Cool stripes and contrasting bobbles make this crochet drawstring bag a gem for both adults and kiddos alike. How about working it in monochrome for a more chic look, or mix up rainbow tones for a super-colourful crochet backpack!
This free crochet backpack pattern is hook up in super chunky yarn, which not only means that it's quick to make, but also creates a thick and squishy crochet fabric for your crochet drawstring bag.
You will need
Twilley’s Freedom Wool (100% wool, 50g/50m)
- 3 balls of Yarn A Misty Morning (1120) - light blue
Alternative - Drops Snow (100% wool, 50g/50m)
Erika Knight Fat Maxi Wool (100% wool, 100g/80m),
- 2 skeins of Yarn B Pretty (212) - light pink
- 1 skein of Yarn C Artisan (206) - mustard yellow
Alternative - Rowan Big Wool (100% wool, 100g/80m)
Cord, 3.5m long for draw string
Please note: We have listed the original Twilleys and Erika Knight yarns that this crochet backpack pattern was designed in, but as some colours are no longer available or have been discontinued, we have also included a suitable alternatives for each yarn. Tension is not hugely important for this pattern, so you can substitute with any different super-chunky yarn - but we would recommend comparing the yarns weight/length/gauge to the original yarns to try and ensure your crochet backpack is approximately the same size.
Measurements
38 x 40cm (15 x 15¾in)
Abbreviations
Bobble (Yrh, insert hook in st indicated, yrh, pull up loop) 3 times, yrh and draw through all loops on hook, ch1 to close.
All bobbles will need to be pushed through to the RS.
You can find a full list of all abbreviations we use in our abbreviations and conversions guide. This free crochet drawstring bag pattern is written in UK terminology but you can easily convert it to US terms using the guide.
Notes
Crochet backpack pattern is worked up from a semi-circular base. The bottom half of the bag is decorated with spots.
A drawstring is added to close the top and provide shoulder straps. The top edge of the bag is folded down to make a run for the cord – 2 gaps are left for the cords to enter and exit.
Change colour in last yrh of prev st. Colour changes for the bobbles are not included in the pattern. The bobbles on front of bag are worked in a repeated pattern: Yarn B, Yarn A, Yarn C, Yarn B, Yarn A, Yarn C, etc. Colours are shifted once to the left at each subsequent bobble row so that the same colour bobble appears diagonally down the bag. You will need approx 50cm of contrast colour yarn for each bobble. No change is required for bobbles the same colour as the background.
If you're looking for a few alternative bag patterns to make, you could always try our free granny square crochet market bag pattern or our free crochet clutch bag pattern. Or you could try your hand at sewing and learn how to make a drawstring bag or make our free tote bag pattern.
Free crochet backpack pattern
Base
With Yarn B, ch2.
Row 1 (RS) Ch4 (counts as ch1 and tr), 5tr in fourth ch from hook, turn. [6 tr]
Row 2 Ch3 (counts as first tr throughout), tr in st at base of ch-3, 2tr in each tr to end, turn. [12 tr]
Row 3 Change to Yarn A, ch3, tr in st at base of ch-3, tr in next tr, (2tr in next tr, tr in next tr) to end, turn. [18 tr]
Row 4 Change to Yarn C, ch3, tr in st at base of ch-3, tr in next 2 tr, (2tr in next tr, tr in next 2 tr) to end, turn. [24 tr]
Row 5 Change to Yarn B, ch3, tr in st at base of ch-3, tr in next 3 tr, (2tr in next tr, tr in next 3 tr) to end, turn. [30 tr]
Row 6 Change to Yarn A, ch3, tr in st at base of ch-3, tr in next 4 tr, (2tr in next tr, tr in next 4 tr) to end, turn. [36 tr]
Row 7 Change to Yarn C, ch3, tr in st at base of ch-3, tr in next 5 tr, (2tr in next tr, tr in next 5 tr) to end, turn. [42 tr]
Change to Yarn B, rotate piece to work 24dc evenly along straight edge into row ends. Do not fasten off.
Bag
Round 1 (RS) Ch1 (does not count as st throughout), working in back loop only: dc in each tr of Row 7 and each Yarn B dc just worked, skipping first and last dc sts, ss to first dc. [64 dc]
Round 2 Ch1, dc in each dc around, ss to first dc.
Round 3 Ch1, dc in next 4 dc, (bobble in next dc, dc in next 5 dc) 7 times, dc in each rem dc around, ss to first dc.
Rounds 4-5 Ch1, dc in each dc around, ss to first dc.
Round 6 Ch1, dc in next dc, (bobble in next dc, dc in next 5 dc) 7 times, dc in each rem dc around, ss to first dc.
Round 7 Ch1, dc in each dc around, ss to first dc.
Change to Yarn A.
Rounds 8-13 Repeat Rounds 2-7.
Change to Yarn C.
Rounds 14-19 Repeat Rounds 2-7.
Rounds 20-33 Starting with Yarn B, work in rounds of dc, changing colour every 2 rounds and ending with Yarn B.
Round 34 Change to Yarn A, ch1, 11dc, ch2, skip 2 dc, 29dc, ch2, skip 2 dc, dc in each st to end, ss to first dc, turn.
Round 35 (WS) Ch1, dc in each st and ch around, ss to first dc.
Change to Yarn B.
Rounds 36-37 (WS) Ch1, dc in each dc around, ss to first dc.
Fasten off and weave in ends.
To Finish
Fold last 2 rounds over to outside of bag and using Yarn B, sew in place.
Cut cord in half, taping the ends so they don’t fray. Thread one half into, around and out through one side space. Repeat for the other half through the opposite space.
Attach first pair of cords to one of the bottom corners of the bag. Repeat for the second pair on the other corner.
Now that you've finished this free crochet backpack pattern, why not hook up some more fab crochet accesspories to complete your outfit. You could try our free crochet beanie pattern or our free infinity scarf crochet pattern, or hook yourself a real treat with our free granny square jewellery patterns!
We hope you’ve enjoyed this free crochet backpack pattern. Don’t forget, if you need any help with your crochet stitches you can always check out our crochet for beginners guide. And if you’re looking to treat yourself, check out our list of the best crochet hooks and the best crochet kits for beginners.
