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!
Before you get started…
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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!
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
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Peace + Love + Crochet
Salena
