Plum & Mauve Tiny Sneaker Earbud Covers Free Crochet Pattern
Introduction
These tiny crocheted sneakers are the cutest way to keep your earbuds clean, protected, and easy to find at the bottom of your bag. Each little shoe is worked as two simple single-crochet rectangles, then folded and stitched into a miniature high-top shape with a contrasting sole, laces, and a stretchy elastic loop. The plum upper and mauve sole give them a fun streetwear look, and the snug single-crochet fabric feels soft but sturdy in your hand. They are a perfect quick project for advanced beginners who want to practice seaming and finishing on a small, forgiving scale.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (category 4) acrylic yarn — approx 10 yds (9 m) plum and 5 yds (4.5 m) mauve
- Hook: 3.25 mm (D/3) crochet hook
- Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, 2-inch (5 cm) length of 1/8-inch (3 mm) elastic, sewing needle (optional, for the elastic)
- Finished size: Approx 1.25 inches (3.2 cm) long x 0.75 inch (1.9 cm) wide x 0.75 inch (1.9 cm) tall, excluding the loop
Abbreviations
- ch — chain: make a loop of yarn and pull another loop through it
- sc — single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops
- st(s) — stitch(es)
- sl st — slip stitch: insert hook, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook
- R — row
Gauge
5 sc x 6 rows = 1 inch (2.5 cm) in single crochet. Work a small swatch and measure it flat; if your stitches are larger than this, go down a hook size so the finished sneaker stays snug around your earbuds.
Tips Before You Start
- Keep your single crochets tight and even — a dense fabric holds its sneaker shape and grips the earbuds better.
- Leave a generous tail (about 8 inches / 20 cm) when you fasten off the plum upper; you will use it for whipstitching the sides.
- Fold and pin the pieces before sewing so the mauve sole sits neatly on the outside and the top opening stays even.
- Make both sneakers one after the other so your tension and size match as closely as possible.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Sole (Mauve)
Row 1: With mauve, ch 7. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across (6 sts).
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (6 sts).
Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (6 sts). Do not fasten off. Change to plum.
Upper (Plum)
Row 4: With plum, ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (6 sts).
Rows 5–7: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (6 sts).
Fasten off after Row 7, leaving a long tail (about 8 inches / 20 cm) for sewing.
Assembly
Fold the sole in half lengthwise with the mauve sole on the outside. Whipstitch the side edges together using the plum tail, leaving the top open. Weave in ends.
Elastic Loop
Cut a 2-inch (5 cm) length of 1/8-inch (3 mm) elastic. Fold it in half to form a loop. Sew the ends securely to the inside back of the sneaker using plum yarn.
Laces (Mauve)
Cut three 3-inch (7.5 cm) strands of mauve. Thread them through the front of the sneaker (approx 0.25 inch / 6 mm from the toe) in three horizontal lines, then tie each in a small bow. Trim the ends.
Edging (Mauve)
Rnd 1: Join mauve with a sl st at the top edge of the sneaker. Ch 1, sc evenly around the top opening (approx 12 sc). Join with a sl st to the first sc. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Assembly and Finishing
Check that the side seams are even and the top opening is a neat oval; adjust the whipstitching if needed. Weave in all remaining ends on the inside so they do not show through the sole. Gently shape each sneaker with your fingers and steam-block lightly (do not press with a hot iron on acrylic) so the sides stand up and the edging lies flat. Let dry completely before inserting your earbuds.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the plum and mauve for any two contrasting colors, or add a third color for the edging and laces.
- Use a slightly longer elastic loop if your earbud case is thicker, or skip the loop and add a small keyring instead.
- Work the sole in a darker shade and the upper in a lighter one for a classic sneaker look, or add a tiny embroidered swoosh with a scrap of yarn.
