# Terracotta Earthy Granny Square Backpack Free Crochet Pattern
I found this design standing in a craft market, completely mesmerized by a woman carrying the most gorgeous handmade backpack I had ever seen. I actually stopped her to ask where she got it — and when she said she crocheted it herself, I knew I had to figure out how to make my own. Three prototypes and about a dozen yarn shopping trips later, I genuinely cannot stop showing this terracotta beauty to everyone who will look at it.
The puff flower granny squares give it incredible three-dimensional texture, the cream trim adds a sweet vintage-inspired detail, and the earthy terracotta palette works for literally everything — farmer’s market, weekend trip, or just running errands. It is an intermediate project: if you have made granny squares and feel comfortable joining motifs, you can absolutely handle it. The puff stitches might be new to you, but I promise they are easier than they look.
What You’ll Need
- Main Color (Terracotta): approximately 400 grams of worsted weight yarn, category 4
- Contrast Color (Cream/Natural): approximately 100 grams of the same weight yarn
- US 5.0 mm (H/8) crochet hook, or size needed to achieve gauge
- Tapestry needle, stitch markers, scissors
- One wooden button, approximately 25 mm diameter
- Two wooden beads for the drawstring ends
- Fabric lining (optional but recommended for durability)
Finished size:
- Approximately 12 inches tall, 10 inches wide, and 4 inches deep
- Big enough for a water bottle, wallet, book, snacks, and all the random things you accumulate throughout the day
Gauge:
- one completed puff flower granny square should measure approximately 3.5 inches by 3.5 inches after blocking. Make one square first and measure — too small and your bag is tiny, too large and it becomes unwieldy
The Pattern
Puff Flower Granny Square (make approximately 30)
These are the building blocks of the entire backpack — you need squares for the body, flap, pocket, and bottom. Puff stitch: (yarn over, insert the hook into the stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop) 3 to 4 times in the same stitch, yarn over, pull through all loops on the hook, chain 1 to secure. A little cloud of yarn.
Using terracotta yarn:
Round 1 (Center): Make a magic ring. Chain 3 (counts as first dc), work 2 dc into the ring, chain 2. *Work 3 dc into the ring, chain 2.* Repeat 2 more times. Slip stitch to the top of the beginning chain-3 to join. (4 groups of 3 dc, 4 chain-2 corner spaces)
Round 2 (Puff Flowers): Slip stitch into the next dc, slip stitch into the chain-2 corner space. Chain 1, work (sc, chain 2, puff stitch, chain 2, sc) all into the same corner space. *Chain 1, skip 3 dc, work (sc, chain 2, puff stitch, chain 2, sc) into the next corner space.* Repeat around. Slip stitch to the first sc to join. (4 puff flowers)
Round 3 (Building Out): Chain 3 (counts as dc), work 2 dc into the first chain-2 space. Work 3 dc into the next chain-2 space. *Chain 2 for the corner. Work 3 dc into the next chain-2 space, 3 dc into the following chain-2 space.* Repeat around, ending with chain 2. Slip stitch to the top of the beginning chain-3. (8 groups of 3 dc total, 4 corner spaces)
Round 4 (Final Round): Chain 3 (counts as dc), dc in each dc across to the corner space. *Work (2 dc, chain 2, 2 dc) into the corner space. Dc in each dc across to the next corner.* Repeat around. Slip stitch to the top of the beginning chain-3. Fasten off. (14 dc per side, 4 corner spaces)
Weave in your ends and block each square to 3.5 inches. Trust me — blocking makes assembly so much easier.
