I’m new to hiking, and one of the first things I realized I needed (besides bug spray!), was a bag to keep my hands free and hold the essentials. I didn’t want a full-size backpack, but it needed to be big enough for a water bottle and snacks. I figured I could make a bag that would check all the boxes, and that’s how the Inselberg backpack was created!

Having taken it out on the trails a few times now I can attest that it’s the perfect size to carry all the essentials, and the color possibilities are endless! Using Caron Cotton Cakes yarn and holding two strands together creates a durable and structured bag that’s still lightweight and won’t slow you down. Read on to see how to make your own Inselberg Backpack, and become the outdoorsy person you’ve always wanted to be! (And still have cute accessories.)

Inselberg Backpack Pattern

Stitch abbreviations:

-Chain (CH)

-Skip (SK)

-Stitch (ST)

-Single Crochet (SC)

-Two Single Crochet (2SC)

Materials:

• J/10 (6 mm) Crochet Hook
• I/9 (5.5 mm) Crochet Hook
• Two skeins worsted weight level 4 yarn, 100% cotton or a cotton/acrylic blend, about 300 yards each. (Different colors are optional. Pictured is Caron Cotton Cakes in Silver Cloud and Fruit Tropical.)

Notes:

• The Inselberg Backpack is made by holding two strands of yarn together simultaneously to create a stronger structure.
• The rounds are joined by an invisible slip stitch and each round is started with a chainless single crochet, which counts as one SC. If you’re not familiar with these techniques you can see a more detailed tutorial here or use a standard slip stitch and chain 1 at the beginning of each row, which will not count as a stitch.
• The chart below shows how to make the bag base. The instructions are also written out in the pattern directions with accompanying photos. The body of the bag is made in joined rows without any increases.
• The oval base can be thought of as two half circles on either end of a rectangle. The middle of the rectangle will always be 11 SC’s, which is why they are written out separately in the pattern instructions to help keep track of where the increases go.
• The colors of the bag are entirely up to you! I joined the Fruit Tropical yarn a couple rows above the base and then re-joined the Silver Cloud yarn at the top, but your version can be whatever you’d like!

Techniques used:

-Invisible Slip Stitch – Photo Instructions here.

-Chainless SC – Photo Instructions here.

-Crochet I-cord – Instructions by Yarnspirations

-Thermal Stitch – Youtube video by Sewrella

PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS:

Base:

CH 14.

Round 1: SC in 2nd CH from hook. SC in the next 11 CH’s. 3SC in final CH. Turn, SC in the bottom CH strand of the next 11 CH’s. 2SC in last CH. Join to 1st SC of round with an invisible SL ST (see notes). (28 ST)

R2: 2SC, SC 11, 2SC in the next 3 ST, SC 11, 2SC in the next 2 ST, join. (34 ST)

R3: 2SC, SC, SC 11, 2SC, SC, 2SC, SC, 2SC, SC, SC 11, 2SC, SC, 2SC, SC, join. (40 ST)

R4: SC 2, 2SC, SC 11, SC 2, 2SC, SC 2, 2SC, SC 2, 2SC, SC 11, SC 2, 2SC, SC 2, 2SC, join. (46 ST)

R5: 2SC, SC 3, SC 11, 2SC, SC 3, 2SC, SC 3, 2SC, SC 3, SC 11, 2SC, SC 3, 2SC, SC 3, join. (52 ST)

R6: SC 3, 2 SC, SC, SC 11, SC 3, 2SC, SC 4, 2SC, SC 4, 2SC, SC, SC 11, SC 3, 2SC, SC 4, 2SC, SC, join. (58 ST)

R7: SC, 2SC, SC 5, SC 11, 2SC, SC 5, 2SC, SC 5, 2SC, SC 5, SC 11, 2SC, SC 5, 2SC, SC 4, join. (64 ST)

R8: SC 5, 2SC, SC 2, SC 11, SC 4, 2SC, SC 6, 2SC, SC 6, 2SC, SC 2, SC 11, SC 4, 2SC, SC 6, 2SC, SC 1, join. (70 ST)

Body:

R9-41: SC around. (70 ST)

R42: SC 3, CH 1, SK 1, *SC 6, CH 1, SK 1*, repeat from * to * 6 times, SC 3, join. (70 ST)

R43: SC around in all SC’s and CH spaces. (70 ST)

R44: SC around. Fasten off and weave in ends. (70 ST)

I-cord:

Using 1 strand of yarn and a I/9 5.5mm hook, create an iCord that is 42 inches long. See Techniques for tutorial link.

Weave the I-cord through the CH spaces you made in Round 42, making the ends stick out of the front two holes so you can cinch the bag closed.

If you’d like to make a loop for hanging the bag, make another I-cord that is 6 inches long and attach it to the top back center of the bag body, just below the cinch cord.

STRAPS:

For Thermal Stitch tutorial, see link in Techniques section.

CH 7.

SC in 2nd CH from hook and each CH across (6 ST).

CH 1, turn. SC thermal stitch until strap measures 30 inches (adjust to preference, as it will stretch a bit when used).

Make 2. Attach each strap to the top center of the back under the cord and on either side of the bottom just above the base oval (see photos).

Final measurements:

Width: 11”/28 cm

Height: 11”/28 cm from top of bag to start of base, 14”/36 cm from top of bag to center of base.

I hope you’ll make your own Inselberg backpack to take on all your outdoor activities this summer! If you do, be sure to tag me on Instagram so I can share your work! Happy hiking!

This is an original pattern by Christina of February Sky Designs. Please do not claim this pattern as your own. If you wish to share this pattern, you may link to it but please do not reprint it on your site or sell it.
You may sell products made from this pattern but please clearly credit the design to me, Christina of February Sky Designs, and link to my blog februaryskydesigns.com. Thank you for respecting creators and their work!