Art Deco Fan Pencil Roll Free Crochet Pattern

Art Deco Fan Pencil Roll Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

This Art Deco Fan Pencil Roll is the perfect little project for anyone who wants a stylish, useful case for their pens, pencils, or hooks. It is worked as one simple flat rectangle in half double crochet back loop only, then folded and seamed into a tidy open-topped pouch. The special touch is a row of three dusty rose fan appliqués across the front, inspired by classic Art Deco motifs, that add a soft desert-boho feel to the grey background. It looks polished and boutique-made, yet it feels soft, flexible, and easy to roll up and tuck into a bag.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn (Category 4), approximately 150 yards total: 100 yards grey, 50 yards dusty rose.
• Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook.
• Notions: Tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends, scissors, and a few pins for holding the fans in place.
• Finished size: Approximately 8 inches wide x 14 inches tall (20 cm x 35.5 cm) when flat; rolls to about 2.5 inches in diameter.

Abbreviations

• ch – chain: make a loop of yarn and pull it through the loop on your hook.
• hdc – half double crochet: yarn over, insert hook in stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through all three loops on hook.
• blo – back loop only: work into the loop of the stitch that is farthest from you, leaving the front loop free.
• dc – double crochet: yarn over, insert hook in stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through remaining two loops.
• sc – single crochet: insert hook in stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops on hook.
• sl st – slip stitch: insert hook in stitch, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook.
• st(s) – stitch(es).

Gauge

16 hdc blo x 12 rows = 4 inches (10 cm). To check, crochet a small swatch in hdc blo and measure a 4-inch section; adjust your hook size if needed so the finished rectangle comes out close to 8 x 14 inches.

Tips Before You Start

• Working in the back loop only creates a subtle ribbed texture that gives the case structure and helps it roll neatly, so be sure to consistently pick up only the back loop.
• Keep your tension even but not too tight; a slightly relaxed fabric folds and rolls more easily than a stiff one.
• Count your stitches at the end of every few rows — the rectangle should stay at 31 hdc throughout.
• Leave generous yarn tails on the fans so you have plenty of length to sew them down securely.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Main Rectangle (Grey)

Ch 33.

Row 1: Hdc in 3rd ch from hook and each ch across (31 hdc).

Rows 2–42: Ch 2, turn, hdc blo in each st across (31 hdc).

Fasten off.

Fan Appliqués (Dusty Rose) – Make 3

Ch 6.

Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook, dc in next 2 ch (3 dc).

Row 2: Ch 3, turn, 2 dc in first st, dc in next st, 2 dc in last st (5 dc).

Row 3: Ch 3, turn, 2 dc in first st, dc in next 3 sts, 2 dc in last st (7 dc).

Row 4: Ch 3, turn, 2 dc in first st, dc in next 5 sts, 2 dc in last st (9 dc).

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Repeat to make 3 fans total.

Assembly

Fold the main rectangle in half widthwise with right sides together so it measures about 8" x 7". Sew the side seams using whipstitch, leaving the top open. Turn right side out. Pin the fans evenly across the front, about 1.5" from the bottom edge, with points facing up, and sew them in place using the tails.

Edging and Tie

Join dusty rose at the top right corner of the case.

Rnd 1: Sc evenly around the entire top opening (approx. 40 sc). Join with sl st.

Fasten off.

Tie: Ch 50, fasten off. Attach to the center back of the case at the top edge. Wrap around when rolled and tie in a bow.

Assembly and Finishing

Use the tapestry needle to whipstitch the side seams neatly and to sew each fan securely through all its edges. Weave in all ends on the wrong side, running them through a few stitches to secure. Block lightly by misting with water and shaping the case flat; let it dry fully before rolling. Once dry, roll the case with your pencils inside and tie the chain in a bow at the back.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the dusty rose fans for mustard, terracotta, or sage for a different desert-boho palette.
• Add a second row of smaller fans or a single fan centered on the back for extra detail.
• Use a contrasting color for the top edging to make the opening pop, or add a small button loop instead of the chain tie.