Slouchy Stripes Backpack - Free Pattern

Slouchy Stripes Backpack
Free Crochet Pattern

Hello again! A couple days ago I posted a photo of a backpack I made using Bernat Maker Home Dec yarn. I was overwhelmed by the positive responses I got, so I've decided to post the pattern for free! I am also listing a pdf, including a printer-friendly version, for sale here: Ravelry Listing

I can't wait to see what you all make with this pattern! I hope you enjoy it!
This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Materials:
- K Hook
- N Hook (Or hook of similar size for making a large chain)
- Bulky yarn in 2 colors (or more!) (Suggested yarn: Bernat Maker Home Dec, <2 skeins)
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle
- Buttons or beads (Optional, for drawstring)

Notes:
- Chain 1 at the beginning of round never counts as a stitch.
- Join each round with a slip stitch to the first single crochet of the round. After round 41, work in rows, turning after each row.
- Stitch counts are indicated in parentheses.
- Colors shown are color A (gray) and color B (teal). Feel free to substitute with as many colors as you like!
-This pattern uses only single crochet. Therefore, decreases and increases will always be sc dec and sc inc.
-Gauge is not important, but my gauge is 1” = approx. 3 single crochet stitches and 3 rounds. The bag has a height of about 9" and a bottom diameter of about 9". 

Stitches & Abbreviations:
Ch – Chain
Sc – Single Crochet
Dec – Single crochet decrease
Inc – Single crochet increase
*…* - Repeat what is between the asterisks
MR – Magic ring

Pattern
Bag:
1. In color A using K hook, make a magic ring. Ch 1, sc 8 into MR. (8)
2.  Ch 1. Inc in each sc. (16)
3. Ch 1. *Sc, inc* around. (24)
4. Ch 1. *Sc 2, inc* around. (32)
5. Ch 1. *Sc 3, inc* around. (40)
6. Ch 1. *Sc 4, inc* around. (48)
7. Ch 1. *Sc 5, inc* around. (56)
8. Ch 1. *Sc 6, inc* around. (64)
9. Ch 1. *Sc 7, inc* around. (72)
10. Ch 1. *Sc 8, inc* repeat around. (80)
11. Ch 1. Sc around. (80)
12. Ch 1. *Sc 9, inc* repeat around. (88)
13. Ch 1. Sc around. (88)
14. – 19. In color B: Ch 1. Sc around. (88)
20. – 24. In color A: Ch 1. Sc around. (88)
25. – 30. In color B: Ch 1. Sc around. (88)
31. – 35. In color A: Ch 1. Sc around. (88)
36. Ch 1. In color B: *Sc 9, dec* around. (80)
37. Ch 1. Sc around. (80)
38. Ch 1. *Sc 8, dec* around. (72)
39. Ch 1. Sc around. (72)
40. Ch 1. *Sc 7, dec* around. (64)
41. Ch 1. Sc around. (64)
Cut yarn.

Flap:
Join yarn color A in 9^th stitch to the right of your seam. Work in rows from here, turning after each row.
1. – 13.  Ch 1. Sc 18.  (18)
14. Ch 1. Dec, sc 14, dec. (16)
Cut yarn.
Join yarn to the right of flap. Ch 1 and sc around evenly.

Straps:
CHAINED STRAPS: Using 4 strands of yarn, use N hook (or similar hook) to chain two long straps. Suggested length is about 35” – 45” long each, but you can make them shorter or longer according to your size or preference. If 35” – 45” seems long, remember that you will need extra length to make your knots. As an alternative, you could braid your straps instead.

Insert one end of the strap between two stitches of round 14, even with the right edge of the flap. Knot the strap around itself. You may want to knot it several times to keep it from slipping through the hole. 

Repeat with the other end of the strap between two stitches of round 39, roughly even with the edge of the flap.
Repeat on the left side of the flap for the other strap.

CROCHETED STRAPS: Using K hook and one strand of yarn, chain 3.
Round 1. Sc in second ch from hook. Ch 1 and turn. (2)
Round 2. Sc in each st across. Ch 1 and turn.  (2)
Repeat round 2 until straps are desired length. (20” – 27” is recommended for an adult)
Cut yarn, leaving a long tail for sewing. Repeat for second strap.
Sew (or slip stitch) ends of straps at rounds 14 and 39, one on either side of the flap.

Drawstrings:
In desired color, cut two (approx.) 24” strands of yarn.
Holding strands together, knot them around themselves a couple inches from the end. If using beads or buttons, slide them onto both strands, making sure they don’t slip over the knot.

Flatten your bag with the front facing you. Center your flap, and insert both strands into round 40, approximately 1 stitch to the right of the center.

Weave your drawstring in and out every 4 or 5 stitches to the right, stopping 3 stitches to the left of your strap. Insert one strand on either side of that last stitch, and holding the strands together, knot them around themselves, leaving enough slack for the bag to be completely open. Trim excess yarn. 

Repeat with left side, starting 2 stitches to the left of first drawstring.

Finish off, weave in all ends, and you’re done! Fill it with balls of yarn, or whatever other goodies you want! Feel free to add project pictures on Ravelry or Instagram (#mandiethemommy), and you can certainly sell your finished projects.

 

This pattern and all photos are property of Mandie's Fiber Arts.  Please DO NOT copy, repost, redistribute, or claim as your own this pattern or any of the pictures.  If posting about the pattern, link back to the Ravelry listing or blog post and credit me as the designer. Feel free to tag me in social media posts with your creations. As always, you may certainly sell your finished projects.