This Crochet Case is a beautifully crafted small zippered pouch originally designed in the mid-20th century as a cigarette case. This design captures the charm and style of its era while being versatile for modern uses, such as a coin purse, makeup bag, or storage for small essentials. The pattern’s timeless structure and intricate details make it a fun and rewarding project for crochet enthusiasts.
Disclaimer: This pattern reflects a historical artifact from a time when smoking was socially prevalent. Today, we recognize the harmful effects of smoking and advocate for healthier choices. By reimagining this design, we celebrate its craftsmanship while distancing it from its original purpose.
This rewritten version modernizes the instructions and adapts the pattern for practical and decorative uses. Whether you make this as a nostalgic keepsake or a functional case, you’ll enjoy creating something uniquely yours.
This crochet case is perfect for a variety of modern uses, making it a practical and stylish accessory. Use it as a coin purse, a compact makeup bag, or to store small essentials like earbuds, keys, or jewelry. It’s also an excellent gift idea for friends and family, offering a touch of vintage charm with a versatile purpose. Customize the colors and embellishments to suit your style or match a specific theme, making it a truly unique creation.
This pattern is transformed, adapted, and expanded from a public domain design originally published in Coats & Clark’s Quick Tricks to Crochet Book No. 326 (1956). While the original design is in the public domain, the rewritten instructions and supplementary content on this site are ©Tiffany Bliss Mullins, 2024. All rights reserved. Have questions about this pattern, public domain, or copyright? Visit the FAQ page for answers and resources.
Crochet Case
Key Details
- Type: Small crochet case with a zipper closure.
- Gauge: 8 stitches = 1 inch; 9 rounds = 1 inch.
- Size: Designed for a 5-inch zipper, adaptable for other small items.
- Features: Compact and structured with decorative embroidery details.
Materials
- Yarn:
- 1 ball of J. & P. Coats Knit-Crosheen Metallic, Art. A.64, in Spice.
- Crochet Hook: Milwards Steel Crochet Hook No. 6.
- Zipper: Coats & Clark’s “Trouble-Free” Zipper, Art. F.11, 5-inch length in London Tan (or color of choice).
- Embroidery Floss: A few yards each of Coats & Clark’s O.N.T. Six Strand Embroidery Floss in Black (No. 12) and Silver Grey (No. 70).
- Extras: A scrap of white felt, red sequin, small piece of cardboard (cut to size).
Pattern
Base of Case
- Foundation Chain:
- Chain 11.
- Round 1:
- Single crochet (sc) in the 2nd chain from the hook and in the next 8 chains.
- Work 3 sc in the last chain to turn the corner.
- Continue working along the opposite side of the starting chain: sc in the next 8 chains, and work 2 sc in the last chain.
- Round 2:
- Work 3 sc in the first corner stitch.
- Long sc in the next stitch: To make a long sc, insert the hook into the stitch below the one you are working into, yarn over, and pull up a loop, completing as a regular sc.
- Sc in the next stitch. Repeat from * 3 more times.
- Work 3 sc in the next corner stitch, sc in the next stitch, 3 sc in the next corner stitch.
- (Sc in the next stitch, long sc in the next stitch) 4 times.
- Work 3 sc in the last corner stitch and long sc in the next stitch.
- Rounds 3–5:
- Alternate sc and long sc around, working 3 sc in each corner stitch to maintain the shape.
- Round 6:
- Sc in each stitch around, continuing the corner increases (3 sc in each corner stitch).
- Round 7:
- Long sc in each stitch around to complete the base.
Sides of Case
- Round 8:
- Sc in each long sc to the next 3 corner stitches, skipping the middle stitch of each corner. Continue around for a total of 46 sc.
- Round 9:
- Skip the first sc, long sc in the next stitch, sc in the next stitch. Repeat around.
- Round 10 and Beyond:
- Continue alternating sc and long sc for the desired height (approximately 1 inch from the top of the case).
Lid and Finishing
- Mark the center 8 stitches on one side of the case. Place a marker in the first and eighth stitch. Work across these 8 stitches for 2 rows in the established pattern. Fasten off.
- Repeat the base pattern for the lid, working 11 rounds total.
- Pocket aka Historical Match Pack Holder (Optional):
- Chain 15. Sc in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each chain across. Work in the same alternating sc/long sc pattern for 6 rows.
- Cut two pieces of cardboard to ¼ x 2 inches. Sew one piece into the base of the case and the other into the lid for structure.
- Cut a piece of felt (¾ x 2 inches) and attach to the front of the case for decoration. Embroider with French knots using black and silver floss, and sew on the sequin.
- Sew the last 8 stitches of the back of the case to the corresponding stitches on the lid. Attach the match pack holder to the back of the case. Sew the zipper in place.
This crochet case is a versatile and stylish project with historical roots. While originally designed as a cigarette case, it now serves as a functional pouch for small items like keys, coins, or accessories. The detailed embroidery adds a touch of elegance, making it a timeless addition to your handmade collection. Enjoy creating this practical and beautiful piece!
