Metalico Cowl {knitting pattern}
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Free: Quirky Quick Knit Scarf Knitting Pattern
Fandago Cowl {free crochet cowl pattern}
DIY: Sassy & Simple Knitting Needle and Crochet Hook Cases
Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at 9:26AM 
Are you knitting needles shoved in baskets in your closet? Are your crochet hooks hiding at the bottom of tote bags? Then follow this tutorial on how to make a set of these Coordinating Needle Cases. They're fast, easy and can be made from scraps of fabric. Give them as a gift with a pair of needles tucked inside or keep them all for yourself.
Supplies
1/2 yard of cotton fabric in solid color (A)
1/2 yard of cotton fabric in coordinating print (B)
1.5 yards 1" velvet ribbon
1 spool thread
Scissors
Tape measure
Sewing gauge ruler
Pins
Needle
Iron and ironing board
You can choose to work on the cases individually or in tandem. Be sure all fabric is washed and ironed before you begin.
1. Cut - From Fabric A, cut two 16.5 x 15.75 inch pieces for exterior of knitting needle case and one 11 x 5.25 inch piece for crochet hook pocket. From Fabric B, cut one 16.5 x 9.25 inch piece for knitting needle pocket and two 11 x 9.5 inch pieces for exterior of crochet hook case. Cut ribbon into two 18" pieces for knitting needle case and two 9" pieces for crochet hook case.
2. Make Pockets - Fold and pin 1/2 along one long edge of pocket pieces. Iron flat.
Match the cut edges of the pocket to the matching edges of one of the exterior pieces with right sides facing you. Mark for pockets, with stitch gauge measure and pin 1.5" from left raw edge. For next pocket and following two pockets measure and pin 1" to the right from previous pin. Continue measuring and pinning increasing the measurement by 1/2" for larger pockets. If you have mostly small needles then make mostly 1" pockets, for a collection of larger needles create 1.5 to 2" pockets. Stitch at each pin from folded pocket edge to raw edge back-stitching at each end.
4. Attach ribbon - Match ribbon edge to right edge of exterior piece with top edge of ribbon. The top edge of the ribbon can be visually centered on the needle case. Pin with wrong side showing. Pin the second piece of ribbon, right side showing, with bottom edge 1/8" from the top edge of the first piece of ribbon. Stitch 1/4" seam back-stitching at both ends.
5. Sew case together - Pin exterior pieces with right sides together making sure not to catch ribbon in pins or stitching. Stitch 1/2" seam around perimeter leaving a 2" opening on left side being sure to pivot at corners and back-stitching at each end.
6. Turn, sew and iron - Trim corners. Turn work right side out. Stitch opening closed by hand with needle and thread. Press seams and edges flat.
7. Fill and enjoy!
Reader Comments (4)
Thank you for posting this! I made mine tonight and it is SO cute! It'll be nice to have a designated place for them rather than hunting at the bottom of my bag or under the couch and in between pillows for my needles! Happy Knitting! :)
Really cute. Your pattern could work for paint brushes too. I'd like to try it. Your blog looks interesting and it looks like you have a lot of interests that I have too. I'll keep checking in. I'm an artist want-to-be and would love to try Adobe Illustrator but too much money for me without really needing it. I'm interested in learning more about your job.
Do you mind if I post this on my blog? I'll give you credit but I think some of my family might be interested in it?
This is a great project. How would you make one for the needles in the round? My knitting group would like a pattern for those needles,so you don't have to wind up the cords.