Gilded Grove Backpack Free Pattern – Textured Crochet Daypack
Gilded Grove Backpack Free Pattern – Textured Crochet Daypack
Carry a piece of the forest with you in this richly textured, earthy-toned crochet backpack. The Gilded Grove Backpack combines a sturdy, woven-look stitch with a soft, golden suede lining for a truly premium feel. This free pattern is perfect for intermediate beginners who want to create a boho-chic accessory that's both functional and beautiful. With its deep forest green body, subtle cream and mustard gold stripes, and a drawstring closure, this backpack evokes woodland luxury while being durable enough for everyday use.
Whether you're heading to a farmer's market, a hiking trail, or a coffee shop, this textured daypack will turn heads. The front post double crochet (fpdc) technique creates a basket-like weave that's surprisingly simple to master, and the step-by-step instructions below will guide you through every stitch. Let's get started!
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following supplies. All materials are readily available at craft stores or online:
- Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn in:
- Forest Green (MC) – approx. 400g (about 8 skeins of 50g)
- Cream (CC1) – approx. 100g (2 skeins)
- Mustard Gold (CC2) – approx. 50g (1 skein)
- Hook: 5.0 mm crochet hook (or size needed to obtain gauge)
- Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving ends, 2 wooden D-rings, 1 magnetic snap button
- Optional: Soft fabric for lining (e.g., golden suede or cotton) and sewing supplies
Gauge: 16 sc x 18 rows = 4 x 4 inches (10 x 10 cm) in single crochet. Always make a gauge swatch first to ensure your backpack comes out the right size. If your gauge is off, adjust your hook size accordingly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This pattern is worked in panels and then assembled. Take your time, count your stitches, and you'll have a gorgeous backpack in no time. The entire project takes approximately 8-10 hours for a beginner.
Backpack Body (Make 2 Panels)
You'll create two identical panels – one for the front and one for the back. The only difference is the color pattern in the textured rows.
Panel 1 (Front)
Foundation Chain: With MC (Forest Green), ch 36.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (35 sc) Turn.
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (35 sc)
Row 3 (Textured Row): Ch 1, sc in first st, *fpdc around next st, sc in next st* repeat from * to * across, ending with sc in last st. Turn.
Pro Tip: To make a front post double crochet (fpdc), yarn over, insert your hook from front to back to front around the post of the stitch from the row below, yarn over and pull through, complete the dc as usual. This creates the raised, woven texture.
Row 4: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (35 sc)
Repeat Rows 3-4 until the piece measures 12 inches (30 cm) from the start. Fasten off and weave in the end.
Panel 2 (Back)
Work the same as Panel 1, but with a color twist:
- Work Rows 1-2 in MC as before.
- For Row 3, use CC1 (Cream) for the fpdc stitches, keeping MC for the sc stitches.
- Continue alternating MC and CC1 every 2 rows (i.e., work 2 rows in MC, then 2 rows with CC1 fpdc) for a subtle striped effect.
- Work until the panel measures 12 inches (30 cm) from the start. Fasten off.
Joining Panels
Now it's time to assemble the main body of the backpack.
- Place the two panels together with wrong sides facing (the textured sides should be on the outside).
- Using MC and your 5.0 mm hook, sc through both layers along the bottom edge and up both side edges, leaving the top open. This creates a seamless, sturdy seam.
- When you reach the top on both sides, fasten off and weave in ends.
- Turn the backpack right side out. The textured pattern should now be visible on both sides.
Bottom Gusset
The gusset gives the backpack its flat, sturdy bottom – essential for a daypack that stands up on its own.
Foundation Chain: With MC, ch 8.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (7 sc) Turn.
Rows 2-20: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (7 sc)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Position the gusset along the bottom of the backpack (the seam you just created) and whip-stitch it in place, matching the edges. This creates a rectangular base that gives the bag structure.
Top Cuff
The cuff adds a polished finish and provides a channel for the drawstring.
Round 1: With MC, sc evenly around the top opening of the backpack. You should have approximately 70 sc. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
Round 2: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with sl st. (70 sc)
Round 3 (Textured): Ch 1, sc in first st, *fpdc around next st, sc in next st* repeat from * to * around. Join with sl st.
Round 4: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with sl st. (70 sc)
Repeat Rounds 3-4 twice more (i.e., you'll have 3 textured rounds total). Fasten off and weave in ends.
Straps (Make 2)
These comfortable, thick straps are crocheted flat and sewn on. They're designed to cross slightly in the back for a better fit.
Foundation Chain: With MC, ch 8.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (7 sc) Turn.
Rows 2-60: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (7 sc)
Fasten off, leaving long tails (about 12 inches) for sewing.
Attaching the Straps:
- Lay the backpack flat with the back panel facing you.
- Take one strap and sew one end to the top back edge (about 2 inches from the side seam).
- Sew the other end to the bottom back edge, angling it slightly inward.
- Repeat with the second strap on the opposite side, crossing them slightly in the middle for a comfortable, ergonomic fit.
- Weave in all ends securely.
Drawstring Closure
The golden drawstring adds a pop of color and cinches the bag closed.
Drawstring: With CC2 (Mustard Gold), ch 100. Fasten off. (You can make it longer if you prefer longer tails.)
Weaving: Starting at one side, weave the drawstring through the top cuff, just below the last fpdc row. Use a tapestry needle to guide it in and out of the stitches all the way around. Pull both ends to close the bag.
Finishing Touches
Your Gilded Grove Backpack is almost complete! Here are the final steps:
- Magnetic Snap: Sew the magnetic snap button to the inside top center of the backpack. This keeps your belongings secure even when the drawstring is loose.
- Weave in Ends: Use your tapestry needle to weave in any remaining yarn tails. This is crucial for durability – a well-finished bag lasts for years.
- Optional Lining: For extra durability and a premium feel, line the inside with a soft fabric like golden suede or cotton. Cut a piece to fit the interior, sew it into a bag shape, and hand-stitch it to the top cuff.
- Blocking (Optional): If desired, lightly steam block the backpack to even out the stitches and give it a professional finish.
Tips for Success
- Count your stitches on every row – it's easy to accidentally add or drop a stitch, which would affect the texture pattern.
- Keep your tension consistent throughout. Cotton yarn doesn't stretch much, so a consistent tension ensures even panels.
- Use stitch markers to mark the beginning of rounds on the top cuff.
- Practice the fpdc stitch on a small swatch first if you're new to post stitches. It's easier than it looks!
Your Gilded Grove Backpack is now ready for adventure! This earthy, boho-chic accessory is perfect for daily use, and the textured weave will only get better with age. Share your creation with the crochet community using the hashtag #GildedGroveBackpack – we'd love to see your version!
Happy crocheting, and may your days be filled with woodland luxury and golden threads.
