Crochet AirPods Case: An Easy Pattern for Beginners (Free!)

If you’ve been looking for a quick, satisfying project that you can finish in under an hour, a crocheted AirPods case might be exactly what you need. This little pouch is practical, adorable, and endlessly customizable — and the best part is that even if you’ve only just learned to chain stitch, you can make one. This free, easy crochet AirPods case pattern will walk you through every step, from choosing your yarn to weaving in your final end.

Whether you’re making one for yourself or whipping up a batch as gifts, let’s get into it.

Why Crochet an AirPods Case?

Before we jump into the pattern, it’s worth taking a moment to talk about why this project is so worth your time. Commercial AirPods cases are fine, sure — but a handmade crocheted one has a warmth and personality that plastic just can’t replicate. It also provides a surprisingly good layer of cushioned protection, since the yarn absorbs minor bumps and knocks that might otherwise scratch your case.

There’s also the customization factor. Want a case that matches your bag? Pick the right yarn color. Want to make something for a friend who loves chunky textures? Use a bulky yarn. Want to add a tiny button or a drawstring? This pattern can accommodate both. Once you understand the basic construction, you can really make this project your own.

And of course, if you’re a beginner crocheter who wants to build confidence, this is one of the best small projects you can choose. It’s fast enough that you won’t get bored, simple enough that you won’t get frustrated, and functional enough that you’ll actually use it once you’re done.

Materials You’ll Need

One of the great things about this project is that it requires almost no materials. You likely already have everything on hand.

Yarn: A small amount of worsted weight yarn (about 20–30 yards) works beautifully here. You can use cotton yarn for a slightly structured feel, or acrylic yarn if you want something softer and more forgiving. If you want extra cushioning, go up to a bulky weight yarn and adjust your hook size accordingly. You only need a small leftover skein or even a single ball — this is a wonderful stash-buster project.

Hook: A 4mm or 5mm crochet hook is the sweet spot for this pattern when using worsted weight yarn. If your tension tends to run tight, go with the 5mm. If your tension is naturally loose, stick with the 4mm. Either way, the goal is a fabric that’s snug enough to hold its shape but not so tight that it’s stiff.

Notions: You’ll need a yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and optionally a button or snap for closure. A stitch marker is helpful to mark the beginning of your rounds, though a piece of contrasting yarn works just as well.

Your AirPods case: Keep your AirPods case nearby so you can check sizing as you work. Different generations of AirPods have slightly different case dimensions, so swatching against the real thing is always the most reliable way to get a good fit.

Abbreviations and Stitches Used

This pattern uses only the most basic crochet stitches. If you’re familiar with a chain, a slip stitch, a single crochet, and working in the round, you’re completely ready to go.

ch — chain
sc — single crochet
sl st — slip stitch
MR — magic ring (also called a magic circle; you can substitute with ch 2 and sc into the first chain if you prefer)
inc — increase (2 single crochets worked into the same stitch)
st — stitch
rnd — round

The finished case is worked from the bottom up in continuous rounds (also called a spiral), meaning you don’t join at the end of each round. Instead, you just keep going, which makes it even simpler to manage.

Gauge and Sizing

Gauge isn’t critical for this pattern, but it does affect your finished size. With worsted weight yarn and a 5mm hook, you should get approximately 4 stitches and 4.5 rows per inch in single crochet. The finished case should measure about 2 inches wide and 2.5 inches tall, which comfortably fits the standard AirPods case (including AirPods 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation cases).

For AirPods Pro (which have a slightly taller, more oval-shaped case), you’ll work a few extra rounds of the body before you start the decrease rounds. This is noted in the pattern below.

If you’re making this for AirPods Max or any earbuds with a larger case, you’ll want to scale the pattern up — but for the standard and Pro sizes, what follows will get you there.

The Pattern: Easy Crochet AirPods Case

Step 1: Create the Base

Start with a magic ring, or chain 2 and work into the second chain from the hook.

Round 1: Work 6 sc into the magic ring. Pull the ring snug. Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of the round so you know where each round begins. (6 sts)

Round 2: Work 2 sc into each stitch around. This is a full increase round. (12 sts)

Round 3: 1 sc in the next st, inc in the next st — repeat from to all the way around. (18 sts)

At this point, you should have a small flat circle. Lay it against the bottom of your AirPods case. It should roughly cover the base. If it’s too small, work one more increase round: 1 sc in each of the next 2 sts, inc in the next st, which will bring you to 24 sts. For most standard cases, 18 stitches is just right.

Step 2: Build the Body

Now you’ll stop increasing and work straight rounds to build the walls of the case. Don’t join — just keep working in a continuous spiral.

Rounds 4–12: Single crochet in each stitch around. No increases, no decreases. Just a steady 18 stitches every round.

As you work, occasionally slide your AirPods case into the pouch you’re building and check the height. The body should reach just past the midpoint of your AirPods case before you begin closing. You want the finished pouch to cover the whole case with just a small opening at the top for easy access.

For AirPods Pro users: Work rounds 4 through 15 instead of stopping at round 12. The taller body accommodates the slightly longer Pro case.

Step 3: Shape the Opening

This is where the case starts to look really polished. You’ll work a simple decrease round to gently narrow the opening, keeping the case snug so your AirPods don’t slip out.

Round 13 (or 16 for Pro): sc2tog (single crochet two together) in the next 2 sts, 1 sc in the next st — repeat around. (12 sts)

To work sc2tog: insert your hook into the next stitch, pull up a loop, then insert your hook into the following stitch, pull up another loop — you now have 3 loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through all three loops. That’s one sc2tog.

