I’ve been looking for the perfect crochet backpack pattern for months, and this one finally hit every mark on my list. The combination of textured flower squares, functional pockets, and adjustable straps makes this my absolute favourite bag project to date. If you’ve been searching for a statement piece that actually works as a daily carry, this is the one I keep coming back to.
This crochet backpack pattern combines the classic charm of granny squares with a modern, wearable silhouette. The lavender purple body pairs beautifully with soft pink contrast edging, creating a feminine yet practical accessory. Whether you’re heading to a farmer’s market or packing for a weekend getaway, this bag has room for everything you need.
Why You’ll Love This Crochet Backpack Pattern
Let me tell you what makes this project special. The construction uses puff flower granny squares that look incredibly intricate but are actually built from basic stitches you already know. Each square features a raised center flower surrounded by textured petals, giving the entire bag gorgeous dimension.
The finished backpack measures approximately 14 inches tall by 12 inches wide, with a depth of about 5 inches. That’s plenty of room for a wallet, phone, water bottle, and a small crochet project for the road. Yes, I designed this with yarn addicts in mind.
You’ll work individual squares first, then join them together to form the body. The flap, front pocket, and straps are worked separately and attached during assembly. Don’t worry if that sounds complicated. I’ll walk you through every single step.
Materials You’ll Need
Yarn:
I recommend a medium weight (4) acrylic or cotton blend for structure. Pure cotton works beautifully but makes the bag heavier. Acrylic gives you durability and easy care, which matters for something you’ll use daily.
Hook:
Notions:
Gauge
Work one puff flower square and measure. Your square should be approximately 4 inches by 4 inches after blocking. If your square is larger, try a smaller hook. If smaller, go up a hook size.
Gauge matters here because it affects the final bag dimensions and how the squares fit together. Take five minutes to check. Your future self will thank you.
Skill Level
This pattern is intermediate level. You should be comfortable with:
If you’ve never made a puff stitch before, don’t panic. I’ll explain it fully below, and you can practice on a swatch before starting your squares.
Abbreviations and Stitch Definitions
ch = chain: Wrap yarn over hook, pull through loop on hook
sl st = slip stitch: Insert hook, yarn over, pull through stitch and loop on hook in one motion
sc = single crochet: Insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through both loops
dc = double crochet: Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through remaining 2 loops
hdc = half double crochet: Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through all 3 loops
puff st = puff stitch: (Yarn over, insert hook in stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop) 3 times in same stitch (7 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through all 7 loops. Think of it as a chunky, textured cluster.
sp = space
st(s) = stitch(es)
Puff Flower Granny Square Pattern
You’ll need 30 squares total for the main body, flap, and pocket. Make all squares in MC (lavender), then add CC (pink) details during assembly.
Round 1: With MC, make a magic ring. Ch 1, work 8 sc into ring. Sl st to first sc to join. Pull ring closed. (8 sts)
Round 2: Ch 1, (sc in first st, ch 2) around, working sc in each st with ch 2 between each sc. Sl st to first sc to join. (8 sc, 8 ch-2 spaces)
Round 3: Sl st into first ch-2 sp. Ch 1, work (puff st, ch 2, puff st) in same ch-2 sp. This creates your first petal. *Ch 1, skip next ch-2 sp, (puff st, ch 2, puff st) in next ch-2 sp.* Repeat from * to * around, working petals in every other ch-2 sp. Sl st to top of first puff st to join. (8 puff stitches forming 4 petals)
Round 4: Ch 3 (counts as first dc). Working behind petals into the skipped ch-2 spaces from Round 2, dc in first skipped sp. *Ch 2, 2 dc in next skipped sp.* Repeat from * to * around. Ch 2, sl st to top of beginning ch-3. (8 dc, 4 ch-2 spaces)
Round 5: Ch 3, dc in next dc. *(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in corner ch-2 sp. Dc in next 2 dc.* Repeat from * to * around, ending with (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in last corner. Sl st to top of beginning ch-3. (24 dc, 4 corner spaces)
Round 6: Ch 3, dc in each dc across side. *(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in corner sp. Dc in each dc across next side.* Repeat around all four sides. Sl st to join. (40 dc, 4 corner spaces)
Fasten off. Weave in ends. Make 29 more squares.
Assembling the Backpack Body
Lay out your squares in the following arrangement:
Front Panel: 3 squares wide by 4 squares tall (12 squares)
Back Panel: 3 squares wide by 4 squares tall (12 squares)
Bottom: 3 squares in a row
Joining Method
Use the flat slip stitch join for a neat, visible seam that adds texture.
