All In One Hook Case
Keep your favorite tools organized and secure with this clever double-layer crochet hook case featuring built-in pockets and a snap closure.
Have you ever sat down to start an exciting new project, only to realize your favorite hook has vanished into the mysterious void of your couch cushions?
It is incredibly frustrating.
We spend so much time collecting the perfect tools, yet they always seem to scatter when we need them most.
That is exactly why I designed this double-layered storage solution. It keeps everything in one neat, book-style folder.
When I first made this, I completely forgot to plan for my measuring tape and stitch markers! I had to sew a pocket on as an afterthought, which felt a bit messy.
For this updated pattern, I have integrated that extra pocket seamlessly. Now, your final border stitch closes all the pockets at once—no extra sewing required!
We will use basic stitches and a clever technique of alternating front and back loops to create ridges. These ridges become the foundation for your hook slots.
Why You'll Love This Pattern
- Zero-Sew Pockets: The clever slip-stitch assembly closes all your pockets simultaneously.
- Double-Layer Durability: Two separate layers give the case a sturdy, book-like structure that protects your hooks.
- Extra Storage: Includes ten dedicated hook slots plus a wider pocket for notions like tape measures and stitch markers.
Materials You'll Need
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (Medium #4). The sample uses Red Heart Super Saver.
- Hook: US Size I (5.5 mm) for the main body and US Size H (5.0 mm) for the pockets.
- Notions: One snap button, a yarn needle, scissors, and stitch markers.
- Yardage: Approximately 150–180 yards total.
Gauge & Sizing
- Gauge: Gauge is not critical for this project, but your starting chain should measure roughly one inch longer than your tallest crochet hook.
- Sizes included: One size (highly customizable).
- Finished measurements: Approximately 6 inches tall by 8 inches wide when open (adjustable based on your starting chain).
Abbreviations & Stitch Instructions
- ch: Chain
- sc: Single Crochet
- hdc: Half Double Crochet
- sl st: Slip Stitch
- FLO: Front Loops Only
- BLO: Back Loops Only
- sc2tog: Single Crochet Two Together (Insert hook into first stitch, pull up a loop, insert into next stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over and draw through all three loops on your hook).
Pattern Notes
- Skill Level: Easy / Advanced Beginner.
- This pattern is written in US crochet terms. If you are used to British terminology, check out our US to UK Crochet Conversion Chart.
- The item is worked flat in two separate panels and then joined together.
- Keep your tension consistent so the inner and outer layers align perfectly during assembly.
- You can easily customize the height of the case by adding more chains to your starting row.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: The Inner Layer
Using your larger I (5.5 mm) hook, chain 25 (or a chain that is 1 inch longer than your tallest hook).
Row 1: Work 1 sc in the second chain from your hook. Work 1 sc in each remaining chain across. Turn. (24 sc)
Row 2: Ch 1, work 1 sc in the very first stitch (the same stitch as your chain 1). Work 1 sc in each stitch across. Turn. (24 sc)
Row 3: Working in FLO, ch 2, work 1 hdc in the first stitch. Work 1 hdc in each stitch across. Turn. (24 hdc)
Row 4: Working in BLO, ch 2, work 1 hdc in the first stitch. Work 1 hdc in each stitch across. Turn. (24 hdc)
Rows 5–11: Repeat Rows 4 and 5 alternately until you have completed 11 hdc rows in total. Turn.
Row 12 (The Spine Fold): Working in FLO, ch 2, work 1 hdc in the first stitch. Work 1 hdc in each stitch across. Turn. Note: This FLO row creates a natural fold line so your case closes easily like a book.
Row 13: Working in FLO, ch 2, work 1 hdc in the first stitch. Work 1 hdc in each stitch across. Turn.
Row 14: Working in BLO, ch 2, work 1 hdc in the first stitch. Work 1 hdc in each stitch across. Turn.
Rows 15–22: Repeat Rows 13 and 14 alternately until you have completed 22 hdc rows total (counting from the very first hdc row). Turn.
Row 23: Working in FLO, ch 1, work 1 sc in the first stitch. Work 1 sc in each stitch across. Turn. (24 sc)
Row 24: Working in FLO, ch 1, work 1 sc in the first stitch. Work 1 sc in each stitch across. Turn. (24 sc)
Row 25: Working through both loops, ch 1, work 1 sc in the first stitch. Work 1 sc in each stitch across. Fasten off. (24 sc)
Step 2: Crafting the Hook Pockets
Note: You can use a contrasting color for the pockets to make them pop!
Switch to your smaller H (5.0 mm) hook.
First Pocket: Slip stitch into the 15th free loop on the right side of your inner layer. Ch 2, work 1 hdc in that same loop. Work 1 hdc in each of the next 14 loops to the edge. Turn. (15 hdc)
Row 2 of Pocket: Ch 1, work 1 sc in the first stitch, then work 1 sc in each of the remaining 14 stitches. (15 sc)
Joining the Pocket: Fold the main fabric down slightly to expose the next row of free loops. Slip stitch across all 15 stitches into these free loops to secure the pocket. (15 sl st)
Subsequent Pockets (Pockets 2–11): To prevent the case from becoming too bulky, we will alternate working in the loops of the previous rows.
