A handmade octopus backpack is a perfect accessory for anyone who loves cute and quirky items. Crafted with care, this backpack features a charming octopus design that is sure to stand out. Whether you’re using it for school, travel, or just everyday use, this backpack combines functionality with a playful touch. The soft, crocheted texture adds an extra layer of comfort, making it not only visually appealing but also practical for daily wear.
The handmade octopus backpack is more than just a functional accessory — it’s a true expression of style, creativity, and handcrafted love. Perfect for those who adore unique items with personality and a touch of magic, this backpack combines the irresistible cuteness of an octopus with the practicality of an everyday accessory. Made in crochet, with soft textures and a look that brings smiles, it’s ideal for kids, teens, and adults who love to stand out with authenticity.
Choosing a handmade backpack means valuing craftsmanship, uniqueness, and attention to detail. Instead of a mass-produced item, you take home a piece with soul — one that reflects care in every stitch.
Why Choose a Handmade Octopus Backpack?
Choosing a handmade octopus backpack means you’re opting for a unique and eye-catching accessory that adds personality to your outfit. Its handcrafted quality ensures durability, and the whimsical octopus design is sure to bring a smile to your face every time you use it. Plus, it’s a conversation starter, perfect for those who love to express their individuality through fashion.
Uniqueness: Each backpack is one of a kind, with small variations that make every piece even more special. Made with love: Created stitch by stitch, using carefully selected materials. Fun functionality: Perfect for outings, school, short trips, or storing your favorite everyday items. A true conversation starter: Get ready for compliments and questions — this octopus is a showstopper!
Detailed Crochet Pattern for an Octopus Backpack
Style and Functionality in One Place
The backpack offers enough internal space for your essentials, with a zipper or drawstring closure (depending on your preference), and comfortable handmade straps. The highlight, of course, is the smiling octopus in relief, with tentacles that seem to hug the world.
In addition to its playful charm, the design is ergonomic, lightweight, and durable — perfect to take with you anywhere, with both practicality and style.
Style Inspiration with the Octopus Backpack
Pair your backpack with:
Light floral dresses: for a fun and romantic look. Jeans + basic t-shirt: letting the backpack be the focal point of your outfit. Vibrant colors or pastel tones: the octopus goes with everything! Artistic or retro-inspired outfits: enhancing the handmade aesthetic.
If you’re feeling bold, go for ocean-themed prints, seashells, starfish, or even a watercolor-patterned dress.
Materials Needed:
- Yarn:
- Main Body Color (Teal): 3 skeins of worsted weight yarn.
- Octopus (Orange): 2 skeins of worsted weight yarn.
- Tentacle Suction Cups (White): 1 skein of worsted weight yarn.
- Small amount of black yarn for the eyes (or use safety eyes).
- Crochet Hook: Size G/4.0mm.
- Stitch Marker
- Scissors
- Yarn Needle
- Stuffing for the octopus head.
- Zipper or drawstring for closing the bag.
- Lining Fabric (optional) for inside the backpack.
- 2 D-rings and 1-inch wide straps for the backpack straps.
Abbreviations:
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- inc – increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
- dec – decrease (sc 2 together)
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- R – round/row
Base of the Backpack
- Starting with the Base:
- With teal yarn, ch 31.
- R1: Sc in 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across. (30 sts)
- R2: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (30 sts)
- Repeat R2 until the piece measures approximately 10 inches long.
- Fasten off.
- Forming the Sides:
- With teal yarn, sc around the entire base, placing 3 sc in each corner to help it turn smoothly. This will give the base its shape.
- R1: Working in continuous rounds, sc in each st around.
- Continue to sc around until the piece measures 10 inches tall from the base.
- Fasten off.
Octopus Appliqué
- Octopus Head:
- With orange yarn, make a magic ring.
- R1: 6 sc in the magic ring. (6 sts)
- R2: Inc in each st around. (12 sts)
- R3: Sc in next st, inc in next st around. (18 sts)
- R4: Sc in next 2 sts, inc in next st around. (24 sts)
- R5: Sc in next 3 sts, inc in next st around. (30 sts)
- R6-R12: Sc in each st around. (30 sts)
- R13: Sc in next 3 sts, dec in next st around. (24 sts)
- R14: Sc in next 2 sts, dec in next st around. (18 sts)
- Stuff the head firmly with fiberfill.
- R15: Sc in next st, dec in next st around. (12 sts)
- R16: Dec around. (6 sts)
- Fasten off and weave in the ends.
- Tentacles (Make 8):
- With orange yarn, ch 21.
- R1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (20 sts)
- R2: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (20 sts)
- R3: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (20 sts)
- Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
- Suction Cups (Make 40):
- With white yarn, ch 2.
- R1: 5 sc in the 2nd ch from the hook. (5 sts)
- Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
- Sew 5 suction cups evenly on each tentacle.
- Eyes:
- If using black yarn: Ch 2.
- R1: 6 sc in the 2nd ch from hook. (6 sts)
- Fasten off and sew onto the octopus head.
- Alternatively, use safety eyes and attach them to the head.
- Assembly:
- Sew the head of the octopus onto the front of the backpack, centering it on the teal base.
- Arrange the tentacles around the head and sew them securely in place.
- Ensure the tentacles are evenly spaced and look natural.
Backpack Straps and Finishing
- Straps:
- With teal yarn, ch 61.
- R1: Sc in 2nd ch from the hook and across. (60 sts)
- R2: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (60 sts)
- Fasten off and repeat for the second strap.
- Attach the straps to the D-rings and sew them securely to the top and bottom of the backpack.
- Closure:
- Attach the zipper or create a drawstring closure at the top of the backpack.
- Optional Lining:
- Cut the lining fabric to fit the inside of the backpack.
- Sew the lining by hand or with a sewing machine, then attach it to the inside of the backpack.
- Final Touches:
- Weave in all loose ends.
- Add any additional embellishments, such as starfish or shells, to enhance the theme.
Carrying this backpack feels like taking a little piece of an enchanted ocean with you. It’s like hearing a mermaid’s call, reliving childhood memories, or rediscovering the joy in simple things. Whether for yourself, as a special gift, or as a standout item in your handmade shop, the handmade octopus backpack is a true gem made of yarn and affection.