# Oatmeal Neutral Chunky Crochet Backpack Free Crochet Pattern
I have a soft spot for bags that go with absolutely everything, and this oatmeal chunky backpack is exactly that. The thick, squishy stitches give it real structure — it actually stands up on its own — and the warm neutral color works with every outfit I own. It looks like something from a minimalist boutique, but it’s just single crochet and half double crochet in bulky yarn.
It works up shockingly fast (chunky yarn is the best), and it’s genuinely practical: a roomy main compartment with a drawstring, a front pocket for your phone, and sturdy straps. I’ve been using mine daily for two months and it just gets better.
What You’ll Need
- Bulky weight (#5) yarn: approx. 600 yds oatmeal
- Size K-10.5 (6.5 mm) crochet hook
- One large wooden button or toggle
- Tapestry needle
- Stitch markers
Finished size:
- Approximately 10 inches wide x 12 inches tall x 5 inches deep
The Pattern
Base
Ch 26.
Round 1: SC in 2nd ch from hook and in each of the next 23 chs, 3 SC in last ch; working along the opposite side, SC in each of the next 23 chs, 2 SC in the same ch as the first SC, join. (52 SC)
Round 2: SC in next 24, 2 SC in each of next 3, SC in next 23, 2 SC in each of next 2, join. (57 SC)
Round 3: SC in next 24, [SC in next, 2 SC in next] 3 times, SC in next 23, [SC in next, 2 SC in next] twice, join. (62 SC)
Body
Rounds 4-28: Ch 2 (counts as HDC), HDC in each st around, join. (62 HDC) The body measures about 10 inches tall.
Round 29 (eyelet round): Ch 3, [skip 1 st, DC in next st, ch 1] around — work the last ch-1 as a join to the top of the ch-3. This creates the eyelets for the drawstring.
Round 30: Ch 1, SC in each st and ch-1 space around, join. (62 SC) Fasten off.
Drawstring: Ch 120, fasten off. Weave through the eyelet round and tie the ends together.
Front Pocket
Ch 22.
Row 1: SC in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. (21 SC)
Rows 2-14: Ch 1, SC in each st across, turn. Fasten off. Sew the pocket to the front of the bag, leaving the top edge open.
Flap
With the back of the bag facing you, join yarn at the top edge, 16 sts in from the right side.
Row 1: Ch 1, SC in next 30 sts, turn. (30 SC)
Rows 2-10: Ch 1, SC in each st across, turn. (30 SC)
Row 11: Ch 1, SC2tog, SC in next 26, SC2tog, turn. (28 SC)
Row 12: Ch 1, SC2tog, SC in next 24, SC2tog, turn. (26 SC)
Row 13: Ch 1, SC across, turn. (26 SC)
Button loop: Ch 8, sl st to the center of Row 13, fasten off. Sew the wooden button to the body of the bag to meet the loop.
Straps and Handle
Straps (make 2): Ch 120, SC in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. (119 SC) Fasten off. Sew one end of each strap to the top back of the bag and the other end to the bottom back, adjusting length to taste.
Handle: Ch 30, SC in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. (29 SC) Fasten off. Sew both ends to the top back edge between the straps.
Weave in all ends.
Sophie’s Tips
- Chunky yarn shows every stitch, so keep your tension even — but don’t stress, the texture is very forgiving.
- Reinforce the strap attachment points with a few extra stitches; backpacks carry real weight.
- A simple fabric lining (a rectangle sewn in by hand) makes it feel extra finished if you’re gifting it.
Toss in your essentials and go — this one’s a keeper!
