Crochet Pen Holder Pattern: Amigurumi Desk Organizer (PDF Tutorial)

If you’ve ever looked at your desk and wished your stationery storage had a little more personality, this crochet pen holder pattern is exactly what you need. This adorable amigurumi-style desk organizer brings together the satisfying structure of functional crochet with the irresistible charm of character design. Whether you’re making it for yourself, gifting it to a creative friend, or selling it at a craft fair, this little pot of personality is sure to become a desk staple.

In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know: materials, gauge, stitch guide, full written pattern, assembly tips, and ideas for customizing your finished piece. By the end, you’ll have a firm, freestanding pen holder that can store pens, pencils, scissors, markers, and more — all wrapped up in the cutest possible package.

Why Crochet a Pen Holder?

Amigurumi is traditionally associated with small stuffed animals and toys, but the same construction principles — working in continuous rounds, shaping with increases and decreases, and stuffing for structure — translate beautifully into functional objects. A crochet pen holder is essentially an open-topped amigurumi container, and once you make one, you’ll start looking at your entire desk setup and wondering what else you can transform.

Beyond aesthetics, crocheted organizers have a few practical advantages. The tight, dense fabric created by working with a hook one or two sizes smaller than your yarn recommends creates a stiff structure that holds its shape beautifully. The material is soft enough that it won’t scratch pens or the surface of your desk, and it’s easy to customize the height and diameter to suit whatever you need to store.

This pattern is designed for confident beginners and intermediate crocheters. If you’re comfortable working in the round, managing increases and decreases, and doing basic assembly, you’ll breeze through this. I’ll also include notes for beginners at each stage.

Materials You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Having everything ready before you start makes the process much smoother.

Yarn: Worsted weight (size 4) cotton yarn works best for this project. Cotton holds its shape better than acrylic when no stuffing is involved, and it gives the finished holder a clean, crisp look. You’ll need approximately 150–200 yards for the main body and a small amount (25–50 yards) for contrast colors if you want to add facial features or decorative stripes. Suggested colors are entirely up to you — a soft sage green with cream details makes a lovely plant-inspired pot, while a rich terracotta with white accents looks like a classic ceramic planter.

Hook: Use a 3.5mm (E/4) crochet hook. Going down a hook size from what your yarn recommends creates a tighter fabric that holds its shape without needing stuffing. If your gauge is loose by nature, try a 3.25mm hook.

Notions: Stitch markers, a yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and safety eyes or embroidery thread for facial features (if making a character version). A piece of cardboard cut to fit the inside base can add extra rigidity if you plan to store heavier items.

Optional: Fabric stiffening spray, which you can apply to the finished holder and allow to dry for an even more structured result.

Gauge and Sizing

Gauge: 18 stitches and 20 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet worked in the round with a 3.5mm hook and worsted weight cotton yarn.

Finished dimensions: approximately 3.5 inches (9 cm) in diameter at the opening and 4.5 inches (11.5 cm) tall. This size comfortably holds 10–15 pens or pencils upright.

To make a wider holder, add 6 additional stitches to your starting magic ring increase sequence. To make it taller, simply add more rounds to the straight body section before working the final border.

Abbreviations

All abbreviations follow US crochet terminology.

MR — magic ring
ch — chain
sl st — slip stitch
sc — single crochet
sc2tog — single crochet two together (decrease)
inc — increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
BLO — back loop only
FLO — front loop only
st(s) — stitch(es)
rnd — round
rep — repeat
pm — place marker

Pattern Notes

This pattern is worked from the bottom up in continuous rounds. Do not join at the end of each round unless instructed. Use a stitch marker to keep track of the beginning of each round, moving it up as you go.

The base is worked flat in joined rounds to create a firm disc. The body transitions to continuous rounds once the side walls begin.

All increases are made by working 2 sc into the same stitch. Decreases are invisible decreases (sc2tog through front loops only) for the cleanest finish.

The Pattern

Part One: The Base

Begin with a magic ring.

Rnd 1: Work 6 sc into the MR. Pull ring closed. (6 sts) Join with a sl st and ch 1.

