Crochet Drawstring Backpack Pattern (Easy Cinch Bag)

This drawstring backpack is one of the simplest bag shapes to crochet — just a tube with a cinched top and two crossing cords for straps. A great beginner-friendly bag pattern.

Materials

• 200g worsted weight yarn
• 4.5mm crochet hook
• Yarn needle
• Two large eyelets or grommets (optional, for reinforcing cord holes)

Abbreviations

• MR — magic ring
• ch — chain
• sc — single crochet
• inc — increase
• st(s) — stitch(es)

Base

1. MR, 6 sc in ring (6)
2. inc around (12)
3. (1 sc, inc) around (18)
4. (2 sc, inc) around (24)
5. (3 sc, inc) around (30)
6. (4 sc, inc) around (36)

Continue increasing in this pattern until the base measures approximately 10-12 inches across.

Body

Once the base is the desired width, stop increasing and work even rounds of sc for approximately 14-16 inches of height, building the main body of the backpack in a continuous spiral.

Eyelet Round

About 2 inches from the top, work a round of alternating chain-spaces for the drawstring cord to pass through: sc in next 2 sts, ch 2, skip 2 sts, repeat around. On the following round, work sc into each chain space and stitch as normal to close the gaps back up, leaving evenly spaced eyelet holes.

Top Finish

Continue 2-3 more rounds of plain sc above the eyelet round, then fasten off.

Drawstring Cords (make 2)

Chain a length approximately 1.5 times the circumference of the bag (adjust to your desired strap drop length). Work a single row of sc back along the chain for extra strength, or leave as a simple chain for a lighter cord. Fasten off, leaving long tails.

Assembly

Thread one cord through the eyelet round starting and ending at one side of the bag, then thread the second cord through starting and ending at the opposite side. When both cords are pulled, the bag cinches closed and the two ends of each cord become the two backpack straps.

Finishing

Weave in all ends. Reinforce the eyelet holes with a few extra whip stitches around each if you plan to carry heavier items.

Tip: work the base and bottom third of the body in a slightly thicker or double strand of yarn for extra durability where the bag takes the most wear.