Ember & Ash Fox Pencil Case Free Pattern – A Knitted Forest Companion

Bring a touch of woodland whimsy to your desk with the Ember & Ash Fox Pencil Case. This charming knitted project combines the functionality of a sturdy storage pouch with the irresistible appeal of a sleepy forest fox. Crafted in warm autumnal tones of burnt orange, cream, and charcoal, this pencil case is perfect for holding art supplies, knitting needles, or treasured trinkets. Whether you're making it for yourself or as a heartfelt handmade gift, this pattern is designed to be approachable for beginners while still offering a satisfying, creative challenge. Let's dive into creating your very own cozy forest companion!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth knitting experience. All yarn amounts are based on worsted weight yarn and a standard gauge.

• Yarn (Worsted Weight):
  • Burnt Orange (MC): 150 yards
  • Cream (CC1): 50 yards
  • Charcoal Black (CC2): 30 yards
  • Rust Brown (CC3): 20 yards (optional for detailing)
• Needles & Tools:
  • US 6 (4.0 mm) knitting needles
  • Tapestry needle for seaming
  • Stitch markers
  • Scissors
• Notions:
  • 1 large wooden button (1 inch diameter) for the closure

Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Always check your gauge to ensure the correct finished size. Adjust needle size if necessary.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked flat in separate pieces and seamed together. The construction is straightforward, creating a rounded pouch with a fold-over flap. Follow each section carefully, and you'll have a beautiful fox companion in no time.

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• BO: Bind off
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• K2tog: Knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
• SSK: Slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
• St(s): Stitch(es)
• RS: Right side
• WS: Wrong side

Body (Make 2 Identical Pieces)

The body forms the main pouch of the pencil case. You will knit two flat panels and seam them together later.

1. Cast On: Using your Main Color (MC) burnt orange, CO 30 stitches.
2. Stockinette Base:
   • Row 1 (RS): Knit all stitches.
   • Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.
   Repeat these two rows until the piece measures 8 inches from the cast-on edge. Ensure you end with a WS row (a purl row).
3. Shape Bottom (Decrease):
   • Row 1 (RS): K2tog, knit to the last 2 stitches, SSK. (You will have 28 stitches).
   • Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.
   Repeat these two rows until you have 10 stitches remaining, ending with a WS row.
4. Final Decrease:
   • Next Row (RS): K2tog across all stitches. (You will have 5 stitches).
   Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail (approx. 12 inches). Thread the tail through a tapestry needle, slide it through the remaining 5 stitches, pull tight to gather, and secure. Leave the tail attached for seaming.

Flap (Make 1)

The flap folds over the front of the case to close it.

1. Cast On: Using MC, CO 30 stitches.
2. Stockinette Section: Work in stockinette stitch (knit RS, purl WS) for 3 inches, ending with a WS row.
3. Shape Flap (Decrease):
   • Row 1 (RS): K2tog, knit to the last 2 stitches, SSK. (28 stitches).
   • Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.
   Repeat these two rows until you have 14 stitches remaining, ending with a WS row.
4. Final Decrease:
   • Next Row (RS): K2tog across all stitches. (7 stitches).
   Cut the yarn, thread through the remaining stitches, pull tight, and secure. Leave a long tail for seaming.

Ears (Make 2)

These triangular ears give the fox its character.

1. Cast On: Using MC, CO 10 stitches.
2. Stockinette Start:
   • Row 1 (RS): Knit all stitches.
   • Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.
3. Shape Ear (Decrease):
   • Row 3 (RS): K2tog, knit to the last 2 stitches, SSK. (8 stitches).
   • Row 4 (WS): Purl all stitches.
   Repeat Rows 3 and 4 until you have 2 stitches remaining.
4. Finish: K2tog to decrease to 1 stitch. Cut the yarn and pull it through the last loop to secure. Leave a long tail for sewing.

Face Patch (Make 1)

This cream-colored patch creates the fox's distinctive muzzle area.

1. Cast On: Using CC1 (cream), CO 12 stitches.
2. Stockinette Section: Work in stockinette stitch for 2 inches, ending with a WS row.
3. Shape Top (Decrease):
   • Row 1 (RS): K2tog, knit to the last 2 stitches, SSK. (10 stitches).
   • Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.
   Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until you have 4 stitches remaining.
4. Finish: K2tog twice. (2 stitches). Cut yarn, pull through both stitches, and secure. Leave a long tail.

Nose (Make 1)

A small charcoal triangle for the nose.

1. Cast On: Using CC2 (charcoal black), CO 6 stitches.
2. Stockinette Section: Work in stockinette stitch for 1 inch, ending with a WS row.
3. Shape: K2tog across. (3 stitches). Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, pull tight, and secure. Leave a long tail.

Assembly

Now it's time to bring all the pieces together. Take your time with the seaming for a professional finish.

1. Seam the Body: With right sides facing each other, use the mattress stitch to sew the two body pieces together along the sides and bottom. Leave the top edge open. Turn the pouch right side out.
2. Attach the Flap: Position the flap on the back top edge of the body (the side opposite where the face will be). Align the straight cast-on edge of the flap with the top edge of the body. Sew securely using the long tail left on the flap.
3. Sew the Face Patch: Place the cream face patch on the front of the body, centered horizontally and about 1 inch down from the top edge. Use a whip stitch and the tail from the patch to sew it in place.
4. Attach the Nose: Sew the charcoal nose onto the face patch, centered near the top point of the patch.
5. Embroider the Eyes: Using CC2 (charcoal black) and a tapestry needle, embroider two small French knots or satin stitches for the eyes. Place them on the face patch, one on each side of the nose, about 1 inch apart.
6. Attach the Ears: Sew the ears onto the top corners of the body, just behind the face patch. Position them so they stand upright. Use the long tails to sew them securely.
7. Add the Button Closure:
   • Sew the wooden button onto the front of the body, about 1 inch below the bottom edge of the face patch.
   • Create a yarn loop on the flap: Using MC, crochet a chain of 10 stitches, or simply tie a small piece of yarn into a loop. Secure this loop to the point of the flap so it can wrap around the button to close the case.
8. Weave in Ends: Use your tapestry needle to weave in all loose yarn ends carefully, ensuring they are hidden and secure.

Finishing Touches

To give your fox pencil case a polished look, lightly block the finished piece. This helps even out the stitches and gives the case a more professional shape. Gently hand wash or mist with water and lay flat to dry, shaping as needed. Ensure the flap closes smoothly over the button.

Your Ember & Ash Fox Pencil Case is now complete! This delightful project is not only a practical storage solution but also a charming piece of woodland decor. Enjoy your new handmade companion, and don't be surprised if it becomes your new favorite desk accessory.