color C (Cream) and a tapestry needle, embroider a simple line down the center of the leaf flap.

Gnome Hat (Top Flap)

With Color C (Cream). Work in continuous rounds.

• Round 1: Make a magic ring, work 6 sc into ring. (6 sts)
• Round 2: 2 sc in each st around. (12 sts)
• Round 3: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (18 sts)
• Round 4: *Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (24 sts)
• Rounds 5-8: Sc in each st around. (24 sts)
• Round 9: *Sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog* repeat around. (18 sts)
• Round 10: *Sc in next st, sc2tog* repeat around. (12 sts)
• Round 11: Sc2tog around. (6 sts) Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Weave the tail through the remaining stitches and pull tight to close the top. Sew the hat to the top center of the back piece, covering the opening.

Straps (Make 2)

With Color B (Earthy Brown).

• Ch 60 (or desired length for a child).
• Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (59 sts)
• Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. (59 sts) Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Assembly

1. Sew the leaf flap to the front of the backpack, just below the top edge, so it can fold over the opening.
2. Attach a button to the front of the backpack under the flap. Create a loop on the flap using a chain of 10 ch, slip stitch to secure.
3. Sew the straps to the back of the backpack, positioning them about 2 inches from the top and 2 inches from the sides. Ensure they are securely attached.
4. Weave in all ends using a tapestry needle.

Finishing

Optional: Add a small pom-pom to the tip of the gnome hat using Color C.

Your Woodland Gnome Backpack is now complete! This textured, whimsical backpack is perfect for little ones to carry their treasures on woodland adventures. Enjoy the magic of handmade!