Crochet Backpack Pattern (Free Sturdy Everyday Bag)

A crochet backpack is the bag you reach for every single day. This free crochet backpack pattern makes a sturdy everyday backpack with a flat base, a roomy body, a flap that closes with a button, two comfortable shoulder straps, and a drawstring top. It is big enough for a book, a water bottle, a phone, keys, and a light sweater.

This is an original Little Loop Finds design, written in US terms and completely free. The backpack is worked from the base up in rounds, so there are no side seams to sew. A simple fabric lining, sewn in at the end, stops small items from poking through the stitches. If you can crochet a chain, a single crochet, and a half double crochet, you can crochet this backpack.

A quick note on scope: this post is about one specific crochet backpack, a sturdy everyday backpack for adults and older teens with a flap, a drawstring, and a lining. It is not a mini backpack or a market bag. If you want a lighter open top bag, our crochet market bag pattern is a roomy mesh style bag.

Key Takeaways

• Free original pattern: this crochet backpack pattern is a Little Loop Finds original design, written in US terms, and completely free.
• A sturdy everyday backpack: dense stitches, a flat base, and a lining keep the bag strong and practical.
• Roomy and useful: the finished bag holds a book, a water bottle, a phone, keys, and a light sweater.
• Beginner friendly construction: the body is worked in simple rounds from the base up, with no side seams.
• Lining notes included: a simple fabric lining stops small items from poking through and gives a tidy finish.

Table of Contents

• Why You Will Love This Crochet Backpack
• Finished Size, Skill Level, and Time
• Materials You Need
• Abbreviations (US Terms)
• Gauge and Sizing Notes
• Part 1: The Flat Base
• Part 2: The Body of the Backpack
• Part 3: The Flap and Button Loop
• Part 4: The Straps, Drawstring, and Handle
• Part 5: The Lining and Finishing
• Variations: Colors, Sizes, and Uses
• Troubleshooting a Backpack That Stretches or Sags
• Care Instructions
• Frequently Asked Questions

Why You Will Love This Crochet Backpack

A handmade backpack feels different from a shop bought bag, because you chose the color and you made every stitch. The dense body holds its shape, the flat base lets the bag stand up, and the flap and drawstring keep everything inside.

Our crochet tote bag pattern is a good companion project if you want a matching open top bag for the same yarn.

Finished Size, Skill Level, and Time

• Finished size: about 11 inches wide, 13 inches tall, and 4 inches deep, not counting the straps. The base measures about 10 inches by 4 inches.
• Skill level: Easy to intermediate. You need chains, single crochet, half double crochet, and simple decreases, plus basic sewing for the lining.
• Time: about 10 to 12 hours in total: 1 hour for the base, 6 hours for the body, 2 hours for the flap and straps, and 1 to 2 hours for the lining and finishing.

Materials You Need

Cotton or a cotton blend is the best choice, because cotton is strong, it does not stretch much, and it holds the dense stitches well. Terracotta, sage green, navy, charcoal, and mustard all look lovely. Avoid fluffy yarns, because they hide the stitch texture.

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• ch = chain
• sl st = slip stitch
• sc = single crochet
• hdc = half double crochet
• hdc2tog = half double crochet 2 together (decrease)
• sc2tog = single crochet 2 together (decrease)
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• rep = repeat
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side

Gauge and Sizing Notes

Gauge matters for a backpack, because a loose gauge will stretch and sag when the bag is full. Work a swatch of 14 hdc stitches and 10 rows, about 4 inches wide and 3.5 inches tall. If it is wider, go down a hook size. If it is narrower, go up a hook size.

Count your stitches at the end of every round. The body must stay at 80 stitches all the way up, so a missed stitch will make one side shorter than the other. For a smaller bag, work the base with 2 fewer rows and the body with 4 fewer rounds. For a larger bag, add 2 rows to the base and 4 rounds to the body.

Part 1: The Flat Base

The base is a flat rectangle worked in rows of single crochet. It gives the backpack a firm bottom, so the bag stands up on its own. Work the base tightly.

The Base Rectangle

With color A, ch 31.

• Row 1 (RS): sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across. (30 sc)
• Row 2: ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. (30 sc)
• Rows 3 to 10: ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. (30 sc)

The base is now about 10 inches long and 4 inches wide. Do not fasten off.

Starting the Body Rounds

The body is worked in joined rounds around the edge of the base.

