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Easy Backpack Pattern

Easy Backpack Pattern
4.1★ Rating
2-4 Hours Time Needed
1.4K Made This
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Beginner Friendly Level

Perfect for those just starting their crochet journey, with clear instructions and simple techniques

⏱️

Bite-Sized Project

Finishes in 2-4 hours—perfect for an afternoon of creative relaxation.

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Stylish Touch

An elegant detail to elevate any look, combining traditional techniques with contemporary design sensibilities.

About This Easy Backpack Pattern

This pattern teaches you how to crochet a compact, fashionable backpack using braided cotton cord or t-shirt yarn. The design includes instructions for attaching a pre-made base, crocheting the walls with CrSC stitches, installing a valve and lock, and sewing a lining. It is written for beginners and includes helpful tips, photos, and recommended tools.

Easy Backpack Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

You'll learn to trim and attach the base, work the textured wall using back loops, and finish the bag with hardware and a lining. The result is a durable, stylish backpack perfect for daily use or gifting.

Why You'll Love This Easy Backpack Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it turns simple materials into a chic, functional accessory in just a few hours. I enjoy the tactile texture that the cross single crochet (CrSC) stitch creates — it gives the backpack a hand-crafted, professional look. The step-by-step process of attaching the pre-made base and adding the hardware is satisfying and makes finishing quick and reliable. I also love how customizable it is: you can change colors, cord thickness, or hardware to match your style. Sharing small, wearable projects that people can actually use is what inspires me to write patterns like this.

Easy Backpack Pattern step 1 - construction progress Easy Backpack Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Easy Backpack Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Easy Backpack Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love adapting this pattern to different styles: try a neutral solid cord for a classic look or multicolor t-shirt yarn for a playful vibe.

I often make the backpack larger by using thicker cord and a bigger hook to create a roomy tote-style bag.

If you want a sleeker finish, swap the cross single crochet for regular SC rows and the texture will be subtler and flatter.

I sometimes add a crocheted flap instead of using a pre-made valve to create a fully handmade aesthetic.

For a boho feel, use natural jute or cotton rope and switch to antique brass hardware instead of white leather parts.

I like to embroider a small initial or logo on the lining or front before sewing it in to personalize each bag.

Try adding internal pockets to the lining for better organization — just sew them in before inserting the lining into the bag.

To make a compact crossbody version, shorten the handles and attach a longer strap using D-rings sewn into the sides.

Experiment with color blocking: crochet the bottom two rows in one color and switch for the body for a stylish contrast.

When I gift these, I include a tiny crocheted key fob or zipper pull that matches the bag to complete the set.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping the instruction to pull the working thread from the outside of the bobbin can make crocheting harder; always take the thread from the outside so the yarn unwinds smoothly. ✗ Not leaving a long starting tail when attaching the bottom makes finishing difficult; leave about 40 inches (1 meter) to secure and bind off properly. ✗ Failing to insert the hook only in the back loop when instructed will change the texture and fit; be sure to work in the back loop and jumper only when the pattern specifies it. ✗ Not tying in a new piece of thread when binding off can result in loose or uneven rows; tie-in a new piece if you run out of yarn while binding off to maintain tension and appearance. ✗ Forgetting to hide and knot the ends on the wrong side can cause the seams to come undone; always tie knots on the wrong side and hide the ends securely.

Easy Backpack Pattern

Make a stylish, textured mini backpack using chunky cord or t-shirt yarn — a quick and satisfying project you can finish in an afternoon. This pattern uses simple stitches like cross single crochet (CrSC) and single crochet (SC) to build a sturdy bag with a reinforced base and fitted hardware. With step-by-step photos and practical assembly notes, you can add a lining and hardware for a polished, wearable accessory.

Beginner Friendly 2-4 Hours

Materials Needed for Easy Backpack Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Cotton braided cord, 5 mm, 165 yards (150 meters) - example used: Bobbiny 5 mm
  • 02
    T-shirt yarn option: 7-9 mm (if preferred) - approximate equivalent yardage
  • 03
    Polyester cord option: 4-5 mm, 175 yards (150 meters)
  • 04
    Backpack kit: bottom 10x20 cm, valve with lock, 2 handles, tightening with tips (purchase separately)
  • 05
    Small pieces of cord for lock installation: 3 pieces 8 inches (20 cm) each

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size N4 = 4 mm
  • 02
    Crochet hook size N6 = 6 mm
  • 03
    Scissors
  • 04
    Small Phillips screwdriver
  • 05
    Needle for sewing lining / hidden stitches
  • 06
    Pins for positioning the lining
  • 07
    Plate and clamp for installing lock (or suitable press)
  • 08
    Iron for steaming the seam (through a damp cloth)

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Trim the bottom :

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Take the hook N4.

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Leave the end of the thread about 40 inches (1 meter) long.

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Insert the hook in the hole of the bottom. Pull out the loop, crochet CH.

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Crochet SC in the each hole of the bottom. Crochet the last SC with the end of the thread and pull it out. Insert the hook from the wrong side in the 1st SC of the row, pull the end. Tighten the end back into the last loop of the row. Don\'t cut the working thread.

— Crochet the wall-side :

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Next, crochet the wall-side of the backpack.

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Take the hook N6.

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Insert the hook on the back loop and jumper only. Pull out the loop and crochet CH.

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Next, crochet CrSC. For this, yarn over the thread under the hook.

Round 1 :

1 row. Crochet this row on the back loop and jumper only. Crochet row CrSC. Make 6 Inc, in the places identified on the photo. I have the bottom with 43 holes. Therefore, there are 49 CrSC in this row. You may have the bottom with a different amount of the holes. And therefore, another number of CrSC in the each row.

