by Sure! Here is a detailed guide on how to make a beautiful modern crochet backpack using T-shirt yarn — perfect for beginners or intermediate crocheters who want to create a trendy and eco-friendly accessory.
🎒 How to Make a Beautiful Backpack from T-shirt Yarn (Modern Crochet)
🧵 Materials You’ll Need:
- T-shirt yarn (also called “trapilho” or “fabric yarn”) – approx. 2–3 rolls (depends on size)
- Crochet hook – 8 mm or as recommended for your yarn
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle – for weaving in ends
- Magnetic snap or button – for closure
- Optional: Metal rings, strap adjusters, or leather straps – for a polished finish
- Stitch markers – helpful when working in rounds
🧶 Skill Level:
- Beginner to Intermediate
- You should know basic stitches like:
- Chain (ch)
- Slip stitch (sl st)
- Single crochet (sc)
- Half double crochet (hdc)
- Magic ring (for working in the round)
📝 Step-by-Step Instructions
🔸 Step 1: Crochet the Base (Bottom of the Backpack)
You’ll begin by crocheting a circular base.
- Start with a magic ring
- Round 1: 6 sc into the ring, join with a sl st (6 sts)
- Round 2: 2 sc in each stitch around (12 sts)
- Round 3: 1 sc, 2 sc in next st repeat around (18 sts)
- Continue increasing this way (adding 6 stitches per round) until the base reaches about 7–9 inches in diameter, depending on your desired backpack size.
🔸 Step 2: Crochet the Body of the Backpack
Once the base is the size you want:
- Stop increasing, and start working even rounds (1 sc in each st) to build up the sides.
- Work in spiral rounds or join at the end of each round with a sl st.
- Use hdc or sc for a denser, sturdier fabric.
- Keep crocheting until the body is about 12–15 inches tall.
- You can add a stripe or color change if you like a two-tone look.
🔸 Step 3: Add the Flap
- Find the back center of your backpack.
- Attach yarn and chain 1.
- Work 20–25 stitches across the back top in hdc.
- Turn and work rows (not rounds), decreasing 1 stitch at the start and end of each row to form a triangle or curved flap.
- Finish when the flap covers the opening.
📌 Optional: Add edging with a contrast color using sc or crab stitch (reverse sc).
🔸 Step 4: Make and Attach the Straps
There are 2 main strap options:
Option 1: Crocheted Straps
- Chain 60–70 (or desired length)
- Work back in sc or hdc to make them thick and sturdy
- Make 2 straps
- Sew the ends securely to the top sides and bottom of the backpack
Option 2: Ready-made Leather Straps
- Attach with metal rings or rivets for a modern look
🔸 Step 5: Add a Closure
- Sew a magnetic snap, button, or toggle under the flap
- Optionally add a drawstring closure using chain stitches and weaving through top holes (punch holes using ch spaces)
✨ Customization Ideas
- Add a front pocket using a small rectangle and sew it on
- Sew on patches, beads, or applique
- Add lining inside using fabric and basic sewing (optional for structure)
- Use different textures of T-shirt yarn or combine with jute, raffia, etc.
✅ Tips for Success
- T-shirt yarn stretches, so check your tension
- Use a firm base to avoid sagging
- Block your finished piece if it looks uneven
- You can upcycle old T-shirts to make your own yarn (cut in spirals)
📸 Style Inspiration
You can go for:
- Boho style with tassels and earthy tones
- Minimalist monochrome with clean edges
- Color-blocked for a bold, modern look
🧺 Care Instructions
- Hand wash gently
- Lay flat to dry
- Avoid hanging heavy items inside as T-shirt yarn is stretchy
Watch tutorial:
