It’s back to school time, and I don’t know about you, but I have been one busy bee! If your kiddo needs a new backpack for school, or if you need a cute backpack for when you’re out running errands, then you are going to love this amazing list of free crochet backpack patterns!
If you have never made one before, then you might be wondering how to crochet a backpack. It’s really not as hard as you might think! Some patterns feature more complicated stitchwork than others, but the majority of these backpacks can be made with basic crochet stitches and simple shapes. Yes, shapes! Many of these backpacks start off as squares, or rectangles, so it really is almost as easy as crocheting a dishcloth.
What comes to mind when you think of free crochet backpack patterns? I’ve got to say that the wide variety of bags I found for you today really surprised me. There are so many great patterns to choose from. We have backpack patterns for kids in bright colors and fun designs. We also have more sophisticated backpack patterns for teens and adults that feature trendy color palettes and modern designs.
Are you wondering what yarn to use for crochet bags? You will see that many of the free crochet backpack patterns we are featuring today call for bulky weight yarn, t-shirt yarn, or two strands of yarn held at once. This is because these yarns give your bag a sturdy structure that won’t stretch very much.
But don’t worry if all you have on hand is DK or Worsted weight yarn, because there’s another way to get a nice structure for your bag. Choosing a solid stitch pattern is a popular way of achieving a sturdy structure in crochet bag patterns. Many of these designs use only one stitch – the single crochet. This is great news for beginners and more experienced crocheters alike! Especially if you like to watch TV while you crochet, like me!
Ready to get started? Scroll down and prepare to be inspired by all these beautiful free crochet backpack patterns!
In this article...
Featured Video for Crochet Backpacks
How to Crochet: Fire Truck Backpack
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Ready? Grab your favorite crochet hook and yarn, because here come the patterns!
Over 25 Free Patterns for Crochet Backpacks
1. Back to School Backpack
Your little one is sure to be more excited for school when they get to carry this adorable crocheted backpack around! This cute design is surprisingly easy and only uses single and double crochet stitches. The pattern calls for a sturdy macrame yarn that won’t stretch out of shape like other yarns do sometimes.
Designer: Durable Yarn
Yarn: Durable Macramé (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free pattern!
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2. Lamb Cinched Backpack
This beautiful bag design is double crossed! Let me explain: crossed single crochet stitches are used to make the bag itself and then the sheep design is added on afterwards using the cross stitch embroidery technique. Of course, you could use this base design as a blank canvas for any cross stitch pattern you want!
Designer: Yarn + Chai
Yarn: Bernat Maker Home Dec (Bulky Weight #5)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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3. The Little Wanderer’s Knapsack
Just wow! This free crochet backpack pattern features a sophisticated color palette, the perfect amount of slouchiness, and a decorative flap. I’m getting boho vibes here, and I’m so into it! The pattern calls for a sturdy recycled cotton yarn. You’ll be working with two strands at once for extra structure.
Designer: Stitch and Hound
Yarn: Lion Brand Re-Up (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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4. Video Game Guy Backpack
Name that cartoon! The Video Game Guy Backpack from Morale Fiber is pure fun. Most of the pieces for this bag are worked flat. The larger panels use linked double crochet stitches for a nice solid finish. Bust out the scraps basket for all the different colors you will need for the video game button embellishments.
Designer: Morale Fiber
Yarn: Hobby Lobby I Love This Cotton! (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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5. Mini Koala Backpack
I feel like this cute koala backpack was probably designed with children in mind, but I would totally carry this myself! I love her heart shaped nose and her pom pom ears. The pattern calls for just single and half double crochet stitches. You can choose between backpack style straps and shoulder bag straps – so make it a backpack or a purse pattern.
Designer: Hi Sheep How Are You Doing
Yarn: (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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6. Mudcloth Bag
Do you know how to single crochet? Then you can make this fun mudcloth-inspired backpack! You’ll switch between two colors of yarn for the base of your bag. The real fun begins when you start to embroider the designs on top. This is actually a really good way to practice embroidering on crochet, don’t you think?
