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Easy backpack Pattern

Easy backpack Pattern
4.3★ Rating
2-4 Hours Time Needed
1.6K Made This
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Beginner Friendly Level

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

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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 shows how to crochet a small backpack with a purchased bottom and lock kit using cotton braided cord or t-shirt yarn. You will learn how to crochet to the bottom, build up the wall-side using cross single crochet (CrSC), attach the valve and lock, and sew in a lining. The design is compact, practical, and very customizable with colors and hardware.

Easy backpack Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Perfect for beginners who can follow step-by-step photos and video support. The finished bag measures approximately 24 x 15 x 29 cm and is ideal for everyday use or gifting.

Why You'll Love This Easy backpack Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it transforms simple braided cord into a polished, wearable accessory that looks far more complex than it is. I enjoy how quickly the backpack takes shape — you can complete it in an afternoon and feel proud of a finished item. The combination of crochet and hardware gives a professional result without advanced sewing skills. I also love how easy it is to personalize with colorways, different cords, and handle styles.

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 how easy it is to customize this backpack by simply changing the cord color; try ombre or two-color combinations for a fresh look.

You can make a smaller or larger bag by using thinner or thicker cord and adjusting the number of rows — experiment with yarn weight and hook sizes to scale the project.

I often swap the ready-made leather bottom for a hand-cut wooden base or a different shaped bottom plate to create unique silhouettes.

Try different hardware finishes like brass, antique, or rose gold to change the bag's overall vibe; hardware choice really elevates the final result.

Consider adding an exterior pocket by crocheting a rectangular panel and sewing it to the front before lining; it makes the bag more functional for everyday use.

For a softer interior, use a quilted lining and add thin interfacing to help the bag hold shape while remaining lightweight.

I sometimes embroider initials or a small motif on the front wall-side before attaching the valve for personalized gifts and branding.

Swap the tightening cord for a decorative braided cord or leather strap for a more refined finish and better wear over time.

If you want straps with posability or reinforcement, stitch a thin strip of interfacing or sew a fabric strap to the inside of the crocheted strap area.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with stitch density — a slightly tighter or looser CrSC changes the drape and structure, so try a swatch first to see how it behaves.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping counting holes when attaching the cord to the bottom leads to uneven stitch counts; count each hole and place your stitches consistently so the first row matches the bottom holes. ✗ Not using the back loop only as instructed can hide the characteristic texture; be sure to insert your hook into the back loop and jumper only where specified to keep the stitch pattern correct. ✗ Tightening the working yarn too tightly when binding off can distort the edge and make it hard to continue; twist the working thread and knot gently, then insert the hook under the last loop and pull out a loop before chaining. ✗ Failing to hide and secure the knot ends on the wrong side can cause visible knots and a weak finish; tie knots securely, trim excess, and hide ends inside the fabric or under the valve for a clean look.

Easy backpack Pattern

Make a charming, handmade backpack using t-shirt or cotton braided cord in just a few hours. This pattern walks you through attaching a ready-made leather bottom and lock kit, crocheting the body with cross single crochet, and finishing with a neat lining and hardware. You will love how quickly the bag comes together and how customizable it is with colors and hardware choices. The instructions include photos and measurements for a consistent finished result.

Beginner Friendly 2-4 Hours

Materials Needed for Easy backpack Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Cotton braided cord 5 mm, approximately 165 yards (150 meters) (example: Bobbiny 5 mm)
  • 02
    T-shirt yarn (7-9 mm) alternative option, similar yardage recommended
  • 03
    Polyester cord 4-5 mm alternative, approximately 175 yards (150 meters)
  • 04
    Backpack kit: bottom 10x20 cm, valve with lock, 2 handles, tightening with tips (purchase from leather/hardware suppliers)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 4.0 mm (N4)
  • 02
    Crochet hook size 6.0 mm (N6)
  • 03
    Scissors
  • 04
    Small Phillips screwdriver
  • 05
    Needle for sewing the lining (hand-sewing needle)
  • 06
    Pins for positioning the lining
  • 07
    Plate and clamp (for pressing the lock into place)
  • 08
    Superglue or colorless nail polish (to secure screws)
  • 09
    Iron (for steaming seams through a damp cloth)

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Materials and tools :

Info :

Cotton braided cord, 5 mm, 165 yards (150 meters) (t-shirt yarn 7-9 mm or polyester cord 4-5 mm, 175 yards (150 meters). In this example, I'm using the cotton cord - Bobbiny, 5 mm.

