The prototype of the Nemesis Knapsack was a request by my gamer son. As a gamer myself, I appreciate the awesomeness of geeky knits. Existing turtle or turtle-esque bags weren’t close enough to satisfy my perfectionism so I began creating my own. I used a mixture of knitting, crocheting and sewing in this pattern, using each technique’s strength. In this final version I included felting as well. For versatility, and because I myself am a ninja fan, I have added a Hero variation. Want more? How about removable spikes so you can geek-out whichever way you like?! Then there’s the headgear… Bwhahahaha!

I have included many video links to help you through techniques you may need to brush up on. Detailed color photos are in a separate file so you can choose not to print them out and save ink.

EU VAT handling: Ravelry will handle VAT. EU customers pay the same price as everyone else!

Note: While fairly sturdy, this backpack may not hold up to heavy loads! You may wish to stick to a traditional canvas or leather book bag for those uses.

Skills and Materials

Skill Levels
Advanced-beginner / Intermediate Knitting (knit, purl,increase, decrease, Magic Loop or DPNs, Judy’s magic cast-on, 3-needle bind-off, pick up and knit stitches, calculating gauge)
Basic crochet (chain, single crochet, slip stitch)
Basic hand sewing (running / straight stitch) Machine sewing can be handy but unnecessary
Basic felting (You need to know how to run a clothes washer.)
Video links are given for any technique beyond the very basic and even some of those are given! (Additional crochet techniques are needed for the removable spikes option of the Nemesis variation but links are provided to teach you these techniques. I consider my own crocheting skill level to be fairly basic.)

Worsted weight yarn in:
3 skeins Cascade 220 in Palm green
2 skeins Cascade 220 in Natural
1 skien Cascade 220 in Blaze orange - for the Hero variation, choose orange, blue, purple or red
1 skein Cascade 220 Super-wash in White (Nemesis only)
Only the white should be superwash; the Palm, Natural, and Blaze you want to be the normal wool or it won’t felt! Unless you choose to do the bonus patterns, half a skien each of leftover wool will do fine for the orange (or substitute) and white as long as they are the correct washing instructions.

Needles / gauge:
Gauge: 4.25 sts/inch, 6 rows/inch in stockinette (9.5 rows/inch in garter)
Size 8 circular needles for magic loop in (minimum of 32” for magic loop), or DPNs
Size 8 circular needles 60” (nemesis variation only)
One extra similar-sized needle for three-needle bind off (or you can use a crochet hook)
Size H crochet hook

Other notions and tools:
2 1/2 yards 1” wide black canvas straps
1 package pronged studs, silver square pyramid
1 package (of 2) 1” black strap adjusters
1 18” zipper for the backpack body, plus any for your optional pockets
Scrap yarn, acrylic / cotton or any non-felting
Reflective yarn (optional)
10 28mm buttons (optional) Domed, shank style with texture. See “Spikes” for details.
Safety pins
Safety-pin style stitch markers
Measuring tape
Scissors
Fiberfill of your choice
Darning needle
Sewing needle & thread, black and white
Sewing machine (optional)
Washing machine
Flame (lighter or candle)
More notions may be needed if you choose to do the bonus items.