How to Crochet a Cute AirPod Case: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners and Beyond
If you’ve ever looked at your AirPod case and thought, “this needs more personality,” you’re not alone. Crocheted AirPod cases have taken the crafting world by storm, and for good reason. They’re small, quick to make, endlessly customizable, and make incredibly thoughtful handmade gifts. Whether you’re a beginner picking up a hook for the first time or a seasoned crocheter looking for a satisfying weekend project, making your own crocheted AirPod case is one of those crafts that delivers a big reward for a modest investment of time and yarn.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know — from choosing your materials to finishing off your last stitch — so you can end up with a cozy, cute little pouch that fits your AirPod case like it was made for it. (Because it was.)
Why Crochet an AirPod Case?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk about the why. You can buy AirPod cases everywhere, so why make one?
First, a crocheted case offers protection that many hard plastic cases simply don’t. The thick texture of yarn provides cushioning that helps absorb minor drops and bumps. Second, it’s completely customizable. You can match your case to your outfit, your aesthetic, your favorite color, or a character you love. Third — and this is a big one — it’s genuinely fun to make. Small crochet projects like this are perfect for using up yarn scraps, practicing new stitches, and building confidence if you’re newer to the craft.
Finally, homemade crocheted AirPod cases sell incredibly well on platforms like Etsy if you ever want to turn your hobby into a small side hustle. People absolutely adore them.
What You’ll Need
One of the best things about this project is how little you need to get started. Here’s your complete supply list.
Yarn: You’ll want a cotton or cotton-blend yarn for this project. Cotton holds its shape well, is durable, and doesn’t stretch out as easily as acrylic, which matters when you’re making a case that needs to stay snug. A weight of 3 (light) or 4 (medium/worsted) works beautifully. You only need a small amount — a single skein will make many, many cases. Some popular choices include Paintbox Simply DK, Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, or Drops Safran.
Crochet Hook: A 3.5mm to 4.5mm hook pairs well with DK to worsted weight cotton. If your stitches tend to run tight, size up slightly. If they run loose, size down. The goal is a fabric that’s dense enough that the case holds its shape but not so stiff that it’s difficult to work.
Stitch Marker: You’ll be working in the round, and a stitch marker helps you keep track of where each round begins and ends. A locking stitch marker or even a small piece of scrap yarn in a contrasting color works perfectly.
Scissors and Yarn Needle: You’ll need scissors to cut your yarn when you finish, and a blunt yarn needle (also called a tapestry needle) to weave in your ends neatly.
Your AirPod Case: Keep it nearby! You’ll be trying it for fit as you go, which is the best way to make sure your crocheted case ends up snug and satisfying rather than too loose or too tight.
Optional Embellishments: Buttons, beads, embroidery thread, small bows, googly eyes, and felt pieces are all popular ways to personalize your case. We’ll talk more about this at the end.
Understanding the Basic Stitches
If you’re new to crochet, don’t worry. This project uses just a few fundamental stitches, and they’re easy to pick up.
Chain (ch): This is the foundation of most crochet projects and the starting point for working in rows or flat rounds. You make a slip knot on your hook, then draw the yarn through the loop on your hook repeatedly to create a chain.
Slip Stitch (sl st): A very flat, low stitch used mostly for joining rounds or moving yarn to a new position without adding height. You insert your hook, pull up a loop, and draw that loop directly through the loop already on your hook.
Single Crochet (sc): The workhorse stitch for this project. It creates a tight, dense fabric that’s perfect for a case. Insert your hook into the stitch, pull up a loop (two loops on hook), yarn over, and pull through both loops.
Magic Ring (or Magic Circle): This technique lets you start crocheting in the round without leaving a hole at the center. If it feels too tricky at first, you can substitute by chaining 2 and working your first round into the second chain from your hook, then pulling the tail tight.
Working in the Round (continuous spiral): Rather than joining each round with a slip stitch, you’ll often work in a continuous spiral for small projects like this. This gives your fabric a clean, seamless look. Use a stitch marker to track your progress.
The Pattern: Basic Crocheted AirPod Case
This pattern is designed to fit a standard AirPod (Generation 1, 2, or 3) case. If you have AirPod Pros, your case is slightly larger and more rectangular — we’ll cover adjustments for that below.
Gauge
Approximately 5 single crochet stitches and 5 rows = 1 inch using worsted weight cotton and a 4mm hook. Gauge doesn’t need to be exact for this project, but doing a quick swatch helps you make adjustments before you commit to the full piece.
Finished Dimensions
Approximately 2.5 inches wide by 2.5 inches tall (to fit the standard round AirPod case).
Step 1: Make the Base
Start with a magic ring (or ch 2 and work into the second chain from the hook).
Round 1: Work 6 sc into the magic ring. Pull the ring tight. Place your stitch marker in the last stitch of this round. (6 stitches)
Round 2: Work 2 sc in each stitch around. (12 stitches)
Round 3: Sc 1, 2 sc in next stitch — repeat from to around. (18 stitches)
Round 4: Sc 2, 2 sc in next stitch — repeat from to around. (24 stitches)
At this point, hold your flat circle up against the bottom of your AirPod case. It should be roughly the same size or just slightly smaller. If it looks too small, work one more increase round: sc 3, 2 sc in next stitch around to get 30 stitches.
Step 2: Build the Walls
Now you’ll stop increasing and work straight up to create the body of the case.
Rounds 5 through 12 (approximately): Work 1 sc in each stitch around without any increases or decreases. (Same stitch count as your final base round.)
Keep going and trying your AirPod case inside every couple of rounds. You want the walls to come up just far enough that the case is secure but you can still easily pop it in and out. For most standard AirPod cases, 7 to 9 rounds of straight single crochet creates the right depth.
