The Driftwood Dunes Backpack: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Bohemian Daypack

Escape the Ordinary: Crochet the Driftwood Dunes Backpack

Are you ready to create a truly unique accessory that turns heads and carries your essentials in style? The Driftwood Dunes Backpack is more than just a bag; it's a statement. This free crochet pattern combines a mesmerizing, woven-like texture with a bohemian silhouette, making it the perfect hands-free companion for farmers markets, beach days, and city strolls. Featuring a beautiful linked double crochet stitch and a sturdy, braided-looking base, this pattern is designed to be both functional and fashionable. Let's dive in and create your new favorite daypack!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Using the exact materials will ensure your backpack matches the sample, but feel free to experiment with your own color palette.

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn (approx. 500-600 yards total). The sample uses Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton in 'Sand' (Color A, 350 yds) and 'Terracotta' (Color B, 200 yds).
• Hook: Size H/8 (5.0 mm) crochet hook.
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving ends, one 1-inch wooden button, sewing needle and thread (optional, for attaching button).
• Gauge: 14 linked double crochet stitches x 8 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in linked double crochet pattern. Matching gauge is important for the correct size.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This backpack is worked in the round from the bottom up, then the flap is worked flat. The straps are added last. Follow each step carefully for a flawless finish.

Abbreviations

• ch: chain
• sl st: slip stitch
• sc: single crochet
• dc: double crochet
• ldc: linked double crochet (see special stitch)
• st(s): stitch(es)
• rnd(s): round(s)

Special Stitch: Linked Double Crochet (ldc)

This stitch creates a dense, woven fabric. Practice it a few times before starting the body.

1. Insert hook into the horizontal bar just below the top of the previous stitch (the 'link').
2. Yarn over and pull up a loop (2 loops on hook).
3. Yarn over and pull through one loop (3 loops on hook).
4. Yarn over and pull through two loops (2 loops on hook).
5. Yarn over and pull through the remaining two loops. One ldc complete.

Pattern

Base (worked in continuous rounds with Color A)

Do not join rounds; use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round.

• Rnd 1: Ch 2, work 6 sc into the second ch from hook. (6 sts)
• Rnd 2: Work 2 sc in each st around. (12 sts)
• Rnd 3: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st; repeat from * around. (18 sts)
• Rnd 4: *Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st; repeat from * around. (24 sts)
• Rnd 5: *Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st; repeat from * around. (30 sts)
• Rnd 6: *Sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st; repeat from * around. (36 sts)
• Rnd 7: *Sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st; repeat from * around. (42 sts)
• Rnd 8: *Sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st; repeat from * around. (48 sts)
• Rnd 9: *Sc in next 7 sts, 2 sc in next st; repeat from * around. (54 sts)
• Rnd 10: *Sc in next 8 sts, 2 sc in next st; repeat from * around. (60 sts)
• Rnd 11: *Sc in next 9 sts, 2 sc in next st; repeat from * around. (66 sts)
• Rnd 12: *Sc in next 10 sts, 2 sc in next st; repeat from * around. (72 sts)
• Rnd 13: *Sc in next 11 sts, 2 sc in next st; repeat from * around. (78 sts)
• Rnd 14: *Sc in next 12 sts, 2 sc in next st; repeat from * around. (84 sts)
• Rnd 15: *Sc in next 13 sts, 2 sc in next st; repeat from * around. (90 sts)
• Rnd 16: *Sc in next 14 sts, 2 sc in next st; repeat from * around. (96 sts)
• Rnd 17: *Sc in next 15 sts, 2 sc in next st; repeat from * around. (102 sts)
• Rnd 18: *Sc in next 16 sts, 2 sc in next st; repeat from * around. (108 sts)
• Rnd 19: *Sc in next 17 sts, 2 sc in next st; repeat from * around. (114 sts)
• Rnd 20: *Sc in next 18 sts, 2 sc in next st; repeat from * around. (120 sts)

Body (worked in joined rounds with Color A)

Now you will join each round with a slip stitch.