• Round 1: ch 1, do not turn. Work 1 sc in each of the 30 sts along the first long edge, 1 sc in each of the 10 row ends along the first short edge, 1 sc in each of the 30 sts along the second long edge, and 1 sc in each of the 10 row ends along the second short edge. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (80 sc)

Count your stitches now. You should have exactly 80 stitches, because 30 plus 10 plus 30 plus 10 equals 80. Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of this round, and move it up at the start of every round.

Part 2: The Body of the Backpack

The body is worked in rounds of half double crochet, with no increases or decreases, so the sides stay straight.

Working the Body Up

With color A, continue from Round 1.

• Round 2: ch 2, turn, hdc in each st around. Join with a sl st to the top of the first hdc. (80 hdc, counting the turning chain as the first stitch)
• Rounds 3 to 32: ch 2, turn, hdc in each st around. Join with a sl st to the top of the first hdc. (80 hdc)

Turning at the end of each round keeps the sides straight. The turning chain counts as the first half double crochet. After Round 32, the body should be about 13 inches tall. If it is shorter, add rounds until it measures 13 inches.

The Drawstring Round

The drawstring round is a row of chain spaces near the top of the body, and the drawstring threads through them.

• Round 33: ch 2, hdc in the next st, (ch 1, skip the next st, hdc in the next 2 sts) 19 times, ch 1, skip the next st, hdc in the next st. Join with a sl st to the top of the first hdc. (60 hdc and 20 ch-1 spaces, 80 stitches in total)

• Round 34: ch 2, turn, hdc in each st and each ch-1 space around. Join with a sl st to the top of the first hdc. (80 hdc)
• Round 35: ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (80 sc)

Fasten off color A, and weave in the end on the inside of the bag.

Part 3: The Flap and Button Loop

The flap is worked flat in rows, straight off the back edge of the body. It folds over the top and closes with a button loop.

Setting Up the Flap

Turn the bag so the back is facing you. Count 30 stitches across the center of the back edge, and place a stitch marker in the first and last of those 30 stitches. Rejoin color A with a slip stitch in the first marked stitch.

• Row 1 (RS): ch 2, hdc in the same st and in each st across to the second marker. (30 hdc, counting the turning chain as the first stitch)
• Rows 2 to 10: ch 2, turn, hdc in each st across. (30 hdc)
• Row 11: ch 2, turn, hdc2tog, hdc in the next 26 sts, hdc2tog. (28 hdc)
• Row 12: ch 2, turn, hdc in each st across. (28 hdc)
• Row 13: ch 2, turn, hdc2tog, hdc in the next 24 sts, hdc2tog. (26 hdc)
• Row 14: ch 2, turn, hdc in each st across. (26 hdc)
• Row 15: ch 2, turn, hdc2tog, hdc in the next 22 sts, hdc2tog. (24 hdc)
• Row 16: ch 2, turn, hdc in each st across. (24 hdc)
• Row 17: ch 2, turn, hdc2tog, hdc in the next 20 sts, hdc2tog. (22 hdc)
• Row 18: ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. (22 sc)

The flap is now about 7 inches long, with a gently rounded end. Do not fasten off yet.

The Flap Edging and Button Loop

With color B, work a single crochet edge around the three free sides of the flap, working 1 sc in each stitch and 1 sc in each row end.

At the center of the last row, work the button loop. With color B still attached, ch 12, then slip stitch back into the same stitch where the chain started. This makes a loop about 2 inches long, big enough to fit over a 1.25 inch button. If it is too tight, chain 14 instead of 12.

Sew the button onto the front of the bag, centered, about 4 inches below the top edge. Use strong thread, sew through the button at least four times, and knot the thread firmly on the inside.

Part 4: The Straps, Drawstring, and Handle

The straps are worked flat in rows of single crochet, then sewn firmly to the bag.

The Shoulder Straps

Make two straps exactly the same.

With color A, ch 7.

• Row 1: sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across. (6 sc)
• Rows 2 to 60: ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. (6 sc)

Each strap is now about 24 inches long and 2 inches wide. If you are tall, add 6 rows to each strap. If the bag is for a teenager, work 6 fewer rows. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Sew the top of each strap to the inside of the back of the bag, about 2 inches below the top edge and 3 inches in from each side, sewing through both layers at least three times. Sew the bottom of each strap to the outside of the back, about 2 inches above the base. The straps should lie flat and parallel, with no twist.

The Top Handle

With color A, ch 21.

• Row 1: sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across. (20 sc)
• Rows 2 to 3: ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. (20 sc)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Sew each end of the handle to the top edge of the back of the bag, about 2 inches in from each side, between the two straps.

