Dusty Rose Pink Mini Backpack Free Crochet Pattern

I know those gorgeous crocheted backpacks all over Pinterest can look way too complicated, but this dusty rose mini backpack breaks down into such manageable pieces! The oval base is just increases around a foundation chain, the body is straight rounds with no shaping at all, and the flap is basic decreases you probably already know.

We will work the base and body in a continuous spiral in centre single crochet, which gives that dense, woven-looking texture, then add a rounded flap with a corded border, braided Romanian cord straps and handle, rose-gold style hardware, and a soft tassel charm to finish.

The finished bag measures approximately 7.5 inches wide by 8 inches tall by 3.5 inches deep, not including the straps and handle, and the strap length is adjustable before your final stitching so you can customise the fit. If you can single crochet and you are willing to try one new technique, you can absolutely make this bag!

Materials

• 130 to 150 yards (119 to 137 m) of dusty rose bulky cotton tube yarn or smooth chenille cord
• 10 to 15 yards (9 to 14 m) of cream accent yarn, for the tassel
• US K/10.5 (6.5mm) crochet hook, or size needed to match gauge
• Stitch marker
• Tapestry needle
• Sharp scissors
• 1 small twist lock or turn lock, approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm)
• 2 lower D-rings or grommets
• 2 upper grommets or side rings
• 1 swivel clasp
• Optional: fabric lining, magnetic snap, Fray Check for cord ends

Abbreviations

• ch: chain
• sl st: slip stitch
• st/sts: stitch / stitches
• sc: single crochet
• csc: centre single crochet
• inc: increase, work 2 single crochet stitches in the indicated stitch
• dec: decrease, single crochet 2 stitches together
• RS: right side
• rem: remaining

Special Stitches

• Centre single crochet (csc): insert your hook into the centre V of the next stitch, between the two vertical bars, instead of under the top two loops. Yarn over and pull up a loop to the height of the round, yarn over, and pull through both loops on your hook. Keep your tension relaxed so the next round is easy to enter.
• Romanian cord: chain 2, then single crochet in the 2nd chain from hook. Turn the cord slightly clockwise, insert your hook under the two side loops along the left edge, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, and pull through both loops. Repeat, always rotating the cord and working under the side loops, until you reach the stated length. The cord twists as you work, which creates the braided appearance.

Gauge & Size

• Finished size: approximately 7.5 inches wide by 8 inches tall by 3.5 inches deep (19 x 20 x 9 cm), not including straps and handle
• Gauge: 8 centre single crochet stitches by 9 rounds = 4 inches (10 cm), after a gentle steam block
• Construction: oval base and body worked in a continuous spiral, flat flap, Romanian cord straps, handle and tassel charm
• Skill level: Intermediate

Base Pattern

Work in dusty rose yarn. Work the base and body in a continuous spiral, do not join rounds unless the pattern tells you to, place a locking stitch marker in the first stitch of each round and move it up as you go, and remember that turning chains do not count as stitches. Chain 13 to start.

Round 1: Sc in 2nd chain from hook, sc in next 10 chains, 3 sc in last chain. Working along the opposite side of the foundation chain, sc in next 10 chains, 2 sc in first chain. (26 sc)

Round 2: Inc in first stitch, sc 10, inc in next 3 stitches, sc 10, inc in last 2 stitches. (32 sc)

Round 3: (Sc 1, inc) once, sc 10, (sc 1, inc) 3 times, sc 10, (sc 1, inc) 2 times. (38 sc)

Round 4: (Sc 2, inc) once, sc 10, (sc 2, inc) 3 times, sc 10, (sc 2, inc) 2 times. (44 sc)

Your base should measure about 7.25 by 3.25 inches (18.5 x 8 cm). A slight cup shape is fine and actually helps the bag stand up, but if you see a strong ruffle, your stitches are too loose, so go down a hook size and try again.

Body Pattern

Round 5: Working through back loops only, csc in each stitch around. (44 csc)

Working in the back loops only creates that nice defined ridge between the base and the body walls.

