Otis Backpack and Beret - Knitting Pattern for Kids in Debbie Bliss Rialto DK - Downloadable PDF

Otis Backpack and Beret – Kids' Knitting Pattern by Debbie Bliss in Rialto DK

The Otis Backpack and Beret is a charming children's knitting pattern by Debbie Bliss, available as a downloadable PDF. The set includes two distinct accessories designed for kids: a structured, fully functional backpack and a classic beret. Both pieces are worked in Debbie Bliss Rialto DK yarn and make an ideal intermediate-level project for knitters who are comfortable working flat and seaming their finished pieces together.

The Otis Backpack

What Is Being Made

The backpack is a practical, knitted children's bag with finished dimensions of approximately 22cm/8¾in wide × 26cm/10¼in tall × 7cm/2¾in deep. It is designed to be a real, wearable accessory for children rather than a decorative item, complete with straps and a closure.

Techniques Used

• Worked flat – all pieces are knitted back and forth on straight needles rather than in the round
• Seamed construction – the individual knitted panels are sewn together to create the three-dimensional bag shape
• Assembly with cotton webbing tape for straps and handles, giving the backpack functional durability
• Incorporation of heavyweight Vilene© interlining to give the bag structure and body
• Attachment of a hook and loop sew-on tape closure (Alfatex® Brand by Velcro©) for the bag's fastening

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch (st st) – the primary fabric stitch used throughout the backpack panels
• Standard increase and decrease shaping techniques as indicated in the abbreviations

Materials

• Three 50g balls of Debbie Bliss Rialto DK in Grey 04 (A)
• Two 50g balls of Debbie Bliss Rialto DK in Scarlet 12 (B)
• Pair of 4.5mm (US 7) knitting needles
• Approximately 112cm/44in of 35mm/1½in wide cotton tape (webbing) for the backpack straps
• Approximately 90cm/35½in of 25mm/1in wide cotton tape (webbing)
• 60cm/23½in of 30cm/12in wide heavyweight Vilene© interlining for structure
• Approximately 13cm/5in of 16mm/¾in wide red hook and loop sew-on tape (Alfatex® Brand by Velcro©) for the closure

Tension

The stated tension is 19 stitches and 26 rows to 10cm/4in over stocking stitch using 4.5mm (US 7) needles and yarn held double. Holding the DK yarn double is an important detail that affects both the gauge and the finished fabric's thickness and durability, making it especially suitable for a hard-wearing accessory like a backpack.

The Otis Beret

What Is Being Made

The Otis Beret is a classic knitted children's hat designed to fit ages 4–6 years. It pairs beautifully with the backpack, using the same Debbie Bliss Rialto DK yarn and colour palette of grey and scarlet to create a coordinated set.

Techniques Used

• Worked flat – the beret is knitted in flat sections rather than entirely in the round
• Seamed construction – pieces are joined after knitting to form the finished hat shape
• Shaping through increases and decreases to achieve the characteristic