purlJam

---

# Cozy AirPods Case
### A Beginner Knitting Pattern

**Description:** This sweet little case knits up in under an hour and is the perfect first small-project for beginners. Two simple rectangles worked flat in a mix of garter and stockinette stitch are seamed together to create a snug, cushioned pouch for your AirPods case. Personalize it with a button closure and any color you love.

**Fits:** Standard AirPods case (Gen 1, Gen 2, AirPods Pro) — approximately 2.5"–2.75" wide × 3"–3.25" tall. If you have AirPods Max or a bulkier case, see Pattern Notes for adjustments.

---

## Materials

| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| **Yarn** | 1 skein worsted weight yarn, any fiber |
| **Yardage** | Approximately 30–40 yards (27–37 m) |
| **Suggested Yarn** | Lion Brand Wool-Ease, Cascade 220 Superwash, or any worsted (Category 4) |
| **Needles** | US 6 / 4 mm straight or circular needles |
| **Notions** | Tapestry needle for seaming, scissors |
| **Optional** | One button (approximately ¾"–1" / 20–25 mm) + sewing needle and thread, or a snap fastener |

> **Why US 6 instead of US 8?** Going down a needle size from the standard worsted recommendation creates a denser, tighter fabric that cushions and protects your AirPods case better. This is intentional — not a mistake!

---

## Gauge

**20 stitches × 28 rows = 4" × 4" (10 cm × 10 cm) in stockinette stitch**

> **Do I really need to swatch for something so small?** Yes! Even a small difference in gauge will change whether your AirPods case fits snugly or slips right out. Knit a quick 4" swatch, measure it, and adjust your needle size if needed before you begin.

---

## Finished Dimensions

- **Width:** approximately 2.75" (7 cm)
- **Height:** approximately 3.5" (9 cm) with top edge unfolded; approximately 3" (7.5 cm) with top edge neatly folded

---

## Abbreviations

| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| **CO** | Cast on |
| **BO** | Bind off |
| **k** | Knit |
| **p** | Purl |
| **RS** | Right side (the public-facing side) |
| **WS** | Wrong side (the inside-facing side) |
| **rep** | Repeat |
| **st(s)** | Stitch(es) |
| **St st** | Stockinette stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS) |

---

## Pattern Notes

1. **The pattern is worked flat** (back and forth on straight or circular needles). You will make **two identical panels** and seam them together.
2. **Garter stitch borders** are worked on all edges to prevent the stockinette from curling. This means the first 3 rows, last 6 rows, and every edge stitch of each row are worked in garter stitch (knit every stitch).
3. **Beginner tip — reading your knitting:** The knit side of stockinette looks like little "V"s. The purl side looks like bumps. The right side (RS) of your panel is the "V" side.
4. **For a larger case** (e.g., AirPods Pro 2nd gen with MagSafe): Add 2 stitches to the cast-on (16 sts total) and work 4 additional rows in the stockinette section.
5. **Yarn tails:** Leave a 6" (15 cm) tail when casting on and binding off to use for seaming.

---

## Instructions

### Panel (Make 2 identical pieces)

**Step 1 — Cast On**

Using the long-tail cast-on method (or any cast-on you know), CO **14 sts**.

> **Beginner tip:** The long-tail cast-on creates a neat, stretchy edge that works beautifully for the bottom of this case, but a simple knitted cast-on works perfectly well too.

---

**Step 2 — Bottom Garter Border (3 rows)**

These rows create a firm, non-curling edge at the bottom of your case.

- **Row 1 (RS):** K all 14 sts. *(14 sts)*
- **Row 2 (WS):** K all 14 sts. *(14 sts)*
- **Row 3 (RS):** K all 14 sts. *(14 sts)*

---

**Step 3 — Stockinette Body with Garter Side Borders (20 rows)**

This section forms the main body of the case. Knitting the first and last stitch of every row in garter stitch prevents the side edges from curling and makes seaming much easier.

- **Row 4 (WS):** K1, p to last st, k1. *(14 sts)*
- **Row 5 (RS):** K all 14 sts. *(14 sts)*

Rep Rows 4–5 a total of **10 times** (Rows 4–23).

*After completing all repeats you will have worked 20 rows total in this section (10 WS rows + 10 RS rows). Your stitch count remains 14 sts throughout.*

> **Counting tip:** Use a stitch marker or a piece of scrap yarn to mark the beginning of this section. Count your rows from the marker — each "V" ridge on the RS counts as one RS row.

---

**Step 4 — Top Garter Fold Edge (6 rows)**

These rows create the top opening of the case and will fold over slightly to create a clean, finished edge.

