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Lili Backpack Crochet Pattern

Lili Backpack Crochet Pattern
4.4★ Rating
15-20 Hours Time Needed
3.7K Made This
✂️

Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic knitting experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

⏱️

Slow & Steady

A 10-12 hour project—great for savoring the process over several sessions.

🏡

Cozy Accent

A warm touch for your space that transforms ordinary corners into inviting nooks filled with handmade charm.

About This Lili Backpack Crochet Pattern

The Lili Backpack pattern is a sophisticated crochet project that combines practical design with stunning visual appeal. Using overlay mosaic crochet techniques, this pattern creates beautiful floral motifs that stand out against a contrasting background. The backpack features a quilted lining for added durability and structure, adjustable straps for comfort, and convenient snap closures on the sides.

Lili Backpack Crochet Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

This pattern includes comprehensive video tutorials for complex techniques, detailed step-by-step instructions, and helpful charts to guide you through each round. Perfect for crafters looking to expand their skills while creating a functional everyday accessory.

Why You'll Love This Lili Backpack Crochet Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it beautifully combines form and function in one stunning project. The overlay mosaic crochet technique creates an eye-catching floral design that looks intricate but is actually quite meditative once you get into the rhythm. I appreciate how the pattern includes both written instructions and video tutorials, making it accessible even when working with more advanced techniques. The finished backpack is not only gorgeous but also practical with its quilted lining and sturdy construction. Every time I use mine, I get compliments and feel proud knowing I created something both beautiful and functional with my own hands.

Lili Backpack Crochet Pattern step 1 - construction progress Lili Backpack Crochet Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Lili Backpack Crochet Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Lili Backpack Crochet Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love experimenting with this pattern to make it uniquely mine! For my first version, I used a beautiful gradient yarn that created an ombre effect throughout the mosaic sections, which gave the backpack a completely different modern vibe. I've also tried making a smaller version by reducing the bottom rounds and adjusting the body proportions - perfect for a child's backpack or a festival bag.

One of my favorite modifications is playing with the contrast color. Instead of using just three colors as suggested, I introduced a fourth accent color in specific rounds of the mosaic pattern, creating unexpected pops of brightness that really made the flowers stand out. I've also experimented with the lining fabric - using a bold printed cotton instead of quilted fabric gave one of my backpacks a fun personality when opened.

For a more casual everyday look, I skipped some of the more intricate mosaic rounds in the middle section and replaced them with simple striped rounds, which reduced the overall time while still maintaining the beautiful floral design at the top and bottom. I've even tried making the straps in a contrasting texture by using the thermal stitch method suggested in the video tutorials, which added both visual interest and extra durability. The possibilities are truly endless with this versatile pattern!

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Losing track of color changes in mosaic rounds - use stitch markers at the beginning of each round and keep notes ✗ Making stitches too tight in overlay mosaic sections which causes puckering - maintain consistent tension and work loosely in front post stitches ✗ Forgetting to switch colors at the end of rounds causing pattern disruption - always prepare your next color before finishing each round ✗ Misjudging lining measurements leading to poor fit - soften and stretch the bag before measuring and always add proper seam allowances

Lili Backpack Crochet Pattern

Create your own stunning Lili Backpack with this intermediate-level crochet pattern featuring beautiful overlay mosaic crochet techniques. This stylish and functional backpack measures 35cm x 34.5cm and showcases an intricate floral design worked in complementary colors. The pattern includes detailed instructions for the bag body, straps, lining, and finishing touches to create a professional-looking handmade accessory perfect for everyday use or special occasions.

