How to Crochet a Beautiful Shell Backpack

Crocheting a beautiful shell backpack can be a fun and rewarding project for anyone looking to add a touch of handmade charm to their style. This versatile accessory is not only fashionable but also practical, perfect for carrying your essentials while out and about. The intricate shell stitch pattern adds a touch of elegance and texture to the design, making it a unique and eye-catching piece.

Supplies

• I hook
• Impeccable Green and White yarn or whatever yarn you prefer
• Yarn needle
• 1-inch button

Abbreviations

ch = chain

sl st = slip stitch

sc = single crochet

dc = double crochet

2sctog = 2 single crochet together decrease

2hdctog = 2 half double crochet together decrease

Instructions

Forming the Base

I hook, Green yarn

ch 5 - slip stitch to form a ring.

Rounds

Rnd 1: ch 3, 11 dc in ring, join with sl st on top of ch 3. - 12 sts.

Rnd 2: ch 2, dc in the same st. as joining, 2dc in each st. Around. Join with sl st on top of chain 2. - 24 sts.

Rnd 3: ch 2 counts as the first stitch, *2dc in next st., dc in the next stitch, repeat from * around, join with sl st. - 36 sts.

Rnd 4: ch 2, dc in the next st., 2dc in the next st., *dc in the next two stitches, 2dc in the next stitch, repeat from * around, join with sl st. - 48 sts.

Rnd 5: ch 2, dc in the next st., 2dc in the next st., *dc in the next three stitches, 2dc in the next stitch, repeat from * around, join with sl st. - 60 sts.

Rnd 6: ch 2, dc in the next st., 2dc in the next st., *dc in the next four stitches, 2dc in the next stitch, repeat from * around, join with sl st. - 72 sts.

Rnd 7: ch 2, dc in the next st., 2dc in the next st., *dc in the next five stitches, 2dc in the next stitch, repeat from * around, join with sl st. - 84 sts.

Rnd 8: ch 2, work 4 dc in the same stitch, skip 2 dc, sc in the next dc, skip 2 dc, *work 5 dc, skip 2 dc, sc in the next dc, skip 2 dc, Repeat around, sl st in beg. ch, - 14 shells.

Rnd 9: sl st in the next two dc, *sc in the 3rd dc of the previous shell, work 5 dc in the next previous sc, Repeat, sl st in beg sc - 14 shells.

Rnd 10: ch 2, work 4 dc in the same stitch as the previous st, sc in the 3rd dc of the previous shell, *work 5 dc in the next previous sc, sc in the 3rd dc of the next previous shell, sl st in ch 2 - 14 shells.

Rnd 11: sl st in the next two dc, *sc in the 3rd dc of the previous shell, work 5 dc in the next previous sc, sl st in the beg sc, - 14 shells.

Rnd 12: ch 2, work 4 dc in the same stitch, sc in the 3rd dc of the previous shell, *work 5 dc in the next previous sc, sc in the 3rd dc of the previous shell, sl st in ch 2, - 14 shells.

Rnd 13: sl st in the next two dc, *sc in the 3rd dc of the previous shell, work 5 dc in the next previous sc, sl st in the beg sc, - 14 shells.

Continuing the Shells

Rnd 14 – 27: *sc in the 3rd dc of the previous shell, work 5 dc in the next previous sc, work in continual rounds now, Repeat rnd 14–27.

Rnd 28: sc in each dc around, sl st.

Rnd 29: *sc in the next 5 dc, 2sctog decrease, Repeat around, sl st.

Creating the Front Flap

Row 30: Front flap, hdc in the next 18 dc, turn - 18 hdc.

Row 31: ch 1, 2hdctog decrease, hdc in the next hdc, 2hdctog decrease, turn - 16 hdc.

Rows 32–39: *ch 1, hdc in each hdc across, turn, Repeat this for the next 7 rows - 16 hdc.

Row 40: ch 1, 2hdctog decrease, hdc in each hdc across, 2hdctog decrease, turn - 14 hdc.

Row 41: ch 1, 2hdctog decrease, hdc in each hdc across, 2hdctog decrease, turn - 12 hdc.

Row 42: ch 1, hdc in the next 5 hdc, ch 2, skip 2 hdc, hdc in the next 5 hdc, fasten off. This ch 2, skip 2 hdc, will be the hole for the button.

Making the Straps

Straps: I hook, white yarn.

Row 1: ch 11, sc in the 2nd ch from the hook, sc in each ch across, turn - 10 sc.

Rows 2–3: sc in each sc across, turn - 10 sc.

Row 4: sc in the next 4 sc, turn - 4 sc.

Row 5: sc in the back loops of the next 4 sc, turn - 4 sc.

For the first strap, Repeat row 4 and 5, alternate the two rows 70 more times, or for the length you need.

For the Second strap, skip 2 sc from row 3, and on the opposite side of the previous row 4, sl st with white yarn. The Second strap

Row 4: sc in the next 4 sc, turn - 4 sc.

Next Row, 2nd Row 5: sc in the back loops of the next 4 sc, turn - 4 sc.

Repeat the 2nd strap of row 4 and row 5, and alternate the two rows 70 times.

Finishing Touches

With Green yarn, sc around the straps. Attach the straps to the back of the backpack onto the opposite side of the front flap. Ensure the back loop edge of the straps is facing outward when you attach it to the bag.

Sc around with white yarn around the front flap’s edge and the top edge. Fasten off.

Sew on a button in the center below the front flap; ensure the front flap buttonhole meets the button.