Whispering Dunes Drawstring Backpack Free Crochet Pattern – Textured Oasis Carryall

Whispering Dunes Drawstring Backpack Free Crochet Pattern – Textured Oasis Carryall

Carry a piece of the desert with this softly textured drawstring backpack, worked in warm sand and terracotta tones. The alternating puff and shell stitches create a plush, dimensional fabric that is as cozy as it is stylish. This free crochet pattern is perfect for intermediate beginners looking to expand their stitch repertoire while creating a functional, boho-chic accessory. The cylindrical shape, flat circular base, and drawstring closure make it ideal for everyday use, from market trips to beach days.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth crochet experience:

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn in three colors:
  • Color A (Sand): Approx. 250g
  • Color B (Terracotta): Approx. 150g
  • Color C (Cream): Approx. 100g
• Hook: 5.0 mm crochet hook (or size needed to obtain gauge)
• Notions: Yarn needle, stitch markers, 1.5m of cord or ribbon for drawstring
• Gauge: 14 dc x 8 rows = 10 cm (4 inches) in pattern stitch (after blocking). Always check your gauge to ensure correct sizing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This bag is worked in continuous rounds from the bottom up. Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round. The pattern uses US crochet terminology. Let's begin!

Base (worked in Color A)

The base forms a flat circle that will become the bottom of your backpack. Work tightly for a sturdy foundation.

• Round 1: Make a magic ring, ch 2 (counts as first dc), work 11 dc into ring. Join with sl st to top of ch-2. (12 dc)
• Round 2: Ch 2, dc in same st, 2 dc in each st around. Join. (24 dc)
• Round 3: Ch 2, dc in same st, dc in next st, *2 dc in next st, dc in next st* repeat around. Join. (36 dc)
• Round 4: Ch 2, dc in same st, dc in next 2 sts, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 2 sts* repeat around. Join. (48 dc)
• Round 5: Ch 2, dc in same st, dc in next 3 sts, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 3 sts* repeat around. Join. (60 dc)
• Round 6: Ch 2, dc in same st, dc in next 4 sts, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 4 sts* repeat around. Join. (72 dc)
• Round 7: Ch 2, dc in same st, dc in next 5 sts, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 5 sts* repeat around. Join. (84 dc)
• Round 8: Ch 2, dc in same st, dc in next 6 sts, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 6 sts* repeat around. Join. (96 dc)

Fasten off Color A and weave in the end securely.

Body (worked in pattern)

Now we'll create the beautiful textured shell pattern. The body is worked in vertical bands of color, creating that stunning dune-like effect.

Round 9 (Color B): With Color B, ch 1, sc in same st, *skip 2 sts, 5 dc in next st (shell made), skip 2 sts, sc in next st* repeat around, ending with a sl st to first sc. (16 shells)

Round 10: Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in same st (half shell), *sc in center dc of next shell, 5 dc in next sc* repeat around, ending with 2 dc in the last sc, join with sl st to top of ch-3. (16 shells)

Round 11: Ch 1, sc in same st, *5 dc in next sc, sc in center dc of next shell* repeat around, ending with sl st to first sc. (16 shells)

Rounds 12-13: Repeat Rounds 10-11.

Round 14: Repeat Round 10. Fasten off Color B.

Round 15 (Color C): With Color C, ch 1, sc in same st, *5 dc in next sc, sc in center dc of next shell* repeat around, ending with sl st to first sc. (16 shells)

Rounds 16-17: Repeat Rounds 10-11 with Color C.

Round 18: Repeat Round 10 with Color C. Fasten off Color C.

Rounds 19-20 (Color A): With Color A, repeat Rounds 10-11.

Round 21: Repeat Round 10 with Color A. Fasten off Color A.

Rounds 22-23 (Color B): With Color B, repeat Rounds 10-11.

Round 24: Repeat Round 10 with Color B. Fasten off Color B.

Rounds 25-26 (Color A): With Color A, repeat Rounds 10-11.

Round 27: Repeat Round 10 with Color A. Fasten off Color A.

Drawstring Casing

This section creates the channel through which your drawstring will pass.

Round 28 (Color C): With Color C, ch 1, sc in same st, *ch 2, skip 2 sts, sc in next st* repeat around, ending with sl st to first sc. (32 ch-2 spaces)

Round 29: Ch 1, sc in same st, *2 sc in ch-2 space, sc in next sc* repeat around, ending with sl st to first sc. (96 sc)

Rounds 30-31: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join. (96 sc each round)

Fasten off and weave in all ends.

Drawstring

Create a twisted cord or crochet a chain of about 150 cm with Color C. Weave it through the ch-2 spaces of Round 28, starting and ending at the front center. Tie knots at the ends to prevent fraying.

Finishing

Weave in all remaining ends. Block lightly to even out stitches and enhance the texture. For a polished look, fold the top edge over the drawstring casing if desired and sew down for a neat finish.

Your Whispering Dunes Drawstring Backpack is now complete! This textured oasis carryall is perfect for adding a touch of boho warmth to any outfit. The plush shell stitches create a durable, cozy fabric that will hold its shape beautifully. Enjoy your new handmade accessory, and don't forget to share your creation with the crochet community!