Looking for a crochet backpack pattern that’s both stylish and practical? This free crochet backpack pattern is designed to create a sturdy everyday bag with a clean, modern look. Made with durable macrame cotton cord and finished with a leather backpack kit, it’s the perfect combination of handmade charm and professional style.
One of my favorite things about this crochet backpack is how beginner friendly it is. While I’ve designed several more detailed backpack patterns in the past, I wanted this version to be simpler without sacrificing quality or appearance. The construction is straightforward, making it a fun project for adventurous beginners and experienced crocheters alike.
This pattern uses a leather backpack kit from my friend Leon at Perfect Yarns. The hardware kit and yarn are sold separately, but I highly recommend them if you’d like the same polished finish shown in the photos. I’ve used Perfect Yarns products for years and have always been impressed with their quality. They kindly provided the samples used for this project, but all opinions are completely my own.
Of course, if you’d rather make every part yourself, you absolutely can! Feel free to create your own straps, closures, and hardware or customize the backpack however you’d like. That’s one of the best things about handmade projects—there’s always room to make them uniquely yours.
The free crochet backpack pattern includes detailed written instructions, step-by-step photos, and a full video tutorial to guide you through the entire project. Whether you’re making it for everyday use, travel, school, or as a thoughtful handmade gift, I hope you enjoy creating it as much as I enjoyed designing it.
If you’re looking for more free crochet bag patterns, be sure to check out my crochet pouch, shoulder bag, and sling bag patterns linked below. There are plenty of stylish accessories waiting for your hook!
Why You’ll Love This Crochet Backpack Pattern
- Beginner-friendly construction
- Durable macrame cotton cord
- Modern leather hardware finish
- Easy to customize with your own straps and accessories
- Full written pattern with step-by-step photos
- Complete video tutorial included
- Perfect for everyday use, travel, or gifting
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this crochet backpack pattern beginner friendly?
Yes! This crochet backpack pattern uses simple stitches and easy construction, making it a great project for adventurous beginners. The written instructions, photos, and video tutorial will guide you every step of the way.
What yarn should I use for this crochet backpack?
This pattern was designed using 2 mm macrame cotton cord, which creates a sturdy fabric that holds its shape well. If you substitute another yarn, be sure to check your gauge and keep in mind that softer yarns may produce a less structured backpack.
Do I have to use the leather backpack kit?
Not at all! The leather hardware gives the backpack a polished, professional look, but you’re welcome to make your own straps and closures or use alternative hardware to suit your style.
Can I line my crochet backpack?
Absolutely. Adding a fabric lining is a great way to increase durability, help the bag hold its shape, and keep smaller items from slipping through the stitches.
Is there a printable PDF available?
Yes! An ad-free printable PDF version of this crochet backpack pattern is available in my Etsy and Ravelry shops if you’d like an easy-to-print copy.
Is this backpack suitable for everyday use?
Yes. The sturdy macrame cord and structured design make this crochet backpack perfect for everyday errands, travel, markets, festivals, and carrying your daily essentials.
It’s very easy to make with this leather backpack kit from my friend Leon from @Perfect_yarns. The yarn is sold separately from the kit, but I highly recommend using the same yarn and kit. I’ve ordered a lot of yarn and accessories from Perfect yarns for years, and mentioned them in my posts and videos. They have sent me several samples for these kits before, including the yarn. I’ve got nothing but great things to say about them and their products, including this backpack kit.
When I used to make bags and crochet backpacks, I had to make most of the accessories and straps by hand as there weren’t any kits like these available. Fortunately crochet bags and backpacks have become more popular and now they’re easily accessible to almost anyone.
You can certainly make your own pieces and straps if you want as well, it’s completely open for you to choose how involved you want the process to be.
If you’d like a video tutorial to follow along, be sure to scroll down to the bottom.
Anyways, onto the good stuff. Hope you enjoy!
If you liked this backpack pattern, you might also like some of these other bags patterns below.