Intermediate 15-20 Hours

Materials Needed for Lili Backpack Crochet Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Scheepjes Whirl (60% Cotton x 40% Acrylic, Fingering/4 ply weight, 215-225g/1000m) - 83g in 755 Blueberry Bambam
  • 02
    Scheepjes Whirlette (60% Cotton x 40% Acrylic, Fingering/4 ply weight, 100g/455m) - 88g in 868 Bilberry
  • 03
    Scheepjes Whirlette - 83g in 860 Ice as contrast color

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook 2.75mm
  • 02
    Tapestry needle
  • 03
    Stitch markers
  • 04
    8mm (3/8 inch) sew-on snaps (2 pieces)
  • 05
    Quilted fabric approximately 42cm (16.5 inches)
  • 06
    Matching sewing thread
  • 07
    Sewing machine
  • 08
    Scissors
  • 09
    Pins for basting

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Bag Bottom:

Round 1 (RS):

with A make 32sts of foundation cord, turn, ch1, 3sc in same st, 30sc, 3sc in last st, other side of foundation cord: 30sc, ss in 1st sc (66sc)

Round 2:

ch1, *3inc, pm, 30sc, pm, rep from * except don't pm at the end of rnd, ss (72sc)

Round 3:

ch1, *[inc, sc]x3, 30sc, rep from *, ss (78sc)

Round 4:

ch1, *[2sc, inc]x3, 30sc, rep from *, ss (84sc)

Round 5:

ch1, *[inc, 3sc]x3, 30sc, rep from *, ss (90sc)

Round 6:

ch1, *3sc, [inc, 4sc]x2, inc, sc, 30sc, rep from *, ss (96sc)

Round 7:

ch1, *sc, [inc, 5sc]x2, inc, 4sc, 30sc, rep from *, ss (102sc)

Round 8:

ch1, *[6sc, inc]x3, 30sc, rep from *, ss (108sc)

Round 9:

ch1, *4sc, [inc, 7sc]x2, inc, 3sc, 30sc, rep from *, ss (114sc)

Round 10:

ch1, *[inc, 8sc]x3, 30sc, rep from *, ss (120sc)

Round 11:

ch1, *7sc, [inc, 9sc]x2, inc, 2sc, 30sc, rep from *, ss (126sc)

Round 12:

ch1, *3sc, [inc, 10sc]x2, inc, 7sc, 30sc, rep from *, ss (132sc)

Round 13:

ch1, *7sc, [inc, 11sc]x2, inc, 4sc, 30sc, rep from *, ss (138sc)

Round 14:

ch1, *[12sc, inc]x3, 30sc, rep from *, ss (144sc)

Round 15:

ch1, *5sc, [inc, 13sc]x2, inc, 8sc, 30sc, rep from *, ss (150sc)

Round 16:

ch1, *sc, [inc, 14sc]x2, inc, 13sc, 30sc, rep from *, ss (156sc)

Round 17:

ch1, *10sc, [inc, 15sc]x2, inc, 5sc, 30sc, rep from *, ss (162sc)

Round 18:

ch1, *4sc, [inc, 16sc]x2, inc, 12sc, 30sc, rep from *, ss (168sc)

Round 19:

ch1, *15sc, [inc, 17sc]x2, inc, 2sc, 30sc, rep from *, ss (174sc)

Round 20:

ch1, *10sc, [inc, 18sc]x2, inc, 8sc, 30sc, rep from *, ss (180sc)

Round 21:

ch1, *5sc, [inc, 19sc]x2, inc, 14sc, 30sc, rep from *, ss (186sc)

Round 22:

ch1, *15sc, [inc, 20sc]x2, inc, 5sc, 30sc, rep from *, ss (192sc)

Round 23:

ch1, *11sc, [inc, 21sc]x2, inc, 10sc, 30sc, rep from *, ss (198sc)

Round 24:

ch1, *[inc, 22sc]x3, 30sc, rep from *, ss (204sc). Fasten off.

Info:

Wash and dry according to Care section. Measure length (L=26cm/10.25 inches) and width (W=16cm/6.25 inches). Trace bag bottom to paper and cut template for lining.

