Drifting Dune Crochet Backpack Free Pattern – A Textured Oasis Carryall

Carry a piece of the desert with this sculptural crochet backpack, featuring undulating waves of sand-toned stitches and a supple leather-cord finish. This pattern guides you through creating a structured yet soft bag that turns every outing into a stylish escape. The Drifting Dune Backpack is a beginner-friendly project that combines simple stitches with stunning texture, resulting in a boho-chic accessory you'll reach for all year round.

With its rich, textured surface of alternating front-post and back-post double crochet ridges, this bag mimics the ripples of desert sand dunes. The cylindrical shape, flat circular base, and horizontal bands of warm sandy beige, soft golden tan, and muted sage green create a visually striking piece that's as functional as it is beautiful. Whether you're heading to the farmer's market, the beach, or a weekend getaway, this backpack is the perfect companion.

Materials Needed

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

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn in three shades:
  • Dune (A) – approx. 300g (warm sandy beige)
  • Sand (B) – approx. 200g (soft golden tan)
  • Oasis (C) – approx. 150g (muted sage green)
• Hook: 5.0 mm crochet hook (or size needed to obtain gauge), plus a 4.0 mm hook for the drawstring
• Gauge: 16 sc x 18 rows = 10 x 10 cm (4 x 4 in) with 5.0 mm hook in pattern stitch
• Other: Stitch markers, yarn needle, scissors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Abbreviations (US terms)

• ch = chain
• sc = single crochet
• hdc = half double crochet
• dc = double crochet
• fpdc = front post double crochet
• bpdc = back post double crochet
• sl st = slip stitch
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• rnd = round

Pattern Notes

• Work in continuous spirals unless otherwise stated. Use a stitch marker to track the beginning of each round.
• The color changes are made by working the last yarn-over of the previous stitch with the new color.
• The bag is worked from the bottom up, then the strap is added separately.

Bottom of the Bag (worked in Dune A)

1. Make a magic ring, ch 1, work 8 sc into the ring. Pull tight. (8 sts)
2. Work 2 sc in each st around. (16 sts)
3. *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (24 sts)
4. *Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (32 sts)
5. *Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (40 sts)
6. *Sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (48 sts)
7. *Sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (56 sts)
8. *Sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (64 sts)
9. *Sc in next 7 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (72 sts)
10. *Sc in next 8 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (80 sts)
11. Sc in each st around. (80 sts)

Body of the Bag (color changes as noted)

12. With A, ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to first sc to join. (80 sts)
13. Ch 2 (counts as hdc), hdc in each st around, sl st to top of ch-2. (80 sts)
14. Ch 2, *fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st* repeat from * to * around, sl st to top of ch-2. (80 sts)
15. Repeat rnd 14. (80 sts)
16. Change to B, ch 2, hdc in each st around, sl st to top of ch-2. (80 sts)
17. Ch 2, *fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st* repeat from * to * around, sl st to top of ch-2. (80 sts)
18. Repeat rnd 17. (80 sts)
19. Change to A, ch 2, hdc in each st around, sl st to top of ch-2. (80 sts)
20. Ch 2, *fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st* repeat from * to * around, sl st to top of ch-2. (80 sts)
21. Repeat rnd 20. (80 sts)
22. Change to C, ch 2, hdc in each st around, sl st to top of ch-2. (80 sts)
23. Ch 2, *fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st* repeat from * to * around, sl st to top of ch-2. (80 sts)
24. Repeat rnd 23. (80 sts)
25. Change to B, ch 2, hdc in each st around, sl st to top of ch-2. (80 sts)
26. Ch 2, *fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st* repeat from * to * around, sl st to top of ch-2. (80 sts)
27. Repeat rnd 26. (80 sts)
28. Change to A, ch 2, hdc in each st around, sl st to top of ch-2. (80 sts)
29. Ch 2, *fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st* repeat from * to * around, sl st to top of ch-2. (80 sts)
30. Repeat rnd 29. (80 sts)
31. Change to C, ch 2, hdc in each st around, sl st to top of ch-2. (80 sts)
32. Ch 2, *fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st* repeat from * to * around, sl st to top of ch-2. (80 sts)
33. Repeat rnd 32. (80 sts)
34. Change to A, ch 2, hdc in each st around, sl st to top of ch-2. (80 sts)
35. Ch 2, *fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st* repeat from * to * around, sl st to top of ch-2. (80 sts)
36. Repeat rnd 35. (80 sts)

Top Edge and Drawstring Casing

37. With A, ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to first sc. (80 sts)
38. Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to first sc. (80 sts)
39. Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in each st around, sl st to top of ch-3. (80 sts)
40. Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to first sc. (80 sts)
41. Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to first sc. (80 sts)
42. Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to first sc. (80 sts)
43. Fasten off A. With B, ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to first sc. (80 sts)
44. Fasten off B. With C, ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to first sc. (80 sts)
45. Fasten off C. With A, ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to first sc. (80 sts)
46. Fasten off A. Weave in all ends.

Drawstring (make 2, with 4.0 mm hook and color B)

• Ch 150, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Fasten off. Weave in ends.
• Thread one drawstring through the dc row (rnd 39) from the front, and the other from the back, so they pull in opposite directions. Tie knots at the ends.

Strap (worked in A, with 5.0 mm hook)

• Leave a long tail at the start. Ch 200 (or desired length).
• Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (199 sts)
• Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. (199 sts)
• Fasten off, leaving a long tail.
• Attach the strap to the inside of the bag at the side seams using the long tails and a yarn needle. Sew securely.

Finishing

• Weave in all remaining ends.
• Optional: Add a fabric lining to the inside of the bag for extra structure and to prevent items from slipping through the stitches.
• Block the bag lightly if desired to even out the stitches.

Your Drifting Dune Crochet Backpack is now complete! This textured oasis carryall is perfect for everyday use, adding a touch of handmade boho charm to any outfit. The combination of post stitches creates a durable, thick fabric that holds its shape beautifully, while the drawstring closure keeps your belongings secure. Enjoy your new favorite accessory!