Hold two squares with wrong sides together. Working through both layers, insert hook through corner ch-2 space of both squares. With CC, pull up a loop. Ch 1, sl st through both loops of next stitch on both squares. Continue across the edge, keeping tension even. Fasten off at the end of each seam.
Join the front panel squares first, then the back panel. Attach the bottom row to the front panel’s lower edge. Then join the back panel to the bottom. Finally, seam up the sides.
Creating the Rounded Bottom
To give your backpack structure, work a round of sc with CC around the entire bottom edge, decreasing at corners to create a gentle curve.
Round 1: With CC, join yarn at any bottom corner. Sc evenly around the bottom perimeter, working sc2tog (single crochet two together) at each corner to ease the fabric inward. Sl st to join. (approximately 36 sts)
Round 2: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Sl st to join. Fasten off.
Backpack Flap
The flap uses 4 joined squares arranged 2 by 2, with a decorative scalloped edge.
Join 4 squares using the same slip stitch join method. Then add the scallop border:
Scallop Edging:
With CC, join yarn at any corner of the flap’s curved edge.
Row 1: Sc evenly across the three sides that will be visible (not the side that attaches to the bag). Turn.
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in first st. *Skip 2 sts, 5 dc in next st (shell made), skip 2 sts, sc in next st.* Repeat from * to * across. Fasten off.
Front Pocket
Use 2 squares arranged vertically. Join them together, then add CC edging around three sides (leaving the top open).
Edging: With CC, sc evenly around the sides and bottom. At each lower corner, work 3 sc to turn smoothly.
Work a small tab with a flower button closure:
Button Tab: Ch 8. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (7 sc). Rows 2 to 4: Ch 1, turn, sc across. Fasten off. Make a small puff flower (Rounds 1 to 3 only) and sew it centered on the tab.
Attach the tab to the pocket flap center. Sew button to pocket body below.
Backpack Straps
Make 2 straps.
Row 1: With CC, ch 9. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (8 sc)
Rows 2 to 90: Ch 1, turn, sc across. (8 sc)
This creates a strap approximately 24 inches long. Adjust row count for your preferred length.
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Drawstring Closure
Chain: With CC, ch 150. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (149 sc)
Fasten off.
Tassels (make 2):
Cut 20 strands of CC yarn, each 8 inches long. Fold in half, thread folded end through the end of your drawstring, pull cut ends through the loop, and tighten. Wrap another strand around the tassel head about half an inch down. Secure and trim ends evenly.
Assembly Instructions
1. Sew the flap to the back panel’s top edge, centering it across all three squares.
2. Weave the drawstring through the top row of squares, going in and out of the corner spaces. The tassels should hang at the front center.
3. Attach straps to the back panel. Position them about 2 inches from each side edge. Sew the top of each strap to the upper back corners. Sew the bottom of each strap to the lower back corners, adjusting placement so straps sit comfortably on your shoulders.
4. Sew the pocket to the front panel center, leaving the top open.
5. Sew the button to the front panel, positioned to align with the flap’s center.
Optional Lining
For extra durability and to protect your belongings, add a fabric lining. Cut fabric to match the bag’s interior dimensions, adding half an inch seam allowance. Sew the lining pieces together, press seams, and hand stitch the lining inside the bag along the top edge.
Finishing Touches
Weave in all remaining ends. Block your completed backpack by misting with water and shaping it over a towel-stuffed form. Let it dry completely before using.
Care Instructions
Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent. Lay flat to dry. If using acrylic yarn, you can spot clean as needed. Avoid wringing, which can distort the squares.
Tips for Success
Start with your squares. Making all 30 squares first lets you get into a rhythm. You’ll memorize the pattern quickly, and the repetitive work becomes almost meditative.
Check your tension. Puff stitches can pull tight if you’re nervous. Keep your loops loose and relaxed for puffy, dimensional flowers.
Use stitch markers liberally. Mark your corners, your joining points, and the beginning of each round. They’re your best friends in a project with this many pieces.
Try one square first. If you’ve never made a puff stitch, practice the flower center on scrap yarn. Once you feel confident, start your official squares.
This Lavender Fields Purple Granny Backpack crochet pattern brings together classic granny square charm with modern functionality. The puff flower texture adds visual interest, while the practical design means you’ll actually use this bag every day. I hope you love making it as much as I loved designing it.
Thank you so much for choosing this pattern. If you make your own version, I would absolutely love to see it! Tag me on Instagram or share a photo in my Facebook group. Seeing your finished projects genuinely makes my day.
Save this crochet backpack pattern to your Pinterest boards so you can find it when you’re ready to cast on. And if you make one, please drop a comment below. I love hearing which color combinations you choose and how the project works up for you!