This crochet backpack is a structured mint bag with a coral-trimmed flap, drawstring closure, button detail, shoulder straps, and raised floral appliqués. The whole thing is worked mainly in single crochet for a firm, tidy fabric. If you can chain, single crochet, and double crochet, you can make this bag. It takes about 10 to 14 hours and suits confident beginners to intermediate crocheters.
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I absolutely love how this project comes together. The construction is straightforward: you make a firm rectangular base, work the body upward in joined rounds, add an eyelet round for the drawstring, then crochet the flap, straps, handle, and appliqué flowers separately. Sew everything on securely, finish with that pretty coral border, and you have got yourself a stunning handmade backpack.
Finished Measurements
Before you start, here is what you are working toward:
These dimensions give you a practical, everyday backpack that holds essentials without being bulky.
Materials You Will Need
Gather these supplies before you begin:
Yarn Suggestions
The right yarn makes all the difference for this project. You want something with good stitch definition that will hold the bag’s shape. Here are some options that work beautifully:
You can substitute with any firm cotton or cotton-acrylic yarn that matches gauge. Just keep in mind that softer yarns may need lining or a base insert to maintain structure.
Gauge
17 single crochet stitches x 20 rows/rounds = 4 inches / 10 cm in single crochet, blocked lightly.
Match both stitch and row gauge before starting. This backpack relies on firm tension for structure. If your gauge is off, your bag will be too floppy or too stiff, and the measurements will not match. Take a few minutes to make a gauge swatch. Your future self will thank you.
Abbreviations and Stitch Guide
Let me break down every abbreviation you will encounter:
Special Stitches
Magic ring (MR): Wrap yarn into a loop, insert hook into loop, pull up a loop, chain 1 to secure, then work the stated stitches into the ring. Pull the tail tight before joining. This gives you a closed center with no hole.
sc2tog: Insert hook in next stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop. Insert hook in next stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops. This is a decrease that joins two stitches into one.
Raised flower petal: In the indicated stitch, work (slip stitch, chain 2, 2 double crochet, chain 2, slip stitch). One petal made. These create the dimensional flowers that make this backpack so charming.
Pattern Notes
Before you dive in, here are some important details:
Base Rectangle
Grab your mint green yarn and let us start with the base.
Chain 42.
Row 1: Single crochet in 2nd chain from hook and each chain across. (41 sc)
Rows 2-28: Chain 1, turn, single crochet in each stitch across. (41 sc)
Setup round: Chain 1, do not turn. Work 41 single crochet across last row, 23 single crochet evenly down side edge, 41 single crochet across foundation edge, 23 single crochet evenly up remaining side edge; join. (128 sc)
Checkpoint: Your base should measure about 9.5 x 5.5 inches / 24 x 14 cm after light blocking. If yours is significantly different, check your gauge.
Body of the Backpack
Now you will work upward from the base in continuous joined rounds.
Round 1: Chain 1, single crochet in each stitch around; join. (128 sc)
Rounds 2-46: Repeat Round 1. (128 sc each round)
Round 47 (eyelets): Chain 1, single crochet in next 7 stitches, chain 1, skip 1; repeat from 16 times; join. (112 sc + 16 ch-1 spaces = 128 positions)
These eyelets create the holes for your drawstring. They are evenly spaced around the entire top.
Round 48: Chain 1, single crochet in each single crochet and chain-1 space around; join. (128 sc)
Rounds 49-52: Chain 1, single crochet in each stitch around; join. (128 sc each round)
Top finish: Slip stitch loosely around the top edge and fasten off. (128 sl sts)
Checkpoint: Your body should measure about 11 inches / 28 cm tall from base to top edge and about 30 inches / 76 cm around.
Back Flap
The flap is worked separately and then attached. It gets a pretty coral border at the end.
With right side facing, center 31 stitches along the back top edge. Join mint in the first marked stitch.
