Minimalist Crochet Drawstring Backpack Pattern

If you have been looking for the perfect everyday bag that is both sturdy and stylish, look no further! This minimalist crochet drawstring backpack is the ultimate accessory for running errands, heading to the park, or going to a music festival. Its clean bucket-shape design gives it a modern, sophisticated look, while the dense single crochet stitches ensure it is durable enough to hold all your essentials.

What makes this backpack so great is its functional simplicity. Instead of fiddly hardware or zippers, it relies on a beautiful, thick crocheted cord that acts as both the shoulder straps and the drawstring closure. As you pull the straps, the top of the bag cinches shut securely. It’s an incredibly satisfying mechanism that is completely handmade!

Whether you’re an advanced beginner looking to expand your skills or an experienced crocheter wanting a relaxing, mindless make, this pattern is for you. Working in continuous rounds means no noticeable seams, and learning the Romanian cord technique for the straps will change how you make bag handles forever. Let’s dive in!

Finished Size

When laying flat, the backpack measures approximately 16.5 inches (42 cm) wide by 17 inches (43 cm) tall.

Gauge

14.5 single crochet stitches x 16 rounds = 4 inches (10 cm) square.

Construction Overview

This bag is constructed in a few simple parts. First, you will crochet the bottom circle in continuous spiral rounds. Then, you will work the main bucket body straight up without any increases. Near the top, you’ll work a few decrease rounds to taper the opening, followed by a round with chain spaces to create the eyelet holes. Finally, you will crochet two sturdy straps using the Romanian cord technique, thread them through the eyelets, and secure them at the base.

Supplies

• Yarn: Medium weight (Category 4) sturdy cotton yarn (approx. 170 yds / 100g per skein).
  • Main Color (e.g., Cream/Ecru): 6 skeins (approx. 560g)
  • Contrast Color (Optional, held together with the main color for the base for extra stiffness): 1 skein (100g)
• Hook: Size J (6.0 mm) crochet hook (or size needed to obtain gauge)
• Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, 12 stitch markers
• Optional: Wooden beads for the drawstring ends

Stitches & Abbreviations (US Terms)

• ch: chain
• ch2sp: chain 2 space
• rep: repeat
• RS: right side
• sc: single crochet
• sc2tog: single crochet 2 together
• sk: skip
• slst: slip stitch
• st(s): stitch(es)
• WS: wrong side
• yo: yarn over

Special Stitches: Romanian Cord

This technique creates a dense, non-stretchy cord perfect for bag straps. It involves continually turning your work.

1. Foundation: Ch 2.
2. Row 1: Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook. Rotate your work clockwise (or counter-clockwise if you are left-handed).
3. Row 2: Insert your hook under the single loop at the “back” of the stitch. Work 1 sc. Rotate your work clockwise.
4. Row 3 and beyond: Insert your hook under the two loops at the back of the stitch. Work 1 sc. Rotate your work. Repeat Row 3 until the strap reaches your desired length.

Pattern Instructions

Backpack Bottom Circle

Note: The base is worked with two strands of yarn held together (either two strands of your Main Color, or one strand Main Color and one strand Contrast Color) for extra sturdiness. Place a marker in the first stitch of each round and move it up as you go.

Foundation Round: Create a magic loop, ch 1, and work 6 sc within the loop. (6 sts)
Alternative: Ch 4, sl st to join into a ring. Ch 1, work 6 sc in the ring. (6 sts)

Round 2: 2 sc in each st around. (12 sts)

Round 3: [2 sc in next st, sc in next st] 6 times. (18 sts)

Round 4: [2 sc in next st, sc in next 2 sts] 6 times. (24 sts)

Round 5: [2 sc in next st, sc in next 3 sts] 6 times. (30 sts)

Round 6: [2 sc in next st, sc in next 4 sts] 6 times. (36 sts). Tip: Place a stitch marker in the first sc of each increase to keep track easily.

Round 7: [2 sc in marked st, sc in each st to next marker] 6 times. (42 sts)

Gauge Check! At this point, your circle should measure just over 3 inches across. Adjust your hook size or tension if needed.

Rounds 8-21: Repeat Round 7 fourteen more times. Each round increases by 6 sts. By Round 21, you will have 126 sts. Remove all markers except the beginning-of-round marker.

Main Bucket Bag

Note: You will now work even (without increasing) to build the walls of the bag. If you were using a contrast color for the base, you can switch to using two strands of the Main Color held together.

Rounds 1-35: Sc in each st around. (126 sts). Place a contrasting marker at the end of Round 35 to indicate where the decreases will begin.

Decreasing & Shaping

Round 1 (dec): [sc2tog, sc in next 19 sts] 6 times. (120 sts)

Rounds 2-4: Sc in each st around. (120 sts)

Round 5 (dec): [sc2tog, sc in next 18 sts] 6 times. (114 sts)

Round 6: Sc in each st around. (114 sts)

Round 7 (dec): [sc2tog, sc in next 17 sts] 6 times. (108 sts)

Creating the Drawstring Eyelets

Note: Use stitch markers to divide the round evenly to place 8 holes. Ensure the holes are symmetrical across the front and back.

Eyelet Round 1: [Sc in each sc to the next marked spot, ch 2, skip 2 sc] 8 times total around the bag, sc in remaining sts to the end of the round. (8 ch-2 spaces created)

Eyelet Round 2: Sc in each sc around, placing 2 sc in each ch-2 space. (108 sts)

Eyelet Rounds 3-10: Sc in each st around. (108 sts)

To finish, sl st into the next two stitches to smooth out the spiral step. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Drawstring Straps (Make 2)

Using two strands of your Main Color held together, work the Romanian Cord (see Special Stitches section above) until the strap measures 52 inches, or your desired length. The cord is sturdy but will stretch slightly with wear. Fasten off, leaving a 12-inch tail for sewing.

Optional Interior Pocket

Using a single strand of yarn, you can quickly crochet a pocket for your keys and phone.

Row 1: Ch 21, sk first ch, sc in each ch across, turn. (20 sts)

Row 2-20: Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn. Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.

Assembly & Finishing

1. Choose which side of the bag will be the back (hide any color transition jogs here).
2. At the back of the bottom circle, identify two spaces along the edge that align vertically with the two back eyelet holes at the top of the bag.
3. Insert the bottom tail of one strap into the left space, and the bottom tail of the other strap into the right space. Turn the bag inside out.
4. Tie the yarn tails into secure knots on the inside, and use a tapestry needle to whip stitch and weave the tails deeply into the cords for extra security.
5. Turn the bag right side out. Thread the top ends of the straps in and out through the eyelet holes so they meet at the center front of the bag.
6. Thread optional wooden beads onto the ends of the straps and knot securely.
7. If you made the interior pocket, use a tapestry needle to whip stitch it to the inside back wall of the bag.

Styling Tips

This backpack is incredibly versatile! Pair it with denim cutoffs and a breezy linen shirt for a casual summer look, or take it to the farmer’s market to hold your fresh produce. Because it’s made of cotton, it is easy to spot clean. The neutral cream color goes with everything in your wardrobe, making it your new grab-and-go favorite.

Quick Reference Notes

• Remember to count! Using a stitch marker at the start of every round is crucial for keeping your stitch count correct.
• Tension is key: Crochet tightly to ensure the fabric is stiff enough to hold its bucket shape.
• Strap length: Test the strap length by threading it through before permanently securing the bottom knots. Adjust the length to fit your body comfortably.

We hope you love your new minimalist drawstring backpack! Load it up with your current work-in-progress, your favorite snacks, and head out on your next adventure.

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