- **Row 24 (WS):** K all 14 sts. *(14 sts)*
- **Row 25 (RS):** K all 14 sts. *(14 sts)*
- **Row 26 (WS):** K all 14 sts. *(14 sts)*
- **Row 27 (RS):** K all 14 sts. *(14 sts)*
- **Row 28 (WS):** K all 14 sts. *(14 sts)*
- **Row 29 (RS):** K all 14 sts. *(14 sts)*

---

**Step 5 — Bind Off**

With WS facing (Row 30), BO all 14 sts **loosely**. Cut yarn, leaving a 6" (15 cm) tail.

> **Why bind off loosely?** A tight bind-off at the opening of the case will make it hard to slip your AirPods in and out. If you tend to bind off tightly, try using a needle one or two sizes larger just for the bind-off row.

---

**Total row count per panel: 32 rows**
*(3 garter border + 20 stockinette body + 6 garter top + 1 bind-off row)*

**Repeat all steps to make the second panel.** Both panels should measure approximately **2.75" wide × 4.5" tall** (7 × 11.5 cm) before seaming and folding.

---

## Finishing

### Step 1 — Block Your Panels (Optional but Recommended)

Lightly wet both panels, gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring), lay flat to the finished measurements, and allow to dry completely. Blocking evens out your stitches and makes seaming much easier.

### Step 2 — Seam the Sides and Bottom

Hold both panels together with **right sides facing out** (wrong sides touching each other on the inside).

Using a tapestry needle and a length of yarn approximately 24" (60 cm) long, seam the **two side edges and the bottom edge** using mattress stitch or whip stitch:

**Whip stitch (recommended for beginners):**
1. Thread the tapestry needle with yarn and secure with a knot on the inside at one bottom corner.
2. Insert the needle from back to front through the edge stitches of both panels simultaneously, working stitch by stitch up one side.
3. Work across the bottom edge stitch by stitch.
4. Continue up the other side edge.
5. Fasten off securely on the inside with two or three small knots.

**The top edge remains open** — this is the opening where you insert your AirPods case.

> **Seaming tip:** Work through the outermost "bar" stitch on each side edge to create an invisible, flat seam. Take your time — neat seaming is what makes the difference between a lumpy, homemade-looking result and a polished finished object.

### Step 3 — Weave In All Ends

Thread any remaining yarn tails onto your tapestry needle and weave them in securely on the wrong side (inside) of the case, working through several stitches in different directions to prevent unraveling.

### Step 4 — Add Button Closure (Optional)

For a secure closure, add a simple button loop and button:

**Button loop:** Using a crochet hook or tapestry needle and a short length of yarn, work a small chain loop of approximately 6–8 chain stitches (or a yarn loop) centered at the top back edge of the case. Fasten off and sew down both ends securely.

**Button:** Using a sewing needle and thread, sew your button to the front panel, centered, approximately ¼" (6 mm) down from the top edge, directly opposite the loop.

Alternatively, sew one half of a snap fastener to the inside of each panel at the top center for a completely hidden closure.

### Step 5 — Fold the Top Edge (Optional)

For an extra-polished look, fold the top garter edge (the last 6 rows) of each panel slightly inward before inserting your AirPods case. The garter ridges will hold this fold naturally.

---

## Finished Measurements (After Seaming)

| Measurement | Size |
|---|---|
| Width | ~2.75" (7 cm) |
| Usable interior depth | ~3"–3.5" (7.5–9 cm) |
| Fabric thickness | double-layer worsted |

---

## Stitch Count Summary

| Section | Rows | Stitch Count |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom garter border | 3 rows | 14 sts |
| Stockinette body | 20 rows | 14 sts |
| Top garter edge | 6 rows | 14 sts |
| Bind-off | 1 row | — |
| **Total per panel** | **30 knitted rows** | **14 sts throughout** |

*Stitch count is constant throughout — no increases or decreases are used in this pattern.*

---

## Variations to Try Once You've Mastered the Basic

- **Stripe it:** Change colors every 4 rows for a fun striped version.
- **Seed stitch body:** For a textured, reversible fabric that won't curl at all, replace the stockinette body rows with seed stitch: *Row 4 (WS): (k1, p1) rep to end. Row 5 (RS): (k1, p1) rep to end.* Continue alternating.
- **Make it a set:** Use the same pattern to make a matching case for your phone charging cable — just increase to 20 sts and work 40 rows in the body section.

---

*Happy knitting! This little project makes a wonderful handmade gift — consider gifting it in a matching color to the recipient's AirPods.*

---