Row 1: Chain 1, single crochet in 31 marked stitches; turn. (31 sc)
Rows 2-18: Chain 1, turn, single crochet in each stitch across. (31 sc each row)
Edging Round 1: Work 1 single crochet in each stitch and row-end around the flap; join. (98 sc)
Edging Round 2: Single crochet around, working 3 single crochet in each of 4 corner stitches; join. (106 sc)
Coral border: Join coral and single crochet in each stitch around; join and fasten off. (106 sc)
Button loop: With coral, chain 12, slip stitch in back bump of each chain, fasten off. Sew to underside of flap at lower center.
Button and Drawstring Cords
Button: Sew the 18 mm mint button to the front center, about 1 inch / 2.5 cm below the top edge.
Drawstrings: Make two coral chains, each 38 inches / 96 cm long. Slip stitch back across each chain for strength. Thread both cords through the eyelet round in opposite directions, bringing all ends to the front. Knot and trim into tassels.
The slip stitch reinforcement keeps your drawstrings from stretching out over time. Trust me, it is worth the extra few minutes.
Shoulder Straps
Make 2 in mint.
Chain 6.
Row 1: Single crochet in 2nd chain from hook and each chain across; turn. (5 sc)
Rows 2-88: Chain 1, turn, single crochet in each stitch across. (5 sc each row)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Each strap measures about 17.5 inches / 44.5 cm before sewing.
Top Loop
This creates the handle at the top of your backpack.
Chain 6.
Row 1: Single crochet in 2nd chain from hook and each chain across; turn. (5 sc)
Rows 2-26: Chain 1, turn, single crochet in each stitch across. (5 sc each row)
Flower Appliqués
Make 11 flowers total.
Center round: With beige, magic ring, 8 single crochet in ring; join, fasten off. (8 sc)
Petal round: Join coral in any stitch. (Slip stitch, chain 2, 2 double crochet, chain 2, slip stitch) in next stitch; repeat from around. Join and fasten off. (8 petals)
Make 1 for the flap, 6 for the front body, and 2 for each side. Weave in ends before sewing.
These little flowers are my favorite part. They add so much personality to the finished piece.
Assembly and Placement
Now comes the fun part: putting it all together.
Flap: Sew top edge of flap to the back top edge over the centered 31-stitch section.
Top loop: Fold into an arch and sew both short ends to the back top edge, centered behind flap.
Straps: Sew top ends near the back top corners, about 1 inch / 2.5 cm in from each side. Sew lower ends to back lower corners with a boxed stitch.
Flowers: Place one on flap center, six across front body in a loose staggered grid, and two on each side. Keep flowers at least 0.75 inches / 2 cm from seams and lower edge.
Cords: Adjust so the front gathers softly without puckering. Tie knots below the button.
Finishing and Blocking
Steam lightly or wet-block gently over a towel, shaping the base corners and smoothing the flap. Do not over-stretch the body.
Add optional fiberfill, lining, or a thin base insert if you want a display-ready silhouette. A piece of plastic canvas cut to fit the base works wonderfully for structure.
Size Customization Tips
Want to adjust the size? Here is how:
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Base ruffling: You have too many picked-up side stitches. Use 23 per side for the stated size.
Body leaning: Place the join at a back corner and avoid tightening the slip stitch join.
Flap curling: Block gently and keep the coral border relaxed.
Flowers cupping: Loosen the petal round or use a hook 0.5 mm larger for appliqués.
Bag too soft: Use cotton, tighter gauge, or add a lining/base insert.
Care Instructions
Take good care of your handmade backpack:
You Did It!
Thank you so much for choosing this pattern for your next project. I hope you love making this mint green floral crochet backpack as much as I loved designing it. The combination of structured single crochet and those cheerful coral flowers creates something truly special.
If you found this crochet backpack pattern helpful, I would love it if you saved it to your Pinterest boards so you can find it again later. And please drop a comment below if you make one. I always love seeing your finished projects and hearing how the pattern worked up for you!
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