— Bag Body:

Info:

Join B: fold bottom in half width-wise, join B in fold at the long side (the one with rounds joining line)

Rounds 1-3:

with B ch1, 204sc, ss. Switch to C at end of Round 3

Round 4:

with C ch1, 204sc, with B ss

Round 5:

with B ch1, 204sc, with C ss

Round 6:

rep Round 4

Round 7:

with B *sc, 3dc, [3sc, dc]x6, 3sc, 3dc, rep from * x5, with C ss

Round 8:

with C *dc, 3sc, dc, sc, dc, [2sc, dc, 2sc, dc, sc, dc]x3, 3sc, rep from * x5, with B ss

Round 9:

with B *sc, 2dc, [2sc, dc, 2sc, dc, sc, dc]x3, 2sc, dc, 2sc, 2dc, rep from *x5, with C ss

Round 10:

with C *dc, 2sc, dc, [3sc, dc]x7, 2sc, rep from * x5, with B ss

Round 11:

with B *sc, 2dc, [2sc, dc, 2sc, dc, sc, dc]x3, 2sc, dc, 2sc, 2dc, rep from * x5, with C ss

Round 12:

with C *dc, 3sc, dc, sc, dc, [2sc, dc, 2sc, dc, sc, dc]x3, 3sc, rep from * x5, with B ss

Round 13:

with B *2sc, 2dc, [3sc, dc]x7, dc, sc, rep from * x5, with C ss

Round 14:

with C *dc, dc2inc, sk dc, 29sc (1st in 2nd of 2dc, last in 1st of 2dc), sk dc, dc2inc, rep from * x5, with B ss

Round 15:

with B *sc, FPhdc, 4sc, 2dc, 19sc, 2dc, 4sc, FPhdc, rep from * x5, with C ss

Round 16:

with C *dc, sc, dc, sc, dc, dc2inc, sk dc, 21sc (1st in 2nd of 2dc, last in 1st of 2dc), sk dc, dc2inc, dc, sc, dc, sc, rep from * x5, with B ss

Round 17:

with B *sc, dc2inc (in FPhdc), sk dc, 2sc, tr (in sc below 2nd st back), 3sc (1st in 2nd dc of dc2inc), dc2tog (1st leg in sc below prev sc), 15dc, dc2tog, 3sc (1st above 2nd leg of prev st, last in 1st dc of dc2inc), tr (in sc below 3rd st forward), 2sc (1st in dc, 2nd in sc), sk dc, dc2inc (in FPhdc), rep from * x5, with C ss

Round 18:

with C *dc, 2sc, dc2tog (1st leg in dc below prev st), dc, sc (in tr), 3dc (1st in 2nd dc of dc2inc), 17sc (1st and last in dc2tog), 3dc (last in 1st dc of dc2inc), sc (in tr), dc (in dc), dc2tog (2nd leg in dc), 2sc, rep from * x5, with B ss

Round 19:

with B *sc, 2dc, 4sc (1st in dc2tog), FPtr in tr, 2sc (1st in dc), dc2tog (1st leg in dc2tog or below prev st), 6dc, sc, 6dc, dc2tog (2nd leg in dc2tog), 2sc (1st in sc made in same dc2tog), FPtr in tr, 4sc (last in dc2tog), 2dc, rep from * x5, with C ss

Round 20:

with C *dc, 4sc, dc2tog (1st leg in dc below prev sc), dc (in 1st of 3dc), sc (in FPtr), dc (in 3rd of 3dc), dc2inc (in next sc), sk dc2tog, 6sc (1st in next dc after dc2tog), dc, 6sc (last in dc before dc2tog), sk dc2tog, dc2inc (in sc below next sc after dc2tog), dc (in 1st of 3dc), sc (in FPtr), dc (in 3rd of 3dc), dc2tog (1st leg in sc, 2nd leg in dc), 4sc (1st in st above prev leg), rep from * x5, with B ss

Round 21:

with B *sc, 3dc, dc2inc, sk dc2tog, 3sc (2nd in sc above FPtr), FPtr (in FPtr), sc (in 2nd dc of dc2inc), 5dc, 3sc (2nd in dc), 5dc, sc (in 1st dc of dc2inc), FPtr (in FPtr), 3sc (2nd in sc above FPtr), sk dc2tog, dc2inc (in next sc), 3dc, rep from * x5, with C ss