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Bind off the row with the end of the thread (and the each subsequent row). Twist the working thread and the end. Insert the hook under last loop of the previous row, pull out the loop, crochet CH.

Round 2 :

2 row. 49 CrSC, CH.

Round 3-16 :

3-16 rows. 49 CrSC, CH.

Round 17 :

17 row. 49 CrSC, insert the hook on the back loop only, pull out the loop, CH.

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Tie-in a new piece of the thread, in case if you run out of the end that is binding off the rows.

Round 18 :

18 row. 49 CrSC on the back loop only, CH.

Round 19 :

19 row. 49 CrSC. Cut the thread, pull out in the loop, bind off the row. Tie the knot the both ends on the wrong side. Hide the ends. Fold the sides with our hands.

— Crochet in the valve :

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Take the hook N4.

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Count the number of CrSC that equals to the number of holes on the valve on the back side of the backpack, in the middle.

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Crochet in the 3rd row from the top.

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Start out the thread from the inside. Insert the hook in the 1st hole, pull out the loop. Insert the hook in the next hole, skip 1 CrSC. Pull out the loop, SlSt.

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Next, crochet SlSt in the each hole, skipping 1 CrSC. Last SlSt crochet behind the valve. Cut the thread, pull out in the loop, tighten back in the wrong side.

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At the beginning of crocheting, pull out the thread to the front side behind the valve. Insert the hook under the 1st loop, pull out the thread, tighten it back to the wrong side. Strengthen and hide the ends on the wrong side.

— Install the lower part of the lock :

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Cut off 3 pieces of cord 8 inches (20 cm) long each. Put the lock on the back side. Press down with a plate and clamped. Cut off the excess with scissors, if the plate sticks out.

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Position the lower part of the lock to where it is supposed to be.

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Pull out the pieces on the wrong side. Tie 3 knots in pairs. Strengthen, cut and hide the ends.

— Assembly :

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Count 3 CrSC from the lock to the right and to the left.

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Insert the tightening. Put it through 6 CrSC on the front side, through 3 CrSC on the wrong side, then through 6 CrSC on the front side.

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Put the tightening on the other side mirrored. Put on the stopper.

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Fasten the handles with a small Phillips screwdriver. Adjustable part of handles should be at the bottom. Fix all the screws with a drop of superglue or colorless nail polish.

— Sew in the lining :

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The lining should repeat the shape of the backpack.

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Put the lining inside. Straighten the lining inside with your hands. You can also pin it with pins.

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Sew the lining to the bag with hidden stitches. All seams should be hidden inside. Insert the needle over the edge of the lining. Make few strengthening stitches around the perimeter of the seam.

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Steam the seam with an iron through a damp cloth, if necessary.

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Congratulations! Your cute backpack is ready👍

Assembly Instructions

  • Attach the crocheted wall to the pre-made bottom by inserting the hook into each hole and crocheting SC around, then tighten the starting tail back into the last loop and do not cut the working thread.
  • When crocheting the wall, work CrSC in the back loop and jumper only, making 6 increases in the first CrSC row so the wall fits the bottom curvature.
  • Count and mark 3 CrSC from the installed lock center to the right and left, then thread the tightening through 6 CrSC on the front side, through 3 CrSC on the wrong side, then through 6 CrSC on the front side for correct placement.
  • Install the lower lock plate by threading three 8 inch (20 cm) cords through the plate holes, pulling them to the wrong side, tying knots in pairs, strengthening, cutting and hiding the ends.
  • Place the lining inside, straighten and pin if needed, then sew the lining with hidden stitches along the bag edge and add a few reinforcing stitches around the seam perimeter; steam the seam if necessary.

Important Notes

  • 💡When crocheting SC, hold the hook at an angle and pull the working thread just above the level of the column to avoid holes in the fabric and preserve stitch appearance.
  • 💡When using t-shirt yarn from a bobbin, take the thread from the outside of the bobbin so the yarn unwinds smoothly and it will be easier to crochet.
  • 💡Do not cut the working thread after attaching the bottom; tighten the end back into the last loop of the row to secure your starting tail.
  • 💡Tie-in a new piece of thread when you run out while binding off rows to keep consistent tension and a neat bind-off.
  • 💡Hide knots and tails on the wrong side and strengthen hardware screws with a drop of superglue or clear nail polish to prevent loosening.

Thank you for making this little backpack — I hope it brings style and joy to your day! 🧶 This pattern is perfect for quick handmade gifts and practical accessories you can finish in an afternoon. ✨ Happy crocheting and enjoy your new bag — I can\'t wait to see the colors and hardware you choose! 🎒

You ask,

we answer.

FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished backpack measures approximately 9 1/2 inches (24 cm) length, 6 inches (15 cm) width, and 11 1/2 inches (29 cm) height when made with the specified materials.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can use different cord or t-shirt yarn weights, but this will affect the final size and gauge; choose an appropriate hook for your yarn and be aware the number of stitches per inch will change.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated beginner friendly, so basic knowledge of single crochet and chain stitches is sufficient; the pattern includes step-by-step guidance for attaching the base and hardware.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters complete this project in about 2-4 hours depending on experience and whether you add lining and hardware installation.

Where can I buy the backpack kit parts like the bottom and lock?

The pattern references Etsy shops for backpack kits and leather tags; you can also purchase similar pre-made bottoms, valves, and locks from bag hardware suppliers online.