Crochet backpacks are an excellent choice for crocheters looking to expand their skill set with something useful and practical but also stylish.
Whether your ideal bag is classy and textured, delicate and lacy, vintage and bold, or durable and roomy, this list is packed with creative backpack ideas for beginners and intermediates. Suppose you haven’t experienced the convenience of carrying your belongings on your back. In that case, you may realize you can’t live without a simple crochet backpack (or two or three)!
Backpacks are one-size-fits-all, and they can be a quick project to make. (Many of these can be worked up in just a few hours or a weekend.) That means they also make convenient and thoughtful gifts!
24 Free Crochet Backpack Patterns
Take a look at these free pattern ideas for inspiration on your next project!
Crochet Daytripper Backpack
This backpack was originally designed for moms on the go, but it’s a handy option for anyone who wants a small, easy-to-tote-around bag to keep the essentials in! It’s perfect for stashing your wallet, keys, phone, chapstick, or a few diapers and wipes. It’s made with super bulky yarn, so it works up quickly!
Designer: Sewrilla
Yarn weight: Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Wool and the Gang Mixtape
The Betty Backpack Crochet Pattern
This backpack is worked flat in one piece by crocheting the main section and then folding it and joining on both sides. It uses basic stitches (single crochets, half double crochets, and treble crochets) to create a textured pattern that’s so fun and lively. Use cording yarn or cotton to create a sturdy bag that won’t stretch with use.
Designer: Evelyn & Peter
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand For the Home Cording Yarn
The Wildrose Backpack
Granny square meets boho with this sturdy, drawstring bag. It measures about 11” wide x 12.5” tall x 22” in circumference. This beautiful bag is best for intermediate crocheters.
Designer: All About Ami Crochet
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton
Red Heart Everywhere Backpack
This simple design is an excellent crochet backpack pattern for beginners. The straps lace through the top of the bag to hold the two sides together and keep your belongings inside. This bag is great for grabbing on the go to carry whatever you need for each outing!
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart With Love
Beach Bum Backpack
This bag is made using the crochet mosaic method and is just right for bright summer days! If you’ve never tried mosaic crochet before, this is an easy way to get comfortable with it. It also includes a mosaic stitch tutorial.
Designer: Firefly Fiber Arts
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Echoview Lanyard Lite
Wanderlust Chevron Backpack
This adventurous bag will have you feeling ready for your next trip - whether it's a drive across the country or a walk through your favorite park. It’s perfect for holding essentials like your glasses, keys, chapstick, a book, or a snack. Special stitches for this bag include the back post single crochet and the single crochet spike stitch.
Designer: A Crocheted Simplicity
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton
Hampton Soft Chunky Backpack
This backpack is made with tapestry crochet to create the colorful diamond pattern. The main portion is worked in rounds and in one piece. When you’re finished, you’ll add the straps, drawstring, and buttons.
Designer: Spotlight Stores
Yarn weight: Bulky
Suggested yarn: ‘Moda Vera' Hampton Soft Chunky Cotton Blend
Happy Rucksack
This drawstring bag is light, flexible, easy to store when not in use, and easy to carry! It’s crocheted in the round using different stitches and colors to create a simple yet interesting bag that’s full of personality. This one would be excellent for stash-busting!
Designer: MiCroknit Creations
Yarn weight: Crochet thread
Suggested yarn: Petra Crochet Cotton by DMC
Red Heart Fiore Rucksack
This bag is made in five pieces and is large enough to carry your books, clothes, or lunch. It measures approximately 20” by 40” around the base. This easy pattern features a drawstring top and is one of those essential bags that you’ll use again and again!
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Premier Yarns Momenti
Red Heart Summertime Tote
This adorable summer tote is made with granny-style hexagons and leaves plenty of room for creativity! This pattern is designed for kids, but honestly, it would be cute for anyone. It’s best for intermediate crocheters.
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver
Bernat Diamond Days Bag
This intermediate-level, bucket-style bag features a drawstring top and thick straps for comfortable wearing. It’s worked in the round using mosaic crochet. This compact tote would make a great gift!
