Between my 6 and 7 year old boys, and my 6 year old nephew, I’m surrounded by the Lego obsessed! And I have to admit, I have fun helping put together the sets myself… So when my nephew’s birthday came around I got inspired – and made the Building Blocks Crochet Backpack!
The Building Blocks Crochet Backpack is a simple pouch with a set of drawstrings that close up the top and double as the straps. I used Red Heart Super Saver to make sure it could stand up to a 6 year old boy – but any worsted or aran weight yarn should work just fine!
Building Blocks Crochet Backpack Pattern
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- US – I, 5.5mm hook
- 390 yards total Red Heart Super Saver in
Cherry Red, Paddy Green, Royal, Lemon – 40 yds each
Black – 230 yds - 2 54″ long nylon type cords (can substitute crocheted icord if desired)
- Video Tutorials: bobble stitch, seamless join, BLO – back loop only, FSC – foundation single crochet, LTR – linked treble crochet
- Cliquez ici pour la traduction française en PDF!
Special Stitch: dc3tog – worked as a bobble stitch, with all sts worked into the same st, but with only 3 dcs instead of 5.
Make 25 Lego Blocks:
Yellow – 7
Red – 6
Green – 6
Blue – 6
Block Instructions:
Row 1: Ch 7, skip the ch closest to the hook and sc in each remaining ch. Turn. (6 sts)
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in the 1st st, dc3tog in the next st, sc in the next 2 sts, dc3tog in the next st, sc in the last st. Turn. (6 sts)
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in each st, turn. (6 sts)
Row 4 – 7: Repeat Rows 2 – 3 twice.
Row 8: Repeat Row 2.
Edging: Ch 1, sc in the first 5 sts of the previous row, 2 sc in the next st. Rotating to work down the left edge, work 7 sc into the side. Working along opposite side of the starting ch, work 2 sc in the first st, sc in the next 4 sts, then 2 sc in the last starting ch. Rotate again to work along right edge of block, work 8 sc into the side. (30 sts) Break yarn and seamless join to 2nd st of edging.
Joining the Blocks:
The blocks are joined in a 5×5 grid, using Black yarn, as shown below (Y for Yellow, R for Red, etc). Be sure that the blocks are all arranged the same way – with the Row 1 end next to a Row 1 end and Row 8 end next to a Row 8 end. Sc them together by holding the wrong sides together and crocheting through the inside loops of the sts – the back loop of the block facing you, and the front loop of the one facing away from you.
Y B G R Y
R G Y B R
B R G Y G
G Y B R Y
Y B R G B
I found it easiest to work all of the 1st and 2nd column blocks together in one long row, and then add the blocks for column 3, and so on. Then I went back and stitched the ends, or horizontal rows together. This way there are only 8 links to crochet and 16 ends to deal with. This finished piece should measure approximately 11″ wide by 13″ high.
Back Side Instructions:
(If you prefer, sc sts can be substituted for LTR sts, just make the same size as the finished Lego piece.)
Row 1: Using Black Yarn, FSC 38, turn. (38 sts)
Row 2 – 16: Ch 3, work LTR in each st to end. Turn. (38 sts)
Row 17: Ch 2, work LDR (linked double crochet, same as LTR but with only one loop pulled up) in each st to end. (38 sts) Do not turn or break yarn.
Assembly Instructions:
Place the Lego piece on top of the Back Side piece, with Right Side of the Legos facing out and the active loop of the Back Side on the upper left (as shown above). Working through the BLO of the Lego blocks and both loops of the Back Side, sc evenly along the left edge of the bag, across the bottom of both pieces, and up the opposite edge, leaving the top of the bag open.
Work around the top of the bag as follows:
Round 1: Ch 1, sc in the BLO across the Lego side and in both loops of the Back Side. Join to the first sc of this round with a sl st. (76 sts)
Round 2: Ch 4, skip the 1st and 2nd sts. (Counts as 1 dc and 1 ch.) *Dc in the next st, ch 1, skip next st. Repeat from * to end. Break yarn and seamless join to the 3rd ch. (38 dc, 38 ch)
Add the Bottom Row:
With the Lego side facing you, rejoin the Black Yarn to the bottom right corner of the bag with a sl st. Ch 1, sc in the same st. Ch 2, sc in the next st. Sc in each st across the bottom of the bag until 1 st remains. Ch 2, sc in the last st of the bottom. Break yarn and weave in ends. (There are now “holes” in each bottom corner of the bag.)
