DIY Network

Backpack This variation on the bucket purse makes the perfect backpack for school, work or everyday use. From "Uncommon Threads" episode DUCT-128

Keisha Davenport continues to use the basic pattern for the bucket purse to create a backpack. She starts by adding rows for height and then crocheting and connecting either one strap or two. The two-strap bag uses the handles as it closer; a tie is added for a drawstring closer to the single-handle bag.

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Materials:

Keisha Davenport's Backpack

4 skeins nylon thread, light green
crochet hook, U.S. size K
darning needle

Abbreviations:
Ch chain
Dc double crochet
Dec decrease, decreases, decreasing
Sc single crochet
Sl st slip stitch
Tr st treble stitch
Yo yarn over

Gauge: 6 sc = 4"

Note: To dec 1 dc: (Yo, insert hook in next stitch, yo, draw yarn through stitch, yo, draw yarn through 2 loops on hook) twice, yo, draw yarn through 3 loops on hook.

Using 2 skeins at a time, ch 5 and close into a ring with 1 sl st in first ch.

Row 1: Ch 1 (counts as 1 dc), dc in same space, * 2 dc into space between next 2 sts; repeat from * around (13 dc), sl st into space between beginning ch and next dc to join, turn.
Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc) , dc in same space, * dc in next space between 2 stitches, 2 dc in next space; repeat from * around (35 dc), sl st into space between beginning ch and next dc to join, turn.
Row 3: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), dc in same space, * dc in each of next 2 spaces, 2 dc in next space; repeat from * around *46 dc), sl st into space between beginning ch and next dc to join, turn. Mark with stitch marker.
Row 4: Dc around circle and ch 1 when you get to stitch marker.
Rows 5-22: Repeat Row 4.

Lining:
Use a piece of fabric (14"x11") in a complementary color (figure A). Sew two sides and bottom of lining, leaving just enough space for a hem on the top. Sew top hem. Once finished, hand-tack or machine-stitch lining onto the bag (figure B).

Note: It's best to sew lining into bag before attaching handles.

Figure A

Figure B

Backpack Strap:
Crochet shoulder strap 8 rows high and 36" wide using dc. Attach the strap by sewing it to the "rim" of the bag on both sides, or just to one side of the "rim" and to bottom of the bag to form a backpack (figure C).

Drawstring:
Ch 35, sc to end, end off. Count 3 or 4 rows down from "rim" of backpack and start weaving the strap within the stitches. Once you have come to meet the point where you began to weave, then take the ends and stitch them to the bottom of the backpack to create a drawstring backpack (figure D).

Drawstrings (left) and handles (right)

Figure C

Figure D

Alternate look:
To achieve a different look, crochet strap 4 rows high and 36" using dc. Count 3 or 4 rows down from "rim" of back and start weaving the strap within the stitches. Once you have come to meet the point where you began to weave, then take the ends and stitch them to the bottom of the backpack to create a drawstring backpack using the strap.

RESOURCES :

Coats and Clark yarn
Website: www.coatsandclark.com

GUESTS :
Keisha Davenport
E-mail: keisha@crochetnation.org