Many of you are already back to school (or have sent the kids off), but where I grew up the big first day was the Tuesday after Labor Day. To celebrate that tradition, I’m closing out back-to-school season with one last DIY: crochet backpack flair. Yes — crochet pins for your backpack!
After a reader survey a while back I heard requests for a Studio DIY take on crochet. When Commonthread by DMC invited me to do exactly that, it was the perfect nudge to get moving. We made a set of three pins — from simple to a bit more advanced — including a peace sign with folded fingers. They’re super fun, and great for customizing any backpack.
These flair pieces use several basic crochet stitches. If you’re new to crochet and inspired to learn, there are many video tutorials available online. For those who already know the basics, here is a quick glossary of the abbreviations used in the patterns below:
ch: chain stitch
sl st: slip stitch
sc: single crochet
hdc: half double crochet
dc: double crochet
The lips are the easiest, followed by the letters, and the peace sign is the most detailed. Ready?
DMC Natura Just Cotton yarn in your chosen colors
3mm crochet hook
Felt
Iron-on adhesive
Iron
Pin backings
Hot glue or fabric glue
Needle and embroidery thread, sequins (for the peace sign)
Peace Sign (folded fingers):
Ch 6
Row 1: sc in second chain from hook, hdc in next, dc in next, hdc in next, sc in next, chain 1, turn.
Rows 2–4: Repeat Row 1.
Pinky Row 1: Ch 3, remove hook, turn work, reinsert hook into 3rd ch.
Pinky Row 2: sc in first ch from hook, sc in next, sc in next, sc in last ch of Row 4.
Ring Finger Row 1: sc in ch 4 of Row 4, ch 4.
Ring Finger Row 2: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next, sc in next, sc in ch 4 of Row 4.
Middle Finger Row 1: sc in ch 3 of Row 4, ch 4.
Middle Finger Row 2: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next, sc in next, sc in ch 3 of Row 4.
Index Finger Row 1: sc in ch 2 of Row 4, ch 4.
Index Finger Row 2: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next, sc in next, sc in ch 2 of Row 4.
Thumb Row 1: sc in ch 1 of Row 4, sc in the side of ch 5 of Row 3 (the hole below ch 1 of Row 4), ch 3.
Thumb Row 2: sc in 1st ch from hook, sc in next, sc in next, sc in the side of ch 5 of Row 3, sc in the side of ch 1 of Row 2, sc in the side of ch 5 of Row 1, sl st in very first ch, cut yarn, pull through, weave in ends.
Finishing the peace sign: Fold down the ring and pinky fingers and glue them in place. Fold down the thumb and glue. Add sequins to the fingertips and, if desired, stitch around the folded fingers with embroidery thread to define them.
Lips:
Ch 10
Bottom lip: sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next, sc in next, hdc in next, 2 dc in next (2 dc in same stitch), hdc in next, sc in next, sc in next, sl st in next.
Top lip (working in the back side of the same chain used for the bottom lip): ch 1, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next, hdc+dc in next (both in same stitch), dc+hdc in next (same stitch), sl st in next, hdc+dc in next (same stitch), dc+hdc in next (same stitch), sc in next, sl st in next, sl st to finish. Cut yarn, pull through, weave in ends.
Letters (O, G, M) — make each letter as a separate crocheted strip and assemble:
O:
Ch 3
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next, ch 1, turn.
Row 2: Repeat Row 1.
Row 3: sc in 2nd ch from hook, dc in next, ch 2, turn.
Row 4: dc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next, ch 1, turn.
Rows 5–20: Repeat Rows 3–4.
Finish by stitching or gluing halves of the O together and weaving in ends.
G:
Ch 3
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next, ch 1, turn.
Row 2: Repeat Row 1.
Row 3: sc in 2nd ch from hook, dc in next, ch 2, turn.
Row 4: dc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next, ch 1, turn.
Rows 5–18: Repeat Rows 3–4.
Cut yarn, pull through, weave in ends. Fold the end over into the inside of the circle around Row 16 so that the fold covers Row 15 to create the G’s crossbar, and glue in place.
M:
Ch 3
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next, ch 1, turn.
Rows 2–40: Repeat Row 1 until the strip reaches the desired length for folding into an M shape. Adjust the number of rows to match the size of your O and G before finishing. If you need fewer rows, gently undo a few; if you need more, keep crocheting.
When the strip is the right length, cut yarn, pull through, and weave in ends. Fold the strip into an M and secure with glue or stitches as needed.
Turning your crochet shapes into pins:
- Cut a small piece of felt and a matching piece of iron-on adhesive. Iron the adhesive onto the felt following the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions.
- Trace the crocheted shape onto the adhesive backing and cut it out.
- Peel the adhesive backing and iron the felt shape onto the crochet piece per the package directions.
- Use fabric glue or hot glue to attach a pin backing to the felt on the reverse side. Allow glue to dry completely before wearing.
Photos by Jeff Mindell
I may not be ready for fall, but I’m definitely ready to add kisses and peace signs to my backpack. Enjoy making your flair!
This post was created in partnership with Commonthread by DMC. All content and opinions are my own. Thank you to the sponsors who help keep Studio DIY going.