Rainbow Heart Pencil Case Free Pattern – Knit a Colorful School Companion

Are you ready to add a splash of color to your desk or backpack? This charming knitted pencil case features a vibrant rainbow-striped heart motif that brings joy to everyday organization. Whether you're storing pencils, pens, or makeup brushes, this cozy handmade companion is as functional as it is adorable. Perfect for knitters of all levels, this pattern uses simple stockinette stitch with a touch of intarsia colorwork to create a stunning visual effect. Let's dive in and create something beautiful together!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth knitting experience:

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn in rainbow colors – 50g each of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple, plus 100g of neutral cream for the base
• Knitting Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) knitting needles
• Tapestry Needle: For seaming and weaving in ends
• Button: One button, approximately 1 inch in diameter
• Scissors: For cutting yarn

Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Always check your gauge to ensure the final dimensions match the pattern.

Abbreviations

• K = knit
• P = purl
• K2tog = knit two together
• St(s) = stitch(es)
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side

Step-by-Step Instructions

Front Panel (with Rainbow Heart)

This pencil case is knitted flat in two pieces – the front with the rainbow heart motif and a solid cream back – then seamed together. The heart is created using intarsia colorwork, which means you'll work with separate balls of yarn for each color section. Don't worry if you're new to this technique; the pattern is straightforward and the results are stunning!

Cast On: Cast on 40 stitches with cream yarn.

Rows 1-10: Work in stockinette stitch (K on RS, P on WS) with cream yarn. This creates the top border of the case.

Row 11 (RS): K10 cream, join red yarn and K20 red, K10 cream. This begins the heart motif.

Row 12 (WS): P10 cream, P20 red, P10 cream.

Continue working in stockinette stitch, following the heart chart below. The heart is 20 stitches wide and 18 rows tall, perfectly centered on the panel. Read RS rows from right to left, and WS rows from left to right.

Heart Chart

Row 13 (RS): K10 cream, K4 red, K12 cream, K4 red, K10 cream

Row 14 (WS): P10 cream, P3 red, P14 cream, P3 red, P10 cream

Row 15 (RS): K10 cream, K2 red, K16 cream, K2 red, K10 cream

Row 16 (WS): P10 cream, P1 red, P18 cream, P1 red, P10 cream

Row 17 (RS): K10 cream, K20 red, K10 cream

Row 18 (WS): P10 cream, P20 red, P10 cream

Row 19 (RS): K10 cream, K20 red, K10 cream

Row 20 (WS): P10 cream, P20 red, P10 cream

Row 21 (RS): K10 cream, K20 red, K10 cream

Row 22 (WS): P10 cream, P20 red, P10 cream

Row 23 (RS): K10 cream, K20 red, K10 cream

Row 24 (WS): P10 cream, P20 red, P10 cream

Row 25 (RS): K10 cream, K20 red, K10 cream

Row 26 (WS): P10 cream, P20 red, P10 cream

Row 27 (RS): K10 cream, K20 red, K10 cream

Row 28 (WS): P10 cream, P20 red, P10 cream

Row 29 (RS): K10 cream, K20 red, K10 cream

Row 30 (WS): P10 cream, P20 red, P10 cream

Now you'll begin the rainbow stripes below the heart. Each stripe is 4 rows tall, creating a beautiful cascading effect. Remember to twist your yarns at color changes to prevent holes.

Rows 31-34 (Orange Stripe): K10 cream, K20 orange, K10 cream (RS rows); P10 cream, P20 orange, P10 cream (WS rows)

Rows 35-38 (Yellow Stripe): K10 cream, K20 yellow, K10 cream (RS); P10 cream, P20 yellow, P10 cream (WS)

Rows 39-42 (Green Stripe): K10 cream, K20 green, K10 cream (RS); P10 cream, P20 green, P10 cream (WS)

Rows 43-46 (Blue Stripe): K10 cream, K20 blue, K10 cream (RS); P10 cream, P20 blue, P10 cream (WS)

Rows 47-50 (Purple Stripe): K10 cream, K20 purple, K10 cream (RS); P10 cream, P20 purple, P10 cream (WS)

Rows 51-60: Work in stockinette stitch with cream yarn to complete the bottom border.

Bind Off: Bind off all stitches on Row 60. Weave in all loose ends carefully, making sure to secure the color changes.

Back Panel

The back panel is simple and quick – perfect for practicing your stockinette stitch!

Cast On: Cast on 40 stitches with cream yarn.

Rows 1-60: Work in stockinette stitch (K on RS, P on WS) for 60 rows, or until the piece measures the same length as your front panel.

Bind Off: Bind off all stitches. Weave in all ends.

Finishing

Now comes the fun part – assembling your pencil case! Follow these steps carefully for a professional finish.

Step 1: Seam the Panels
Place the front and back panels together with right sides facing out. Using a tapestry needle and cream yarn, whip stitch around three sides (bottom and both sides), leaving the top open. Make sure your stitches are even and secure.

Step 2: Turn Right Side Out
If you seamed with wrong sides together, turn the case right side out. The stockinette stitch should be facing outward, showing the beautiful rainbow heart.

Step 3: Create a Button Loop
With cream yarn, chain 10 stitches (or make a small crochet chain) and attach it to the center top edge of the back panel. Alternatively, knit a small i-cord loop: cast on 3 stitches, knit across, slide stitches to the other end of the needle, and repeat until the cord is about 2 inches long. Bind off and attach.

Step 4: Attach the Button
Sew the button onto the front panel, centered below the heart, aligning it with the loop. Make sure the button is secure and the loop fits comfortably over it.

Step 5: Make the Strap
Cast on 6 stitches with cream yarn. Work in stockinette stitch for 12 inches. Bind off. Attach one end to each side of the top opening, near the back edge, to create a handle. This makes it easy to grab and go!

Step 6: Final Touches
Weave in all remaining ends. Give your pencil case a gentle block if desired to even out the stitches and enhance the colorwork.

Your Rainbow Heart Pencil Case Is Complete!

Congratulations! You've created a beautiful, functional pencil case that's sure to brighten any desk. The vibrant rainbow heart and soft cream background make it a standout piece, while the sturdy cotton yarn ensures it will withstand daily use. Fill it with your favorite writing tools, makeup brushes, or art supplies – and enjoy the handmade charm every time you reach for it.

This pattern is perfect for using up scrap yarn in rainbow colors, and it makes a wonderful gift for teachers, students, or anyone who loves colorful accessories. Happy knitting!