Pastel Dream Knit Phone Pocket Free Pattern

Pastel Dream Knit Phone Pocket Free Pattern

Introduction

This little phone pocket is the perfect first project for anyone who wants to try color blocking without committing to a big garment. It is made from just two knitted rectangles — a bumpy seed-stitch front in six soft pastel stripes and a smooth stockinette back — so the shaping is minimal and the results are quick. The cotton macrame cord gives it a sturdy, slightly rustic texture that feels lovely in the hand and protects your phone from scratches. In an afternoon you will have a sweet, handmade sleeve that looks like a little rainbow and slips easily into any bag.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: 3 mm macrame cord (approx. sport weight), cotton, in 6 pastel rainbow colors, 20 yd (18 m) each:
  • A — pink
  • B — peach
  • C — yellow
  • D — mint
  • E — sky blue
  • F — lilac
• Needles: 4.5 mm (US 7) straight needles
• Notions: tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends, scissors, tape measure
• Finished size: approx. 3.5 inches (9 cm) wide x 6 inches (15 cm) tall, to fit most smartphones

Abbreviations

• CO — cast on: make the starting stitches on your needle.
• k — knit stitch.
• p — purl stitch.
• st(s) — stitch(es).
• RS — right side: the outside face of the work.
• WS — wrong side: the inside face of the work.
• St st — stockinette stitch: knit on the right side, purl on the wrong side.
• BO — bind off: finish the stitches so they don't unravel.
• Rep — repeat.

Gauge

16 sts and 24 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in seed stitch. Knit a small swatch in seed stitch, lay it flat without stretching, and count the stitches and rows over 4 inches to check before you begin.

Tips Before You Start

• Keep your color changes tidy. Change colors at the beginning of a row and give the old and new yarn a gentle tug so the first stitch of the new block sits snugly — this keeps the stripe edges even.
• Watch the seed stitch rhythm. In seed stitch you knit the purls and purl the knits, so always look at the stitch below rather than counting from memory. If you lose your place, the bumpy texture will tell you what to do.
• Measure as you go. Because macrame cord is firm, your panel may come out slightly wider than expected. Check the width after the first color block and adjust needle size if needed.
• Don't pull the seams tight. When joining the panels, keep your whipstitch or mattress stitch relaxed so the pocket stays flat and your phone slides in easily.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Front Panel (Seed Stitch with Color Blocks)

With A, CO 15 sts.

Row 1: [k1, p1] to last st, k1 (15 sts).

Row 2: [p1, k1] to last st, p1 (15 sts).

Rep Rows 1–2 for seed stitch throughout.

Rows 3–8: Rep Rows 1–2, ending with Row 2 (15 sts). You have now worked 8 rows in A.

Change to B.

Rows 9–16: Work 8 rows in seed stitch (15 sts).

Change to C.

Rows 17–24: Work 8 rows in seed stitch (15 sts).

Change to D.

Rows 25–32: Work 8 rows in seed stitch (15 sts).

Change to E.

Rows 33–40: Work 8 rows in seed stitch (15 sts).

Change to F.

Rows 41–48: Work 8 rows in seed stitch (15 sts).

BO all sts. Cut yarn and set the panel aside.

Back Panel (Stockinette)

With A, CO 15 sts.

Row 1 (RS): Knit (15 sts).

Row 2 (WS): Purl (15 sts).

Rows 3–48: Rep Rows 1–2, ending with Row 2 (15 sts).

BO all sts. Cut yarn.

Edging (Top Rim)

With RS facing and using A, pick up and knit 1 st in each cast-on stitch along the top edge of the Front panel (15 sts).

Row 1: [k1, p1] to last st, k1 (15 sts).

Row 2: [p1, k1] to last st, p1 (15 sts).

Rows 3–4: Rep Rows 1–2 (15 sts).

BO all sts in pattern. Cut yarn.

Assembly and Finishing

Place the Front and Back panels with WS together, lining up the side and bottom edges. Using whipstitch or mattress stitch and a length of matching yarn, join both side edges and the bottom edge, leaving the top edge open. Keep your stitches even and relaxed so the seam lies flat. Weave in all ends on the wrong side, threading each tail through a few stitches before trimming. To block, mist the pocket lightly with water, shape it flat to the finished measurements (3.5 inches wide x 6 inches tall), and let it dry completely — this evens out the seed stitch and settles the seams.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Change the palette: Swap the six pastels for any color sequence you love — a single solid color, two-tone stripes, or a bold gradient all work beautifully with the same stitch counts.
• Add a closure: Sew a small button to the back panel and crochet or knit a simple loop at the top of the front rim for a secure flap-free fastening.
• Make it a gift set: Work the same panels in a slightly larger gauge for a tablet sleeve, or shrink the cast-on to 11 sts for a sunglasses case.