Rnd 2: Work 2 sc into each stitch around. Join with sl st and ch 1. (12 sts)

Rnd 3: Inc, sc 1 rep around. Join and ch 1. (18 sts)

Rnd 4: Inc, sc 2 rep around. Join and ch 1. (24 sts)

Rnd 5: Inc, sc 3 rep around. Join and ch 1. (30 sts)

Rnd 6: Inc, sc 4 rep around. Join and ch 1. (36 sts)

Rnd 7: Inc, sc 5 rep around. Join and ch 1. (42 sts)

Rnd 8: Inc, sc 6 rep around. Join and ch 1. (48 sts)

Rnd 9: Inc, sc 7 rep around. Join and ch 1. (54 sts)

At the end of Rnd 9, you should have a flat circle approximately 3.5 inches across. If your circle is cupping upward, your tension is too tight — try going up half a hook size. If it’s ruffling at the edges, your tension is too loose — go down half a size.

Slip stitch to close the final round. Do not fasten off.

Part Two: The Body

This is where the magic happens — the sides build up from the flat base using BLO stitches, which create a crisp right-angle turn between the base and walls.

Rnd 10: Working in BLO only, sc in each stitch around. Do NOT join. Continue in continuous rounds. (54 sts)

Pm at the first stitch of this round to mark the beginning of your continuous rounds.

Rnds 11–28: Sc in each stitch around. (54 sts per round)

You will work approximately 18 rounds of plain single crochet to build the body. At this point, your holder should measure about 4 inches tall from the base. If you want a taller holder for longer items like rulers or paintbrushes, continue working plain rounds until you reach your desired height.

Stripe or color change option: If you’d like to add horizontal stripes, change colors at the beginning of any round by working the last pull-through of the last sc before the color change with your new yarn. Carry the unused color up the inside of the work or fasten off and rejoin if you prefer.

Part Three: The Rim

The rim adds a neat, structured finish to the opening of the holder. It also makes the top edge sturdier so it doesn’t collapse inward over time.

Rnd 29: Working in FLO only, sc in each stitch around. (54 sts)

Rnd 30: Sc in each stitch around through both loops. (54 sts)

Rnd 31: Sc 8, inc rep around. (60 sts)

Rnd 32: Sc in each stitch around. (60 sts)

Sl st to close the final round and fasten off. Weave in your ends.

The slight flare at the rim makes the opening slightly wider than the body, which is both practical (easier to drop pens in) and visually appealing.

Part Four: Amigurumi Face (Optional but Adorable)

This is the section that turns a simple pen holder into a full amigurumi desk organizer. You can keep the holder plain and minimalist, or you can add a character face for maximum charm.

Eyes: Position two 12mm safety eyes on the front of the holder, centered between Rnds 14 and 16 (roughly the middle of the body), spaced about 6–8 stitches apart. Push the backs firmly onto the posts from inside the holder. If you prefer not to use safety eyes (especially for younger children), embroider the eyes with black yarn using a French knot or a small oval of satin stitch.

Mouth: Using a length of black embroidery thread or thin yarn, embroider a simple curved smile below the eyes, centered around Rnd 18. A simple backstitch curve works beautifully. For a surprised expression, work a small circle of chain stitches. For a sleepy or content face, two small curved lines (like closed eyes) can be the main feature instead of safety eyes.

Cheeks: Optional but irresistible. Using pink yarn or embroidery thread, work 4–5 satin stitches in a small oval shape on either side of the mouth, roughly aligned with the outer edge of each eye. These little blush marks elevate the piece from cute to genuinely delightful.

Ears or horns: If you want to push the character theme further, you can add small crocheted appendages to the rim. Little bear ears (two small circles sewn to the top edge), cat ears (two small triangles), or even simple knots of yarn as little horns are all achievable in under 20 minutes of extra work and make the whole piece feel truly custom.

Part Five: Finishing Touches

Once your holder is assembled and all ends are woven in, take a moment to block the base if it’s not sitting perfectly flat. A light misting of water and a firm press onto a flat surface — left to dry for a few hours — will coax any curved or ruffled bases back into shape.

