This crochet pencil case is a simple zippered pouch you can finish in one evening, and it uses nothing but single crochet. You make one flat rectangle, sew in a zipper, and close the sides. It holds pencils, pens and markers, and it also works as a crochet hook case, a makeup pouch or a small gift bag.
Quick facts
- Finished size: 8 × 4.5 in (20 × 11.5 cm), with mini and large options below
- Time: 2–3 hours, including the zipper
- Yarn: about 50 g (80–90 m) of worsted weight cotton
- Stitches: chain and single crochet only
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What you'll need
- Worsted weight (US #4) 100% cotton yarn, about 50 g in one or two colors
- 4.0 mm (G/6) crochet hook
- One 8 in (20 cm) closed-end zipper
- Yarn needle, sewing needle, matching sewing thread, scissors
- Stitch marker (optional)
- Cotton fabric, 9 × 10.5 in (23 × 27 cm), for the optional lining
Gauge: 16 sc × 18 rows = 4 in (10 cm) in single crochet. Cotton has no stretch, so swatch first. If your swatch is larger, drop a hook size.
Abbreviations (US terms): ch = chain, sc = single crochet, st(s) = stitch(es).
Crochet pencil case sizes
A standard pencil is about 7.5 in (19 cm) long, so the case needs to be at least 8 in (20 cm) wide. Published patterns run from about 7.5 × 3.8 in for a slim case up to 11 × 4 in for a pencil-shaped one, and the 8.5 × 4.25 in (22 × 11 cm) size is a common middle ground. Pick your size from the table. All three use the same steps.
| Size | Finished size | Zipper | Foundation chain | Rows | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mini | 6 × 3 in (15 × 8 cm) | 6 in (15 cm) | 25 (24 sc) | 30 | Hooks, lip balm, coins |
| Standard | 8 × 4.5 in (20 × 11.5 cm) | 8 in (20 cm) | 33 (32 sc) | 44 | Pencils, pens, markers |
| Large | 10 × 5 in (25 × 13 cm) | 10 in (25 cm) | 41 (40 sc) | 48 | Makeup, cables, art supplies |
The instructions below use the standard size. The rows figure is the total for the whole flat rectangle, which is folded in half later.
Step 1: Crochet the panel
Row 1: Ch 33. Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across (32 sc). Turn.
Rows 2–44: Ch 1 (does not count as a st). Sc in each st across (32 sc). Turn.
Fasten off and weave in the ends. The rectangle should measure about 8 × 9.5 in (20 × 24 cm). Keep your tension tight and even, because a dense fabric is what makes the case hold its shape.
Step 2: Attach the zipper
- Lay the panel flat, right side up. The two short-edge rows (Row 1 and Row 44) will meet at the top of the case.
- Open the zipper fully. Place one zipper tape behind the Row 1 edge, with the teeth just visible along the edge. Pin every 2 in (5 cm).
- With sewing thread, backstitch the tape to the crochet edge, taking small stitches through the tape and the top of each sc.
- Fold the panel in half so Row 44 sits opposite Row 1, then pin and stitch the other zipper tape behind the Row 44 edge the same way.
- Check that the zipper opens and closes smoothly before you go on.
Tip: If the zipper is a little longer than the case, tuck the extra tape inside the side seams.
Step 3: Close the sides
- Open the zipper about halfway. You need it open to turn the case right side out.
- Turn the case wrong side out and line up the side edges (22 rows each).
- Attach yarn at the top corner and sc through both layers down each side, working 1 sc per row-end (22 sc). Ch 1, fasten off, and repeat on the other side.
- Weave in the ends, turn the case right side out and push the corners out gently.
Optional: add a lining
A lining stops pen tips catching in the stitches and keeps tiny items from slipping through. Cut a piece of cotton fabric 9 × 10.5 in (23 × 27 cm), fold it in half with right sides together and sew the two side seams with a 3/8 in (1 cm) allowance. Slide it into the case wrong side out, fold the top raw edges under, and hand sew them to the zipper tape.
Color and stitch variations
- Stripes: Change color every 4 rows. Carry the yarn up the side, since the side seam hides it.
- Textured fabric: Swap plain sc for the moss (linen) stitch or sc in the back loops only. Both give a woven look. Check your gauge again after swapping.
- Pencil shape: Want a case shaped like a pencil? See the free patterns in the roundup below.
- Personalize it: Add a tassel or yarn pom-pom to the zipper pull, or stitch on a small crochet cotton flower.
Video tutorials
These two free videos from other makers show the same zipper and construction skills in motion. The first attaches the zipper with yarn before crocheting. The second is a step-by-step zip pouch for beginners.
Common mistakes and fixes
The case is floppy. Your tension is too loose. Go down a hook size, or add a fabric lining for structure.
The sides are uneven. Count your stitches every 10 rows and use a stitch marker on the first stitch, so both panels end up with the same rows.
The zipper ripples. The crochet edge is longer than the tape. Ease the stitches evenly, or pin at more points before sewing.
Pen tips poke through. Add the lining, or use cotton yarn with a firmer twist.
More crochet pencil case patterns to try
Once you have made this one, these free patterns from other designers use different shapes and techniques:
- Pencil-shaped pencil case (11 × 4 in, worsted cotton, 4.5 mm hook)
- Striped pencil case with round ends (18 cm long, 8 cm diameter)
- Crochet zipper pouch using the zipper-first method
- Zippered hook case or pencil bag in linked double crochet
Looking for more projects? Browse all posts or the categories. New to crochet? Start with the magic ring tutorial.
Frequently asked questions
What size should a crochet pencil case be?
About 8 × 4.5 in (20 × 11.5 cm) is the sweet spot. A standard pencil is roughly 7.5 in (19 cm) long, so a case at least 8 in wide holds full-length pencils and pens comfortably.
What is the best yarn for a crochet pencil case?
Worsted weight 100% cotton. It is stiff enough to hold its shape, wears well, and does not stretch out under the weight of pens and markers.
Does a crochet pencil case need a lining?
No. A tight single crochet fabric works without one. A cotton lining is optional and stops pen tips and small items from catching in the stitches.
How much yarn does a crochet pencil case use?
The standard size uses about 50 g (roughly 80–90 m) of worsted weight cotton.
Can I use this pattern for a makeup bag or hook case?
Yes. Choose the large size for a makeup pouch or the mini size for a small hook case. The construction is identical.