Nordic Folk Crochet Backpack with Drawcord Top

This crochet backpack pattern builds a useful everyday bag from a firm oval base upward. The sage body is worked in joined single-crochet rounds, then an original cream-and-slate stepped folk band circles the bag without changing its width. A reinforced eyelet round carries a handmade drawcord, while two dense straps attach through tested placement points rather than decorative loops. The instructions include exact counts, strap adjustment and a lining option.

This free tutorial is written as an original measured construction rather than a color-only variation. Read the complete pattern before beginning, make a washed gauge swatch, and record the selected size and every adjustment. The stitch audit checks the written arithmetic, but it does not claim a physical sample or fit test.

Pattern Details

• Hook Size: 4.0 mm
• Finished Size: About 11 in wide, 13 in tall and 4 in deep
• Gauge: 17 sc and 18 rounds = 4 in
• Terminology: US
• Construction: Oval base, joined body rounds, tapestry band, eyelet top and separate straps
• Yarn Weight: Worsted weight (category 4)
• Yarn Amount: 620 yd sage, 110 yd cream and 75 yd slate blue

Materials

• Worsted-weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn in sage, cream and slate
• 4.0 mm hook
• Six locking markers, yarn needle, scissors and tape measure
• Optional cotton lining fabric and magnetic snap

Abbreviations and Special Stitches

• ch: chain
• sc: single crochet
• inc: 2 sc in one stitch
• BLO: back loop only
• sl st: slip stitch
• st(s): stitch(es)

Oval increase: work three single crochets in each end chain on the first round, then place two increases around each curved end on later base rounds while keeping the long sides even.

Gauge, Sizing and Planning

Wash and dry a generous swatch in the same yarn, hook and colorwork method planned for the project. Measure only the relaxed center. If the stitch gauge is too tight, move up a hook; if it is too loose, move down. Recheck row gauge because length and shaping depend on it. Parenthetical counts follow the listed size order throughout. Place removable markers at all shaping points and recount before moving to the next section.

Instructions

Make the Oval Base

1. With sage, ch 31. Rnd 1: sc in the second chain and in the next 28 chains, 3 sc in the last chain; rotate to work under the unused chain loops, sc in the next 28 loops, and 2 sc in the final loop. Join to the first sc: 62 sts.
2. Rnd 2: ch 1, inc in the first stitch, sc 28, inc in each of the next 3 end stitches, sc 28, inc in each of the final 2 stitches; join: 68 sts. Move a marker to each curved-end increase.
3. Rnd 3: sc in every straight-side stitch and distribute four increases evenly around the two curved ends: 72 sts. The base should lie flat and measure about 10.5 by 3.75 inches.
4. Rnd 4: work 72 BLO sc without increases. This creates a crisp turning ridge. Rnds 5–12: work one sc in every stitch, joining cleanly at center back: 72 sts.

Build the Body and Folk Band

1. Work Rnds 13–24 in sage, keeping 72 stitches. Check the bag circumference before beginning colorwork; do not add stitches to compensate for tight floats.
2. Rnds 25–36 form a 12-stitch chart repeated six times. On Rnds 25–28, shift a two-stitch cream stair inward one position per round. Rnds 29–32 place a slate four-stitch diamond at each repeat center. Rnds 33–36 mirror the cream stair outward. Unlisted positions remain sage.
3. Change color on the last yarn-over, use small bobbins, and catch a relaxed float after no more than four stitches. Every chart round remains 72 stitches.
4. Cut contrast yarn and work Rnds 37–48 in sage. Mark center front at Stitch 36 and center back at the join; confirm the motif band is level before continuing.

Add Eyelets, Drawcord and Straps

1. Rnd 49: (sc 4, ch 2, skip 2 stitches) 12 times. Rnd 50: work one sc in each sc and 2 sc in every chain-2 space: 72 sts. Work Rnds 51–54 even, then one reverse-sc edge round.
2. Drawcord: with cream, hold two strands together and chain 115. Slip stitch back through every chain, fasten securely, then weave alternately through all 12 eyelets. Add a compact wrapped knot at each end; omit beads for a snag-free finish.
3. For each strap, ch 9. Row 1: sc in the second chain and across: 8 sts. Work 120 BLO-sc rows or until the strap measures 27 inches. Make a second identical strap.
4. Sew the upper strap ends 2 inches apart at center back just below the eyelets. Sew each lower end through at least six base/body stitches, 2.5 inches from center back. Reinforce every attachment twice and hide tails inside.

Finishing

1. Block the empty bag over folded towels without stretching the eyelet round.
2. Weave each color tail beneath matching-color stitches and inspect floats for loose loops.
3. Optional lining: cut a base-and-tube lining from prewashed cotton, stitch it separately, and hand-sew its upper edge below the eyelets.

Tips

• Use cotton-rich yarn so the base and straps resist stretching.
• Measure both straps under equal light tension before attachment.
• Keep the round join at center back so the chart reads continuously from the front.
• For heavier contents, insert a removable plastic-canvas base beneath the lining.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the backpack wider?

Add base chains in pairs, then add the same number of stitches to both straight sides. Keep the final body count divisible by 12 for the chart.

Can I use only one color?

Yes. Work all 12 chart rounds in sage without changing any counts.

Is the drawcord child-safe?

This design is intended for adults and older children. For young children, shorten or omit long cords and follow local drawstring safety guidance.

Conclusion

The finished project combines measured shaping, readable colorwork and practical finishing in one complete original crochet construction. Compare the finished measurements with the plan, confirm that every seam and carried strand is secure, and follow the yarn label for washing and storage.

Stitch-count audit references: (62 sts), (68 sts), (72 sts).