Designer: Yarn + Chai
Yarn: Cascade Yarns ® Sarasota (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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7. Honeycomb Backpack
I’m loving all the great variety I am finding for these free crochet backpack patterns. Some designs are pure fun, and some are pure fashion! This design is definitely the latter. It uses front and back post double crochet stitches to make a unique honeycomb design. The textured surface of this bag is so interesting and sophisticated!
Designer: Isa Catepillán for WeCrochet
Yarn: Knit Picks Dishie Solids (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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8. Cow Backpack
Everyone’s favorite barnyard animal makes an adorable appearance in our next free backpack pattern! This cow backpack is so funny and cute. I love the idea of making a backpack for a kiddo entering preschool or kindergarten. I’m sure it would make them feel more comfortable in their new environment!
Designer: Melody’s Makings
Yarn: (Super Bulky Weight #6)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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9. Pomlicious Backpack
The next one of our free crochet backpack patterns is a celebration of color. This would be a great project for using up scraps of yarn leftover from other projects. The pattern uses basic stitches worked in the round in a fun chevron design. My favorite part is the braided drawstrings with oversize pom poms!
Designer: Brenda Grobler for Nurturing Fibres
Yarn: Nurturing Fibres Eco-Cotton DK (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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10. Mermaid Tail Backpack
Do you know a little girl who is obsessed with mermaids? This adorable mermaid backpack is easy to make with basic crochet stitches – single crochet and half double crochet. Solid purple is a classic favorite, but I think that this bag would be extra fun in a multicolor yarn. Store bought straps help save time!
Designer: Osage County Crochet
Yarn: Red Heart Classic Solid (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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11.Striped Mini Backpack
You’ve probably heard of the single crochet stitch, but have you heard of the inverse single crochet stitch? This little backpack pattern calls for both – a clever trick that mimics the look of projects worked in the round (even though this written pattern is worked in rows). This gives your backpack cleaner lines and a more polished finish.
Designer: A Crocheted Simplicity
Yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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12. Color Block Backpack
This classic backpack is so nostalgic. The gray, white, and red colors here are giving me total sock monkey vibes. I especially like how the use of the moss stitch softens the transitions between colors. Actually, the moss stitch is one of my favorite stitch patterns of all time. It alternates single crochet and chain stitches for a solid surface with good drape.
Designer: Dabbles & Babbles
Yarn: Cascade Yarns ® Ultra Pima (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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13. Colorful Backpack
T-shirt yarn is a popular choice for crochet bags, because it works up fast and gives your bag a nice firm structure. There are plenty of DIY t-shirt yarn tutorials out there, or there are t-shirt yarns that you can buy, like the one used in this pattern. This free video tutorial calls for the waistcoat stitch and tapestry crochet colorwork.
Designer: Passionate Crafter
Yarn: KotToOn T-Shirt (Jumbo Weight #7)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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14. Adventurer Backpack
Maybe it’s the name “adventurer,” but this square backpack style reminds me of an Indiana Jones style satchel! If you think about it, the square shape does seem more practical for hauling books around. This pattern is made using single crochet stitches. You’ll be working the separate pieces in rows and then sewing them together.
Designer: The Philosopher’s Wife
Yarn: Main Street Yarns Shiny + Soft (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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15. Summer Drawstring Backpack
Of all the free crochet backpack patterns out there, many of them are for these cute and casual drawstring closure bags. There’s good reason for this – they’re quick, they’re easy, and they’re totally practical too! If you are looking for a good grab-and-go bag, then this one’s for you. This handmade backpack pattern uses the easy and soft textured suzette stitch made with simple stitches (alternating single and double crochet).
Designer: Colorful Christine
Yarn: Bernat Maker Home Dec (Bulky Weight #5)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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16. Daytripper Backpack
Save time with super bulky yarn and store bought straps. The super bulky yarn also gives this bag a nice firm structure that won’t stretch very much over time. Plus, I think that the store bought straps elevate the bag a bit and make it look more sophisticated. This original pattern is surprisingly easy and can be made using all single crochet stitches.
