How to Crochet a Striped Cell Phone Pocket

I decided I wanted more pockets, mainly ones in keeping with my current theme of black and white, so following the basic pattern I crocheted a (# 3 and 4) a solid black with a white flower, then the opposite and next (# 5) a black and white stripe. Next, I am going to have to work out a pattern for a (# 6) black and white check and a (# 7) variegated black and white pocket which will be following this post. 

Tip = If you would like to keep track of the type of thread you use for a project, after removing the label, fold it in half and stuff it down inside the cardboard tube. It will be right there if you need it.

(# 3 and 4) Solid Black and Solid White Alternate Supplies to Basic Pattern's:

* Red Heart Fashion Crochet Thread, 100% Mercerized Cotton, Size 3, 125 yard ball in black
* Red Heart Fashion Crochet Thread, 100% Mercerized Cotton, Size 3, 125 yard ball in white
* 2 safety pins or 1 stitch keeper + 1 safety pin
* one black and one white button

Tip = When you crochet in the round, remember that the little tail of thread at the end of the beginning chain is also the beginning of your rows.

(# 3 and 4) Alternate Directions:
Step 1 = I crocheted mine in the round so that I made a tube 5 1/2 inches long from bottom open end to top open end.
Step 5b. In the round = When you come to the end of the rsc row, ss to finish row and ch 1. Fasten a stitch keeper to the ch. This will be your center back. Flatten fabric to figure out front center and pin. Set aside to make flower. 

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To make flower:
Row 1 = Ch 5 with the opposite thread color to your crocheted fabric. Without removing the last ch from hook, ss into the first ch to make a circle. Ch 3.
Row 2 = Make 3 double-crochet (dc) into ch circle, ch 3 and sc on circle. Repeat 4 more times. When you've made the complete circle, ss in bottom ch of first "petal." Ss up chs to top, then ch 3.
Row 3 = To form the petals of this flower, we are going to make a cluster stitch (cs) on top of last row's dc's. Make a dc in 1st dc from step 2, except do not complete stitch, leaving last loop on hook. Make 2 more dc (you should have 4 loops on hook). Pull one loop through all the loops on the hook to complete cs. Ch 5. Ss in sc made in circle to complete the petal, then ch 5 and repeat. Make 4 more cs to make a total of 5 petals. End off after making last ss in last sc. Weave thread tail through back of flower.
Row 4 = Remove front pin, then sew flower onto front of pocket, then button in center.

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Step 6 = Remove stitch keeper from back loop and slip your hook back into the loop. Ch 16, fasten at center back and end off. Weave ends in. (Note: I made a belt loop for my mother's phone pocket, but since I don't wear belts, I decided that I didn't need to add one.)
Step 7 = Turn pocket inside out and whipstitch bottom end closed. Since black is hard to see sometimes, slip your finger in between both sides to make sure you catch both, pulling thread snug, but not too tightly or you'll distort your fabric. Whipstitch to the end and fasten off. Weave ends in and turn right side out. Go on to basic pattern step 8 and crochet neck loop. 

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(# 5) Stripes Alternate Supplies:

* Red Heart Fashion Crochet Thread, 100% Mercerized Cotton, Size 3, 125 yard ball in black
* Red Heart Fashion Crochet Thread, 100% Mercerized Cotton, Size 3, 125 yard ball in white
* one white button

(# 5) Alternate Directions:
Step 1 = I crocheted mine in the round so that I made a tube 5 1/2 inches long from bottom open end to top open end.
Beginning with black, crochet four rows, then attach white to beginning of 5th row after ss, dropping the black thread behind work and towards the hand you hold the hook in. Continue 5th row in white thread. When you come to the beginning of the 6th row, pick up black thread, crochet over it, and then drop it again. Do not pull it tight. In this way, the dropped stitch is added to the body of your work and there will be no loose threads to catch on the phone.
Make a total of 4 rows of white, then drop thread and take up black, alternating colors until you have a total of 5 black stripes and four white ones.

Step 5b. In the round = Ch 1, then rsc around top of pocket with the white thread.

Step 6 = When you come to the end of the rsc row, ss to finish row and ch 16, then ss back into itself. Fasten off and weave ends through inside of work. (Note: Following the basic pattern, you can add a belt loop to your pocket, however, I did not.)
This is your center back. Flatten fabric to figure out front center and sew a white button on at this point. 

Step 7 = Flatten tube, centering button, then at bottom of tube, attach white thread at side of fabric. Sc across bottom to close tube, catching both front and back loops of beginning chain in sc's. Fasten off and weave tail back through white sc.
Go on to basic pattern step 8 and crochet neck loop in black.

Next I'll complete the pattern for the checked pocket and flecked one!