7 Simple Ways to Knit Super-Cute Cell Phone Bags

Keep your cell phone safe, secure, and close at hand with one of these free cell phone bag knitting patterns 

Do you consider yourself a beginning knitter?

Do you long to create something that you can really use, something that will help you hone your knitting skills yet still turn out something practical?

Or, are you a more experienced knitter who wants something quick and easy to make, and even better, something you can sell for fundraising purposes?

If so, here’s a solution that will work whether you fit the first scenario or the second. Knit a cell phone bag!

The Joys of Knitting a Cell Phone Bag

Without question, the best thing about creating a cell phone bag is how easy it is. In fact, a cell phone bag was one of my earliest knitting projects! After I learned to knit, I believe it was my 4th knitting project.

If you’re a beginning knitter, a cell phone purse is an ideal project. Not only will you have that wonderful sense of accomplishment that accompanies any completed knitting, but you will also have a lovely practical item to keep or give away. (Good luck giving it away, though–you may find yourself wanting to keep it, no matter how many you’ve already made!)

And if you’re a more accomplished knitter, cell phone bags are delightful to give as gifts or to sell for fundraising purposes. You can turn out quite a few in a very short period of time!

One Very Simple Pattern for Knitting a Cell Phone Bag

My own favorite cell phone knitting pattern is one that evolved from a variety of other patterns I have seen. I like it because it’s quick, mindless, and cute. The photos you see here are three of the purses I’ve made, all with the same basic design. 

Here’s what you’ll need:

A small amount of eyelash or ribbon yarn

A small amount of worsted weight yarn, in a color that complements the novelty yarn

US Size 8 DPNs or circular needle, depending on how you prefer to knit in the round
(If you’d rather knit flat, see the alternate directions in italics and parentheses.)

Directions:

Step 1: Cast on 40 (42) stitches.

Step 2: Join in the round, being careful not to twist. Or just begin knitting.

Step 3: *Knit 1, purl 1, repeat from * to the end of the round (or row).

Step 4: Continue round (row) 3 until your knitting is about 6 inches long from your cast-on round (row), or long enough to cover your cell phone.

Step 5: Using the Kitchener stitch, graft the bottom closed. (If you’re unfamiliar with Kitchener stitch and need a refresher, see the video tutorial below.)(Cast off; seam sides and bottom.)

Step 6: Knit an I-cord of about 3 or 4 stitches per row until the cord is about 20 inches long. (Need an I-cord refresher? See that video tutorial below.)

Step 7: Attach the cord to both sides of the bag opening.

Voila! A cell phone purse!

I love this purse because it’s so quick, easy, and adaptable–plus it’s a great way to use up novelty yarn!

But if you’re looking for something a little more unique, take a look at the collection of free patterns below!

A Super-Cute Collection of Knitting Patterns for Cell Phone Bags

iPod Hoody

• What you’ll need to make it: Small amounts of DK-weight yarn; US Size 3 needles; stitch markers

• Why you’ll want to: This adorable pattern creates a cute little sweater for your iPhone or smartphone.

Who? iPod Cozy

• What you’ll need to make it: No more than 40 yards worsted weight yarn; US Size 7 DPNs and/or circular needles (you’ll need the DPNs for double knitting, but you can switch to circular needles when it’s time to knit in the round if you prefer); cable needle or spare DPN; tiny buttons to use as eyes (optional)

• Why you’ll want to: This adorable phone/MP3 player cozy shows a sweet little owl design. It includes double knitting, so if you’re unfamiliar with the technique or need a refresher, you’ll find a video tutorial below.

Knitted Phone Case

• What you’ll need to make it: Small amount (likely no more than 40 yards) DK-weight yarn; US Size 6 circular needles or DPNs (depending on how you prefer to knit in the round)

• Why you’ll want to: This bag is knitted from the bottom up, so you’ll be able to easily slip your phone inside as you knit to check the length. You may learn a new cast-on technique (Judy’s Magic Cast-on), and you can create an adorable basketweave-type design that’s a lot simpler than it looks.

Lacy Cabled Cell Phone Cozy

• What you’ll need to make it: Small amount of fingering weight yarn (if you have some left over from a pair of socks, it’s probably perfect); US Size 1 circular needles and/or DPNs (depending on how you prefer knitting in the round, but you’ll want DPNs to make an I-cord); cable needle or spare DPN; button

• Why you’ll want to: Whether you’d like to give lace and/or cables a try, or you’re already experienced with both, this adorable buttoned case is a delightful use for leftover sock yarn. (Note: the website link at the bottom of the Ravelry page is no longer operational, but the Ravelry download still works.)

Simple iPhone Cozy, Two Ways

• What you’ll need to make it: About 60 yards fingering weight yarn; US Size 1 DPNs or circular needles (depending on how you prefer to knit in the round)

• Why you’ll want to: This is a bit of a simpler use of your leftover yarn, but it has a few other benefits. First, you can knit it either top-down or bottom-up; second, you can add a pocket if you’d like. (The pocket could hold your earbuds, your ID and/or debit card, etc.)

iPod Sock

• What you’ll need to make it: At least 55 yards fingering weight yarn; US Size 1 DPNs or circular needles (depending on how you prefer to knit in the round)

• Why you’ll want to: This pattern offers lots of stretch and room for whatever electronic device you wish to protect, whether it’s a phone or an eBook reader (though you may want to cast on more stitches, if you have a larger eBook reader).

You can use any of these patterns for your phone; many of them can also be used for eBook readers like Kindles or Nooks.

And if you want to add a strap, you can easily knit an I-cord, crochet a long chain or simply braid together three strands of yarn to create a strap, then sew it onto the sides of the bag.

What would you do with a case or bag like one of these?