Rucksacks and Backpacks – Crochet Pattern Book Review
I have received a sample copy of this book for review from Leisure Arts. I am not financially compensated for my blog post and am under no obligation to give a favorable review. Any conclusions and statements about the book are my own. If you do choose to purchase the book, I receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you), and you are helping support Goddess Crochet, allowing me to create more free patterns for you. It’s a win-win!
It is always a good time to crochet a bag, but I especially love crocheting bags when the warm weather hits. Who wants to make blankets and scarves when it’s 80 degrees out?! Bags are lightweight and the perfect portable project for summer travel. Get outside and enjoy some fresh air while you make a unique and functional item!
“Rucksacks and Backpacks” has 8 fun designs, so no matter your style, you’re sure to find the perfect bag to crochet. All bags are designed by Kristi Simpson, and the patterns are presented in a easy to follow manner, with a shopping list of everything you will need for each bag. After reviewing the book, I’d say that an advanced beginner could tackle each pattern. Even advanced crocheters – be prepared to learn something new, because there are a variety of unique stitches used over the course of the book. Nothing too hard, and all the specialty stitches are explained in detail along with photo diagrams, either on the same page as the pattern or in the back of the book in the general information section. There you will also find all abbreviations and symbols used, as well as information about the exact yarn used in the book, and a designer bio. Be aware that there are some special notions needed for some of the bags, things like buttons and rings. Part of the fun is customizing those things to your style!
With some denim-looking cotton and cream cotton yarn I dove right into making the “Nantucket Creel Backpack”. Even though I have been crocheting for quite some time now, I learned a new stitch while making this bag – the linked double crochet stitch. It’s simple, but very interesting. The stitches are “linked” together, just as the name implies, and this produces a much tighter fabric than traditional double crochet.
There are a couple tiny alterations I made to the pattern. Namely, I wanted to make the straps adjustable, so I opted to add some D-rings to the back bottom of the bag. To add the D-rings I single crocheted around the post of the stitches, kind of eyeballing it. Then after making 7 or 8 rows of single crochet I joined it back into itself to make a loop (putting the D-rings on before joining). It’s a little bit of extra work, but so worth it for a backpack that fits perfectly!
Then to make sure the straps didn’t wear too much on the backpack, I made a little patch of fabric to attach the straps to, then attached that to the bag to distribute all that pull more evenly. The buttons for the main closure and for the adjustable straps were picked out of my button jar. I believe they came from my husband’s old jacket.
Next I made the “XOXO Tote”, and learned another stitch I haven’t tried before – the modified single crochet stitch. After doing a little research into why/when you would want to use the modified single crochet stitch, I found out that this is a preferred way to do tapestry crochet because it helps the stitches sit straight instead of slanted. Learn something new every day! At first it was a bit of a challenge. The only difference to regular single crochet is that you yarn under the hook to pull the last loop through, instead of yarning over and pulling through. Kind of counter-intuitive for someone who’s muscle memory has the single crochet stitch down pat. There were some split plies and it was very slow going in the beginning. Once I got going though, it was smooth sailing. One small thing I did different was to crab stitch around the inside of the handles at 2 stitch intervals instead of whipstitching. At some point I may sew a magnetic closure on the inside of the handles for good measure.
Crocheting these bags were so much fun! I know I’m going to get a lot of use from the two I’ve made so far, and will definitely be making more from this book soon. If you enjoy the satisfaction of crocheting a beautiful bag as much as I do, be sure to pick up a copy of “Rucksacks and Backpacks”. It will help you get through the hot months – and after you’ve made several (or all!) of the project in this book, your holiday gifting is…in the bag!
Thank you for the review! The bags you made look great! I hope that you enjoy all of the patterns in this book…I loved designing them. Honestly, bags are one of my favorite too, especially in the summer time! Thanks again.