My love for reading and a hoarder of related bookish accessories is no secret … and I’m excited to share with you a free pattern for a crochet book sleeve worked in chunky yarn. Not only does it protect your book but also helps make use of your yarn stash!
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This crochet pattern is not just about creating a functional book sleeve; it’s also a chance for you to practice stitches and colour changes on a smaller project. The bobble stitch, with its fabulous texture, transforms this book sleeve from out of the ordinary into something really tactile.
Whether you’re a crocheter looking to bust your yarn stash or a bookworm in need of a fashionable bookish accessory, this bobble crochet book sleeve has got you covered.
How the crochet book sleeve is worked
- A rectangle is worked flat in rows
- The book pouch is seamed with slip stitches at the side and bottom
- Bobble stitches are worked in an alternating sequence to create an interesting pattern
I have three more patterns almost ready to be released. Each crochet book sleeve is stash-friendly, creating a collection that showcases the versatility of different crochet stitches and techniques. Subscribe to my monthly newsletter to find out when they’re released!
Yarn
I used King Cole Value Tonal in Blackcurrant (left-over from my raglan jumper pattern) and Emu Classic Chunky in Dijon (left-over from my mosaic infinity scarf pattern).
Have a rummage through your stash of chunky yarn to find something suitable. I think the pop of yellow/Dijon works well for this crochet book sleeve and would suggest you aim for a base colour that blends the background with a bright colour to make the bobble stitches stand out.
Book Pouch Pattern Notes
- This pattern uses a smaller hook size than recommended for chunky yarn weight because it gives a denser fabric
- Instructions for the book sleeve include 3 sizes – SMALL (mass market paperback), MEDIUM (trade paperback) and LARGE (hardcover) and are denoted thus in the pattern S, (M, L) ie; ch 37, (41, 55)
- Sequence of stitch repeats are denoted in brackets thus [ ] ie; [5bob, dc in next 5 sts]
- Yarn A = Blackcurrant (base colour); Yarn B = Dijon (bright contrasting colour)
- Colour changes take place on the last pull through of the current colour
- Chain one does not count as a stitch
- Bobble stitches stand out on the right side of the book pouch
- Fasten off at the end of bobble rows and rejoin yarn at the start of bobble rows
- Weave in ends as you go
- Do not fasten off at end of final row as pattern continues to slip stitch to close seam
Level
Easy
Materials Needed
- 5mm / H-8 crochet hook
- 100g Chunky Yarn (base colour); 50g chunky yarn (bright contrasting colour)
- Scissors
- Yarn needle
Stitches and Abbreviations
| UK Crochet Terms | US Crochet Terms |
| Double Crochet (dc) | Single Crochet (sc) |
| 5 Bobble Stitch (5bob): with Yarn B, yarn over, insert hook into indicated stitch, *yarn round hook, pull up a loop, yarn round hook, and pull through two loops, * repeat 4 more times, change to yarn A, yarn round hook, pull through all loops. 5 Bobble Stitch made. | |
- Ch = chain
- Ea = each
- St/s = stitch/es
- Sl st = slip stitch
- RS = right side
Gauge
12 stitches and 15 rows = 10cm X 10cm
Measurements
Small: 14cm X 22cm (mass market paperback)
Medium: 15.5cm X 23cm (trade paperback)
Large: 22cm X 28cm (hardcover)
Instructions Crochet Book Sleeve UK Crochet Terms
With Yarn A, ch 37, (41, 55)
Row 1: dc in 2nd ch from hook, dc in ea st across, ch1, turn (36, 40, 54 dc)
Row 2: dc in base of st, dc across, ch1, turn
Row 3: dc in base of st, dc in next 2 sts, change to Yarn B, [5bob, change to Yarn A, dc in next 5 sts] to last 4 sts, 5bob in next st, dc in last 3 sts, ch1, turn
Rows 4 – 6: rep row 2
Row 7: dc in base of st, dc in next 5 sts, change to Yarn B, [5bob, dc in next 5 sts] to last 6 sts, dc in last 6 sts, ch1, turn
Rows 8 – 10: rep row 2
Rep rows 3 – 10 for a total of 33, (35, 42) rows
DO NOT FASTEN OFF
With RS facing inwards, sl st side seam closed and continue to slip stitch along the bottom.
Fasten off
Weave in ends
Instructions Crochet Book Sleeve US Crochet Terms
With Yarn A, ch 37, (41, 55)
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in ea st across, ch1, turn (36, 40, 54 sc)
Row 2: sc in base of st, sc across, ch1, turn
Row 3: sc in base of st, sc in next 2 sts, change to Yarn B, [5bob, change to Yarn A, sc in next 5 sts] to last 4 sts, 5bob in next st, sc in last 3 sts, ch1, turn
Rows 4 – 6: rep row 2
Row 7: sc in base of st, sc in next 5 sts, change to Yarn B, [5bob, sc in next 5 sts] to last 6 sts, sc in last 6 sts, ch1, turn
Rows 8 – 10: rep row 2
Rep rows 3 – 10 for a total of 33, (35, 42) rows
DO NOT FASTEN OFF
With RS facing inwards, sl st side seam closed and continue to slip stitch along the bottom.
Fasten off
Weave in ends
Happy crocheting!
Copyright Notice
The pattern and photographs of this design are the property of Sharon Goodwin at Jera’s Jamboree. This pattern and design are subject to copyright and are for personal, non-commercial use only. You may not share, resell, alter or redistribute this pattern in part or in whole. You may, however, sell any finished items you make. If you would like to include this pattern in a roundup, you may take one photo and link back to this pattern.