Urban Camo Zip Case: Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

The Urban Camo Zip Case is a beginner-friendly crocheted zip pouch with a streetwear-inspired look. It is made from a flat gray base and joined single crochet rounds that build up the sides in bold olive, black, and gray color bands, giving it a random color-block camouflage effect. At about 4 inches tall, 9 inches wide, and 3 inches deep, it is just the right size for pens, cables, makeup, or small everyday essentials. The dense single crochet fabric feels sturdy and slightly ridged, and the sewn-in zipper plus a small hanging loop make it practical as well as good-looking.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (4) acrylic yarn, approximately 150 yards total: 50 yards each in gray (A), olive (B), and black (C).
• Hook: 4 mm (G-6) crochet hook.
• Notions: A 9-inch zipper, matching sewing thread and a sewing needle, a yarn needle, stitch markers, and scissors.
• Finished size: Approximately 4 inches tall x 9 inches wide x 3 inches deep.

Abbreviations

• ch – chain: make a loop of yarn and pull it through the loop on your hook.
• sc – single crochet: insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
• sl st – slip stitch: insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook.
• st(s) – stitch(es).
• Rnd – round: a full circle of stitches worked around the piece.
• A, B, C – color A (gray), color B (olive), color C (black).

Gauge

9.5 single crochet stitches and 9 rows = 2 inches. To check, crochet a small swatch in single crochet, measure a 2-inch section, and adjust your hook size if you have more or fewer stitches than 9.5.

Tips Before You Start

• Keep your single crochet tension even and slightly firm so the pouch holds its box shape.
• Change colors at the end of the last stitch of a round so the new band starts cleanly.
• Count your stitches at the end of each round; the sides should stay at 78 stitches throughout.
• Pin the zipper in place before sewing so the top edge stays straight and even.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Base (Color A – Gray)

Ch 31.

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across (30 sts).

Rows 2-9: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (30 sts).

Do not fasten off. Change to color B.

Sides (Colors B, C, A)

Rnd 1: Ch 1, turn, sc evenly around the entire base, working along the sides and ends (approx 78 sts). Join with sl st to first sc.

Rnds 2-6: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join (78 sts). Change to color C.

Rnds 7-12: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join (78 sts). Change to color A.

Rnds 13-18: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join (78 sts). Fasten off.

Zipper

Pin the zipper along the top edge of the pouch, matching the ends to the sides. Sew it in place using matching thread and a sewing needle.

Hanging Loop

Join color A at one side of the zipper. Ch 10, then sl st to the same side to form a loop. Fasten off.

Assembly and Finishing

Weave in all yarn ends on the inside of the pouch. Check that the zipper is sewn securely along the full top edge and that the hanging loop is firmly attached. Block lightly by misting with water and shaping the pouch into its box form, then let it dry completely before zipping.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the color order of the bands for a different camo look, or add a fourth color band for a taller pouch.
• Use a contrasting zipper color to make the top edge pop.
• Add a small fabric lining before sewing in the zipper for extra durability and a finished interior.