Florence Backpack Crochet Pattern
Carefree and lightweight, the Florence Backpack taps right into all the excitement of an impending trip… With every stitch, how can you not imagine all the spur-of-the-moment places this carryall bag will travel!
Crocheted holding two strands of yarn together for extra shape and stability, this roomy bag is the ideal size to fit all your daily essentials. Perfect for daily use or a trip to the local farmers market, the simple and classic shape makes this bag super versatile and an all year round accessory… Making this little number a great place to store your WIP while on the go.
Whether you’re enjoying a picnic in a field or out for the weekend, the backpack’s drawstring closure will keep your valuables secure whilst the sturdy shoulder straps will ensure it’s super comfortable to carry… Giving this easy-going bag its effortlessly relaxed feel.
Super soft and non-stretchy, Lion Brand’s Rewind tape yarn is the perfect fit when crocheting sturdy, everyday bags. Inspired by the renewed popularity of wicker, rattan and raffia bags, I was excited to work with this tape yarn as it allows you to create a sturdy bag that is much softer to the touch, but still structured enough to keep its shape.
This intermediate level crochet pattern is sure to become an all-year favourite, whether you’re reaching for it on the way to the farmers market, or on your daily commute to work packed full of your everyday essentials. Scroll down to find the free pattern, purchase an ad-free printable version here, or head to Lion Brand to snag the yarn kit here.
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Purchase the ad-free, printable PDF pattern here.
Purchase the yarn kit from Lion Brand here.
Materials
7mm (2) Crochet Hook
1270yds Bulk Yarn (12ply) – Lion Brand ‘Rewind Yarn’ (242yds/100g)
— “Greige/123” (4 skeins); Color A
— “Moto Jacket/150” (2 skeins); Color B
Tapestry Needle; Stitch Markers;
Finished Size
Backpack Height: 12.5″ (32cm)
Backpack Width: 15.5” (39cm)
Strap Length: 31” (79cm)
Gauge
10 stitches + 12 rows = 4″/10cm in single crochet
Stitches & Abbreviations
st(s) – stitch(es)
ch – chain stitch
sl st – slip stitch
sc – single crochet
blsc – back loop single crochet
sc2tog – single crochet 2 together
fi – fair isle stitch
lsc – long single crochet
Single Crochet 2 Together (sc2tog)
Insert hook in the next st. YO, draw up a loop (2 loops on hook). Insert hook in the next st. YO, draw up a loop (3 loops on hook). YO, and draw through all 3 loops on hook.
Fair Isle Stitch (fi)
Insert hook between the 2 lines that make up the “V” of the next single crochet (the hook must go underneath both loops AND the horizontal bar at the back of your work). YO, draw up a loop (2 loops on hook). YO, draw through all 2 loops on hook.
Long Single Crochet (lsc)
Insert hook below the sc from 1 row below. YO, draw up a loop (2 loops on hook). YO, draw through 2 loops on hook.
Skill Level
This is an “Intermediate” level crochet pattern (includes “How-To” photos). You must be familiar with basic crochet stitches and techniques. Directions written so that they are easy to read and follow. All patterns are in English, and written in standard US terms.
+ PATTERN
Note: The base and the body of the backpack is worked in the round, from bottom to top. The flap is worked in the row, and is seamed to the back of the bag to create the final backpack. It is imperative to check gauge and maintain an even tension throughout . The design uses a stitch chart, available below.
+ BASE
With 7mm hook and two strands of color B held together, ch18.
Rnd 1: 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook, 1 sc in next 15 sts, 3 sc in next st. (Note: You are now going to be working on the opposite side of foundation chain.) 1 sc in next 15 sts. 2 sc in last st. Do not sl st in 1st sc of this rnd. (36 sts)
Rnd 2: Start crocheting in 1st st from the previous rnd. 2 sc in next st. 1 sc in next 15 sts. 2 sc in next 3 sts. 1 sc in next 15 sts. 2 sc in next 2 sts. Do not sl st in 1st sc of this rnd. (42 sts)
Rnd 3: Start crocheting in 1st st from the previous rnd. 2 sc in next st. 1 sc in next 16 sts. *2 sc in next st, 1 sc in next st. Repeat from the * 2 more times. 1 sc in next 15 sts. *2 sc in next st, 1 sc in next st, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc in next st. Do not sl st in 1st sc of this rnd. (48 sts)
Rnd 4: Start crocheting in 1st st from the previous rnd. 1 sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st. 1 sc in next 15 sts, *1 sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st. Repeat from the * 2 more times. 1 sc in next 15 sts, *1 sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st. Repeat from the * 1 more time. Do not sl st in 1st sc of this rnd. (54 sts)
Rnd 5: Start crocheting in 1st st from the previous rnd. 1 sc in next st, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc in next 18 sts, *2 sc in next st, 1 sc in next 3 sts. Repeat from the * 2 more times. 1 sc in next 15 sts, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc in next 2 sts. Do not sl st in 1st sc of this rnd. (60 sts)
Rnd 6: Start crocheting in 1st st from the previous rnd. 1 sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc in next 15 sts, *1 sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st. Repeat from the * 2 more times. 1 sc in next 15 sts, *1 sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st. Repeat from the * 1 more time. Do not sl st in 1st sc of this rnd. (66 sts)
Rnd 7: Start crocheting in 1st st from the previous rnd. 1 sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc in next 20 sts, *2 sc in next st, 1 sc in next 5 sts. Repeat from the * 2 more times. 1 sc in next 15 sts, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc in next 5 sts. 2 sc in next st, 1 sc in next 3 sts. Do not sl st in 1st sc of this rnd. (72 sts)
Rnd 8: Start crocheting in 1st st from the previous rnd. 1 sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc in next 15 sts, *1 sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st. Repeat from the * 2 more times. 1 sc in next 15 sts, *1 sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st. Repeat from the * 1 more time. Sl st in 1st sc of this rnd. (78 sts)
Fasten off, and weave in loose ends.
