Dark Academia Teal Seed Stitch Raffia Backpack Free Knitting Pattern

Dark Academia Teal Seed Stitch Raffia Backpack Free Knitting Pattern

Introduction

This structured raffia backpack is made for anyone who loves the dark academia aesthetic and wants a project that looks far more complicated than it actually is. The whole bag is built from simple seed stitch rectangles, so the only skills you need are knit, purl, cast on, bind off, and a little seaming. The teal raffia gives it a crisp, papery texture that holds its shape beautifully, while the coral flap adds a warm, scholarly contrast. Folded and finished, it reads as a neat little satchel-style pack with narrow straps and a polished I-cord button loop.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Raffia yarn, worsted weight (approx. 100 g / 120 yd per skein), 100% cellulose raffia. Teal (MC): 2 skeins (approx. 200 yd). Coral (CC): 1 skein (approx. 80 yd).
• Needles: 4.5 mm (US 7) straight needles, or size to obtain gauge.
• Hook (optional): 4.5 mm (US 7) crochet hook for the edging.
• Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch markers (optional), one button (about 1 inch / 2.5 cm), sewing needle and thread for the button, scissors.
• Finished size: Width 10 inches (25.5 cm), height 12 inches (30.5 cm), depth 3 inches (7.5 cm) when folded.

Abbreviations

• CO – cast on: make the starting loops on your needle.
• BO – bind off: finish the edge so the stitches don't unravel.
• k – knit stitch.
• p – purl stitch.
• st(s) – stitch(es).
• RS – right side: the outside face of the fabric.
• MC – main color (teal).
• CC – contrast color (coral).
• I-cord – a narrow knitted tube made on a few stitches.
• sc – single crochet (used only for the optional edging).

Gauge

16 sts and 24 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in seed stitch. Knit a small swatch in seed stitch, block it lightly, and measure a 4-inch section in the middle to check your stitch and row counts before starting.

Tips Before You Start

• Seed stitch means you knit the purl stitches and purl the knit stitches on every row, so watch the stitch you are working into rather than counting rows.
• Raffia has little stretch and can be slippery; keep your tension even and avoid pulling the yarn tightly at the edges.
• Because raffia can fray, leave generous tails (about 6 inches) for weaving in and handle the yarn gently.
• Lay each piece flat and check it against the measurements before seaming; raffia blocks easily with a light mist of water.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Body (MC) – make 2

Row 1 (RS): CO 82 sts. [k1, p1] to end (82 sts).

Row 2: [p1, k1] to end (82 sts).

Rows 3–24: Repeat Row 2, working knit stitches as purls and purl stitches as knits (82 sts).

Next: BO all sts. Piece measures about 4 inches (10 cm) tall.

Flap (CC) – make 1

Row 1 (RS): CO 82 sts. [k1, p1] to end (82 sts).

Row 2: [p1, k1] to end (82 sts).

Rows 3–18: Repeat Row 2, working knit stitches as purls and purl stitches as knits (82 sts).

Next: BO all sts. Piece measures about 3 inches (7.5 cm) tall.

Straps (MC) – make 2

Row 1 (RS): CO 8 sts. [k1, p1] to end (8 sts).

Row 2: [p1, k1] to end (8 sts).

Rows 3–120: Repeat Row 2, working knit stitches as purls and purl stitches as knits (8 sts).

Next: BO all sts. Each strap measures about 20 inches (51 cm) long.

Button Loop (CC) – make 1

Set-up: CO 3 sts onto one needle.

I-cord: Knit 3 sts. Without turning, slide the stitches to the other end of the needle, bring the yarn across the back, and knit 3 sts again. Repeat until the cord measures 4 inches (10 cm).

Next: BO all 3 sts and pull the tail through the last loop.

Assembly and Finishing

Place the two Body pieces with RS together. Using mattress stitch, seam the sides and the bottom, leaving the top open. Turn the bag RS out. Fold the top 2 inches (5 cm) of the Body to the inside and stitch it down all around to create a hem.

Attach the Flap to the back top edge, centered, with the RS facing out. Sew the Button Loop to the center of the Flap's bottom edge. Sew the button to the front of the Body, aligned with the loop.

Attach each Strap to a top corner of the Body, 2 inches (5 cm) in from the side, and to the bottom corner, 2 inches (5 cm) up from the bottom, forming shoulder loops. Weave in all ends securely.

Optional edging: With the 4.5 mm hook, work a single crochet edging around the top opening and along the flap edges to neaten. Join with a slip stitch and weave in the end.

Blocking: Mist the finished bag lightly with water, shape it to the finished measurements, and let it dry flat away from direct heat.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Make the straps longer or shorter by adding or removing rows in multiples of 2 to keep the seed stitch pattern correct.
• Swap the coral flap for a deep burgundy or mustard raffia for a different dark academia palette.
• Add a fabric lining sewn by hand to the inside before closing the hem for extra structure and to keep small items secure.