Everywhere Buddy Bags!

It took a wee bit longer than I had planned {doesn't everything?} but I did it! I created the perfect quick'n'easy and full o'whimsy gift for those tricky-to-knit for toddlers and pre-schoolers (though older kids might like them too, heck I want one ;0). Introducing an annypurls original: Buddy Bags!


Meet Buggy, Bunny, Bear-y and Birdy, the adorable finger puppet buddies that adorn these sweet little backpacks. The inspiration came to me as my little neighbourette's 4th birthday drew near... I didn't have much time left to knit her something special and was also confined by the stash. Plus, let's face it, it's really hard to tell what size one should knit for a toddler or pre-schooler unless they're your own ;0) I can't tell you how many times babies have outgrown knitted gifts and garments before I finished making them!

This is where the beauty of these little treasures lies - they really are one size fits all, and with all the variations, I'd say they'd be cherished by little girls and boys. After all, every child has a little treasure they like to carry around ;0)


1. Birdy Buddy Bag, 2. Bear-y Buddy Bag Lining, 3. Bunny in a basket, 4. Buggy finger puppet, 5. Buddy bag linings, 6. Buggy Buddy Bag - detail, 7. Bear-y in a sailboat, 8. Birdy finger puppet, 9. Birdy Buddy Bag - detail, 10. All 4 Buddy Bags, 11. Bunny finger puppet, 12. Bear-y Buddy Bag - Stuffed!, 13. Bear-y finger puppet, 14. Bunny Buddy Bag - Stuffed!, 15. Birdy Buddy Bag - Lining, 16. Buggy Buddy Bag

These are perfect to tuck a little book, toy and snack in for busy kiddies on the go. And anywhere they can go too - the mall, restaurant, church or even just to play with around the house! Just pull on the strings to draw it closed and wear it as a backpack. Can you tell I'm loving these?

Extra bonus, you probably already have everything you need to make one in your stash right now! Knit from acrylic or washable cotton, they are easy to care for and will take some loving wear. I had enough odds and ends of worsted weight acrylic in the stash to knit all four!

I'm just pleased as punch with how they all turned out and hope you'll love them too. I plan to knit more as gift wrap for those gifted baby sweaters (a gift for now and another for later - who doesn't love that?) The pockets and buddies would be great on their own to adorn a simple sweater or baby blanket. Ahh, the possibilities...

The 6-page pattern includes detailed instructions for the 7x9 inch bag, all four finger puppets (buggy, birdy, beary and bunny) and all four pockets (leaf, nest, sailboat and basket). It also includes lots of photos and tutorials and even instructions for lining the bag. (Actually, I'm almost as proud of the presentation of the pattern as I am of the bags!)

The pattern is available for $6.50 as an instant pdf download (payment is through PayPal).

Happy knitting!