Backpack Papercraft for Your Elf

Backpack papercraft template with cut and fold lines to color for your elf

Print this free Backpack papercraft, color it, cut it out and fold it into a little prop for your elf. Leave the backpack on the kitchen table with a tiny note: “Gone hiking, back later!”. Build time is about 20 minutes.

✂️ About This Papercraft

Backpack papercraft: A small backpack for your elf's trips. Size: folded approx. 3 × 1.6 × 3.7 cm (1.2 × 0.6 × 1.5 in).

At a Glance

Difficulty
●●○ medium
Craft time
about 20 minutes
Size
folded approx. 3 × 1.6 × 3.7 cm
Pages
1 × A4
🧺 What You Need
  • Printer
  • Heavy cardstock (65–110 lb) recommended
  • Scissors
  • Glue stick
  • Colored pencils
  • Ruler and an empty ballpoint pen for scoring

📐 Step-by-Step Instructions

🖨️ Important: print at 100% (“Actual size”), not “Fit to page”.

1
Color and cut along the solid lines.
2
Fold all dash-dot lines backward (mountain fold); the colored side stays outside.
3
Glue the gray tab inside the opposite side to make a tube.
4
Fold in the small flaps at the bottom and tuck in the bottom. Same at the top – the lid opens again.
The Lines on the Template:
━━━ solid = cut · ━ · ━ dash-dot = mountain fold, fold backward · - - - dashed = valley fold, fold forward · ▒ gray area = glue

💡 Tips & Common Mistakes

  • Use bold colors for pockets, straps and buckles.
  • Medium build: Plan on about 20 minutes. Kids can color and glue while a grown-up handles the tricky cuts.
  • Print at 100% (actual size), not “fit to page.” Otherwise the measurements and tabs will not line up.
  • Small paper pieces are not for children under 3. Craft and play only with supervision.

🎭 How the Elf Plays With It

Leave the backpack on the kitchen table with a tiny note: “Gone hiking, back later!” Snap a photo of the finished piece in its spot. It makes a nice December keepsake.

📦 Matching printable set: Camping

Goes Well With

Your Benefits at PureSketchy:

  • Completely Free: Every elf printable with no sign-up, no newsletter, no subscription.
  • Made for Coloring: Clear black lines – kids color everything themselves.
  • Your Elf, Your Name: There is always space to write in your own elf's name.
  • Everything in One Place: Prank ideas, papercraft props, printable sets, letters and guides all fit together.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How big is the “Backpack” papercraft?
According to the template: folded approx. 3 × 1.6 × 3.7 cm (1.2 × 0.6 × 1.5 in). An elf is about the size of a yogurt cup.

How long does it take, and what age is it for?
About 20 minutes. From about age 7 with a parent's help, and many kids manage it alone by age 9.

Can the backpack hold something?
Yes, it is a small container with a base and a lid, so a tiny note or a crumb fits inside.

Which paper and glue do I need?
Regular printer paper works, but heavy cardstock (65–110 lb) is sturdier. A glue stick is all you need for the tabs.

Is the download free?
Yes, every printable on PureSketchy is 100% free for personal use, preschools and schools – no sign-up needed.

Is there a German version?
Yes! You can find the German version at Rucksack.