Rounds 6 to 21: Csc in each stitch around. (44 csc each round)

Round 22: Sc in each stitch around to firm the top edge. (44 sc)

Round 23: Sl st loosely in each stitch around. Fasten off, leaving an 18 inch (46 cm) tail for tidying the edge. (44 slip stitches)

After Round 21, your body should measure approximately 7.5 inches (19 cm) wide at the front and 7.5 to 8 inches (19 to 20 cm) tall from base to top edge.

Flap Pattern

The flap is worked flat in dusty rose yarn. Chain 21 to start.

Row 1: Sc in 2nd chain from hook and in each chain across, ch 1, turn. (20 sc)

Rows 2 to 5: Sc in each stitch across, ch 1, turn. (20 sc)

Row 6: Dec, sc 16, dec, ch 1, turn. (18 sc)

Row 7: Dec, sc 14, dec, ch 1, turn. (16 sc)

Row 8: Dec, sc 12, dec, ch 1, turn. (14 sc)

Row 9: Dec, sc 10, dec, ch 1, turn. (12 sc)

Row 10: Dec, sc 8, dec. Do not turn. (10 sc)

Flap Edging: Sc around the entire flap as follows: 2 sc in lower corner, sc 8 across lower edge, 2 sc in lower corner, sc 10 up side, sc 20 across top, sc 10 down side, join with sl st. (52 sc)

Corded Border: Make a 24 inch (61 cm) Romanian cord and sew it around the outer flap edge, easing it smoothly around the curved portion.

Straps, Handle & Tassel

Centre the straight top edge of the flap over the back top edge of the bag, spanning 20 body stitches, and sew it securely through the flap top and body Rounds 21 to 23. Close the flap and mark the lock position at the front centre, about 2.75 inches (7 cm) below the top edge, then install the lock following your hardware instructions, reinforcing the inside with lining fabric or a small felt patch. Make two 5.5 inch (14 cm) Romanian cords and sew them vertically from the flap curve toward the lock for that decorative accent.

For the top handle, make a Romanian cord 9 inches (23 cm) long, curve it into a handle shape, and sew each end to the back top edge, about 2 inches (5 cm) apart. Wrap each handle foot with yarn 6 to 8 times before knotting inside the bag for a polished look.

For the shoulder straps, make 2 Romanian cords, each 34 inches (86 cm) long, or adjust to your desired wearing length. Thread one strap from a lower back ring up through the matching upper side ring, then back down to the same lower ring, and sew or knot the ends securely at the lower ring. Repeat for the second strap, and do try the backpack on before final trimming, because bulky yarn shortens slightly as knots are tightened.

Place the upper side rings just below the top edge, one on each side seam, and the lower rings at the back lower corners, about 0.75 inch (2 cm) above the base, reinforcing all ring placements from the inside. Attach a small side ring to the right side of the flap and body overlap so you can clip the tassel charm to it with the swivel clasp.

For the tassel charm, cut 14 strands of dusty rose yarn and 8 strands of cream yarn, each 9 inches (23 cm) long. Fold all the strands over a swivel clasp or a 6 inch (15 cm) tie strand, wrap another strand around the bundle 0.75 inch (2 cm) below the fold and knot firmly, then trim the ends evenly to about 4 inches (10 cm). Add a wooden bead above the wrap if you like.

Finishing & Assembly

Weave in all yarn tails on the inside of the bag, and secure hardware areas with extra stitches through the inner wall only. For an optional lining, cut a rectangle and oval base from cotton fabric, sew them into a simple pouch, then hand stitch the lining to the inside top edge. Steam lightly from 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 cm) away, shape the front, back and sides with your hands while the fabric is warm, and let it dry completely before use.

Before calling your backpack complete, check that the flap closes without pulling, the base stands flat on a surface, and the straps sit evenly from the back lower rings to the upper side rings. Spot clean with cool water and mild soap, and do not machine wash once the hardware is installed.

Tips

Use stitch markers at the front centre, back centre, and each side after Round 5. These markers make flap placement, ring placement, and lock placement much cleaner.

For a taller bag, add body rounds before Round 22. Each 2 extra rounds adds about 0.9 inch (2.25 cm) at pattern gauge, and you can make the straps 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) longer for adult crossbody wear.

If centre single crochet is hard to enter, pull your loops up taller and do not over-tighten your stitches.

A firm lining is especially helpful with plush chenille yarn, because it keeps the backpack upright and protects the stitch fabric from keys and other items that might snag.