About This Pattern
This backpack is a long-haul project, not a one-evening one. I think of it as a row-counting companion for a quiet week. The body alone is ninety rows of single crochet, so it likes a chair, good light, and no rush. It needs a dense cotton yarn to hold its shape under weight. By the end, you get a soft lavender bag sturdy enough for daily use.
In the basket
Abbreviations
- ch
- chain
- st
- stitch
- sts
- stitches
- sc
- single crochet
- sk
- skip
Soft lavender crochet backpack for everyday carry
Foundation
- Round 1Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (54 sts)through 30: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (8 sts each row) This creates a handle approximately 1.75 inches wide and 6 inches long. Fasten off with a long tail.
- Round 2Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (54 sts)Rows 3 through 90: Repeat Row 2. (54 sts each row) You should have a rectangle measuring approximately 12 inches wide by 18 inches tall. Fasten off and weave in ends.*Quick tip: Place a stitch marker at the beginning of every 10th row. This helps you keep count without constantly recounting from the beginning.*
Foundation
- Round 1Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (22 sts)
- Round 2Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (22 sts)Rows 3 through 50: Repeat Row 2. (22 sts each row) This creates a rectangle approximately 5 inches wide by 10 inches long. Fasten off.
Foundation
- Round 1Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (40 sts)
- Round 2Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (40 sts)Rows 3 through 30: Repeat Row 2. (40 sts each row) This piece measures approximately 9 inches wide by 6 inches tall. Fasten off.
Foundation
- Round 1Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (48 sts)
- Round 2through 20: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (48 sts) Now you will shape the curved bottom edge.
- Round 21Ch 1, turn. Sk first st, sc in next 46 sts, sk last st. (46 sts)
- Round 22Ch 1, turn. Sk first st, sc in next 44 sts, sk last st. (44 sts)
- Round 23Ch 1, turn. Sk first st, sc in next 42 sts, sk last st. (42 sts)
- Round 24Ch 1, turn. Sk first st, sc in next 40 sts, sk last st. (40 sts)
- Round 25Ch 1, turn. Sk first st, sc in next 38 sts, sk last st. (38 sts)
- Round 26Ch 1, turn. Sk first st, sc in next 36 sts, sk last st. (36 sts)
- Round 27Ch 1, turn. Sk first st, sc in next 34 sts, sk last st. (34 sts)
- Round 28Ch 1, turn. Sk first st, sc in next 32 sts, sk last st. (32 sts) Fasten off, leaving a long tail for seaming.
Foundation
- Round 1Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (8 sts)
- Round 2through 140: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (8 sts each row) This creates a strap approximately 1.75 inches wide and 28 inches long. Adjust length as desired for the wearer.Fasten off, leaving a very long tail for attaching to the bag.
Hook
4.5mm (US 7/G) crochet hook
Using a slightly smaller hook than typical for worsted weight creates the dense fabric needed for a bag
Notions
One twist lock purse closure (approximately 1.5 inches wide)
One 6-inch zipper in a matching color Tapestry needle for weaving ends and seaming Stitch markers Sewing needle and matching thread for zipper and hardware installation
Optional: fabric for lining the interior
Pocket Back Panel
Make a second piece identical to the front pocket piece. These two pieces will sandwich your zipper.
More pictures
Before the first stitch
- Check you have 600 to 700 yards of worsted weight yarn before starting.
- Work a small swatch first to confirm your gauge holds at 4.5mm.
- Set a stitch marker at the start of every tenth row on the body.
Minutes per piece
- Main body panel about 2 to 3 hours, because it runs ninety rows of plain single crochet
- Smaller pieces (pocket, straps, panels) about 1 to 2 hours, because each is short but still needs careful counting
Other yarns that work
- cotton-acrylic blend, worsted weight keeps the density but softens the hand, with drape close to the original
- 100 percent acrylic, worsted weight lighter and less structured, so check gauge again and consider sizing down the hook further
Where it ends up
- A daily bag for notebooks and a water bottle, paired with simple outfits.
- A market bag for light grocery runs, paired with a canvas liner.
- A school or studio bag for books and small tools, paired with a zip pouch inside.
Small notes
- I size down to a 4.5mm hook on purpose. A smaller hook than usual keeps this fabric dense enough to carry weight.
- Gauge matters more here than in most projects. A loose bag will sag once you load it.
- Mark every tenth row on the long body piece. Ninety rows is easy to lose count in without a marker.
Little questions
How much yarn do I actually need?
Plan on 600 to 700 yards of worsted weight yarn. Cotton or a cotton blend gives the best structure. Buy a little extra if your tension runs loose.
Why use a smaller hook than usual?
A 4.5mm hook creates a tighter, denser fabric than typical for worsted weight. That density is what lets the bag hold its shape under weight. Sizing up would leave it floppy.
How do I keep track of ninety rows?
Place a stitch marker at the start of every tenth row. Check it against your row count as you go. This saves you from recounting the whole piece.
What do I need for the zipper and hardware?
Have a sewing needle and matching thread ready for installation. These are separate tools. A tapestry needle still handles the weaving in and seaming.
Original pattern: https://crochr.com/soft-lavender-purple-crochet-backpack-free-pattern/
About the Author
Tamsin Okoro Who writes the patterns at Yarn Gallery, how a pattern gets from the hook to the page, and what this site will never do.