Pocket 2 (BLO): Working in the BLO of the previous sc row, ch 2, work 1 hdc in the first stitch, and 1 hdc in each of the next 14 stitches. Turn. (15 hdc). Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (15 sc). Slip stitch to the next visible row of free loops. (15 sl st)
Pocket 3 (FLO): Working in the FLO of the previous sc row, ch 2, work 1 hdc in the first stitch, and 1 hdc in each of the next 14 stitches. Turn. (15 hdc). Ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn. (15 sc). Slip stitch to the next visible row of free loops. (15 sl st)
Pockets 4–11: Repeat the steps for Pocket 2 and 3 alternately until you have completed 11 pockets in total. Note: The middle pocket aligns with the spine fold and will remain empty to allow the case to bend.
Step 3: The Tape Measure Pocket
Locate the side of your case opposite the folding center.
Count up to the 11th free loop from the base of your hook pockets.
Slip stitch into this loop, ch 1, and work 1 sc in the same loop. Work 1 sc in each remaining free loop to the end of the row. Turn.
Ch 2, work 1 hdc in the first stitch, then work 1 hdc in each stitch across. Turn. (11 hdc)
Slip stitch this pocket down to the next visible row of free loops. This pocket will span across three of your hook pockets.
Step 4: The Outer Layer
Using your larger I (5.5 mm) hook and working through both loops for all rows:
Chain 25 (or match your initial starting chain length).
Row 1: Work 1 sc in the second chain from your hook. Work 1 sc in each chain across. Turn. (24 sc)
Row 2: Ch 1, work 1 sc in the first stitch. Work 1 sc in each stitch across. Turn. (24 sc)
Row 3: Ch 2, work 1 hdc in the first stitch. Work 1 hdc in each stitch across. Turn. (24 hdc)
Row 4: Ch 1, work 1 sc in the first stitch. Work 1 sc in each stitch across. Fasten off. (24 sc)
Step 5: Assembly & Joining
Place your completed inner layer directly on top of the outer layer, wrong sides facing.
We will single crochet around the entire perimeter through both layers to bind them.
Start along one of the shorter sides. Work 3 sc into each corner stitch to help it lay flat.
Align the opposite short sides and pin them in place. Tip: The outer layer has one extra row of hdc to allow it to wrap smoothly around the inner bulk, so pinning ensures perfect alignment.
When you reach the bottom edge of your hook pockets, insert your hook through the pocket layer as well as both main layers. This single crochet join will automatically seal the bottoms of all your pockets!
Continue working sc evenly around the remaining edges, placing 3 sc in each corner. Fasten off and weave in your ends. If you need tips on hiding those yarn tails, check out our guide on Weaving in the Tails in Crochet.
Step 6: The Snap Button Flap
Mark the center 6 stitches along the front opening edge of your case.
Row 1: Slip stitch into the first marked stitch. Ch 1, work 1 sc in the same stitch, then work 1 sc in each of the next 5 stitches. Turn. (6 sc)
Row 2: Ch 1, work 1 sc in the first stitch. Work 1 sc in each stitch across. Turn. (6 sc)
Row 3: Sc2tog, work 1 sc in each of the next 2 stitches, sc2tog. Turn. (4 sc)
Row 4: Work sc2tog twice. Fasten off. (2 sc)
Sew one half of your snap button to the underside of this flap, and the matching half to the front of the case.
Easy Variations & Custom Ideas
- Contrasting Colors: Use two highly contrasting colors—like navy and gold—to make the pockets stand out beautifully.
- Fabric Lining: If you enjoy sewing, you can sew a fabric lining over the inner layer instead of crocheting the pockets.
- Adjustable Height: Make a taller version to hold extra-long Tunisian hooks by simply increasing your starting chain.
- Button Closure: Swap the snap button for a classic wooden button and a simple chain loop on the flap.
- Matching Accessories: Create a matching set! This case pairs beautifully with a small pouch like our Crochet Makeup Bag Free Pattern to hold your scissors and extra notions.
- Colour ideas: Try pastel shades for a vintage look, or bright neons to make your case easy to spot in a messy craft room.
- Yarn substitutions: Any sturdy worsted weight acrylic or cotton yarn will work. Cotton yarn provides excellent stitch definition and extra sturdiness.
Common Troubleshooting & Fixes
- Problem: My inner and outer layers don't line up when joining.
Fix: Use locking stitch markers or safety pins to secure the corners and edges together before you start your single crochet border. This keeps the layers from shifting. - Problem: My hooks keep slipping out of the pockets.
Fix: Make sure you are using the smaller H (5.0 mm) hook for the pockets to keep the tension tight. If they are still too loose, you can add a small fabric flap to the top of the case to fold over the hook tips. - Problem: The case won't fold closed easily.
Fix: Double-check Row 12 of your inner layer. This row must be worked in the Front Loops Only (FLO) to create a flexible hinge. - Problem: The edges of my case are curling.
Fix: Make sure you are placing exactly 3 single crochets into the very corner stitches during the assembly border. This extra room prevents the corners from pulling inward.
Care Instructions
Since this case is made from durable worsted weight acrylic, you can gently hand wash it in cool water with a mild detergent. Lay it flat on a clean towel to air dry. Avoid machine drying or high heat, as this can warp the shape of the pockets and damage the snap button.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like having a dedicated, handmade home for your most-used tools. This project is quick to whip up and makes a wonderful gift for your fellow yarn lovers. Once you finish yours, you'll wonder how you ever managed without it! Happy crocheting, my friends!