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Bernat Softee Cotton
Herringbone Crochet Backpack Pattern
If you can make a flat rectangle, you can make this bag! It’s made by creating the two matching rectangles for the front and back and then adding the straps and clasp. The herringbone stitch creates beautiful texture and a modern look for this classy bag.
Designer: HanJan Crochet
Yarn weight: Aran
Suggested yarn: Paintbox Simply Cotton Aran
Lily-Roo Crochet Backpack
This practical bag features a drawstring, comfortable straps, and even an inside pocket to safely store your belongings. This original backpack was made with two strands of sport-weight yarn held together, but you can also substitute with one strand of DK. The pattern is best for intermediate crocheters.
Designer: Fosbas Designs
Yarn weight: Sport (2 strands) or DK (1 strand)
Suggested yarn: Hobbii Twister Summer
Encantada Crochet Bag
This light and carefree shoulder bag is just what you need to tote around a swimsuit or your current book. Made with cotton yarn, it’s durable and just right for summer days. This pattern is a good choice for adventurous beginners.
Designer: Lion Brand Yarn
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton
Red Heart Crochet Pack A Bunch Backpack
Did you know that you can make multi-colored granny squares all from the same skein of yarn? This ingenious design allows you to create a fun granny square bag with 14 squares (using Red Heart All in One Granny Square) and a solid base color. This vintage-style bag has a drawstring closure and a hanging loop up top.
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart All in One Granny Square
Honeycomb Backpack
This bag uses a stitch that creates a textured, honeycomb look. This fun and lighthearted design features pompoms and leather handles and is best for intermediate crocheters. It measures approximately 11” in diameter by 13” high.
Designer: Isa Catepillan
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Dishie
Color Block Backpack
This pattern uses the moss stitch and color blocking to create a neat, modern look for a backpack that you can take anywhere. It features an i-cord drawstring, thick straps, and a hanging loop. This crochet backpack is best for intermediates.
Designer: Dabbles & Babbles Crochet & Knit
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Cascade Ultra Pima
Star Backpack
Show off your free spirit with this super colorful and unique bag! This pattern would be perfect for stash busting. It also includes instructions for the stars that you can make to attach to your bag.
Designer: Annemarie Benthem
Yarn weight: Sport
Suggested yarn: Schachenmayr Catania Solids
Sac de Voyage
This super light bag is beautiful, delicate, and dainty - just the perfect size to carry around a few essentials on your back. Lying flat, it measures about 7” wide by 10.25” high. You’ll need some solid fabric for the lining and some rope or cord to finish this intermediate-level bag.
Designer: Olga Radchuk
Yarn weight: Sport
Suggested yarn: Kirov Yarn Mills Camellia
Crochet Crossbody Backpack with Drawstring
If you prefer to wear your bags crosswise over your shoulder, this comfortable and roomy bag is a must! And the best part about making your own crossbody bag is that you can make the strap just the right length to fit you perfectly. This durable bag is ideal for carrying around on your summer adventures.
Designer: Life + Yarn
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton
Tidal Mini Backpack
This mini backpack crochet pattern measures 9” x 3.5” x 13” and is worked in rounds to create a beautiful and classy texture. Bring it along to carry your wallet as you run errands, or use it to hold your sunglasses and sunscreen at the beach. Made with lace-weight yarn, it can take some patience and attention to detail to work this pattern - but the results are stunning!
Designer: Nicole Chase
Yarn weight: Lace
Suggested yarn: Curio #3
Fading Stripes Bag
These transitioning stripes create an eye-catching design that’s easy to make and great for beginners. It’s worked in rounds using simple single crochets. The pattern also includes plenty of helpful photos to walk you through the steps.
Designer: Yarn + Chai
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Cascade Yarns Sarasota
Florence Backpack
This classy design is crocheted using two strands of yarn held together to create an extra sturdy bag. It features a drawstring closure to keep your essentials safe. This bag is best for intermediate crocheters.
Designer: Hopeful Honey
Yarn weight: Bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Rewind
Boho Diamond Bag
This bag is worked using tapestry crochet to create a colorful diamond pattern that just feels like summer! It features a round design, a braided drawstring, and one long strap. The pattern includes written instructions, helpful photos, and a color graph.
