How to Crochet an AirPods Pouch: Free Popcorn Stitch Case Pattern

If you want to make a quick crochet project that you’ll actually use every single day, this is your sign! This mini pouch is the ultimate handmade accessory—not only because it looks gorgeous attached to your favorite backpack or purse as a trendy bag charm, but because it’s incredibly functional. While it’s the absolute perfect size to cushion and protect your AirPods case, it’s also versatile enough to hold your lip balm, hair ties, loose change, or any small daily essentials you need to keep handy and organized.

Beyond being super practical, this little pouch is undeniably adorable. It features the textured popcorn stitch, which gives the fabric an amazing tactile feel and a beautiful chunkiness. Plus, depending on how you look at it and the color combinations you choose, the vibrant stitch pattern looks just like a row of mini pineapples or a garden of tiny tulips! Whether you are making this for yourself as a fun afternoon project or crocheting a batch of them as cute, thoughtful gifts for friends, this pattern is going to become your new go-to.

How to Easily Customize Your Popcorn Stitch Case

Color changes: Feel free to experiment with different color combinations. Use high-contrast colors for a bold look, or similar tones for a more subtle, cohesive design.
Size: Adjust the size by adding or removing chains to make it larger or smaller.
Yarn choice: Different yarn fibers and weights will affect the final texture, size and thickness.

Materials Needed

Yarn: 2 skeins of cotton or acrylic yarn in contrasting colors. For this project, I used Cotton Yarn.
Crochet Hooks: A crochet hook matching your yarn size. Specifically, I used a 3.0mm hook.
Scissors.

Stitch Abbreviations (US Terms)

ch: chain
hdc: half double crochet
pc: popcorn stitch
st(s): stitch(es)
mr: magic ring

Pattern Notes

Read Ahead: Please read through the entire pattern before you begin to familiarize yourself with the project steps.
Turning Chains: At the beginning of every single row, you must chain 2.
Yarn Consistency: Make sure to use the same type and weight of yarn for both colors in your project. Using a thinner yarn for one color may affect the look of the color changes and result in an uneven finish.
Visual Aid: Use the reference images provided throughout the post for guidance.

INSTRUCTIONS

Base Chain: Slip Knot, Ch 15 + 2 (17 chains total).

Row 1 (Color A): Work 1 hdc in the 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across. Change to Color B at the end of the row, but do not cut Color A—just carry it along or hide it as you work. (15 sts)

Row 2 (Color B): Attach Color B with a sl st in the first st, Ch 3, turn. 1 hdc in the first st, then alternate [1 popcorn stitch, 2 hdc] across the row. Change to Color A at the end of the row.

How to make a popcorn stitch or bubble stitch

This pattern uses a 5-hdc Bobble Stitch to create those gorgeous, puffy mini pineapples. Here is how to work it step-by-step:

Yarn over, insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through the first 2 loops on your hook (2 loops remaining on hook).
Yarn over, insert your hook into the same stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through the first 2 loops (3 loops remaining on hook).
Repeat this process into the same stitch until you have worked a total of 5 incomplete hdc stitches. You will now have 6 loops on your hook.
Yarn over one last time and pull through all 6 loops on your hook to close the bobble.

Rows 3 – 9: Repeat Row 1 and Row 2 alternately until you complete a total of 9 rows.

Note: Odd-numbered rows (3, 5, 7, 9) will be worked in Color A using hdc.
Even-numbered rows (4, 6, 8) will be worked in Color B alternating hdc and pc.

Back Panel Options (The Second Face)

For the back of your AirPods case, you can choose between two different styles:

Option 1 (Matching Look): Repeat the exact same instructions as the Front Panel (Rows 1 to 9), alternating colors and making the popcorn stitches.
Option 2 (Marled Solid Look – As Pictured): Work with both Color A and Color B at the same time (holding two strands together). Ch 15 + 2. Work 9 rows total of unmixed hdc (half double crochet) across each row, chaining 3 at the beginning of every single row.

🪡 Assembly & Finishing Touches

Pro-Tip: Weave in Ends as You Go!To save yourself a ton of time at the very end, make sure to weave in your yarn tails as you finish each section. Trust me, you don’t want to be stuck weaving in a bunch of loose ends when your cute pouch is already assembled!

Joining the Panels:

Place your Front and Back panels together with the right sides facing out. Attach your yarn to one of the top corners and join the three sides together by working either a single crochet (sc) or a slip stitch (sl st) through both layers. Leave the top side open so you can slip your AirPods in and out.

The Drawstring Cord:

Join your yarn to the top edge and crochet a simple chain until it is long enough to wrap around the pouch and tie securely.

Fasten off and cut the yarn.
How to attach it: Thread the chain cord in and out through the natural spaces (gaps) created by the hdc stitches right around the middle or upper section of your pouch. Pull gently to cinch it close and keep your AirPods safe and snug!

The vibrant stitch pattern looks just like a row of mini pineapples or a garden of tiny tulips!

Looking for more texture? If you fall in love with this beautiful textured stitch while making this pouch, you can easily create a matching set for your home! Check out my Free Crochet Popcorn Stitch Pillow Cover Pattern to bring this exact same cozy, chunky vibe into your living room.