+ BODY
Note: When crocheting with two colors, carry the yarn that you’re not working with at the back of your work. You can follow the chart below to help with understanding the design and color changes.
Rnd 1: Attach B yarn (still double stranded) right in the back, and towards the middle of the base – working from the outside of the backpack. Ch 1, blsc in the same st. Blsc in next 77 sts along border of “Base”. Do not sl st in 1st st of this rnd. (78 sts)
Rnd 2: Start crocheting in 1st st from the previous rnd. 1 fi in next 78 sts in “A”. Do not sl st in 1st st of this rnd. (78 sts)
Rnd 3: Start crocheting in 1st st from the previous rnd. *1 fi in next 2 sts in “B”. 1 fi in next st in “A”. Repeat from the * 25 more times. Do not sl st in 1st st of this rnd. (78 sts)
Rnd 4: Start crocheting in 1st st from the previous rnd. *1 fi in next st in “A”. 1 fi in next 3 sts in “B”. 1 fi in next 2 sts in “A”. Repeat from the * 12 more times. Do not sl st in 1st st of this rnd. (78 sts)
Rnd 5: Start crocheting in 1st st from the previous rnd. *1 fi in next 2 sts in “A”. 1 fi in next st in “B”. Repeat from the * 25 more times. Do not sl st in 1st st of this rnd. (78 sts)
Rnd 6: Start crocheting in 1st st from the previous rnd. *1 fi in next st in “B”. 1 fi in next 3 sts in “A”. 1 fi in next st in “B”. 1 fi in next st in “A”. Repeat from the * 12 more times. Do not sl st in 1st st of this rnd. (78 sts)
Rnd 7: Start crocheting in 1st st from the previous rnd. *1 fi in next st in “A”. 1 fi in next st in “B”. 1 fi in next st in “A”. 1 fi in next st in “B”. 1 fi in next 2 sts in “A”. Repeat from the * 12 more times. Do not sl st in 1st st of this rnd. (78 sts)
Rnd 8: Start crocheting in 1st st from the previous rnd. *1 fi in next 2 sts in “A”. 1 fi in next st in “B”. Repeat from the * 25 more times. Do not sl st in 1st st of this rnd. (78 sts)
Rnd 9 – 41: Start crocheting in 1st st from the previous rnd. 1 fi in next 78 sts in “A”. Do not sl st in 1st st of this rnd. (78 sts)
Rnd 42: Start crocheting in 1st st from the previous rnd. 1 fi in next 78 sts. Work 1 fi in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd st of this rnd (this will centre the start of your next rnd towards the middle of the back of the ‘Body’). Do not sl st in 1st st of this rnd. (78 sts)
Rnd 43: Start crocheting in 1st st from the previous rnd. *1 fi in next 5 sts, ch1, skip 1 st (creates opening for the drawstring). Repeat from the * 11 more times. 1 fi in the next 6 sts. Do not sl st in 1st st of this rnd. (66 sts)
Rnd 44 – 45: Start crocheting in 1st st from the previous rnd. 1 fi in next 78 sts (working into ‘ch1’ spaces made in previous rnd). Do not sl st in 1st st of this rnd. (78 sts)
Rnd 46: Start crocheting in 1st st from the previous rnd. 1 fi in next 78 sts. Sl st in 1st st of this rnd. (78 sts)
Fasten off, and weave in loose ends.
+ FLAP
With 7mm hook and two strands of color A held together, ch24.
