A crochet backpack is unquestionably one of the most practical things to crochet. It’s versatile and suitable for various occasions. It’s handy, and you can fill it up with your belongings with the weight balanced equally on both shoulders.
We scoured the web to compile a list of free crochet backpack patterns for you. They feature a wide range of features, textures, colors, and yarns. Feel free to modify the patterns to achieve one that suits you best. However, it is best to stick to the recommended yarn to avoid having a saggy backpack after a few uses.
If you’ve never crocheted a backpack before, we’ve included some simple patterns with step-by-step tutorials to show you how. We also have some adorable crochet backpacks for kids, such as the crochet bear backpack shown below.
Whether you’re making a new crochet backpack for yourself, a family member, a friend, or just for fun, you’ll find one (or more!) free backpack crochet patterns that you’ll love in this roundup.
What do you need for a crochet backpack pattern?
- Yarn (of course!)
The tutorial patterns you will see in curated lists will have a wide range of yarn weights, so remember to read the pattern and follow the type of yarn used. This is to make sure the sizing won’t go off a lot.
- Crochet Hook
Always refer to the tutorial for the best results; you can use a hook size up or down to achieve the desired tension gauge.
- Stitch Markers
These colorful stitch markers are useful for marking stitches in a row, increases or decreases, as well as the first and last stitch in a given pattern.
- Scissors
This is essential to help you cut off your yarn.
- Measuring Tape
It is used to measure and check the tension gauge of your test swatch to see if it meets the size mentioned in the pattern.
How to Crochet a Backpack with Drawstrings?
Let’s talk a little about crochet drawstrings since the majority of the backpack patterns here use them as a closure. A drawstring backpack is also called a cinch backpack, and you will see that we use both terms interchangeably.
Crocheting a backpack with drawstrings is simpler than it sounds. Most drawstring crochet backpacks are made by creating even holes at the top. You can choose a drawstring of your choice to add through the holes so you can cinch the bag easily. Commonly used drawstrings include a macramé cord, a crocheted cord, and a crochet tube. For more details, refer to the tutorials in the list down below.
Well, there are more things to think about than just picking the style you like best from the long list below. How your crochet back turns out depends on things like the yarn, stitches, lining, etc.
If you want to learn the basics of crocheting, don’t hesitate to check out this Complete Guide to Crochet for Beginners. It talks about the basics of crocheting, important tools and materials, basic crochet stitches, and essential crochet techniques.
FAQ
Question What yarn should I use to crochet a backpack?
Answer: You should use the yarn that the pattern tells you to use.
But if you want to learn more about the best yarn to crochet a bag, you can think about how easy it is to care for, how well it holds its color, how well it doesn’t pill, what kind of fiber it is, what color it is, how much it costs, and where you can buy it.
Why is my crochet backpack smaller/bigger than the pattern?
Answer: There are two possible reasons why your finished size doesn’t match the pattern:
1. The weight of the yarn and the size of the crochet hook you use might be different than what the pattern says.
Solution: Use the yarn and hook that the designer says to use. If you can’t find the exact yarn, you can ask the designer or the yarn shop to suggest a similar one.
2. Crochet tension is either too tight or too loose.
Solution: Use a larger or smaller hook to get the correct tension.
Why does my backpack have bumps and waves in it?
Answer: This is what most crochet projects do right after they are finished but before they are blocked into shape.
Solution: Spray the backpack with water or soak it in water at room temperature for a few minutes, then dry it with a towel. Place the damp backpack on a dry towel, adjust the shape, flatten the wave, and let it dry overnight. Watch the video on how to set block your crochet work.
You can use a steam iron to block the backpack, too, if the yarn can handle some heat.
In some instances, a fabric stiffener may be required to create a backpack with adequate structure.
What stitches are best to crochet a backpack?
Answer: Use a stitch that is tight and dense, such as single crochet or half double crochet. If loose stitches are used, holes in the crochet fabric could cause things to fall out.
What’s Next:
- Start crocheting and share your completed handmade on Facebook and/or Instagram. Remember to tag us @madefromyarn so that we are able to see them.
- Pin it to Pinterest for a future To-Crochet List.
- Share with your crochet groups for a crochet-along event.
- Browse more free crochet patterns to make, especially the crochet crossbody bag, if you are looking for other crochet patterns.
23 Free Crochet Backpack Patterns
Are you looking for crochet backpack patterns? Look no further! This curated list includes both cute and adorable patterns as well as more sophisticated, everyday-use patterns.
With patterns available in a variety of skill levels, you’re sure to find one (or more) that you can’t wait to get started on.
Are you still not convinced? They’re all free, after all!
Easy Crochet Dinosaur Backpack (With Video)
This spikey backpack is fantastic! Make a crochet dinosaur backpack by following this simple crochet pattern. It's an excellent free crochet pattern for anyone who wants to make a cool character bag for their kid.