Round 22:

with C *dc, 6sc, dc2tog (1st leg in dc below prev st, 2nd in sc), dc (in dc), sc (in FPtr), dc2inc (in 2nd dc of dc2inc), sk dc, 4sc, dc, sc, dc, 4sc, sk dc, dc2inc (in 1st dc of dc2inc), sc (in FPtr), dc (in dc), dc2tog (1st leg in sc, 2nd leg in dc), 6sc (1st in sc above prev leg), rep from * x5, with B ss

Round 23:

with B *2sc, 4dc, dc2inc (in sc after dc2inc), sk dc2tog, 4sc (2nd in sc above FPtr), 3dc, 2sc, dc, 2sc, 3dc, 4sc (3rd in sc above FPtr), sk dc2tog, dc2inc (in sc), 4dc, sc, rep from * x5, with C ss

Round 24:

with C *2dc, 7sc, dc2tog (1st leg in dc below prev st, 2nd leg in sc above FPtr), 2dc, 3sc, dc, 3sc, dc, 3sc, 2dc, dc2tog (1st leg in sc above FPtr), 7sc (1st in st above prev leg), dc, rep from * x5, with B ss

Round 25:

with B *4sc, 6 left-slanted dc (in 5dc and sc; 1st in dc below prev sc), sk dc2tog, 2sc, 2dc, 2sc, dc, sc, dc, 2sc, 2dc, 2sc, sk dc2tog, 6 right-slanted dc (1st in sc after dc2tog, each in st below next st), 3sc (1st in st above st with prev dc), rep from * x5, with C ss

Round 26:

with C *3sc, dc2tog (1st leg in st below prev sc), 2FPhdc (in 1st and 2nd of 6 dc), 8sc, dc, 2sc, dc, 2sc, dc, 8sc, 2 FPhdc (in last 2dc of 6), dc2tog, 2sc (1st in st above st with prev leg), rep from * x5, with B ss

Round 27:

with B *sc, 2dc, 6sc (1st in dc2tog), dc2tog (1st leg in st below prev sc), 3dc, 2sc, dc, 3sc, dc, 2sc, 3dc, dc2tog, 6sc (1st in st above prev leg, 4th and 5th in FPhdc, 6th in dc2tog), 2dc, rep from * x5, with C ss

Round 28:

with C dc2inc, *sk dc, 2sc (1st in dc, 2nd in sc), 6 left-slanted dc (1st in dc2tog below prev sc), sk dc2tog, 3sc, dc, 2sc, dc, sc, dc, 2sc, dc, 3sc, 6 right-slanted dc (1st in sc after dc2tog, 4th and 5th in FPhdc), 2sc (1st in sc above dc2tog with last dc), sk dc**, dc3inc in sc, rep from * x4, rep from * to **, dc in same st as beg dc2inc (tog count as dc3inc), with B ss

Round 29:

with B *2sc, dc, dc2inc, sk dc, 5sc, dc2tog (1st leg in dc2tog), 2dc, 2sc, dc, 3sc, dc, 2sc, 2dc, dc2tog (2nd leg in dc2tog), 5sc, sk dc, dc2inc, dc, sc, rep from * x5, with C ss

Round 30:

with C *dc, dc2inc, sk dc, 2sc (in dc2inc), 4dc, dc2inc, sk dc2tog, 3sc, dc, 2sc, dc, 2sc, dc, 3sc, sk dc2tog, dc2inc (in next dc), 4dc, 2sc (in dc2inc), sk dc, dc2inc, rep from * x5, with B ss

Round 31:

with B *3sc, 2dc, 6sc, 3dc (2 in dc, last in sc), 2sc, dc, sc, dc, 2sc, 3dc, 6sc, 2dc, 2sc, rep from * x5, with C ss

Round 32:

with C *2dc, dc2inc, 2 left-slanted sc (in 2dc), 6dc, sk dc, 3sc, dc, 3sc, dc, 3sc, sk dc, 6dc, 2 right-slanted sc (in 2dc), dc2inc, dc, rep from * x5, with B ss

Round 33:

with B *4sc, 2dc, 6sc, 3dc (2 in dc, last in sc), 2sc, dc, 2sc, 3dc, 6sc, 2dc, 3sc, rep from * x5, with C ss

