There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating a piece that feels both luxurious and practical, and this Crochet Chain Backpack fits that description perfectly! I adore how this pattern combines a structured silhouette with elegant details like a ruffled flap and gleaming gold chain straps. It’s truly an heirloom-quality bag that you’ll reach for again and again, whether you’re heading to the market or out for an evening.
The bobble texture on the exterior gives it a wonderful tactile richness, and the gold turn-lock clasp adds a touch of sophistication. While I love it in a deep olive green, imagine it in a rich cognac or a soft cream – truly versatile! This backpack moves effortlessly from casual jeans and sneakers to a more polished tailored coat. Plus, its compact size is surprisingly spacious, which is always a delightful bonus!
Crochet Chain Backpack Crochet Pattern
Materials
- Chunky t-shirt yarn (also called zpagetti or ribbon yarn), cotton-based
- 6mm or 7mm crochet hook
- Stitch marker
- Tapestry needle
- Coordinating thread (if using a faux leather base panel)
- Pre-made faux leather base panel (optional, for added structure)
- Gold chain straps
- Gold turn-lock clasp
Finished Size
The source material does not provide specific dimensions for the finished backpack. The size can be customized by adjusting the number of rounds in the body.
Yarn Information
This pattern uses chunky t-shirt yarn (sometimes called zpagetti or ribbon yarn). Cotton-based t-shirt yarn is recommended for its ability to hold shape, resist stretching, and wash well. The source material does not specify a brand, color, or quantity of yarn.
Hook and Tools
- 6mm or 7mm crochet hook
- Stitch marker
- Tapestry needle
- Coordinating thread
Abbreviations
- SC — Single Crochet
- DC — Double Crochet
- YO — Yarn Over
- Sl St — Slip Stitch
Pattern Notes
- This backpack is constructed from the base up, worked in continuous rounds for the body.
- The flap is worked flat and attached separately.
- A pre-made faux leather base panel can be added for extra structure.
- To customize the size, add or subtract rounds to the body.
- The pattern uses standard US crochet terminology.
Special Stitches
- The source material mentions “DC clusters” for the flap but does not provide a specific definition for them. Follow standard DC cluster instructions if using this technique, or adapt with regular DC stitches for a simpler flap.
Instructions
Body of the Bag
The body is crocheted in continuous rounds, starting from the base.
To Begin: Start with a magic ring or chain 2 and work into the second chain from the hook, establishing the base for working in the round.
Continue working in single crochet (SC) in continuous rounds, using a stitch marker to keep track of the beginning of each round. The source material does not provide specific stitch counts or row numbers for the base or body of the bag. Continue working SC rounds until the desired height for the bag body is reached.
Flap
The flap is worked flat.
The source material describes the flap as being shaped into a “gathered ruffle using DC clusters that fan out naturally at the fold.” Specific instructions for the flap, including starting chain, row counts, and stitch sequences for the DC clusters, are not provided in the source material. Crocheters will need to design their own flap based on their preferred ruffled effect and the overall size of their bag.
Finishing
- Fasten off the yarn and weave in all ends securely using a tapestry needle.
- Attach the crocheted flap to the top back of the bag body.
- If using, secure the pre-made faux leather base panel to the bottom of the bag using a tapestry needle and coordinating thread.
- Attach the gold chain straps to the sides of the bag.
- Attach the gold turn-lock clasp to the front of the bag and the flap.
Olivia’s Tips
Working with chunky t-shirt yarn creates a wonderfully sturdy fabric, perfect for a bag that needs to hold its shape. I find that maintaining consistent tension is key to getting that beautiful, even texture. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your hook size – sometimes going up or down by half a millimeter can make a big difference in how your stitches look and feel with this type of yarn. If you’re new to working in continuous rounds, a stitch marker is truly your best friend; it saves so much frustration! For added durability and a professional finish, definitely consider adding a faux leather base panel. It makes a huge difference in how the bag sits and wears over time.