Backpack charms and handheld fidget toys are all the rage for my elementary school-aged son and his friends. This knit design combines both! It is a knitted tube of varied width with an enclosed glass marble. Simple icord trim creates a loop to attach the piece to a backpack clip or to place around a finger and hold the toy. The use of a glass marble within soft yarn creates a silent toy that is sure to please students and teachers alike. Experiment with different colors and yarns to reflect your student’s personal style.

YARN
Knit Picks Stroll Fingering Tonal, 75% Superwash Merino, 25% Nylon, 462 yd / 422 m per 100 g or similar fingering weight yarn
Knit Picks Swish DK, 100% Superwash Merino, 123 yd / 112 m per 50 g, or similar DK weight yarn
www.knitpicks.com

Each backpack charm uses less than 10 g of either fingering or DK weight yarn.

FINGERING WEIGHT GAUGE
8 stitches & 12 rounds = 1” (2.5 cm) in stockinette in the round

DK WEIGHT GAUGE
7.5 stitches & 9 rounds = 1” (2.5 cm) in stockinette in the round

SIZE
Fingering (DK)
1” (1.25”) wide at widest point x 5” (6”) long / 2.5 (3.2) cm wide at widest point x 12.7 cm (15) cm long

The samples shown have 1 loop and 3 ‘pods’ for the marble to move through. Customize as you desire!

NEEDLES & TOOLS
Fingering weight: US 1 (2.25 mm) needles in preferred length for small circumference knitting, or size needed to get gauge
DK weight: US 2 (2.75 mm) needles in preferred length for small circumference knitting, or size needed to get gauge
Spare needle in same size as working needle
Scissors
Tapestry needle
1 locking stitch marker
1 standard glass marble for each toy, 0.5” / 13 mm diameter.
(A decorative glass craft bead or flat-bottomed glass drops may be used in lieu of a marble.)
1 small carabiner to attach to open loop, such as this, available through many hardware stores:
https://niteize.com/s-biner-stainless-steel-dual-carabiner

Tech editing: Bronwyn Hahn
Test knitting: Tammy B., Kim C., Lynne L., Tina P., Linda S., & Pam S.