Cincinnati Backpack

**A Little About This Pattern:** The Cincinnati Backpack is the perfect accessory for carrying all of your necessities. Made specifically with my active 10 year old granddaughter in mind for carrying roller skates to the rink or art supplies and drawing pads while on a nature walk, the finished backpack is strong and durable. The use of a smaller hook size helps to create a nice dense fabric that is less likely to have items poking out through the stitching. With plenty of time between now and the start of school in the fall, this would make a wonderful school accessory as well. **Skill Level:** Designed with function and simplicity in mind, it works well for advanced beginners and experienced crocheters alike. Follow the recommended color changes within the design, or work it using cottons in your own color scheme from your stash to create your own unique look. **Construction:** The backpack is worked from the bottom to the top and includes clear written instructions along with helpful photos for replicating the pattern design. While holding 2 yarn strands once the thermal stitch base has been completed, you will only be crocheting with one strand at a time, while working over the non-working strand, adding to the strength and durability of the fabric. **CROCHET HOOK:** 4.0 mm (Size G) crochet hook used throughout; this can be adjusted to accommodate your personal preference, but the smaller the hook, the tighter the stitch pattern. Feel free to use any cotton yarn of your choice or any hook size that feels most comfortable to use with your yarn selection. To achieve a similar result, you will need at least 2 contrasting cotton colors, or select 6 (or more) colors to work with for a more exact finished piece. I chose stash cotton yarns and started with the color I had the most of. There is no specific yardage for each color used, as it varied greatly depending on what I had on hand, and will also depend on the yarn you choose to work with, hook size used and personal tension. ADDITIONAL NOTIONS: 2” Button 2 Barrel beads Measuring tape Removable Stitch Markers Tapestry or Large-Eyed Needle Scissors **YARN SPECIFICS:** I Love This Cotton Aran Weight fiber, 100% Cotton (3.5 oz/180 yards/100 grams per skein}: (6 different colorways needed for backpack). Sample colorways: #40 Sage - 2 skeins (Color A) #99 Rosey II - 1 skein (Color B) #254 Rosy - 1 skein (Color C) #62 Parchment 1 skein (Color D) #22 Serene Spa 1 skein (Color E) #12 Buttercup - 1 skein (Color F) **STITCH ABBREVIATIONS:** (CH) chain (SC) single crochet (SC2TOG) single crochet 2 together (SC TS) single crochet thermal stitch (SL ST) slip stitch (SK) skip (SP SC) single crochet spike stitch © Copyright Merri Purdy/Purdy Sweet Crochet 2025. All rights reserved. The pattern and photos in this design, are the property of Merri Purdy. As with all of my designs, I am always willing to assist if you have questions or concerns.