The Wheatsheaf Backpack crochet pattern is easily worked with basic and shell stitches to create a modern and fun accessory!

This pattern is worked in joined rounds using basic stitches, including the Chain, Single, Double, Slip, and Shell stitches!

It’s a great pattern because:

  • Tote bags are quick and easy projects to work up – especially when you follow our video tutorials for each part!
  • You can use yarn you already have in your stash!
  • This project works great with cotton yarns, plant-based fibers, or acrylics!
  • You’ll get to practice a lot of crochet skills: joined rounds, stitch tension, gauge & size, Shells, textured and fun stitch repeats, finishing techniques & more!
Woman wearing crochet backpack

Before you get started…

Need some inspiration?

Check out other finished projects, here: 

Want to see how this pattern is worked?

Watch our videos, right here:

Part 1:

Part 2:

Part 3:

Let’s get started! 

Pattern Designed By: Salena Baca Crochet. This pattern is copyright protected; it is unlawful to distribute this pattern in any form (free, sale or trade).

Click Here to purchase a downloadable PDF version of this pattern! 

YARN

Lion Brand Yarn 24/7 Cotton, Medium Weight #4 yarn (100% Mercerized Cotton; 186 yds / 170 m, 3.5 oz / 100 g skein): Charcoal, 2 skeins.

MATERIALS 

  • US G/6 (4 mm) crochet hook
  • Scissors
  • Yarn Needle

GAUGE

  • 16 pattern sts = 4”
  • 10 pattern rows = 4”

SIZES/FINISHED MEASUREMENTS 

  • 24” around (12.5” flat) x 12.5” tall

STITCH KEY

  • St(s) = stitch(es) 
  • Sl St = slip stitch

SPECIALTY STITCHES & TECHNIQUES

  • Shell = Work 5 Dc into the same space.

NOTES:

  • Backpack is worked in two parts: Bag (joined rounds), Drawstrings (rows). Bag loop is optional.
  • Drawstring is customized in length, based on personal measurements (see pattern instructions).
  • A video tutorial is available for each part of this pattern – enjoy!
Wheatsheaf crochet backpack laying flat on wooden floor

Instructions

Bag

Round 1 (Right Side): Ch 50, Skip 3 Ch (first Dc), work 4 Dc into next Ch, work 1 Dc into each of next 45 Ch, work 5 Dc into last Ch, rotate to work along opposite side of Ch. Work 1 Dc into each of next 45 Ch, Sl St into top of first Dc to join  – 100 Dc

Round 2: Ch 1 (not a St), [work 1 Sc into each of next 3 Sts, Ch 2, skip 2 Sts] 20 times, Sl St into top of first Sc to join – 100 Sts; 60 Sc + 20 Ch-2 spaces

Round 3: Work 1 Sl St into next St, Ch 1 (not a St), [Sc into 2nd Sc from previous row, Shell into Ch-2 space] 20 times, Sl St into top of first Sc to join – 120 Sts; 20 Sc + 20 Shells

Round 4: Work 1 Sl St into each of next 2 Sts, Ch 1 (not a St), [work 1 Sc into each of next 3 Sts (2nd, 3rd and 4th Dc Sts), Ch 2, skip 3 Sts] 20 times, Sl St into top of first Sc to join – 100 Sts; 60 Sc + 20 Ch-2 spaces

Repeat rounds 3 and 4 until 31 rounds are complete (ending on a round 3 repeat). 

Round 32: Work 1 Sl St into each of next 2 Sts, Ch 3 (first Dc), work 1 Dc into each of next 2 Sts, Ch 2, skip 3 Sts, [work 1 Dc into each of next 3 Sts, Ch 2, skip 3 Sts] 19 times, Sl st into top of first Dc to join – 100 Sts; 60 Dc + 20 Ch-2 spaces

Round 33: Ch 1 (not a St), work 1 Sc into each St around, Sl St into top of first Sc to join, fasten off – 100 Sc

Drawstring 45 (50, 55, 60)”: Make 2

In a standing position, measure along side of body from top of shoulder to mid-hip. Multiply measurement by 2. Follow instructions for strap size that matches closest.

Leaving a 12” tail, Ch 186 (206, 226, 251)

Row 1: Skip 1 Ch (not a St), work 1 Sl St into each Ch across – 185 (205, 225, 250) Sl Sts

Row 2-3: Ch 1 (not a St), turn, work 1 Sl St into BLO of each St across – 185 (205, 225, 250) Sl Sts

Fasten off after last row, leaving a 12” tail.

Bag Loop (optional)

Leaving a 12” tail, Ch 26

Row 1: Skip 1 Ch (not a St), work 1 Sl St into each Ch across – 25 Sl Sts

Row 2-3: Ch 1 (not a St), turn, work 1 Sl St into BLO of each St across – 25 Sl Sts

Fasten off after last row, leaving a 12” tail.

Finishing

Drawstring: Left (Right) sides

Lay Backpack flat. 

  • Attaching Drawstrings: With round 2 as a guide, attach drawstring 12” yarn tail to Left (Right) edge. 
  • Weaving Drawstring Ends: With round 32 as a guide, feed Left (Right) Drawstring from center Ch-2 space into and out of next 10 Ch-2 spaces around and through Left (Right) side.

Drawstring ends determine Front of Backpack; knot or bow together to hold Backpack closed, as desired.

Sew in all ends, trim excess.

Bag Loop (optional):

  • With round 32 as a guide, position loop ends onto back of Backpack (opposite side with Drawstring ends).
  • Evenly sew 12” yarn tail from Loop onto round 32. 
  • Cut 12” piece of yarn, evenly sew opposite Loop end onto round 32
Woman wearing crochet backpack

Click Here to share your finished project in our community!

Peace + Love + Crochet

Salena

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