Designer: Sewrella
Yarn: Lion Brand Fast-Track® (Super Bulky Weight #6)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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17.Frog Backpack
What little boy wouldn’t love this funny frog backpack? (Heck, I know adults who would get a kick out of it!) This bag has a lot going for it – from the eye-catching color scheme, to the 3D frog eyes, to the zipper mouth. You can make it using just single and half double crochet stitches! What an easy and fun pattern!
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn: Lily Sugar’n Cream Solids & Denim (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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18. Wanderlust Chevron Backpack
The classic drawstring bag gets a trendy redesign with the fabulous Wanderlust Chevron Backpack from A Crocheted Simplicity. Bold colors and an eye-catching chevron design really take this design over the top. I know it looks fancy, but it’s actually pretty easy and can be made with just single crochet and spike stitches.
Designer: A Crocheted Simplicity
Yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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19.Backpack
Get a load of the stitch definition you can achieve with a bulky weight yarn! The metal accents on the drawstring and top flap really add that wow factor to this piece. The pattern calls for modified half double crochet stitches. You can learn how to make this cute backpack by following along with either the video or the written tutorial.
Designer: Handmade by Raine
Yarn: Bernat Maker Home Dec (Bulky Weight #5)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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20. Ladybug Backpack
As far as free crochet backpack patterns go, this one might just be the cutest! Your little one will love this bright red and black ladybug backpack. The small size is perfect for carrying around their trinkets and treasures. This free crochet pattern is worked flat in rows using just single crochet stitches.
Designer: Patsy Harbor for Yarnspirations
Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver Solids (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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21. Dino Backpack
Here’s another one of our free crochet backpack patterns that can be made with just one stitch – the single crochet. Bright colors and 3D spike accents turn a basic drawstring bag into the dinosaur bag of your child’s dreams! This design features a sturdy crochet icord strap. If you’ve never tried icord before, I highly recommend it!
Designer: A Crafty Concept
Yarn: Hobby Lobby I Love This Yarn! Solids (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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22. Florence Backpack
The fabulous Florence Backpack is worked double-stranded for extra structure and durability. It’s an intermediate level pattern with modified single crochet stitches and fair isle colorwork. I like the look and the size of this bag. It’s casual enough for a day spent exploring the city, and cute enough for a night out on the town!
Designer: Hopeful Honey
Yarn: Lion Brand Rewind (Bulky Weight #5)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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23. Fading Stripes Bag
This simple single crochet stitch design makes great use of color for an easy level pattern with a posh finish. Don’t you just love the way the colors transition and change? This bag is actually part of a series from Yarn + Chai. They’re all beginner level bags that are designed to help build confidence in your crochet skills!
Designer: Yarn + Chai
Yarn: Cascade Yarns ® Sarasota (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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24. Tidal Mini Blanket
The subtle texture from a simple combination of single and double crochet stitches mimics the comings and goings of the tide. I love the sophisticated color choice here and the unique silhouette of the backpack shape. One of the best aspects of this design is that there is only minimal sewing involved.
Designer: Nicole Chase for WeCrochet
Yarn: Knit Picks Curio #3 (Lace Weight #0)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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25. Wildrose Backpack
A gorgeous granny square forms the focal point of this beautiful boho backpack from All About Ami. There’s even an interior pocket for your cell phone! The pattern is split into 3 parts and goes into great detail on how to make the pieces and attach them. I would love to see this bag recreated with multiple colors.
Designer: All About Ami
Yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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26. Unicorn Backpack
Create a fun unicorn backpack with this super easy crochet pattern! Uses only single crochet and chain stitches for an easy, beginner-friendly backpack pattern.
Yarn: Red Heart Baby Hugs Medium (Worsted Weight Yarn #4)
Designer: Love.Life.Yarn
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Who’s ready to hop on the backpack bus with me? I would love to know which of these free crochet backpack patterns caught your eye! Tell me all about your new backpack crochet project in the comments.
I look forward to seeing you all again next week for another free crochet pattern round-up. I hope that you all have as much fun reading these posts as I do writing them! Do make sure and click follow so you can get notified when the next post is live.
Wait, one more thing! Don’t forget to save this page to your Pinterest board for crochet or add a bookmark in your browser. This is one free crochet pattern collection that you will definitely be using again and again.
Happy Crocheting!
Amanda