Backpack Assembly
#### Square Layout
- Back Panel: 6 squares arranged in 2 columns of 3 squares
- Front Panel: 6 squares arranged in 2 columns of 3 squares
- Side Panels: 3 squares each, arranged vertically (2 side panels, 6 squares total)
- Bottom: 2 squares joined side by side
- Flap: 4 squares arranged in 2 columns of 2 squares
- Front Pocket: 2 squares joined side by side
#### Joining Method
Using cream yarn and a flat slip stitch join creates that beautiful contrast detail. Hold two squares with wrong sides together. Working through both layers, insert the hook through the corner spaces of both squares and slip stitch to join. *Insert the hook through the next stitch on both squares, slip stitch.* Continue across the edge, matching stitches as you go — the raised seam lands on the right side as a decorative element. Join all squares for each panel first, then join the panels together to form the bag body.
#### Constructing the Body
1. Join the back panel squares together
2. Join the front panel squares together
3. Join each side panel
4. Join the bottom panel
5. Connect the back panel to the bottom panel along one long edge
6. Connect the front panel to the opposite edge of the bottom
7. Connect the side panels to complete the box shape
#### Adding the Flap
Position the joined flap panel at the top back of the bag. Using cream yarn, sc evenly across the top edge of the bag back and the top edge of the flap to join them, working 3 sc into each corner to help the flap lie flat when closed.
#### Scalloped Edging
Using cream yarn, join to any corner of the flap. *Work 5 dc into the next stitch, skip 2 stitches, slip stitch into the next stitch.* Repeat around the three open edges of the flap (not the attached edge). Fasten off. Repeat this edging around the top edge of the front pocket before attaching it.
#### Attaching the Pocket
Position the completed pocket on the front panel, centered and about 1 inch up from the bottom. Using cream yarn and a whipstitch, sew along the bottom and sides, leaving the top open for access.
Drawstring and Closure
Drawstring cord: Using cream yarn, chain 150 or until the cord measures approximately 36 inches. Slip stitch into the second chain from the hook and each chain across. Fasten off. Thread the cord through the stitches around the top opening of the bag, about 1 inch down from the top edge. Pull a wooden bead onto each end and secure with a knot, then add a tassel below each bead: wrap cream yarn around a 3-inch piece of cardboard about 30 times, slide it off, tie tightly at one end, cut the loops at the opposite end, wrap yarn around the tassel about half an inch down from the top, and trim evenly.
Button loop: Using terracotta yarn, chain 12 and slip stitch to the first chain to form a loop. Fasten off, leaving a long tail, and sew it to the center underside of the flap. Sew your wooden button to the front of the bag, centered, positioned so the loop catches it snugly when the flap closes.
Shoulder Straps (make 2)
Using cream yarn, chain 8.
Row 1: Sc in the 2nd chain from the hook and each chain across. Chain 1, turn. (7 sc)
Rows 2–100 (or desired length): Sc in each sc across. Chain 1, turn. (7 sc)
Your straps should measure approximately 24 to 28 inches long, depending on how you like your backpack to sit. Try it on as you go and adjust. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Attaching the straps: Sew the top ends of both straps to the top corners of the back panel, just below where the flap attaches. Sew the bottom ends to the bottom corners of the back panel. For extra security, sew through multiple times and consider a small fabric reinforcement on the inside.
Top Handle
Using cream yarn, chain 6.
Row 1: Sc in the 2nd chain from the hook and each chain across. Chain 1, turn. (5 sc)
Rows 2–30: Sc in each sc across. Chain 1, turn. (5 sc)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Sew both ends to the top center of the back panel, creating a loop for carrying.
Finishing Touches
Steam block the completed backpack lightly to even out any wonky stitches. If you want extra durability, add a fabric lining: cut fabric pieces to match each panel plus half an inch seam allowance, sew them into a bag shape, and hand stitch it inside along the top edge. Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent and lay flat to dry — cotton stretches when wet, so never hang it.
Sophie’s Tips
- Use cotton or a cotton blend if you can. It holds the bag’s shape beautifully and won’t stretch out the way acrylic can under daily use.
- Practice a few squares before committing to the whole bag. Once your puff flowers feel natural, the remaining 28 fly by.
- The cream slip stitch join is a design feature, not just a seam — keep your tension even so those contrast lines look crisp.
Go make the bag that stops strangers in craft markets!