Red Heart Patch Backpack Pattern
Kids will be excited to return to school with this trendy crochet backpack.
Not only is it cool, but the large size allows for more book storage.
Keep it simple or else let the kids to decorate their backpacks with patches, buttons, and trims to express themselves.
Wanderlust Chevron Backpack
This wanderlust chevron backpack is an everyday backpack fit for adventure. With huge storage space, it can easily carry all your belongings. The crocheted rope straps also ensure they do not stretch out over time.
Striped Mini-Backpack
Looking for a smaller, miniature-sized backpack? Look no more! This is not a difficult tutorial pattern so if you need something for shorter adventures, this is the backpack for you. Check the tutorial on how to crochet a mini backpack.
The Wildrose Drawstring Crochet Backpack
This lovely cinch bag is constructed with a granny square in the center. There is even an interior pocket that holds your cell phone and a tassel that adds a pop of color. This is an intermediate-level project.
T-Shirt Yarn Crochet Backpack (Video)
This crochet backpack is made with t-shirt yarn and a leather base, which gives the bag a solid foundation and a well-structured body. Not only does it crochet up quickly by using t-shirt yarn, but it also produces a nice texture as an overall design. The addition of some metal hardware immediately improves the appearance of the bag.
The Mudcloth Backpack Cinch Bag
Inspired by the traditional African Mudcloth, this hook-and-yarn version is made using only a single crochet! The unique designs are made using surface detailing. This is an intermediate-level project.
The Zig Zag Backpack Cinch Bag
This zig zag bag features five colors of yarn in a loose striping pattern with surface detailing to give it more texture. If you know how to single crochet, then you definitely can give this a go!
Color Block Backpack Crochet Pattern
A simple yet classic backpack for everyday use. The use of moss stitches smoothens the transition between the colors and prevents your stripes from looking too harsh and crisp. This is an intermediate-difficulty project.
Cinch Sack Crochet Pattern
Being pretty is not the only feature of this backpack. It is lined, has a zipper, has a pocket and is made with eyelets. Want a practical bag? This is the one for you.
Drawstring Crochet Backpack
This is a great tutorial on how to crochet a mini backpack. Its not miniature mini so you can still carry some stuff in it, but it's small enough to a cute accessory for summer. This is an intermediate-level backpack pattern.
'Back to school' backpack
This back-to-school bear crochet pattern backpack is a cute option for your little ones. The main body of the backpack is crocheted with durable macramé, so you get a sturdy bag for your kids to carry.
The Little Wanderer’s Knapsack
This knapsack pattern is definitely giving boho vibes. It also gives sophistication with a dash of playfulness. This is an intermediate-difficulty knapsack pattern, as surface crochet is used for the details.
Video Game Guy Backpack
This crochet backpack pattern is one based on a childhood favorite series -- Adventure Time! This cute little backpack will ensure your child never forgets which backpack is theirs.
Koala: backpack & bag
Know how to single crochet and half double crochet? Then you can easily breeze your way through making this backpack. They offer options for choosing backpack-style straps and shoulder bag straps as well.
Cow Backpack
This adorable barnyard animal makes an appearance in this next free crochet backpack pattern. The entire pattern uses super bulky yarn, so the beauty of the stitches can be seen, and it works up fast too.
Crochet Daytripper Backpack • Sewrella
This drawstring backpack is simple but practical and extremely suitable for an everyday casual look. You can easily increase the size of this mini bag by increasing rounds to the base and following the basic stitches right up.
Bohemian Crochet Backpack
This is a Bohemian-style backpack pattern that is machine washable and dryable. This unique pattern calls for modified half double crochet stitches. There is even a video tutorial to go along with the written tutorial.
Florence Crochet Backpack
This Florence backpack is an elegant piece that is worked double-stranded to give it extra structure and durability. It is an intermediate-level pattern as it includes fair isle colorwork and modified single crochet stitches.
Crochet Bumble Bee Backpack
This is one of the backpacks that are secured by a drawstring underneath the flap. So your little bumblebee can fly away without fear of anything falling out.
Drawstring Backpack Crochet Pattern
This pattern can be worked up easily with basic stitches. It also closes with a drawstring and buttoned-down flap, so it's easier for the little ones.
Star Backpack Pattern
Scrap yarn is encouraged to be used in this pattern. A great way to use up all the leftover yarn you have from previous projects. This fun backpack is also fairly simple, using only basic stitches.
Animal's World Crochet Backpack
The three animal choices really give your child a choice on which color scheme they prefer. This pattern is unique as it uses velvet yarn that really makes the colors pop. This is an intermediate-level project, and bear in mind other miscellaneous supplies have to be prepared to make this.