Moon and Stars Ripple Pencil Roll Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

The Moon and Stars Ripple Pencil Roll is a quick, bohemian-style project that turns a simple rectangle into a cozy home for your brushes, pencils, and pens. Worked in soft super bulky yarn with dusty rose and grey stripes, it has a wavy chevron texture that looks far more complicated than it really is. A little crocheted moon and star sit on the outer flap, giving it a dreamy, handmade charm. Roll it up, tie it closed, and toss it in your bag — it is as practical as it is pretty.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Super bulky (weight 6) yarn, approx. 120 yd total:
  • Dusty Rose (A): 70 yd
  • Grey (B): 50 yd
  • Small amount of contrast yarn for the moon and star appliqués (optional)
• Hook: 8 mm (US L-11) crochet hook
• Notions: Yarn needle, scissors, tape measure
• Finished size: Approx. 12 inches wide x 8 inches tall (30.5 x 20.3 cm) when flat

Abbreviations

• ch – chain
• sc – single crochet
• sl st – slip stitch
• inc – increase (work 2 sc in the same stitch)
• dec – decrease (work 2 sc together)
• sk – skip
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• rep – repeat
• patt – pattern

Gauge

8 sts and 5 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in the ripple pattern. To check, work a small swatch in the ripple pattern and measure a 4-inch section; adjust your hook size if needed to match.

Tips Before You Start

• Keep your peaks and valleys lined up. The 3-sc groups form the peaks and the skipped stitches form the valleys — count them each row so the ripple stays straight.
• Change colors at the end of a row. Finish the last stitch of the row with the new color to keep the stripe edge tidy.
• Don't pull the ties too tight. Slip-stitch chains can curl; keep your tension relaxed so they lie flat and tie easily.
• Pin the appliqués before sewing. Super bulky fabric is thick, so pinning the moon and star in place first keeps them from shifting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Main Rectangle (A)

Row 1: Ch 49. Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 5 ch, *3 sc in next ch, sc in next 5 ch, sk next 2 ch, sc in next 5 ch, rep from * to last 7 ch, 3 sc in next ch, sc in last 6 ch (48 sts).

Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in first 6 sts, *3 sc in next st, sc in next 5 sts, sk next 2 sts, sc in next 5 sts, rep from * to last 7 sts, 3 sc in next st, sc in last 6 sts (48 sts).

Rows 3-4: Rep Row 2 (48 sts). Change to B at the end of Row 4.

Rows 5-8: Rep Row 2 in B (48 sts). Change to A at the end of Row 8.

Rows 9-12: Rep Row 2 in A (48 sts). Change to B at the end of Row 12.

Rows 13-16: Rep Row 2 in B (48 sts). Change to A at the end of Row 16.

Rows 17-20: Rep Row 2 in A (48 sts). Change to B at the end of Row 20.

Rows 21-24: Rep Row 2 in B (48 sts). Change to A at the end of Row 24.

Rows 25-26: Rep Row 2 in A (48 sts). Fasten off. (Total 26 rows)

Ties (make 2, A)

Row 1: Ch 30. Sl st in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (29 sl sts). Fasten off.

Moon Appliqué (contrast yarn)

Rnd 1: Ch 2, 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook (6 sts).

Rnd 2: Inc in each st around (12 sts).

Rnd 3: [Sc in next st, inc] 6 times (18 sts).

Rnd 4: [Sc in next 2 sts, inc] 6 times (24 sts).

Rnd 5: Sc in each st around (24 sts).

Rnd 6: [Sc in next 2 sts, dec] 6 times (18 sts).

Rnd 7: [Sc in next st, dec] 6 times (12 sts).

Rnd 8: Dec 6 times (6 sts). Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Star Appliqué (make 1, contrast yarn)

Rnd 1: Ch 2, 5 sc in 2nd ch from hook (5 sts).

Rnd 2: [Ch 3, sl st in next st] 5 times. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Edging

Rnd 1: With right side facing, join A with sl st at any corner. Sc evenly around the entire perimeter, working 3 sc in each corner. Join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off.

Assembly and Finishing

Attach the ties to one short end of the rectangle, 1 inch in from each corner, using the yarn needle and A. Sew the moon and star appliqués to the right side of the rectangle, positioning the moon near one corner and the star near the opposite corner. Weave in all ends. Block lightly by misting with water and pinning flat to shape, then let it dry completely before rolling.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Change the palette: Swap the stripes for a single color, or use a self-striping super bulky yarn for a no-fuss gradient look.
• Make it wider: Add 12 chains (one full ripple repeat) to fit longer brushes, and add 2 rows to keep the proportions balanced.
• Add a button closure: Instead of ties, sew a large button to the outer flap and work a short loop on the opposite edge for a tidy, secure roll.