Info :

Kit for backpack (bottom 10*20 cm, valve with lock, 2 handles, tightening with tips). Kit you can purchase from leather/hardware suppliers.

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Hook N4 = 4 mm and N6 = 6 mm. Scissors. Small Phillips screwdriver.

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Finished backpack from the specified materials: length - 9 1/2 inches (24 cm), width - 6 inches (15 cm), height - 11 1/2 inches (29 cm). Gauge: 9 stitches and 8 row = 4*4 inches (10*10cm).

— Abbreviations :

Infos :

CH - chain stitch. SlSt - slip stitch. SC - single crochet. CrSC - cross stitch single crochet. Inc - increase (2 CrSC in 1).

— 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.

Round 1 :

Crochet SC in each hole of the bottom.

Round 2 :

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.

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Don't cut the working thread.

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Next, crochet the wall-side of the backpack.

— Crochet the wall-side :

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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. If your bottom has 43 holes, you will have 49 CrSC in this row; your bottom may have a different amount of holes and therefore a different CrSC count.

Info :

Bind off the row with the end of the thread (and each subsequent row). Twist the working thread and the end. Insert the hook under the 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.

Info :

Tie-in a new piece of the thread in case 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 a knot in both ends on the wrong side. Hide the ends. Fold the sides with your hands.

— Crochet in the valve :

Info :

Take the hook N4.

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Count the number of CrSC that equals 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 each hole, skipping 1 CrSC. Last SlSt crochet behind the valve. Cut the thread, pull out in the loop, tighten back on the wrong side.

Info :

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.

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Put the lock on the back side. Press down with a plate and clamp. Cut off the excess with scissors if the plate sticks out.

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Position the lower part of the lock 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 :

Info :

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

Info :

The lining should repeat the shape of the backpack.

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Put the lining inside. Straighten the lining 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 a 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 lower lock piece by cutting three 8 inch (20 cm) cords, feeding them through the lock plate, pressing the plate down with a clamp, tying the cords in three knots (in pairs), trimming and hiding the ends.
  • Count 3 CrSC from the lock to the right and left and insert the tightening cord. Feed the cord through 6 CrSC on the front side, through 3 CrSC on the wrong side, then through another 6 CrSC on the front side and secure the stopper.
  • Mirror the tightening installation on the opposite side and position the stopper to the desired length, ensuring the tightening slides smoothly.
  • Fasten the backpack handles with a small Phillips screwdriver, positioning the adjustable part at the bottom, then secure each screw with a small drop of superglue or colorless nail polish to prevent loosening.
  • Place the finished lining into the bag, smooth it into place, then sew it using hidden stitches along the edge and add a few strengthening stitches around the seam; steam the seam through a damp cloth if needed.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use the correct cord thickness recommended in the materials to achieve the stated gauge and fit for the kit bottom.
  • 💡Work CrSC on the back loop and jumper only where instructed to create the textured wall-side and ensure proper shaping.
  • 💡Hide and secure knots and thread ends on the wrong side after binding off rows to keep the outside of the bag neat and tidy.
  • 💡Pin and straighten the lining before sewing to avoid puckering; sew with hidden stitches so all seams are concealed inside the bag.

This approachable backpack pattern makes a beautiful handmade accessory you can finish in an afternoon. It combines simple crochet techniques with ready-made hardware for a polished result. Personalize it with colors and handles to create a one-of-a-kind bag. 🧶👜

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished backpack measures approximately 9 1/2 inches (24 cm) long, 6 inches (15 cm) wide, and 11 1/2 inches (29 cm) high when using the recommended materials.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can use different cord types or t-shirt yarn, but this will change the final size and gauge; adjust hook sizes accordingly and be mindful of the bottom kit dimensions.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is beginner friendly; basic knowledge of SC and slip stitch is helpful, and the instructions include photos and a video link to guide you through the process.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters complete this backpack in about 2-4 hours, though time may vary depending on experience and whether you are assembling hardware and sewing the lining.

Where can I buy the bottom and lock kit used in the pattern?

The pattern suggests purchasing a kit that includes the bottom (10x20 cm), valve with lock, handles, and tightening tips from leather or bag hardware shops and links provided by the designer.