1 Crochet Pouch / Crochet KCA Shoulder Bag / 3 Crochet Sling Bag
Materials
- 2 balls of 2mm macrame cotton cord in color cream (153 meter / 147 yards per ball) from Perfect yarn shop
- Backpack materials kit
- Crochet hook size 5mm
- Scissors
- Yarn needle
- Stitch markers
*These materials contain affiliate links, for which I make a small commission. It’s no extra cost to you, makes shopping easier and helps to keep the lights on.
Stitches Used & Code (US Term)
- ch = chain
- st =stitch(es)
- sc = single crochet
- dc = double crochet
- sk = skip
- sp = space
- sl st = slip stitch
- REP = repeat
- ” = inches
Skill: Easy
Measurements: 25″ Circumference X 14″ Tall
Crochet Backpack Pattern
Notes:
- Place the bag bottom right side facing up, we’ll crochet on the right side
- We’ll crochet the bag in spiral, so make sure to place the stitch marker into the first stitch in every round.
Round 1: Make slip knot and insert hook into the slip knot, then insert hook into bag bottom at the corner and make 2 sc into that corner hole, *1 sc into each hole until you reach the corner, 2 sc into the corner hole* REP form *TO* around. Total of 66 sc (Check picture below)
Round 2: 1 sc into each st around. Total of 66 sc
Round 3: For this round we’re going to attach the strap loops into the bag and to do that, place straps wrong side facing up and place each loop of the strap at the top left and right corners like the picture shown below. Make 1 sc into first st, *then insert the hook into the strap loop and insert into next st on the bag and make a sc*, REP from *TO* into to each of next 3 st, 1 sc into each st until you reach the other strap loop, *then insert the hook into the strap loop and insert into next st on the bag and make a sc* REP from *TO* into to each of next 3 st, 1 sc into each st around. Total of 66 sc (Check picture below)
Round 4: *1 sc into each of next 5 st, 2 sc into next st* REP from *TO* around. Total of 77 sc
Round 5 – Round 38: 1 sc into each st around. Total of 77 sc
Round 39: For this round we’re going to attach the upper strap loop into the bag and to do that, laying the bag flat and bring the strap loop and place it into 4 st of the bag at the middle on the back side like the picture showed below. Make 1 sc into each st until you reach the strap loop that we marked earlier, *then insert the hook into the strap loop and insert into next st on the bag and make a sc* REP from *TO* into to each of next 3 st, 1 sc into each st around. Total of 77 sc (Check picture below)
Round 40 – Round 42: 1 sc into each st around. Total of 77 sc
Round 43: sl st into first st, ch 4 (count as 1 dc and ch 1 sp), *sk next st, 1 dc into next st, ch 1* REP from *TO* around, end with sl st into the third ch that we did at the beginning of the round. Total of 78 st including the ch sp (Check picture below)
Round 44: ch 1 (do not count as a st), 1 sc into the same st, 1 sc into the ch 1 sp, *1 sc into the dc st, 1 sc into ch 1 sp* REP from *TO* around. Total of 78 sc
Round 45 – Round 48: 1 sc into each st around. Total of 78 sc
The end of round 48 cut the yarn and weave all the ends
Adding The Drawstring
Thread the drawstring into the bag at the front of round 43 and *sk 2 sp, then pull the drawstring out the front through the next sp, sk 2 sp, then insert the drawstring from the outside into the next sp* REP from *TO* around the bag. Check picture below
*Feel free to experiment with threading your drawstring different ways, this is just how I chose to do it.
WOO HOO! You got this far, so you’re either skimming, or you just completed a crochet backpack pattern that you should be very proud of.
I’m so excited to see what everyone comes up with. There’s so many ways you can customize these and make them your own, so I can’t wait to see yours. Be sure to @ me on social media to share your projects.
Till next time,
✌💖🧶 Wan
HERE’S THE VIDEO TUTORIAL FOR THIS BACKPACK