Row 1: 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook, 1 sc in next 22 sts. Turn your work. (23 sts)
Row 2 – 18: Ch1, 1 sc in same st. 1 sc in next 22 sts. Turn your work. (23 sts)
Row 19: Ch1, 1 sc2tog. 1 sc in next 19 sts, 1 sc2tog. Turn your work. (21 sts)
Row 20: Ch1, 1 sc in same st. 1 sc in next 20 sts. Turn your work. (21 sts)
Row 21: Ch1, 1 sc2tog. 1 sc in next 17 sts, 1 sc2tog. Turn your work. (19 sts)
Row 22: Ch1, 1 sc2tog. 1 sc in next 15 sts, 1 sc2tog. Turn your work. (17 sts)
Row 23: Ch1, 1 sc2tog. 1 sc in next 13 sts, 1 sc2tog. Turn your work. (15 sts)
Row 24: Ch1, 1 sc2tog. 1 sc in next 11 sts, 1 sc2tog. Turn your work. (13 sts)
Row 25: Ch1, 1 sc2tog. 1 sc in next 9 sts, 1 sc2tog. Turn your work. (11 sts)
Row 26: Ch1, 1 sc2tog. 1 sc in next 7 sts, 1 sc2tog. Turn your work. (9 sts)
Fasten off, and weave in loose ends.
Flap Border
Attach A yarn in the side of the last st of “Row 1” of the “Flap”.
Rnd 1: Ch1, 1 sc in same st, 55 sc along the border of the top/front of the flap, 2 sc in corner st, 1 sc in next 21 sts along the bottom of the flap, 1 sc in the same corner st as the 1st st of rnd, sl st in 1st sc of rnd. (80 sts)
Fasten of, and weave in loose ends.
+ STRAP
With 7mm hook and two strands of color B held together, ch146.
Row 1: 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook, 1 sc in next 144 sts. Turn your work. (145 sts)
Row 2: Ch1, 1 sc in same st. 1 lsc in next 143 sts, 1 sc in next st. (145 sts)
Fasten of, and weave in loose ends.
+ DRAWSTRING CORD
Cut 6 strands of yarn (174”/442cm in length), then tie a knot at each end of your strands. Secure one end to a door handle, and slip your crochet hook through the other end. Pull the strands till they are taught, and start twisting clockwise. When the cord starts to twist on itself when you step a little bit forward, you’ll know you’ve twisted enough. Pinch the middle of your twist with one hand, as you bring the twisted end of strands to the secured end, before tying the ends together.
The cord will be a bit messy at first, but just run your thumb and forefinger up and down the cord a few times, until smooth and neat.
Place 2 knots in the cord, 52”/132cm apart, and trim the either end of the cord 2”/5cm below the knots just made.
Weave the cord through the drawstring openings of ‘Rnd 43’ of the ‘Body’ of the backpack.
+ ASSEMBLY
Follow “Assembly Diagram” on page 6.
Flap
Block the finished flap, before seaming the end of ‘Row 1’ of the flap along the back of the backpack, across ‘Rnd 42’ of the ‘Body’.
Fasten off, and weave in loose ends.
Strap
Block the finished strap, before seaming the ends to the back of the backpack, along ‘Rnd 1’ of the ‘Body’ – seaming one end of the strap to either side of the back of the bag.
To create the handle, pinch the middle of your strap, and place one stitch marker on either side, 5”/13cm from the middle. Create a loop with the sectioned piece, and seam onto the back of the backpack, right beneath the flap.
Fasten off, and weave in loose ends.
Hope you all enjoy this pattern for a backpack, perfect for trips to the farmers market.
Be sure to use the tag #hopefulhoneyhive on Instagram to show me your version of my design!
Have a lovely day crocheting…
Lucy says
I need to make this bag!!❤️❤️
Giselle says
Always such beautiful talent and useful patterns you come out with! 💗🌸❤️
Daisy Dianne Bromlow says
Thank you for the pattern – looking forward to making it. Have Blessed Day !
Izuchi says
Very easy to make thanks so much. But can I use babby wool instead, u can look it up. I’m from Nigeria actually so ………
Precious says
I think it is possible to use any kind of wool we want
Janice Chrostoski says
I love the backpack. I am going to give it a try and see if I can do it. I will let you know as soon as I get it done.
Frances says
This bag is soooo cute! Thanks for sharing the pattern!
Christine says
While I agree this bag is cute, the pattern is very wordy and there are a few errors. She does not answer questions and I am sorry I purchased the ad free version. As far as the fair isle stitch, look for videos for a “split stitch” that will help.
Frances says
Do you have a tutorial on the fair isle stitch? I’m confused on how to do this stitch. Thanks!
Stephanie says
If you look online – there are a few different tutorials on how to do this stitch.
Frances says
Thanks so much Stephanie – such a cute bag! All your patterns are great!
Stephanie Crinklaw says
Oh, these aren’t my designs. They are Olivia’s. I just saw this post and had an answer. 🙂
Tina says
Hi there!