The Drawstring

With color B, ch 120. Slip stitch in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across, for 119 slip stitches in total. Fasten off, and knot each end so it does not unravel.

Thread the drawstring through the chain spaces of Round 33, going in and out of every space. Pull both ends out at the front center, and tie them in a bow. Our crochet granny square bag pattern uses the same drawstring idea for a smaller bag.

Part 5: The Lining and Finishing

A lining turns a crochet backpack from a pretty bag into a practical everyday bag. It stops pens, keys, and coins from poking through the stitches, and it protects the crochet from wear.

Cutting and Sewing the Lining

Cut the lining fabric into one piece 20 inches wide and 24 inches tall. Fold it in half, right sides together, and sew the two side seams and the bottom, leaving a 4 inch gap in the bottom seam for turning.

To make a flat base, pinch one bottom corner flat and sew across it 2 inches from the tip. Repeat for the other corner. Turn the lining right side out through the gap, and press it flat.

Slip the lining inside the bag. Fold the top edge down by half an inch, pin it just below the drawstring round, and sew it in place with small, neat stitches.

Final Finishing

Weave in every yarn end. Check the straps by pulling each one firmly, check the button and the button loop, and check that the drawstring pulls evenly.

Variations: Colors, Sizes, and Uses

• Classic everyday backpack: charcoal or navy with a mustard flap edge. Our crochet hobo bag pattern free makes a soft slouchy companion in the same colors.
• School or college backpack: a bright color like teal or coral, with a small inside pocket for pens and a phone.
• Weekend walk backpack: sage green with a cream flap edge, packed with a water bottle, a snack, and a light sweater.
• Mini backpack for a teen: work the base with 2 fewer rows, the body with 4 fewer rounds, and the straps 6 rows shorter.
• Travel backpack: a dark color that hides marks, with a second inside pocket and a strong cotton yarn.

Troubleshooting a Backpack That Stretches or Sags

• My backpack stretches when it is full. The gauge is too loose, or the yarn is too stretchy. Work the next bag one hook size smaller, choose a firm cotton yarn, and keep the lining in place.
• My bag will not stand up. The base is too soft, or the body rounds are too loose. Work the base tightly, and work the first few body rounds in single crochet for extra firmness.
• My flap does not cover the opening. The flap is too short. Add 2 rows to the flap, and start it right at the top edge of the body.
• My straps twist when I wear the bag. The straps were sewn on with a twist. Take them off, lay them flat, and sew them on again with the right side facing out.
• My drawstring will not pull evenly. A chain space was missed. Pull the drawstring out and thread it again, going in and out of every space in order.

Care Instructions

Hand wash the backpack in cool water with a mild detergent, and press the water out gently without wringing. Reshape it while damp, stuff it lightly with a clean towel, and let it dry flat. Do not use high heat in the dryer, and keep it out of direct sunlight. Empty the bag before washing, and check the button and straps first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this crochet backpack pattern good for beginners?

Yes, it is a good first bag project if you already know chains, single crochet, and half double crochet. The body is worked in simple rounds with no shaping, and every round ends with a stitch count.

What yarn is best for a crochet backpack?

Worsted weight cotton or a cotton blend is best, because cotton is strong, it does not stretch much, and it holds the dense stitches well. You need about 450 yards of the main color and 80 yards of a contrasting color.

How big is the finished backpack?

The finished backpack is about 11 inches wide, 13 inches tall, and 4 inches deep, not counting the straps. It holds a book, a water bottle, a phone, keys, and a light sweater.

Do I really need to line the backpack?

Yes, a lining is strongly recommended. It stops small items from poking through the stitches, it keeps the inside tidy, and it supports the crochet so the bag stretches less.

How do I stop the backpack from stretching?

Work to the gauge in the pattern, choose a firm cotton yarn, and keep your stitches tight. The lining also helps, because it takes some of the weight.

Can I make the backpack in different colors?

Yes, any color works well. Charcoal or navy with a mustard edge is practical for everyday use, teal or coral is bright for school, and sage green with cream is soft for walks. Keep the flap edge in a contrasting color, and pair it with our crochet basket pattern free for storage at home.

Can I sell backpacks made from this pattern?

Yes, you may sell finished backpacks made from this free pattern, with credit to Little Loop Finds. Please do not sell or republish the pattern text itself. A set of two backpacks makes a lovely gift bundle, with a small pouch like our crochet coin purse pattern tucked inside.