Atomic Starburst Soap Cozy: Free Crochet Pattern
Introduction
The Atomic Starburst Soap Cozy is a small, beginner-friendly crochet project that brings a little mid-century modern flair to your sink or shower. It's perfect for anyone who wants a quick, satisfying make, whether you're new to color changes or a seasoned maker looking for a last-minute gift. A radiating mustard starburst sits centered on a charcoal half-double-crochet square, which folds into a tidy little pouch. The worsted-weight cotton feels sturdy and slightly textured in the hand, and the finished cozy looks crisp, graphic, and wonderfully retro.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (4) cotton yarn, approximately 50 yards total: 30 yards charcoal (A), 20 yards mustard (B).
- Hook: 5.0 mm (H/8) crochet hook.
- Notions: Tapestry needle for whipstitching and weaving in ends, scissors, and a stitch marker (optional).
- Finished size: 4.5 inches wide x 5.75 inches tall.
Abbreviations
- ch — chain: make a loop of yarn and pull it through the loop on your hook.
- hdc — half double crochet: yarn over, insert hook in stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through all three loops on the hook.
- sc — single crochet: insert hook in stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops on the hook.
- st(s) — stitch(es).
- A — charcoal yarn.
- B — mustard yarn.
Gauge
16 hdc x 10 rows = 4 inches. To check, work a small swatch in hdc and measure a 4-inch section; adjust your hook size if needed to match.
Tips Before You Start
- Change colors in the last yarn-over of the stitch before the new color is needed, so the color change sits cleanly at the top of the stitch.
- Keep your carried yarns relaxed along the back of the work; pulling them too tight will make the square pucker.
- Count your stitches at the end of every row — each row of the motif should total 19 hdc.
- Cotton has little stretch, so work your starting chain loosely to keep the bottom edge from pulling in.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Square Motif (make 1)
Row 1: With A, ch 21. Hdc in 3rd ch from hook and each ch across, changing to B in last st (19 hdc).
Row 2: Ch 2, turn, hdc in first st, [hdc in next 2 sts, change to A, hdc in next st, change to B] 4 times, hdc in last 2 sts (19 hdc).
Row 3: Ch 2, turn, hdc in first st, [hdc in next st, change to A, hdc in next 3 sts, change to B] 4 times, hdc in last 2 sts (19 hdc).
Row 4: Ch 2, turn, hdc in first st, [hdc in next 3 sts, change to A, hdc in next st, change to B] 4 times, hdc in last 2 sts (19 hdc).
Row 5: Ch 2, turn, hdc in each st across, changing to A in last st (19 hdc).
Rows 6-10: With A, ch 2, turn, hdc in each st across (19 hdc). Fasten off.
Assembly
Fold the square in half with right sides together. Whipstitch the two side edges using A. Turn right side out.
Drawstring
With B, ch 30. Fasten off. Weave the chain through the top edge of the cozy, about 1 inch from the top, leaving the ends free to tie.
Edging (optional)
With B, sc evenly around the top opening. Fasten off.
Assembly and Finishing
After whipstitching the side seams with A, turn the cozy right side out and gently shape the corners. Weave in all yarn ends on the wrong side, working them through a few stitches in matching colors so they stay hidden. Block lightly by misting with water and patting flat; let it dry fully before threading the drawstring so the opening keeps its shape.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the mustard for teal or coral to change the retro mood while keeping the same starburst layout.
- Add a second motif square and whipstitch the pair together for a slightly larger, double-sided cozy.
- Use a contrasting scrap yarn for the drawstring, or make it longer (ch 40) so it ties into a fuller bow.