The key here is to work into the back loop only (BLO) for at least the first round after your base. This creates a clean, defined edge between the base and the walls that looks polished and professional.
Step 3: The Opening
Once your walls reach the right height, you have a choice. You can leave the top completely open (great for easy access), add a simple slip stitch border around the edge to neaten it up, or add a button loop closure.
For an open top: Simply slip stitch into the next stitch to finish, cut your yarn leaving a 6-inch tail, and pull tight. Use your yarn needle to weave in the ends.
For a slip stitch border: Without cutting your yarn, work one round of slip stitches into each stitch around the top opening. This firms up the edge and gives it a neat, finished look. Then fasten off and weave in ends.
For a button loop closure: Work your slip stitch border, but when you reach the center front of the opening, chain 5 (or chain 4 for a smaller button), skip one stitch, and continue your slip stitch border. This creates a loop that you can pass over a button sewn to the inside of the front. It’s both functional and adorable.
Adjustments for AirPod Pro Cases
AirPod Pro cases are oval-shaped and slightly larger than the standard round cases. To accommodate this shape, you’ll want to start with a flat oval base rather than a circle.
To make an oval base, chain 5. Work 3 sc in the second chain from the hook, then 1 sc in each of the next 2 chains, then 3 sc in the last chain. Now work back along the other side of the chain: 1 sc in each of the next 2 chains. Join with a slip stitch to form your first oval round. (10 stitches)
Continue working increases at both short ends of the oval over the next 2 to 3 rounds until your base matches the size of your AirPod Pro case, then work straight rounds up the sides just as described above.
Fun Design Ideas and Customizations
This is where crocheting an AirPod case gets really exciting. The basic pattern gives you a blank canvas. Here are some of the most popular and adorable ways to make it your own.
Strawberry Design: Make the body in red yarn. Use a yarn needle and black embroidery thread to stitch small seed shapes across the surface. Add a tiny green leaf cluster sewn or crocheted separately and attached to the top edge. This is probably the most popular crocheted AirPod case design on social media right now, and it’s easy to see why — it’s absolutely charming.
Bear or Animal Ears: Work your basic case in any color, then crochet two small circles (about 4 to 6 stitches worked in the round) as ears. Attach them to the top of the case. Add a small circle in a contrasting color in the center of each ear for an inner ear detail. You can adapt this into a bunny (with tall oval ears), a cat (with pointed ears), or a bear depending on the ear shape and facial details you add.
Smiley Face or Emoji: Stitch on a simple smile and two small eyes using embroidery thread or attach small black beads for eyes. Yellow yarn for the body makes for an instantly recognizable emoji case.
Color Blocking and Stripes: Change yarn colors every few rounds to create stripes, or use a contrasting color for the base versus the walls. You can make clean color changes by switching your yarn at the end of a round — just introduce the new color when you pull through the final stitch of the last round.
Flower Embellishment: Crochet a small flat flower separately (chain 4, join with sl st to form a ring, then work clusters of 3 chains, slip stitch, 3 chains, slip stitch around the ring) and sew it onto the front of your finished case. Add a button center for extra dimension.
Pumpkin, Cherry, or Fruit Designs: Seasonal and food-themed cases are perennially popular. A pumpkin case uses orange yarn with a few vertical green embroidered lines and a tiny brown stem. Cherry cases use red yarn with small black stems. These are particularly popular as gifts during the holiday season.
Tips for a Professional Finish
A few small habits make a big difference in how polished your finished case looks.
Always weave in your ends very thoroughly. Small crochet projects take a lot of wear, and a loose end can unravel your work. Thread your yarn tail onto your yarn needle and weave through at least 5 to 6 stitches in different directions before trimming.
Block your finished case if it looks uneven. For cotton yarn, this means a quick spritz of water and gentle shaping with your fingers, then leaving it to dry flat. Cotton responds beautifully to blocking and will even out most tension inconsistencies.
Try your AirPod case inside the crocheted case before you fasten off. It’s much easier to add a round or remove a round while you’re still working than to pick out your bind-off after the fact.
If your case is slightly too large, try washing it in warm water. Cotton yarn tends to tighten up a little with washing, which can take a too-loose case to a perfect fit.
Keep your tension consistent throughout the project. If you notice your stitches getting tighter as you work (which happens to many people when they concentrate), consciously relax your grip on the yarn.
Caring for Your Crocheted AirPod Case
Cotton cases are generally machine washable on a gentle cycle in a mesh laundry bag, though hand washing is always kinder to handmade items. Lay flat to dry — don’t wring or twist the case, as this can distort its shape. Avoid putting it in the dryer, especially if your case has any embellishments like buttons or beads.
If your case starts to stretch out over time, a quick hand wash in warm water and blocking back to shape will usually restore it.
Making It a Gift
A crocheted AirPod case makes a wonderful personalized gift. It takes only an hour or two to complete, but the handmade quality means it’s something people genuinely treasure. Consider making one in the recipient’s favorite color, incorporating a design element they love (their favorite animal, a food they’re known for loving, their favorite sports team’s colors), or adding their initial using embroidery thread.
A set of three or four cases in coordinating colors, packaged in a small gift box with tissue paper, makes a thoughtful and impressive present for birthdays, holidays, or just because.
Final Thoughts
Crocheting your own AirPod case is one of those small projects that reminds you why you fell in love with the craft in the first place. It’s manageable in size, satisfying in speed, and endlessly delightful in result. In an afternoon, you can go from a ball of yarn to something functional, beautiful, and entirely your own.
Once you’ve made one, you’ll probably want to make ten more. (This is normal. Stock up on yarn accordingly.) Experiment with different colors, try new embellishments, push into new designs, and most importantly, enjoy every stitch. The whole point of a project this size is to play — and that, just as much as the finished case itself, is the real reward.
Happy crocheting.
