Deramores Aztec Backpack Bag Knitting Pattern

Deramores Aztec Backpack: Advanced Knitting Pattern Summary

Project Overview

The Deramores Aztec Backpack is an advanced knitting project designed by Wendy Kippax that combines vibrant colorwork with functional bag construction. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a brightly colored backpack inspired by Aztec fabric designs, featuring eye-catching stranded colorwork techniques. The finished backpack is fully lined with cotton fabric, making it both stylish and practical for everyday use.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a complete backpack with the following dimensions: 35cm width, 38cm height, and 9cm side depth. The backpack includes a structured main body, a decorative top flap, and a coordinating purse or pouch component. The design incorporates a 22cm zip closure and a 1.5cm to 2cm button accent. Cotton lining fabric is used throughout for durability and a professional finish.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Stranded Colorwork: The primary technique featured in this pattern, creating the Aztec-inspired designs through multi-color knitting
• Knitting in the Round: The main body is constructed using circular knitting methods for seamless construction
• Stocking Stitch: The foundational stitch used throughout the colorwork sections
• Decreasing Techniques: Including K2tog (knit 2 stitches together), P2tog (purl 2 stitches together), and Skpo (slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over) for shaping
• Yarn Over (Yo): Used for creating decorative elements and texture variations
• Double Stitch (DS): A specialty stitch explained within the pattern for specific design details

Stitches and Abbreviations

The pattern uses standard knitting abbreviations including K (knit), P (purl), St(s) for stitch(es), and various decrease methods. The colorwork is worked over pattern rows with a tension of 15.5 stitches and 23 rows measuring 10cm x 10cm, which is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions.

Yarn and Materials

The Deramores Studio Aran yarn is used in five coordinating colors totaling 500g:

• 1 x 100g Persian Blue (Yarn A)
• 1 x 100g Espresso (Yarn B)
• 1 x 100g Watermelon (Yarn C)
• 1 x 100g Pewter (Yarn D)
• 1 x 100g Cinnamon (Yarn E)

The color palette creates striking visual contrast, with jewel tones and warm neutrals combining to highlight the Aztec-inspired pattern work.

Needles and Tools Required

• 4.5mm straight needles for flat sections
• 4.5mm circular needle (80cm in length) for knitting in the round
• 4.5mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) for smaller circumference sections
• 22cm zip for the main closure
• Keyring clasp for the coordinating pouch
• Cotton lining fabric: 90cm x 40cm for the main backpack (alternatively, 2 pieces of 45cm x 45cm)
• Cotton lining fabric: 22cm x 22cm for the purse or pouch component

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as advanced, reflecting the complexity of stranded colorwork knitting combined with bag construction techniques. Knitters should have solid experience with multi-color knitting, circular needle work, and finishing techniques before attempting this project.

Designer Information

The Aztec Backpack is designed by Wendy Kippax, a professional knitwear designer whose inspiration draws from history, travel, textures, and vibrant colors. Kippax won a Designer of the Year award that launched her professional design career, and she continues to create innovative knitted accessories and garments available through the Deramores Designer Shop.