Highland Houndstooth Sunglasses Case Free Pattern – Knit a Cozy Plaid Pouch
Knit a Cozy Highland Houndstooth Sunglasses Case
Carry your shades in style with this snug, textured houndstooth pouch knitted with soft worsted wool. The classic black-and-cream check gets a modern twist with a chunky wooden button closure. This beginner-friendly pattern is perfect for using up small amounts of worsted weight yarn while creating a practical, beautiful accessory. The slipped-stitch technique creates a woven, plaid-like texture that looks far more complex than it actually is—and the result is a cozy, rustic pouch reminiscent of a Scottish highland plaid.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following supplies:
- Yarn: Worsted weight wool yarn in black (Color A) and cream (Color B), approximately 50g of each color. Any soft worsted weight yarn will work—wool gives the best stitch definition and cozy feel.
- Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles. Straight needles are perfect for this flat-knit project.
- Notions: Tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends, scissors, one wooden button (approximately 1 inch / 2.5 cm in diameter), and optionally a small crochet hook (if you choose to make the button loop with a crochet chain instead of an i-cord).
- Optional lining: A small piece of soft cotton fabric and matching thread if you want to add a protective lining inside.
Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. Gauge is important here to ensure your finished case fits standard sunglasses. If your gauge is off, adjust your needle size accordingly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This pattern is worked flat in two identical panels, then seamed together. The houndstooth pattern is created using slipped stitches and color changes—no stranding or carrying yarn across long spans, making it ideal for beginners.
Panel 1 (Make 2)
Both panels are knitted identically. Take your time with the color changes and slipped stitches—the rhythm becomes intuitive quickly.
Cast on: With Color A (black), cast on 30 stitches using your preferred method (long-tail cast on works well).
Row 1 (Right Side): With Color A, knit all 30 stitches.
Row 2 (Wrong Side): With Color A, purl all 30 stitches.
Row 3: Switch to Color B (cream). *Slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in back, knit 1*; repeat from * to * across all 30 stitches. (You will end with a knit stitch.)
Row 4: Still with Color B. *Slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in front, purl 1*; repeat from * to * across all 30 stitches.
Row 5: Switch back to Color A. *Knit 1, slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in back*; repeat from * to * across all 30 stitches. (Note: this row is offset from Row 3—you begin with a knit instead of a slip.)
Row 6: Still with Color A. *Purl 1, slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in front*; repeat from * to * across all 30 stitches.
Repeat Rows 3–6 until the piece measures 6 inches (15 cm) from the cast-on edge, ending with a Row 6 (a wrong-side row). This ensures the houndstooth pattern is symmetrical when you bind off.
Bind off: Loosely bind off all stitches with Color A. To keep the edge stretchy, bind off in pattern (knit the knit stitches, purl the purl stitches) or use a simple knit bind-off but don't pull the yarn tight. Cut yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail for weaving in.
Repeat the entire process to make a second identical panel.
Finishing
Now it's time to assemble your cozy pouch. Follow these steps carefully for a professional finish.
Step 1: Seam the panels together. Place the two panels together with wrong sides facing each other (the right sides—the sides with the neatest houndstooth pattern—should be facing outward). Using a tapestry needle and a length of Color A yarn (about 18 inches), whip stitch around three sides: the bottom edge and both side edges. Leave the top edge completely open—this is where your sunglasses will slide in.
Step 2: Turn right side out. Gently turn the pouch right side out through the open top. Use your fingers or a blunt knitting needle to push out the corners gently. The houndstooth pattern should now be visible on both the front and back of the pouch.
Step 3: Create the button loop. You have two options for the button loop:
- Crochet chain method: With Color A yarn and a small crochet hook (size E or F works well), make a chain of 8 stitches. Cut yarn and pull through the last loop to secure.
- Knitted i-cord method: Using two double-pointed needles and Color A, cast on 3 stitches. Knit an i-cord for approximately 2 inches (5 cm). Bind off.
Step 4: Attach the button. Sew the wooden button onto the center top edge of the front panel, aligning it with the loop. Position the button about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) down from the top edge so the loop can easily wrap around it. Use a needle and thread (or Color A yarn) to sew the button securely, leaving a small shank (don't pull the thread too tight) so the loop can fit comfortably underneath.
Step 5: Weave in all ends. Using your tapestry needle, weave in all loose yarn ends on the inside of the pouch. Trim any excess yarn carefully.
Optional Lining
To protect your sunglasses from scratches, you can add a soft fabric lining:
- Cut a piece of soft cotton fabric to approximately 5.5 inches wide by 5.5 inches tall (slightly smaller than the pouch so it fits inside without bunching).
- Fold the fabric in half with right sides together and sew along two sides, leaving the top open. Turn right side out.
- Insert the fabric lining into the knitted pouch.
- Fold the top edge of the fabric over the top edge of the knitted pouch and hand-sew it in place with a blind stitch using matching thread.
Your Highland Houndstooth Sunglasses Case is now complete! The finished pouch measures approximately 6 inches wide by 6 inches tall—perfect for standard sunglasses. The cozy, slightly stretchy knitted fabric feels warm and handmade, and the classic black-and-cream houndstooth pattern will never go out of style. This project is quick to knit (perfect for a weekend) and makes a wonderful handmade gift. Enjoy your new plaid pouch!
