Crochet Checkered Book Sleeve
The Crochet Checkered Book Sleeve is not just a stylish accessory for your favorite reads – it's a cozy hug for your books! This handmade sleeve is a charming blend of craftsmanship and functionality, offering a soft and protective cover for your literary treasures. Whether you're a bookworm on the go or simply want to pamper your novels at home, this delightful sleeve adds a touch of whimsy to your reading routine. With its timeless checkered design and warm crocheted texture, your books are sure to feel snug and secure wherever you take them. So, treat your bookshelf buddies to a little extra love with this adorable book sleeve!
Skill Level
Intermediate
Finished Size
8.25″ wide, 6″ height.
Materials
- #4 Medium / Worsted weight / 100% acrylic / Approx: 300 yards total
- 1 skein of Light Blue (C1), 1 skein of White (C2), Ice Yarn Favorite (100% Acrylic; 229 yards [210 meters] / 100g)
- US H-8, 5mm crochet hook
- 1 Button
- Stitch markers
- Tapestry needle for weaving ends
- Scissors
Gauge
15 hdc x 7.5 rows = 4″ with US H-8 (5mm) crochet hook
Abbreviations (US Term)
- Beg = beginning
- Ch = chain
- St = stitch
- Dc = double crochet
- Sl st = slip stitch
- * to ; = repeat * to the instructions.
- [ ] or [[ ]]= work instructions within brackets as many times as directed.
- C1 = color 1
- C2 = color 2
Customizing Your Book Sleeve
Books are available in different sizes, so customizing the book sleeve dimensions is essential. The pattern starts from the spine of the book you choose.
RND 1: Crochet multiple of 10+9 chains for the base part. But remember to crochet the foundation chains 1 or 2 cm less than the book spine. Do not crochet foundation chains longer than the book spine.
Notes
Beg ch does not count as stitches. The texture of the checkered creates with 2 color blocks by switching colors. You will need to carry the unused color along as you work each round. Work the stitch over the unused color.
Working the Pattern
The pattern starts from the spine of the book you choose. For other sizes, repeat the following:
- Crochet multiple of 10+9 chains for the base part. But remember to crochet the foundation chains 1 or 2 cm less than the book spine.
- Do not crochet foundation chains longer than the book spine.
Starting the Base
With (C1), ch 29+1
Rounds Instructions
Round 1: 3 sc in 2nd ch from the hook, sc in each of next ch 27, 3 sc in last ch, working on the opposite side of the foundation chains, sc in each of next ch across, join with sl st in first st. (60 sts total)
Round 2: ch 1, sc in each st around, join with sl st in first st. (60 sts total)
To begin the next round with checkered pattern, sl st into last st of the previous round.
Round 3: With (C1), ch 1, dc in first st and each of next 4 dc, [change color to (C2), dc in each of next 5 st, change color to (C1), dc in each of next 5 st] 5 times, change color to (C2), dc in each of next 5 st, change color to (C1) and join with sl st in first dc. (60 sts total)
Do not forget to carry the unused yarn along when working each round.
Round 4: With (C1), ch 1, dc in first st and each of next 4 dc, [change color to (C2), dc in each of next 5 st, change color to (C1), dc in each of next 5 st] 5 times, change color to (C2), dc in each of next 5 st, join with sl st in first dc, do not switch the color. (60 sts total)
Do not forget to carry the unused yarn along when working each round.
Round 5: With (C2), ch 1, dc in first st and each of next 4 dc, [change color to (C1), dc in each of next 5 st, change color to (C2), dc in each of next 5 st] 5 times, change color to (C1), dc in each of next 5 st, change color to (C2) and join with sl st in first dc. (60 sts total)
Do not forget to carry the unused yarn along when working each round.
Round 6: With (C2), ch 1, dc in first st and each of next 4 dc, [change color to (C1), dc in each of next 5 st, change color to (C2), dc in each of next 5 st] 5 times, change color to (C1), dc in each of next 5 st, join with sl st in first dc, do not switch the color. (60 sts total)
Do not forget to carry the unused yarn along when working each round.
Round 7 to 12: Repeat round 3 to 6 continuously to the height you choose for your book sleeve.
Adding the Border
Crochet sc around and make a button loop. Place the stitch marker in the middle of one side of the book cover, where you want to make a button loop.
Round 13: Start with (C1), ch 1, sc in each st around. When you reach the marked st, make a sc in marked st and crochet ch 25 and sl st in last st just crocheted, continue sc around, join with sl st in first st. Fasten off and weave the end.
Sew button on the opposite side to the loop.