Designer: Spotted Horse Design Co.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: WeCrochet Shine Worsted
Necessary Supplies
Read through your pattern to find out what supplies it suggests. Here are some items you’ll probably need to make your backpack pattern:
- Yarn. Backpacks tend to be well-loved and well-used, so a durable cotton or acrylic yarn is a good choice that will hold up well to wear and tear. Our favorites include Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, Dishie Cotton, Red Heart Super Saver, and Lily Sugar ‘n Cream. But we’ve also included specific suggestions for each pattern within the list above.
- Crochet hook(s). The correct hook size for your yarn will help you achieve the best stitch size and save you from frustration. Check your yarn label to see what size hook it suggests. Then, make sure to create a gauge swatch first if the size of your backpack is essential to you.
- Additional tools include scissors, stitch markers, a yarn needle (for weaving in ends and seaming), and any closures your pattern requires (such as zippers, buttons, or a drawstring cord).
- Other optional accessories, such as tassels, pom poms, or leather.
- Reinforcement materials (optional), like a fabric lining.
Techniques to Know
These backpack patterns range from beginner level to intermediate level. You’ll need to be comfortable with basic crochet stitches for easy crochet backpack patterns. Other intermediate-level patterns may require additional skills such as shaping, piecing, colorwork, and reading a crochet chart.
Popular backpack stitches and techniques include:
- Reading a crochet pattern
- Basic stitches: chain (ch), slip stitch (sl st), single crochet (sc), half double crochet (hdc), double crochet (dc), treble crochet (tr)
- Other stitches: Front and back post stitches, spike stitch, herringbone stitch
- Working in rows and rounds
- Shaping: Basic increases and decreases
- Seaming pieces together
- Crochet colorwork
- Working with two strands held together
- Crocheting an i-cord
- Sewing in a lining
Tips and Tricks
Choose the correct pattern
There are so many adorable backpack patterns; how do you choose?
First, choosing a pattern that matches your skill level is essential. This will go a long way in helping to avoid frustration! Most patterns give a suggested skill level, but you should always read the instructions to ensure you understand how to perform each stitch and technique.
Then, consider how you want to use your backpack. Will it be a lightweight purse to carry your most important essentials? Or a large and durable beach bag?
Our suggestion: start with your favorite look, then don’t be afraid to make another!
Make it your own
The beauty of crocheting is that you can make your backpack your own. Customize the color, adjust the size, make the straps thicker, or add a lining. Or, follow the pattern precisely if you already love it! You’re the creator – you do you!
Ensure durability
It is disappointing to put hours into crocheting just to have your bag fall apart. To avoid this, choose durable yarn and the right size hook. Then, make sure to reinforce all of the straps and seams tightly. It will be worth it to have a bag that lasts!
Consider care and maintenance
Most of the yarns suggested in this list are machine washable and dryable. However, reading your yarn label is always a good idea to ensure you’re prepared to care for your project correctly. If you’re stash-busting and combining multiple yarns, ensure the care instructions are the same (or stick with hand washing and air drying if unsure).
If you’re giving your backpack as a gift, don’t forget to include any essential care instructions!
More Free Crochet Patterns
If you love to crochet as much as I do, check out the following pattern collections.
- 25 Free and Easy Crochet Patterns for Beginners
- 25 Free Modern Crochet Bag Patterns
- 25+ Free Granny Square Bags Patterns
- 25 Free Crochet Basket Patterns
What’s Next?
Pin this post: Save this tutorial to your Pinterest boards so that you can come back to it later.
Leave a comment: We love to hear your feedback. Tell me in the comments below!
Share on Instagram or Facebook: When you make this project, share it on social media and tag me @sarahmaker_. We love to see what you make!
Have questions? Join the Facebook Group!
We hope this article was useful for you! If you have any additional questions, feel free to join my Facebook Group. We created this group for you to share pictures, ask questions, and help each other out.
Similar Posts
30 Free Crochet Coaster Patterns
Free Granny Hexagon Cardigan Crochet Pattern
30 Tunisian Crochet Stitches and Tutorials
Classic Crochet Baby Booties with Folded Cuff – Free Pattern
17 Free Crochet Frog Patterns
31 Free & Easy Crochet Flower Patterns + Ideas to Use Them