Add Drawstrings/Straps:
Weave each cord through the ch 1 sps of Round 2 of the top as shown below, so that both ends of each cord come out on the same side, with one cord having both ends on the right, and the other having both ends on the left.
Thread both ends of each cord through the bottom corner hole on the same side of the bag, going front to back (in on the Lego side, out on the back side). Tie them in a knot so they won’t come back through the hole, and if using nylon/plastic cord use a lighter or match to melt the ends together (adults only please!). If using crochet or knitted icord, you may need to make two knots, or sew them in.
And that’s it! Pull the drawstrings a bit so the top closes, and the Lego Inspired Crochet Backpack is ready to wear!
I hope you enjoy making this crochet backpack – and I hope your Lego-loving littles enjoy wearing it! The linked trebles keep the back piece nice and solid, so little pieces don’t escape. Pair it with a new set of Lego blocks and you’ll be the favorite aunt/ grandma/ mom/ person for sure!
Written pattern copyright Tamara Kelly 2013. Please do not reprint or repost this pattern, but please do link to this page to share this pattern with others. If you wish to make items for sale from this pattern, please visit the About page for details.You can contact me via Facebook messages or at [email protected]
Penny says
That is brilliant! I love it! And I just love the colors too.
Cheryl says
Love this backpack!!! The colors are perfect. Can’t wait to make one for my Grandson!!
Kara says
I love this,Tamara!
Tamara Kelly says
Thanks so much Kara!
Kate says
I love this! My 11 year old son loves Legos and while this wouldn’t hold up to middle-school books, I think this would be a perfect idea for a hat!
Charlotte says
thank you – my son is 24, hasn’t touched his multi-drawed stacks & stacks filled with legos for years (and duplos even longer), but we’re not “allowed” to give away a single one! Your nephew might like the “cool” photos of the Giant Lego Bridge in Germany (an underpass) that was painted by street artist Megx last year. It’s in his portfolio at http://www.megx.de/ but if you don’t have google chrome installed, do a search for one of the English sites instead. He might like a matching scarf also, either your stitch pattern or the one at http://fitzbirch.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/lego-brick-crochet-scarf.html#.Ubs26fnVBNp
Andrea says
Awesome pattern. My 9 year old nephew always packs gallon size baggies full of Legos with him everywhere he goes, now he can pack them all in this awesome backpack! Thanks
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Thanks Andrea!
SusanD Crochet Addict UK says
Thanks for sharing this! I’m making one for my son for his birthday.
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Hope he like it Susan!
Lindsey says
I don’t understand how to do the bobble stitches. If there are only 6 stitches in the row how are we supposed to do dc3tog twice as well as other stitches?
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Lindsey, the bobble stitch is explained here: https://www.mooglyblog.com/how-to-bobble-stitch-dc5tog-video-tutorial/
One difference though – this is a 3dc bobble vs a 5dc bobble. Hope that helps!
Debra Cummins says
Having problem understanding pattern since I am new to crochet. I know the question is stupid but after columns are sc together, horizontal rows are also sc? Pattern only says “Then I went back and stitched the ends, or horizontal rows together”
Tamara Kelly says
Yes, sorry, that was unclear! Yes, sc the ends of the blocks together in their horizontal rows just as you did the vertical rows.
Karyl says
My son needed the one I am making him for preschool to be in ninja turtle colors. It must be done by Monday! This is such a cute pattern, thanks for posting it. 😀
Tamara Kelly says
Oh how fun! You’re welcome Karyl! Congrats to your little preschooler!
Judy says
Very cute. I don’t like sewing all the pieces together so I made the Lego side one piece. Turned out pretty close to what yours looks like. It is for a co-woker’s 4 year old grandson. She loves it.
