Kid’s Drawstring Backpack Tutorial

The Buddy Backpack is a simple pattern that uses basic crochet stitches, so it's excellent for beginners. The backpack is just the right size for kids to carry their toys and other small items around. Plus, it's made out of soft, durable yarn, so it can withstand all the wear and tear that comes with being a kid's favorite accessory. I love how customizable the pattern is too, you can use any color yarn to make it unique and special for your child. It's a fun and practical project that both you and your child will enjoy! Watch the video tutorial and keep scrolling for the free written instructions. You can purchase an ad-free printable PDF that includes a larger size backpack that’s perfect for older kid’s and young adults!

Supplies:

• *US Size J(6mm) hook

• 7mm hook

• Bernat; Baby Blanket Dappled - Size 6 Super Bulky; [100% polyester; 220 yds/ 201m per 300g skein] (1 skein Ever After Pink (CC) & 1 skein Aquamarine (MC)used in video)

• Stitch Marker

• *Large sewing needle

Finished Sizes:

Mini: Approximately 10 in (25 cm) diameter & depth

Full-size: Approximately 14 in (35 cm) diameter & depth (only included in the PDF)

Abbreviations

• CH - Chain

• HDCBLO - Half Double Crochet Back Loop Only

• HDCFLO- Half Double Crochet Front Loop Only

• REP - Repeat

• SC - Single Crochet

• SL ST - Slip Stitch

• TOG - Together

Gauge Instructions

10 STS and 10 rows = 4 in (10 cm) x 4 in (10 cm)

Notes:

• This pattern is written in US Terminology and Imperial Measurements

• Check out the video tutorial for this pattern!

• This pattern is written in crochet shorthand. Example: "SC 1" means to single crochet in the next stitch, and "SC 30" means to single crochet into the next 30 stitches.

• CH 1 does NOT count as first stitch.

• Backpack is worked from the bottom up in continuous rounds starting on round 2.

• Place stitch marker in the first stitch of round to indicate the beginning of the round, making sure to move stitch marker up each round.

• On round 1, Place stitch marker to indicate the right side. As you crochet, make sure the right side is facing out. The right side is the outside of the bag. (See Photo 1)

• Round 19 will create an "envelope" where drawstrings will be placed and crocheted closed at the end.

• Pattern may include affiliate links that are marked with an *. If you make a purchase using the affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

• If you have any questions about the pattern, please email bagsbybento@gmail.com. You got this!

Instructions

PART ONE: DRAWSTRINGS (Make 2)

With US Size J (6mm) hook in CC

CH 110 (See Notes) or approximately 44 in (56 in)

Tie off & weave in ends

PART TWO: BACKPACK

With 7mm hook in MC

Round 1:

CH 21

SC in 2nd CH from hook

SC 18

SC 4 in last CH

SC 18 (other side of CH)

SC 3 in same CH as 1st SC

SL ST to top of 1st SC

CH 1

Place Marker (See Notes)

(44 SC)

Rounds 2-18:

SC 44

(44 SC)

Round 19: (See Notes)

HDCBLO 44

SL ST to top of 1st HDC

CH 1, SL ST to FLO of same ST

CH 1, HDCFLO in same ST

HDCFLO 43

(44 HDCBLO, 44 HDCFLO)

PART THREE: ASSEMBLY

Fold drawstrings in half

Place fold of first drawstring around the envelope created in round 26. Make sure that the ends of the drawstring are positioned on either side of the envelope. REP for second drawstring, placing fold on opposite side of envelope.

Pull ends of drawstrings through the HDCFLO on the left and right side.

PART TWO: BACKPACK (CONTINUED)

Round 27:

SL ST 44 through both layers of envelope

Tie off & weave in ends

PART THREE: ASSEMBLY (CONTINUED)

Insert one of the drawstring ends through each bottom corner of the bag between rows 1 & 2

Sew the ends of the drawstrings TOG & weave in ends