Round 14 (or 17 for Pro): Single crochet in each stitch around. (12 sts)

At this point, try slipping your AirPods case into the pouch. The opening should feel snug but not impossibly tight. If it’s too tight to get the case in comfortably, you can work one round of increases to loosen it slightly before doing the decrease round. Crochet is forgiving — a little adjustment here is totally normal.

Step 4: Finish the Edge

To create a clean, even opening, work one final round.

Round 15 (or 18 for Pro): Slip stitch in each stitch around the opening. Cut your yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Pull the tail through the final loop to fasten off.

The slip stitch border gives the opening a neat, slightly firm edge that looks intentional and professional.

Weaving In Your Ends

Thread your yarn needle with the tail from casting on (your magic ring tail) and weave it back and forth through several stitches at the base of the case, pulling gently to tighten any gap in the center. Then do the same with your finishing tail at the opening. Weave the yarn through at least three or four stitches in different directions so the ends are secure. Trim the excess close to the fabric.

Adding a Closure (Optional But Recommended)

The finished case without a closure works perfectly well — the snug opening keeps the AirPods inside during normal use. But if you want extra security, especially for tossing the case into a bag, adding a simple button loop is easy and adds a sweet decorative touch.

Button loop method: Thread your yarn needle with a length of yarn and attach it to the center of the back opening edge. Work a small chain of 8–10 stitches, then attach it to the same spot to form a loop. Fasten off and weave in the ends. Sew a small button to the front flap of the opening, lined up with the loop. This creates a simple but effective closure that also looks really charming.

Drawstring method: Before you work your final slip stitch round, work a round of small evenly spaced holes instead: ch 1, skip 1 st, sc in the next st — repeat around. Then cut a length of yarn about 24 inches long, fold it in half, and use your hook to pull both ends through one of the holes. Thread one end through the holes going right and one end going left, all the way around, until both ends emerge from the same hole. Knot the ends together. Pulling on the drawstring closes the pouch, and releasing it opens it back up. This is an especially cute look with a contrasting color yarn.

Customization Ideas

This pattern is genuinely just the beginning. Once you have the basic construction down, the possibilities for making it your own are almost endless.

Stripes: Change colors at any round during the body section. Carry the unused color up the inside of the case rather than cutting and rejoining to keep the inside looking tidy.

Texture: Work the body section in back loop only (BLO) single crochet for a subtle ribbed texture that looks beautiful in a solid color yarn.

Surface embellishment: Once the case is finished, you can add embroidery, a tiny crocheted flower, or even small beads sewn onto the surface. A French knot or cross stitch in a contrasting color thread is a lovely touch.

Keychain attachment: Before fastening off at the opening, slip stitch into the edge of the case and chain 15–20 stitches. Join with a slip stitch to form a loop. Fasten off, weave in ends. This loop is sturdy enough to attach a keyring or carabiner clip so you can hook your AirPods to your bag.

Mini pocket: Work a second small flat circle (just rounds 1–3 from the pattern above) in a contrasting color. Sew it to the front of the case to create a tiny decorative pocket. It won’t hold much, but it looks adorable.

Yarn Recommendations for Beginners

If you’re new to crochet and not sure what yarn to start with, a smooth worsted weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn is the easiest to work with for this project. Smooth yarn lets you see your stitches clearly, which makes it much easier to count and keep track of where you are in the pattern. Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, Paintbox Simply DK, and Paintbox Simply Chunky (if you want a thicker, cozier feel) are all widely available and very beginner-friendly.

Avoid fuzzy or fluffy yarns like mohair or brushed alpaca for your first attempt. These can be beautiful, but the halo of the yarn obscures the stitches and makes it very hard to count accurately. Once you’re comfortable with the pattern, go for it — but for your first try, keep it smooth.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

The case is too loose and floppy: Try going down a hook size, or working with a tighter tension. You can also try a stiffer yarn like cotton instead of acrylic.

The case is too small: Check that you completed all the increase rounds and reached 18 stitches before starting the body. You may also need to work a few extra rounds in the body section before beginning the decreases.

There’s a gap at the center of the base: This is common with magic rings. Thread your yarn needle through the yarn tail and weave it tightly around the center, then pull snug. This closes the gap neatly.

The opening is puckering: This usually means the decrease round was worked too tightly. Try going up a hook size just for the decrease round, or work fewer decrease stitches (skip one decrease and add a plain single crochet in its place).

I lost track of my rounds: This is why the stitch marker is so helpful. If you’re working without one, just count the total number of stitches you have and compare it to what the pattern says you should have. Counting your stitches at the end of every three or four rounds keeps things manageable.

A Few Final Notes

This pattern works up very quickly — most people finish their first one in 45 minutes to an hour, and subsequent cases in even less time once you’re familiar with the flow. It’s a perfect project for using up small scraps of yarn, and because it’s so fast, it’s also ideal for making in multiples to give as gifts.

If you make one and find that the fit isn’t perfect for your particular AirPods case, just tweak the number of rounds in the body section. Add rounds if it’s too short, or skip rounds if it comes out too tall. Crochet is wonderfully flexible, and a small pattern like this one rewards experimentation.

Most of all, enjoy the process. There’s something deeply satisfying about crocheting something this small and functional — within an afternoon, you go from a simple magic ring to a finished, useful object that you’ll reach for every day. That’s one of the best things about crochet.

Happy hooking!