• Rnd 21: Ch 2 (does not count as a stitch), work 1 ldc in each st around. Join with sl st to top of first ldc. (120 sts)
• Rnds 22-40: Repeat Rnd 21. (120 sts each rnd)

Color Transition (optional)

If you want the terracotta accent band, follow these rounds. Otherwise, continue with Color A.

• Rnd 41: With Color A, work 1 ldc in each st around. (120 sts)
• Rnd 42: With Color B, work 1 ldc in each st around. (120 sts)
• Rnd 43: With Color B, work 1 ldc in each st around. (120 sts)
• Rnd 44: With Color A, work 1 ldc in each st around. (120 sts)
• Rnd 45: With Color A, work 1 ldc in each st around. (120 sts)

Flap (worked flat with Color A)

You will now work back and forth in rows on the front 30 stitches only. Leave the remaining stitches unworked for the back of the bag.

• Row 1: Ch 2, work 1 ldc in next 30 sts. Turn. (30 sts)
• Row 2: Ch 2, ldc2tog (decrease: work 2 ldc together), work 1 ldc in next 26 sts, ldc2tog. Turn. (28 sts)
• Row 3: Ch 2, ldc2tog, work 1 ldc in next 24 sts, ldc2tog. Turn. (26 sts)
• Row 4: Ch 2, ldc2tog, work 1 ldc in next 22 sts, ldc2tog. Turn. (24 sts)
• Row 5: Ch 2, ldc2tog, work 1 ldc in next 20 sts, ldc2tog. Turn. (22 sts)
• Row 6: Ch 2, ldc2tog, work 1 ldc in next 18 sts, ldc2tog. Turn. (20 sts)
• Row 7: Ch 2, ldc2tog, work 1 ldc in next 16 sts, ldc2tog. Turn. (18 sts)
• Row 8: Ch 2, ldc2tog, work 1 ldc in next 14 sts, ldc2tog. Turn. (16 sts)
• Row 9: Ch 2, ldc2tog, work 1 ldc in next 12 sts, ldc2tog. Turn. (14 sts)
• Row 10: Ch 2, ldc2tog, work 1 ldc in next 10 sts, ldc2tog. Turn. (12 sts)
• Row 11: Ch 2, ldc2tog, work 1 ldc in next 8 sts, ldc2tog. Turn. (10 sts)
• Row 12: Ch 2, ldc2tog, work 1 ldc in next 6 sts, ldc2tog. Turn. (8 sts)
• Row 13: Ch 2, ldc2tog, work 1 ldc in next 4 sts, ldc2tog. Turn. (6 sts)
• Row 14: Ch 2, ldc2tog, work 1 ldc in next 2 sts, ldc2tog. Turn. (4 sts)
• Row 15: Ch 2, ldc2tog twice. Turn. (2 sts)
• Row 16: Ch 2, ldc2tog. Fasten off. (1 st)

Edging for Flap

• With Color A, join yarn at the base of the flap (left side). Work sc evenly around the entire flap edge, working 3 sc in the point at the bottom. Join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off.

Button Loop

• With Color A, ch 12. Sl st in the center top of the flap (where the point meets the body). Fasten off. Weave in ends.

Strap (make 2)

• With Color A, ch 120 (or desired length).
• Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (119 sts)
• Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Fasten off. Weave in ends.

Assembly

1. Attach the button: Sew a button to the front of the backpack, centered about 2 inches below the flap edge, aligning with the button loop.
2. Attach the straps: Fold each strap in half lengthwise. Sew the folded edge to the inside of the backpack at the top edge, spacing them about 6 inches apart. Sew the other end of each strap to the bottom of the backpack, about 4 inches from the center. Ensure straps are not twisted.
3. Weave in all ends.

Optional Lining

For a sturdier bag, sew a fabric lining (cotton or canvas) to the inside of the backpack, attaching it to the top edge. This will help the bag hold its shape and protect your belongings.

Congratulations! You've just created your own Driftwood Dunes Backpack. This textured, bohemian beauty is ready for all your adventures. Share your creation with the world using #DriftwoodDunesBackpack and tag us—we can't wait to see your unique color combinations!