Tamara Kelly says
Awesome! So glad to hear it! 😀
Cheri says
THANKS SOOOO MUCH FOR THIS AWSOME IDEA! I’M GOING TO MAKE THIS AS MORE OF A TOTE BAG FOR A GIRL WHO LOVES LEGOS. IT WILL BE A PERFECT GIFT!
Tamara Kelly says
😀 You’re very welcome Cheri! I think it would make a great tote!
Valerie says
I’m not a designer, so I leave it to you, I am thinking a lego brimmed cap and a lego scarf would be awesome in kidsize and for adults. The novelty of it would be fun! Let me know when you have the patterns. 🙂
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Will do Valerie!
Flora says
Thanks for sharing, to cute.
Jennifer says
Hi there!
I just included your backpack in a Lego-Inspired Crochet Pattern roundup! So super cute!
You can see the roundup here:
http://fiberflux.blogspot.com/2014/02/roundup-time.html
Have a lovely day!
Jennifer @ Fiber Flux
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Thanks Jennifer!
Cathleen Marie Reese says
I just love this LEGO backpack! It is just so groovy! TY!!
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Thank you Cathleen!
Loa rose olmstead says
Just love it. Will probably make it for myself
Renae Brooks says
You don’t give a guage for this, I realize getting it exact is not necessary, but could you share the approximate size each of your blocks are? My grandson is a special needs child and he will love this, many blessings on you for your generous sharing!
Tamara Kelly says
Unfortunately it was a gift (made the morning of the party!) so I didn’t get a chance to measure. But if I recall correctly they were about 2.5″ x 3.5″ – to avoid worrying too much about it, make the lego front of the bag first, and then adjust the plain backing to match. 🙂
Debby says
Just made one block and I love it. So easy and cute, I am thinking big though like in an afghan for a grandson who loves legos!
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Thank you so much Debby!
Carolyn says
I love this design. How do your bobble stitches stay popped up? Mine always get squished when pressed on.
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you Carolyn! It depends a bit on what yarn you use, but I find it’s also helpful to make sure the sc st right after the bobble is super tight. 🙂
Carolyn says
Thank you! I will try that.
Lana says
Love this! Made it for my almost 5 year old son for Christmas. Put his first set of “bigger kid” legos inside. I hope he loves it. If not, I might find a way to use it. 🙂
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Thanks so much Lana! Happy Holidays!
Shweta says
Hi Tamara
I just finished this bag, and my son absolutely loves it. Thanks so much for sharing the pattern.
Linda Riddle says
My 2 year old grandson loves his backpack. When I asked him what he would like me to make him this Christmas, he said another backpack for his tools. He packs it to spend the night at Granny’s. Thank you for a wonderful pattern.
Tamara Kelly says
♥ Thank you so much Linda!
Pat says
Love your Lego backpack is it hard to do the drawstring etc can an average crocheter do it
Want to make for my 6 year old grandson how long does it take to make I just love this
Let me know you are a great designer
Tamara Kelly says
The drawstring itself is very quick! 😀 Thank you!
Pat says
Love your Lego want to put on a basket for my 6 year old grandson basket is crocheted
What kind of yarn did you use to make legompop out andcwherece it says to repeat ROWS 2 and 3 2 more times does this mean you repeat ROW 2 2 more times and then ROW 3 2 more times
Also have you made any smaller legos smaller and a Lego character
I always love your designs could you email me thanks you are a great designer
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Pat, thank you! I’ll send you an email with the answers to your questions. 🙂
heidi says
thank you for this pattern. I am following the pattern for the bricks and making my son a rug for his room.
Tamara Kelly says
🙂 Thank you Heidi, I’m glad you like it!
Dianjana says
I didnt use them colors i used blue and pink will it still turn out the same
Tamara Kelly says
Yes, just different colors of course! 🙂
Kay walker says
I made this for my 18 month old. I reduced the blocks down to a 4×4 grid. It’s still a little big but he grows so fast he’ll grow into it. He loves it. He thinks he’s like the big kids at day care who all have back packs. So fricken cute!
I will say I was dissapointed that the baubles aren’t more prominent. It’s due to my lack of baubles experience not the pattern. I’m definitely going to make it again but next time I’m going to practice the baubles more before creating my blocks.
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Kay! I’m so glad he likes it! 😀