Thanks for the great pattern! Just wondering about row 42. I dont understand the instruction-it days to fi in all 78 stitches and fi in the first 3. I’m thinking I’m missing something because if I’m doing a fi in all then obviously I’m going to do one in the first 3. Can u help me understand what I’m not picking up on please. And thanks again, I really love the bag.
VW says
Did you ever figure it out? I’m working on this bag now and row 42 has me stumped
Joey says
This is so adorable – I didn’t think I ever wanted one of these but now I NEED to make this! Thank You!
Janet says
Thank you so much for the pattern. Am looking forward to making this. I have trouble walking and holding onto stuff at the same time and I think this will be helpful. God Bless You.
lek says
I need to make this bag ❤❤
Azza Daher says
Well done
We need a video if you can about any thing you do
Girlie Stubbs says
Where do you get this Lion Brand cotton yarn in Australia? I live in Sydney. Thanks a lot!
Love your patterns,!😍😍
Katherine Correa says
How could I make this bag with just 1 color? Essentially, what changes in the stitch? (I’m trying to do 1 color, but I’m stumped on step 1 of the body)
eloisa lirit says
id like to have the basic tutorial for your crochet so i can do all your beautiful and inspiring ideas.
Frances says
Me too! Stephanie is exceptionally talented!
Vanessa says
This is great! And it is going onto my very long to-do list!
FRANCES KAY HARRELLE says
How do I get the free patterns you send me by email? Can never get to the site with the pattern. I have missed so many of your beautiful patterns.
Josque says
I tried it
It looks so awesome
Linda Schultz says
Is the bag lined or are the stitches close and tight enough that small items won’t slip out through the holes?
Stephanie says
Quick question about the “seaming” done with the flap to the base and the handle to the bottom of the bag. Is that using a sewing machine or whipstitching? Thanks!
Frances says
Can you make the Florence bag without the front flap and make it just a pull string bag? Loooove this design!
Stephanie says
Is anyone monitoring this thread to answer questions? I posted a few weeks back and haven’t heard anything. I also had a question about the drawstring cord.
Has anyone done this bag and could provide some assistance? Thanks!
Yogesh says
Wow it’s looking beautiful
Kathy says
Just finished the base and am moving on to the body. Do I carry two strands of each color through the color work?
Kelly says
What a stunning pattern! Thank you so much for sharing, I love it so much!! Can’t wait to try it.
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Alana says
SOS the colour change pattern is not working, what am i doing wrong?! 😣
KAREN POST says
where is the pattern? I’ve been all over the web site, and cannot find the 1920’s vintage cloche hat pattern.
Linda Schultz says
Check on Ravelry. I think I saw it just last night
Toni says
I Love this bag. I will make it for my daughter.
lisa says
Hello!Air behind a cold front is at unhealthy levels because of the wildfire smoke. Colder air is dense and naturally likes to sink, which helps drag smoke in the upper levels of the atmosphere (above 20,000 ft.) down to near the ground, causing air quality issues.
Maritza says
Does the seam of the length of the flap match the width of the bag? Or is it shorter? I can’t tell and I made my bag bigger than yours so I have to eyeball it!
Willa says
When working the body is round 2 supposed to be “A”? It looks like it would be “B”.
Amelia says
Oh my goodness this looks so cute! It’s just the right size.
I keep meaning to try something with the t shirt type of yarn too, but the bags I see definitely look the best.
Carolyn Kaplan says
I love this backpack 😍. I’m going to try my hand at it for my granddaughter who will be finishing her last year at New College in Saratoga, Florida. I will let you know how it goes.
Tooty says
I farted on my backpack
Dink says
Damn son. I seen it happen.
Katie says
Can you use any bulky weight yarn or does it have to be the thicker “ribbon” type?
Rachel says
Could you do a tutorial on the drawstring?
I’m confused
Maryse Svary says
pourrais-je avoir les explications merci
t rex game says
It’s so beautiful! I will try to follow what you are doing. I don’t think I will be as beautiful as you do
Kacie says
Is there a way i can purchase this?
Margie says
What a beautiful backpack! Thanks for the pattern!
CK says
Hi, I cannot get hold of lion brand rewind yarn. What is my alternatives please?
Jeffery Thomason says
FYI: https://www.amazon.com/Crochet-Bags-Patterns-Embrace-Craftcore/dp/B0C1JDD96Q/
Belinda says
I have got your pattern for the Butterscotch scarf I started with the 12 stitches by the second row it did not look like it was ending right. HELP ! I haven’t crochet in a minute but I love this scarf .
Jaida Paucek says
It includes detailed and user-friendly instructions for creating an elegant backpack. The stylish design and knitting details will appeal to knitters of all levels. Knitting your own backpack with this pattern is a fun way to express your personal style. I’m going to give it a try.
Nikki says
I love your design
Ute Kegel says
Just what I was looking for, for a backpack purse.