Round 34:

with C *4dc, 2sc, 6dc, 4sc, dc, sc, dc, 4sc, 6dc, 2sc, 3dc, rep from * x5, with B ss

Round 35:

with B *4sc, 2dc, 6sc, 4dc, 3sc, 4dc, 6sc, 2dc, 3sc, rep from * x5, with C ss

Round 36:

with C *4dc, 3sc, 6 left-slanted dc (1st in st below prev sc), sk dc, sc, FPhdc, 2sc, dc, 2sc, FPhdc, sc, sk dc, 6 right-slanted dc (in 6 dc), 3sc (1st in sc above st with prev dc), 3dc, rep from * x5, with B ss

Round 37:

with B *3sc, sk dc, dc2inc, dc, dc2inc, sk dc, 7sc (last in FPhdc), 2dc, sc, 2dc, 7sc (1st in FPhdc), sk dc, dc2inc, dc, dc2inc, sk dc, 2sc, rep from * x5, with C ss

Round 38:

with C *2dc, dc2tog, 6sc (in 5dc, last in sc), dc2tog (1st leg in dc below prev sc), 3dc, dc2tog (2nd leg in FPhdc), 7sc (1st in sc above FPhdc), dc2tog (1st leg in FPhdc), 3dc, dc2tog, 6sc (1st in sc above dc with prev leg), dc2tog (1st leg in 1st of 7dc), dc, rep from * x5, with B ss

Round 39:

with B *2sc, sk dc2tog, dc2inc, 5dc (4 in dc, last in sc), 5sc (1st and last in dc2tog), 7dc, 5sc (1st and last in dc2tog), 5dc (1st in sc, 4 in dc), dc2inc, sk dc2tog, sc, rep from * x5, with C ss

Round 40:

with C *dc, dc2tog (2nd leg in dc2tog), 31sc, dc2tog (1st leg in dc2tog), rep from * x5, with B ss

Round 41:

with B *sc, sk dc2tog, dc2inc (in 1st dc of dc2inc), dc, 27sc, dc, dc2inc (in 2nd dc of dc2inc), sk dc2tog, rep from * x5, with C ss

Round 42:

with C sc2tog (2nd leg in dc2tog), [33sc, sc3tog (1st and 3rd legs in dc2tog)]x5, 33sc, sc in dc2tog, but do not finish: with 2 lps on hook, with B ss

Round 43:

with B *FPsc (in sc3tog), 3dc, [3sc, dc]x6, 3sc, 3dc, rep from * x5, with C ss

Rounds 44-52:

Continue mosaic pattern as written in pattern, maintaining color changes and stitch pattern through Round 52

Round 53 (Dec):

with B [49dc, dc2tog]x4, with C ss (200 sts)

Rounds 54-55:

Continue pattern maintaining 200 sts

Rounds 56-106:

Continue following pattern instructions for mosaic design and upper edge

Round 107 (Dec):

with A [23sc blo, sc2tog blo]x8, ss (192sc)

Rounds 108-120:

with A 192sc blo, ss. Fasten off after Round 120.

— Strap Loop:

Step 1:

Facing RS of bag back side, skip 1 rhombus to right from rounds beginning point, join A in upper edge, ch16

Step 2:

Turn, skip 1 rhombus to left from rounds beginning point, ss in upper edge, turn, ch16, ss in starting point, turn, ch16, ss in finishing point, turn, ch16, ss in starting point (4x ch-16sps)

Step 3:

Make approximately 22sc to cover loop entirely. Make sc in all four ch-16sps at same time, placing sc close together. Fasten off.

— Straps:

Row 1:

leave 50cm tail, make 10 sts of foundation cord, turn, ch1, sc in each foundation st, turn

Rows 2-367:

or to 75cm or desired length: ch1, 9sc (each made in upside-down V), sk 2lps after last upside-down V, sc in spot after 2lps, turn. Fasten off leaving 50cm tail.

