Feb
The Time I Made That Navy Backpack While Binging Forensic Files
So I made this crochet backpack in summer 2023 when I was basically living on my couch and couldn’t deal with the idea of buying another mass-produced bag. Started with just wanting something to carry my laptop to the coffee shop but it turned into this whole thing where I was crocheting every night for like three weeks.
Here’s what you gotta know about making a crochet backpack – it’s not like making a scarf or whatever. The structure actually matters because you’re gonna put weight in it and if you mess up the base or use too loose of a stitch, everything’s gonna stretch out and look terrible after like two days.
Picking Your Yarn
I used Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton for mine because it was on sale at Michaels and also cotton doesn’t stretch as much as acrylic. You want something sturdy. I’ve seen people use Red Heart Super Saver and honestly it works fine but it’s gonna be heavier and kinda stiff. The cotton one I made actually softened up after a few weeks of use which was nice.
For a backpack you need like 800-1000 yards depending on how big you want it. I used probably 900 yards? Maybe more. I wasn’t really counting because I bought four skeins thinking that was enough and then had to go back for a fifth which was annoying because they’d rearranged the whole yarn section.
Some people swear by that Lily Sugar’n Cream but that’s more for like dishcloths and stuff, it’s too thin for a backpack unless you double strand it and who has time for that.
The Actual Construction Part
You’re basically making a rectangle or circle for the bottom, then working up the sides. I did a rectangle because circles always end up looking wonky when I make them – like one side puckers or whatever.
The Base
Chain like 30-40 stitches depending on how wide you want the bottom. I did 35. Then you’re gonna work single crochet back and forth until you have a rectangle that’s about the same length as it is wide. Mine ended up being roughly 10 inches by 10 inches but I wasn’t measuring precisely because I never do.
One thing that really annoyed me about this process was joining the sides to work in the round. Everyone’s like “oh just pick up stitches around the perimeter” but nobody tells you that the corners are gonna be weird and you have to kind of fudge it with extra stitches or it won’t lay flat.
Working Up The Sides
Once you’ve got your base, you work in continuous rounds going up. I used half double crochet because it’s faster than single crochet but tighter than double crochet. This is where you just keep going and going and my cat kept trying to sleep on the growing backpack which left fur everywhere but whatever.
For a decent sized backpack you want like 12-14 inches of height. I did 13 inches and it fits a laptop, water bottle, and all my random stuff. Could’ve gone taller but my arm was getting tired.
Make sure you’re working tight stitches. Like tighter than you think. The fabric needs to be dense or you’ll see gaps and also things will poke through or the bag will lose its shape.
The Straps Are The Worst Part
Okay so straps. This is where I almost gave up honestly. You need two straps and they need to be sturdy and the same length and attached securely.
I made mine by chaining about 200 stitches – test it over your shoulder first to see what length you need because everyone’s different. Then I worked 4 rows of single crochet to make them about 2 inches wide. That took forever. Each strap probably took me like two hours? I was watching Forensic Files and got through like four episodes per strap.
The alternative is making a long tube by working in the round but that uses more yarn and honestly I think flat straps are more comfortable anyway because they don’t dig into your shoulders as much.
Attaching The Straps
This is crucial – you can’t just sew them on with regular thread because it’ll rip out. I used the same yarn and basically sewed them on by weaving the yarn through the strap and through the backpack body like 20 times in each spot. Do this on the inside at the top corners and then at the bottom corners of the back side.
Test the placement before you commit. I attached mine, tried it on, realized one was higher than the other, had to rip it out and redo it. So annoying.
Closure Options
You need some way to close the top or your stuff’s gonna fall out. I did a simple flap that folds over. Just worked back and forth on one side of the opening for like 6 more inches, then added a button.
For the button I just sewed on a big wooden one from the craft store and made a chain loop on the opposite side that hooks over it. Works fine. You could do a zipper but sewing zippers into crochet is actually terrible and I don’t recommend it unless you’re like really patient or…
Other options are drawstring closures – you’d need to make holes by chaining in your last few rounds – or magnetic snaps which you can buy at fabric stores. The magnetic snaps are actually pretty easy to install you just need to make a reinforced spot with extra fabric or felt behind them so they don’t rip through.
Making It Actually Functional
Here’s what nobody tells you – a crochet backpack by itself is kind of floppy and shapeless. I added a fabric lining which sounds complicated but really you just measure the inside, cut fabric with seam allowance, sew it into a bag shape on your machine or by hand, and then hand stitch it into the crochet.
I used some heavy canvas I had lying around from another project. This makes SUCH a difference because it protects your stuff, stops things from poking through the stitches, and helps the bag keep its shape.
Also if you want pockets, add them to the lining. Way easier than trying to crochet pockets onto the outside.
The Bottom Support Thing
I cut a piece of cardboard to fit the bottom and covered it with duct tape so it wouldn’t get soggy if the bag got wet. Then I just stuck it between the crochet and the lining at the bottom. This keeps the base flat and sturdy. You could also use plastic canvas from the craft store which is probably better because it won’t eventually fall apart but cardboard was free and right there.
Adjustments I’d Make Next Time
The straps could be longer. I made mine kinda short because I was getting impatient and now it sits higher on my back than I’d like. Not uncomfortable but not ideal.
I’d also add a top handle for carrying it by hand. Just a short strap across the top. Would’ve been easy to add but I didn’t think of it until after.
Maybe use two colors? Mine is all navy which is fine but kinda boring. A contrasting color for the flap or straps would’ve looked better.
Yarn Amounts For Different Sizes
Small backpack (like for a kid or just essentials): 500-600 yards
Medium backpack (what I made, fits laptop): 800-1000 yards
Large backpack (overnight bag size): 1200-1500 yards probably? I haven’t made one this big but that’s my guess
Buy more than you think you need because running out halfway through is the worst and dye lots never match if you have to get more later.
The Stretching Problem
Even with tight stitches and sturdy yarn, crochet will stretch some with weight. That’s just how it is. The lining helps a lot with this. Also don’t overload it – this isn’t gonna hold like 30 pounds of textbooks. It’s more for everyday stuff.
After using mine for a few months it did stretch slightly at the straps where they attach, but not enough to be a real problem. Just something to expect.
Pattern vs No Pattern
I didn’t use a pattern for mine, just kind of figured it out as I went based on the general concept. But if you want actual numbers and specific instructions, there are tons of free patterns on Ravelry and YouTube. The channel “Bella Coco” has a backpack tutorial that people seem to like though I haven’t watched it myself.
If you’re following a pattern, actually read the whole thing first because sometimes they put important info at the end that would’ve been helpful to know at the beginning.
