Crocheted Backpack

A classic backpack crocheted in the round, with a round bottom, flap with a buckle closure, and should straps. ​The backpack is crocheted in the round starting in the center of the round bottom. Increases are made in the round until the desired diameter is achieved, then the edges are crocheted without further increases. ​At the top edge of the backpack a round of drawstring holes is crocheted with skipped stitches. The flap covering the top of the backpack is crocheted back and forth with a rounded shape at the lower edge. Shoulder straps and straps for the flap closure are crocheted back and forth, then attached to the backpack. A contrasting color edging decorates the shoulder straps and flap. **​Skills required**: basic stitches (starting chain, slip stitch, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet), crocheting flat and in the round, increases and decreases, reading abbreviations, attaching pieces together. **​This pattern is written with US crochet terminology.** <hr /> **MATERIALS** **Yarn** For main color: * Lammy Yarns Florida (100% cotton, 108 m/100 g), approx. 10 skeins. The sample is crocheted in the colorway #552. * Or worsted-weight cotton *yarn held double*, approx. 1080 m / 1180 yd For contrasting color: a small amount of worsted-weight cotton in a contrasting color for edgings and cords **Hook** * 4 mm (US G/6) crochet hook for the buckle straps * 7 mm (US K/10½) crochet hook for the backpack (or size to obtain gauge) ​**Notions** A plastic side release buckle, approx. 4 cm / 1½" in width **​FINISHED MEASUREMENTS** * Width: approx. 24 cm / 9½" * Height: approx. 37 cm / 14¾" **GAUGE** 11 sc × 13 rnds = 10 cm / 4", **yarn held double**