There’s something about the back-to-school season that always feels like a fresh start. Even if you’re not personally heading into the classroom, the energy of September (or August, depending where you are!) is contagious, new notebooks, sharpened pencils, a clean slate for the year ahead. And of course… the perfect excuse to get crocheting.
I think I’m especially fond of back-to-school season because I used to be an English teacher in Japan, at an all-girls school in Fukuoka. I remember the neat rows of desks, the smell of chalk dust, and the way my students decorated their school bags with all sorts of key-chains and charms. Seeing that mix of practicality and personality has definitely influenced the kind of crochet patterns I design today, useful things with a playful cute twist.
So, I’ve gathered together 8 free crochet patterns from my website that are just right for back-to-school. Some are practical, some are purely fun, but all of them are quick, stash-busting projects you can make for yourself, your kids, or even as thoughtful teacher gifts.
Firstly though let's start with a very quick granny square project, my simple granny square book cover.
Bonus. Granny Square Book Cover 📚
This one is so simple but so satisfying, a granny square worked up in your favourite colours, then folded and stitched into a sleeve to protect a notebook or diary. It’s a great way to keep school supplies looking unique, and it doubles as a fun little project for practicing granny squares if you’re just starting out.
To make this book cover, gather some leftover yarn scraps in your favourite colours and crochet a few small granny squares. Start by finishing one square after a couple of rounds and measuring it. Then, measure the width and height of your book to work out how many squares you’ll need to cover it. If the fit isn’t exact, don’t worry, you can simply add or remove rounds on each square until the overall size matches your book.
For the spine, you have two options: you can let the squares on either side wrap around and meet in the middle, or you can crochet a few smaller squares made specifically to cover the spine.
Once you have enough squares for the front and back covers (plus the spine, if you’re adding one), make an extra set of squares, about half the size of your front and back pieces. These will form pockets on the inside of your cover. Sew them in place along the edges, then slip your book’s covers into the pockets to hold everything securely.
1. Zipped Pencil Case ✏️
A pencil case is one of those everyday essentials you just can’t do without, and this crochet version has become one of my own daily favourites. It’s sturdy, washable, and easy to personalise in any colour combination you like. The zip keeps everything safely tucked away - no more runaway pens hiding at the bottom of your bag - and the pattern includes simple, step-by-step instructions for adding the zipper without any fuss.
CLICK HERE FOR FREE PATTERN
2. Glasses Case 👓
Perfect for reading glasses, sunglasses, or even just keeping small items safe. This soft but sturdy case keeps lenses scratch-free and adds a handmade touch to an everyday essential. With its cheerful watermelon design, pink centre, green rind, and little black seed stitches, it adds a splash of fun summer vibes every time you use it.
CLICK HERE FOR FREE PATTERN
3. Card Holder + Lanyard 🎟️
This little set is ideal for students, teachers, or anyone who needs to keep an ID or rail card handy. The lanyard especially is something I use all the time, it’s lightweight, comfortable, and much nicer than the generic plastic ones.
CLICK HERE FOR FREE PATTERN
4. Teacher’s Apple with a Worm 🍎
A fun, whimsical gift for teachers (or apple lovers!). The little worm can be pulled in and out of the apple, making it a playful piece that doubles as desk decor. It’s the kind of handmade gift that will stand out from the usual chocolates and flowers.
CLICK HERE FOR FREE PATTERN
5. Mini Ice-Cream Keychain 🍦🍓
School days call for a bit of fun too, right? This tiny ice-cream cone with its teeny strawberry on top is pure kawaii, the kind of cute charm you’d see dangling from school bags and pencil cases in Japan. When I lived in Fukuoka, my students loved collecting little mascots and key-chains to personalise their things, and this project reminds me so much of that trend. It’s a sweet stash-buster that works up in no time and adds a playful, Japanese-inspired touch to your bag or keys.
CLICK HERE FOR FREE PATTERN
6. Water Bottle Case 💧
Stay hydrated in style! This Tunisian crochet water bottle holder uses a textured puff stitch, giving it a unique, sturdy look while remaining soft to the touch. The strap makes it easy to sling over your shoulder, keeping your hands free for books, bags, or yarn (of course). It’s a practical and stylish way to carry your bottle to class or on-the-go.
CLICK HERE FOR FREE PATTERN
7. Granny Square Satchel Bag 👜
Granny squares never go out of style. This project turns them into a roomy little satchel that’s perfect for carrying notebooks, supplies, or even a packed lunch. It’s a versatile piece that works for students or anyone who loves a touch of retro charm.
CLICK HERE FOR FREE PATTERN
8. Pencil Stuffed Toy ✏️
Not everything has to be practical, sometimes crochet is just about having fun. This small, chunky pencil like crayon makes a quirky desk buddy, backpack charm, or classroom mascot. Its playful size and bright colours add a touch of whimsy wherever you put it.
CLICK HERE FOR FREE PATTERN
Why Crochet for Back-to-School?
Back-to-school crochet patterns are not only fun to make, they’re also:
- Personalised: You can pick colours and styles that match your personality, school or team colours (or your child’s).
- Sustainable: Handmade lasts longer and reduces the need for mass-produced items.
- Gift-worthy: Teachers and students alike appreciate something made with love.
- Stress-relieving: Crochet is a wonderful way to calm those back-to-school nerves.
Whether you’re a parent, student, or teacher, these patterns are a way to make the new school year feel a little more special. From the practical zipped pencil case to the whimsical apple with a worm, there’s something here for everyone.
👉 You can find all 8 free patterns (plus more!) right here on my website. Happy crocheting, and best of luck for the new school year!