Herringbone Crochet Backpack Pattern

Simplicity itself, this textured herringbone crochet backpack pattern is modern, easy and stylish. Made from just two matching rectangles, the real magic happens when you attach the straps and clasp to transform it into a stunning and useful accessory!

If you thought crochet backpack patterns were tough, I’m here to tell you they aren’t as scary as you might think. If you can crochet a flat rectangle you can make this bag with me!

This bag is chic, it’s classy, and it has that effortless sack look to it so you can stuff anything you want in it. Whether that’s snacks for the road, books for a quiet day at the park, or a change of clothes before you hit the pool — hey, it’s your backpack (or crochet rucksack!).

We’ll be using the herringbone stitch to add subtle texture and you can decide whether you want to sew on leather straps or hand-make them with your own design.

Once you get the hang of the pattern, you can even do some fancy colorblock or stripes! But I just loved making it in one solid color because that really added definition to the stitch.

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Scroll down and sign in to find the Herringbone Crochet Backpack Pattern, or purchase an ad-free, printable PDF version here:

More about this textured herringbone crochet backpack pattern

I love a good complex crochet project, with all sorts of beautiful stitches and techniques, but sometimes, it’s great to find a simple pattern that you can kick back and relax to crochet.

Sure, this pattern requires a little getting-the-hang-of, but it’s largely a two-row repeat and requires some seaming at the end and you’re done.

Another reason why this crochet backpack pattern is currently on my favorites list is because I can add whatever I want to it! I’m talking about cute little appliqués, some enamel pins, maybe some macramé straps instead of leather ones — that’s what’s so great about crafting. You can add your bits of personality and character to whatever you’re making.

And if you decide to accessorise and customise this backpack, I’d love to see it! You won’t have to worry about how to style this one! Just throw it on with any outfit and it will work.

How do you crochet a textured backpack like this?

Two identical front and back panels, a little bit of yarn to seam it all together, and a strap and clasp to add the finishing touches — that’s all this simple crochet backpack is made of! All you really need to know, aside from the basics, is the herringbone half double crochet.

There’s a quick two-row repeat and the only tricky part is seaming the panels to get that nice backpack shape we want. But with the clear detailed instructions given below, you won’t get lost for a moment!

Once you’ve made the panels, you’ll add a few rows for the sides and bottom to give it volume (we want a backpack with good carrying capacity) and then you can stitch it together with a nice flat slip stitch seam (or use the whip stitch).

Yarn

To crochet this backpack, you can use any #4/ Aran or Worsted weight yarn.

I would recommend a cotton or sturdy acrylic so that it will wear well and can hold a good few items without stretching or losing its shape.

For my backpack, I used Paintbox Simply Cotton Aran in the color Soft Fudge (610).

You will need approximately 8 balls/400g for the backpack.

The amounts given here are for Paintbox Simply Cotton Aran (85m, 92yds per 50g skein; Weight: #4/Aran; 100% Cotton).

Alternatively, here are some fabulous yarns that would also work really well for this design:

• Dishie by WeCrochet: 100% Cotton, 173m, 190yds per 100g skein.
• Dishie Twist by WeCrochet: 100% Cotton, 173m, 190yds per 100g skein.

Tension and Sizing

This backpack is made in one universal size and the dimensions are given below:

• Width: 13.5″ / 34cm
• Length: 13″ / 33cm
• Depth: 3″ / 7cm

The gauge for this pattern is 15sts x 19 rows = 4″ x 4″ / 10 cm x 10 cm measured over main set pattern (Hhdc working into 2 rows below).

Materials

Along with your yarn, you will need the following:

• 4.5mm (G+) crochet hook (or hook required to meet gauge)
• Yarn needle
• Scissors
• 3 x D rings
• 1 x metal clip clasp
• 1 x bag strap of your choice, approx 120cm/ 47” long with metal clasp at each end

Pattern Options

Get this crochet pattern free in this blog post in US terms – just scroll down to find it in the exclusive members area! You can also purchase an ad-free, printable PDF in US terms with added extras in my pattern stores: 

Don’t forget to join HanJan Crochet to receive regular discount codes (and more free patterns!) and Pin this free crochet textured backpack pattern to your crochet Pinterest board!

Glossary and Abbreviations

ch(s) – chain(s)

sp – space

ss – slip stitch

st – stitch

RS – right side

WS – wrong side

sk – skip

rep – repeat

yo – yarn over

Crochet Stitches

The stitches used are as follows:

sc – single crochet (UK dc – double crochet)

hdc – half double crochet (UK htr – half treble crochet)

Special Stitches

If you know the half double crochet stitch, it’ll be very easy for you to learn the herringbone half double crochet which is a slight variation of this basic stitch.

If you want to make more crochet projects in this gorgeous stitch with its subtle texture and easy disposition, here are some suggestions:

• Summer Stripes Beach Bag (a different type of bag made from the same stitch!)
• The Happy Herringbone Blanket (there’s some colorwork in this one)
• Herringbone Headband (quick, easy, and a great gift item)

The special stitch used in this backpack is as follows:

Herringbone Half Double Crochet

Yarn over, insert hook into next stitch and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook). Pull first loop straight through the second loop (similar to a slip stitch). Yarn over, pull through two remaining loops on hook.

This stitch is used in the herringbone half double crochet moss stitch which gives amazing texture!

I love it so much that I’ve used it in lots of other designs like my herringbone moss stitch mittens and my cosy winter hat pattern too. It really is a brilliantly adaptable stitch that works for so many fabrics.

Pattern Notes

Please read through the entire pattern before beginning.

Ch 1 at the start of a row does not count as a st.

Turn the work at the end of every row.

Construction:

• The backpack is made from just 2 panels of crochet that are seamed together to form the shape of the bag.
• The clasps and strap are then added to complete.

Herringbone Crochet Backpack Pattern

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