If you opted for fabric stiffening spray, apply it now according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This step is entirely optional but gives a wonderfully professional, structured result that will make your holder feel almost ceramic in its firmness.

Insert a small cardboard circle (cut from the inside of a cereal box or similar) into the base of the holder to add extra rigidity to the floor. This is particularly useful if you plan to store heavier items like scissors or large markers.

Customization Ideas

One of the best things about this pattern is how endlessly adaptable it is. Here are some ideas to spark your creativity.

Plant pot version: Work the body in terracotta or sage green, add a simple brown rim, and use green yarn to crochet a few simple leaf shapes (a slip stitch spine with single crochet along each side) to attach to the top. Your pens will emerge from the holder like little plants in a pot.

Kawaii food version: Work in yellow for a sunshine, pink for a strawberry ice cream scoop, or pastel blue for a blueberry. Use corresponding colors for the rim and face details.

Seasonal versions: White with a carrot nose embroidered detail for a snowman holder, orange with a jack-o-lantern face for autumn, or red with green striped rim for a Christmas gift. These make wonderful holiday presents.

Monogrammed version: Skip the face entirely and embroider a large initial letter in the center of the front panel using a simple backstitch. This is a lovely personalized gift option.

Matching set: Make three holders in graduating sizes — a small one (starting with 6 increases to reach 36 sts), the medium version in this pattern, and a large one (increasing to 72 sts) — and arrange them as a desk organizer set. They look beautiful together and give you dedicated spots for pens, scissors and rulers, and notebooks or folders.

About the PDF Tutorial

This pattern is available as a downloadable PDF tutorial that includes the full written pattern as described above, plus step-by-step photo guidance for each stage, detailed diagrams for the magic ring start and BLO transition, safety eye placement guides, face embroidery templates, tips for adjusting sizing, and a materials checklist you can print and take to your yarn shop.

The PDF is formatted for both screen reading and printing, and includes a printer-friendly version without background images to save on ink. Once purchased, the PDF is yours to download and keep forever, print as many personal copies as you need, and reference whenever you return to the pattern.

Skill Level and Who This Pattern Is For

This pattern is rated as easy to intermediate. If you’ve crocheted a few small amigurumi animals or worked in the round before, you have all the skills you need. The only technique that might be new to you is the BLO transition at Rnd 10, and I’ve included detailed photos in the PDF specifically for that step because it’s such a useful technique to learn.

If you’re a complete beginner, I’d suggest practicing the magic ring start and basic rounds on a small practice swatch before diving in. Once you’ve got those two techniques comfortable, this pattern will feel very manageable.

Advanced crocheters will be able to knock this out in a single afternoon and will probably find themselves immediately planning the next colorway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use acrylic yarn instead of cotton? Yes, though the results will be slightly softer and less structured. If using acrylic, go down one full hook size and consider using fabric stiffening spray on the finished piece.

How do I clean the finished holder? Hand wash in cool water with a small amount of gentle detergent, reshape while damp, and lay flat to dry. Avoid machine washing, as this can distort the shape.

Can I sell items made from this pattern? Yes! You’re welcome to sell finished items made from this pattern. Please credit the pattern designer and do not redistribute or resell the PDF itself.

What if my base isn’t sitting flat? This almost always comes down to tension. Try blocking the piece with a light mist of water and shaping it on a flat surface while still damp. If it’s a recurring issue, experiment with hook size.

Can I use this for things other than pens? Absolutely. This holder works beautifully for makeup brushes, knitting needles, chopsticks, small tools, or even as a vase liner for dried flowers.

Final Thoughts

There’s something particularly satisfying about making something that is both beautiful and useful. This crochet pen holder pattern sits right at that intersection — it’s a small project that punches well above its weight in terms of impact, personality, and practicality. It makes a wonderful afternoon project, an easy gift, or a first foray into functional amigurumi design.

Whether you follow the pattern exactly or use it as a jumping-off point for your own creative vision, I hope this tutorial gives you everything you need to make a desk organizer you’ll genuinely love. And if you make one, I’d love to see it — share your finished pieces and let the crochet community celebrate your work.

Happy hooking, and may your desk always be exactly as charming as you are.