Grey Mosaic Dumbbell Caddy Crochet Free Pattern
Introduction
This Grey Mosaic Dumbbell Caddy is the perfect little project for anyone who wants their home gym gear to look as tidy as it is useful. It is a flat rectangle folded and seamed into an open-topped tray with two divider pockets, so your dumbbells, resistance bands, or water bottle all have a home. The grey cotton body is sturdy and washable, while a simple checkerboard band of dusty rose diamonds runs across the front for a touch of mid-century modern charm. It works up quickly in worsted weight cotton, making it a great first mosaic crochet project for a confident beginner.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (category 4) cotton yarn, approx. 200–250 yards total — 150 yards grey (Color A), 100 yards dusty rose (Color B)
- Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook
- Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, stitch markers, measuring tape
- Finished size: Approx. 12 inches (30.5 cm) long x 6 inches (15 cm) wide x 4 inches (10 cm) tall
Abbreviations
- ch — chain
- sc — single crochet
- dc — double crochet
- st(s) — stitch(es)
- sl st — slip stitch
- RS — right side (the front of the fabric)
- WS — wrong side (the back of the fabric)
- rep — repeat
- A / B — Color A (grey) / Color B (dusty rose)
Gauge
16 sts x 16 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in the mosaic pattern. Work a small swatch in pattern and measure a 4-inch square; adjust your hook size if needed to match.
Tips Before You Start
- Keep Color A attached throughout and carry Color B along the back of the work so you never have to cut it between mosaic rows.
- Always work the wrong-side rows in plain single crochet in Color A — this is what creates the raised mosaic texture on the front.
- Count your stitches at the end of every row; the base panel must stay at 48 sts or the caddy will not fold squarely.
- Use a tight, even tension so the finished caddy holds its shape when loaded with dumbbells.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Base Panel (worked flat in mosaic crochet)
With A, ch 49.
Row 1 (RS): sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across, turn. (48 sc)
Row 2 (WS): ch 1, sc in each st across, turn. (48 sc)
Row 3 (RS): ch 1, sc in first 2 sts, *dc in next st (B), sc in next st (A); rep from * to last 2 sts, sc in last 2 sts, turn. (24 dc, 24 sc)
Row 4 (WS): ch 1, sc in each st across, turn. (48 sc)
Row 5 (RS): ch 1, sc in first 3 sts, *dc in next st (B), sc in next st (A); rep from * to last 3 sts, sc in last 3 sts, turn. (23 dc, 25 sc)
Row 6 (WS): ch 1, sc in each st across, turn. (48 sc)
Row 7 (RS): ch 1, sc in first 2 sts, *dc in next st (B), sc in next st (A); rep from * to last 2 sts, sc in last 2 sts, turn. (24 dc, 24 sc)
Row 8 (WS): ch 1, sc in each st across, turn. (48 sc)
Row 9 (RS): ch 1, sc in first st, *dc in next st (B), sc in next st (A); rep from * to last st, sc in last st, turn. (24 dc, 24 sc)
Row 10 (WS): ch 1, sc in each st across, turn. (48 sc)
Row 11 (RS): ch 1, sc in first 2 sts, *dc in next st (B), sc in next st (A); rep from * to last 2 sts, sc in last 2 sts, turn. (24 dc, 24 sc)
Row 12 (WS): ch 1, sc in each st across, turn. (48 sc)
Row 13 (RS): ch 1, sc in first 3 sts, *dc in next st (B), sc in next st (A); rep from * to last 3 sts, sc in last 3 sts, turn. (23 dc, 25 sc)
Row 14 (WS): ch 1, sc in each st across, turn. (48 sc)
Row 15 (RS): ch 1, sc in first 2 sts, *dc in next st (B), sc in next st (A); rep from * to last 2 sts, sc in last 2 sts, turn. (24 dc, 24 sc)
Row 16 (WS): ch 1, sc in each st across, turn. (48 sc)
Rows 17–24: Rep Rows 3–10 once more. (48 sts)
Rows 25–32: Rep Rows 11–16, then Rows 3–4. (48 sts)
Rows 33–40: Rep Rows 5–12. (48 sts)
Rows 41–48: Rep Rows 13–16, then Rows 3–8. (48 sts)
Fasten off.
Side Panels (make 2)
With A, ch 17.
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across, turn. (16 sc)
Rows 2–16: ch 1, sc in each st across, turn. (16 sc)
Fasten off.
Divider (make 1)
With A, ch 17.
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across, turn. (16 sc)
Rows 2–8: ch 1, sc in each st across, turn. (16 sc)
Fasten off.
Edging
Round 1: With RS facing, join A with sc at top right corner of caddy. Sc evenly around entire top edge, working 3 sc in each corner. Join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off.
Assembly and Finishing
Fold the base panel in half widthwise to form a U-shape with the wrong side facing out; the fold becomes the bottom of the caddy. Place one side panel on each open end of the U, aligning edges, and whipstitch or sc-seam the side panels to the base panel along the sides and bottom, leaving the top open. Insert the divider in the center of the caddy, perpendicular to the sides, to create two pockets, and sew it in place along the bottom and sides. Weave in all ends. Block lightly by misting with water and shaping into a rectangle; let dry fully before use.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the dusty rose for a bold mustard or teal to match your home gym color scheme.
- Add a second divider to create three narrower pockets for bands and small accessories.
- Work the side panels and divider in half double crochet for a slightly taller, stiffer caddy.