— Lining:

Step 1:

Measure straight part of bag excluding bottom and upper edge backing: 34.5cm. Add 2cm for adjustment and 1.5cm for seam allowance: 38cm total

Step 2:

Measure bag width (35.12cm), multiply x2 (70.24cm), add 3cm for seam allowance (73.24cm). Cut rectangle 73.24cm x 38cm

Step 3:

Cut bottom using previously made template, adding 1.5cm around for seam allowance. Baste side seam with 1.5cm seam allowance

Step 4:

Fold piece in half, place seam in middle of one side. Insert lining into bag, check fit, make adjustments. Make side seam, overcast edges separately, press open

Step 5:

Fold bottom in half both ways and mark folds to create 4 equal parts

Step 6:

Fold lining at side seam, mark fold on other side. Align side seam and marker, mark folds on both sides for 4 equal parts

Step 7:

Place lining and bottom right sides together. Align side seam with middle mark of bottom long side, pin and baste together

Step 8:

Stitch pieces together with 1.5cm seam allowance. Overcast edges together, fold towards bag bottom and hand-stitch allowances to bag bottom with whip-stitch

Assembly Instructions

  • Wash and block the finished crocheted bag according to care instructions before measuring for lining
  • Prepare and attach the quilted lining by measuring the bag dimensions carefully, adding appropriate seam allowances
  • Fold the strap in half and sew the folded edge to the bag front upper edge at the middle point with secure stitching
  • Insert both strap ends through the strap loop at the back of the bag
  • Align each strap end with Round 6 and stitch to the bag back using a rectangle perimeter and diagonal lines for reinforcement
  • Sew snap fasteners close to the upper edge about 5cm from each side of the bag
  • Attach the lining to the upper edge using back stitch, working through Round 106, the lining, and the backing with matching thread

Important Notes

  • 💡Use video tutorials provided in the pattern for complex techniques like overlay mosaic crochet and invisible joins
  • 💡Keep consistent tension throughout, especially when working front post stitches in mosaic rounds
  • 💡Always switch to the next color at the end of rounds as specified to maintain pattern integrity
  • 💡Use stitch markers to track the beginning of rounds and key pattern points throughout the project
  • 💡Wash and block the bag before measuring for lining to ensure accurate fit and professional finish
  • 💡Reinforce strap attachment points with extra stitching rounds for durability and long-term use

The Lili Backpack pattern brings together timeless crochet techniques and modern design to create a truly stunning accessory. With its intricate overlay mosaic floral motifs and practical construction featuring a quilted lining and adjustable straps, this backpack is both beautiful and functional. The pattern includes comprehensive video support and detailed instructions to guide you through each step. Whether you're looking to expand your crochet skills or create a unique handmade piece, this pattern offers the perfect blend of challenge and reward. Happy crocheting! 🧶✨

You ask,

we answer.

FAQs

What is overlay mosaic crochet and is it difficult to learn?

Overlay mosaic crochet is a technique where you work in alternating colors, creating patterns by working stitches in previous rounds. While it looks complex, it's actually quite meditative once you understand the basics. The pattern includes video tutorials specifically for the mosaic sections to help you master this technique.

Can I make this backpack in different colors?

Absolutely! While the pattern uses Scheepjes Whirl and Whirlette in specific shades, you can choose any fingering weight yarn in three coordinating colors. Just maintain the same weight and fiber content for best results.

Do I need sewing skills to complete this project?

Basic sewing skills are helpful for attaching the quilted lining and straps. The pattern includes detailed instructions and pictures for each sewing step. If you have access to a sewing machine, it will make the lining construction easier, though hand-sewing is also possible.

Can I adjust the size of the backpack?

The pattern includes instructions for making a shorter version by skipping Rounds 67-82. For other size adjustments, you would need to modify the bottom circumference and adjust the mosaic pattern repeats accordingly, which requires intermediate to advanced pattern reading skills.

How durable is the finished backpack for everyday use?

When made with the recommended yarn and including the quilted lining, this backpack is quite durable for everyday items like books, a tablet, or daily essentials. The pattern emphasizes reinforcing stress points like strap attachments for long-lasting use.