Wildrose Backpack Free Pattern

Pattern Description:

The Wildrose Backpack is the perfect blend of fashion and function. Designed with a modern twist on the classic granny square, it’s stylish enough for casual outings and sturdy enough to carry your essentials. 

Featuring a central granny square, textured crochet stitches, a handy interior phone pocket, and a comfortable drawstring strap, it’s as beautiful as it is practical. You can even add a tassel for a pop of personality.

Materials:

• Yarn: 4 skeins (approx. 600 yards) of 24/7 Cotton in Taupe (Worsted Weight #4)
• Hooks: 2.75 mm and 3.75 mm Clover Amour
• Notions: Yarn needle (bent tip helpful), stitch markers, embroidery floss (optional for tassel), steamer (optional for blocking)

Gauge & Measurements:

• Granny square = 5” x 5”
• Gauge: 18 sc + 20 rows = 4”
• Finished backpack: 11” wide x 12.5” tall | 22” circumference

Stitches & Techniques:

• MR (Magic Ring): Start in the round
• Puff Stitch (puff st): [YO, insert in st, pull up loop] x3, YO, pull through 7 loops
• Beginning Cluster: Ch 3, [YO, pull up loop, YO, draw through 2] x2, YO, draw through 3 loops
• Cluster: [YO, pull up loop, YO, draw through 2] x3, YO, pull through 4 loops
• Extended sc & hdc: Pull up taller loops before completing the stitch
• Hdc in 3rd Loop: Work into the horizontal bar behind front and back loops
• Crab Stitch (Reverse sc): Work from left to right for a decorative edge
• Also uses: sc, dc, hdc, ch, sl st, sp

Stitching Instructions for Making the Wildrose Backpack Pattern:

Center Granny Square + Triangles

• Begin with a Magic Ring (MR) and crochet your granny square in joined rounds, using a mix of dc, ch, and cluster stitches.
• The first round usually begins with a beginning cluster, formed by chaining 3 and then working partial dc stitches.
• Subsequent cluster stitches ([YO, insert hook, pull up loop, YO, draw through 2] x3, YO, pull through 4) give the granny square its lacy, floral look.
• After completing the square (5″ x 5″), work four triangles separately in turned rows. These are crocheted using dc and ch stitches, decreasing gradually to form a right-angled triangle.
• Attach the triangles to the square using a whip stitch, aligning them with each diagonal edge. The triangles are whip stitched behind the square’s horizontal bars for a neat finish.

Backpack Sides

• With the large square formed, pick up sc stitches along two opposite edges to form the side panels.
• These are worked in turned rows using mostly sc and hdc, extending the width of the backpack.
• Each side panel consists of about 40 rows, adding enough depth to create a usable pouch.
• Once complete, fold the piece and whip stitch the side edges together along the back, forming a tube.

Top and Bottom Edging

• Now switch to working in joined rounds again. Pick up stitches around the top edge of the tube.
• Rounds here include a mix of sc, hdc, and hdc in third loop (working behind the usual top loops for added texture).
• In Round 9, work chains (ch 1) between stitches to create small gaps- these will be used for weaving the drawstring strap later.
• After the top is complete, repeat Rounds 1-8 at the bottom edge to mirror the design and stabilize the structure.

Backpack Bottom

• Crochet two rectangles using hdc or sc in turned rows to form the bottom base.
• Seam the rectangles together and align with the base of the tube using stitch markers.
• Use sl st to attach the bottom piece to the body, working around the base edge for a secure hold.

Strap (Drawstring)

• Create the strap as a long, crocheted tube using continuous rounds of sc.
• For added durability, work each sc into the horizontal bars on the wrong side of the stitch (creating a thicker, textured cord).
• Once the desired length is reached, weave the strap through the ch-1 spaces in the top edging.

Attaching the Strap

• The ends of the strap exit the backpack at the back corners through the designated ch-1 holes.
• Use whip stitch to secure the strap ends to the bottom back corners– right where the bottom base is attached.
• For extra hold, thread the ends through the base rectangles and knot them securely.

Interior Cell Phone Pocket (Optional)

• Crochet a small rectangle using sc in turned rows.
• Use a running stitch to sew this pocket inside the back panel.
• It provides a handy space to keep your phone or small items safe and easy to access.

Optional Tassel

• Cut multiple strands of yarn, fold them in half, and secure with a top loop.
• Wrap embroidery floss around the neck for added flair.
• Trim the bottom evenly and loop the tassel through the drawstring strap.

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