Pencil Case Free Crochet Pattern

Are you ready to make a sturdy pencil case, perfect for a boy OR girl’s shoebox for Operation Christmas Child? This free crochet pattern is just what you need!

The Story Behind the Design

Let’s just say, this pattern didn’t come about easily.

After I thought of doing an OCC CAL, I was rushing around to get all the patterns designed that I would need.

I knew I wanted to design a pencil case pattern…

But, well, every time I tried I didn’t really like the result.

I set aside the project multiple times because I just wasn’t happy with it.

Then, when I finally did finish the case…I never wrote down the pattern.

Can I give you a quick word of advice? If you EVER design your own pattern, please, please, please do not wait to write down the pattern.

That procrastination didn’t turn out well for me…

Because, fast forward a few weeks, and I hurt my wrist and arm!

The reason I’m telling you this story is because it is also the reason why I only made one sample in girl colors.

My original plan was to make TWO – one in girl colors and one in boy colors.

But once I hurt my arm, everything went out the window. I couldn’t crochet or work on the computer. It was a miracle I was able to get everything for the CAL up and running in time!

Sometimes things just don’t go as planned!

So, if you’re participating in the CAL and making a boy’s shoebox – please just use boy colors. I promise, that is the only thing that differentiates between the two – LOL.

Bundle Update – We Only Need to Sell 4 More Copies to Get to $1,000!

In case you haven’t heard, we are SO close to raising $1k for Operation Christmas Child through the selling of the CAL PDF bundle.

You can get all the patterns pictured above, ad-free and downloadable—while also supporting a great cause!

Last thing before we get to the pattern – if you are participating, can I ask a favor of you? I LOVE seeing pictures of your work! To show me items you’ve made for your shoebox, use the hashtag #mycrochetshoebox on Instagram or Facebook so I can see all your wonderful projects.

Now…to the pattern!

Free Crochet Pencil Case Pattern

Materials:

• Small amounts of #5 Bulky Weight Yarn in 2 contrasting colors
• I used Loops and Threads Charisma 
• K/6.5mm crochet hook
• Yarn needle
• Button (size of your choice. Mine was ¾” in diameter).
• Thinner weight yarn that matches button (for attaching)
• A needle to attach button (needs to be small enough to fit through button but large enough for yarn to fit through)

Notes:

1. Ch 1 at beginning of rnds does NOT count as a sc
2. Pencil case is worked in oval rounds from the bottom up

Measurements: 

Case: approx. 7” tall and 3” wide

Flap: approx. 4” tall

Abbreviations/Stitches Used (U.S.) 

Chain – ch

Single crochet – sc

Repeat – rep

Round(s) – rnd(s)

Skip – sk

Space(s) – sp(s)

Chain space(s) – ch-sp(s)

Stitch(es) – st(s)

Beginning – beg

Main color – MC

Contrasting color – CC

Instructions:

Base & Body

With MC, ch 9. 

Rnd 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and next 6 ch. 2 sc in last ch. Turn work so that you’re now crocheting along the other side of the chain. Sc in next 8 ch. Sc in same space as very first sc again (makes second increase). Join with a sl st to beg sc. (18 sc)

Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in each sc around. Join with a sl st to beg sc. (18 sc)

Rnd 3-19: Rep rnd 2. At the end of rnd 19, drop MC.

Rnd 20: Join CC and sc in each sc around. Join with a sl st to beg sc. Drop CC.

Rnd 21: Pick up MC from rnd 19 again. Sc in each sc around. Join with a sl st to beg sc. Fasten off MC.

Rnd 22: Pick up CC from rnd 20 again. Sc in each sc around. Join with a sl st to beg sc. Continue to flap. 

Flap

Row 1: Ch 1, sc in next 9 sc, sl st in next sc. Turn. (9 sc)

Row 2: Ch 1, sc in first sc and each sc across. Turn. (9 sc)

Row 3: Ch 1, sk first sc, sc in next 6 sc. Sk next sc, Sc in last st, turn. (7 sc)

Row 4: Ch 1, sc in each sc across, turn. (7 sc)

Row 5: Ch 1, sk first sc, sc in next 4 sc. Sk next sc, sc in last sc, turn. (5 sc)

Row 6: Rep row 4. (5 sc)

Row 7: Ch 1, sk first sc, sc in next 2 sc. Sk next sc, sc in last sc, turn. (3 sc) 

Row 8: Rep row 4. (3 sc)

Row 9: Ch 1, sc in first sc. Sk next sc, sc in last sc, turn. (2 sc)

Button loop: Ch 4, sk first sc, sl st in next sc. Fasten off and weave in ends. 

Note: make this loop with as many chains as you need to fit around the button you choose to attach!

Finishing

Close flap of the pencil case to see where the button loop lies on the fabric. Attach button of your choice to the front of the case, using a thinner weight yarn that will blend in with the button. The key is choosing a yarn thin enough to fit through a needle, but also a needle small enough to fit through the button holes.

I attached my button at about round 16. 

That’s all there is to it – pack up your case with some new, sharp pencils!