How to crochet a Nintendo DS case (for the Lion Brand Yarn Challenge)

This is the case I came up with for my Nintendo DS. It's got 6 game pockets and a strap to hold the DS in place. I used Caron Simply Soft in plum wine and chocolate (Sorry, Lion! I didn't know I was going to submit this to a Lion-sponsored contest or I would've used Vanna White yarn), plus some scrap white yarn and black embroidery floss. I used a size F hook.

I made the back with the pockets first. I just crocheted in the front of the stitches and left the back loop to start the pockets in. Then I sewed up the sides.

Then I made the front (which is slightly larger to wrap around the sides) and sewed it to the back and up the sides. Then the real inspiration struck and I decided to add the mushrooms. I did them in two pieces and used the very long tail I left from the stems to make the spots.

The strap was about 12 ch or so long with a buttonhole.

And that's it! For a more detailed pattern, leave a comment or message me or whatever you do on instructables (I'm new here). Hope you like it!

Edit: Here is the actual pattern. Sorry I held off for so long!

Back

1. With MC ch 31. Turn.

2. Sc in each ch across. Ch 1. Turn. (30 st)

3. Sc in next 2 sc *(Sc in the front loop only of the next 8 sc). Sc in next sc. Repeat from * twice. Sc in next 2 sc. Ch 1. Turn. (30 st)

4-9. Sc in each sc across. Ch 1. Turn. (30 st)

10. Repeat 3, but stitch in the back loop of the stitches this time.

11.-15 Repeat 4-9. End off, leaving very long sewing length.

Front

1. With MC, ch 35. Turn.

2-18. Sc in each sc across. Ch 1. Turn. (34 st)
On last row, end off and weave in end.

Pockets

1. With CC, join in remaining loops you didn't use in steps 3 and 10. Join in first loop. Ch 1, sc in same loop. Sc 1 in each loop across. Ch 1. Turn. (8 st)

2.-6. Sc in each sc across. Ch 1. Turn (8 st)

7. Repeat for each set of loops on back. 6 total.

Then we get to sew everything on/together! With a yarn needle and with the piece turned inside out, sew sides and bottom of front and back together. Sew sides of pockets down.

Strap

1. Ch 12. Turn.

2. Sc in each sc across until the last sc. Work 6 sc into last sc. (Adjust according to button size). Turn. (18 st)

3. Sc in each sc across. End off with sewing length (18 st)

Sew to inside of back with yarn needle. Sew button on front according to strap length (mine was about 1 1/2")

Mushroom

I worked this in two pieces. I did the top from top to bottom. I sewed the bottom on the front first and left a very long tail on the back. I then used the tail to make the spots.
Back

1. With MC ch 31. Turn.

2. Sc in each ch across. Ch 1. Turn. (30 st)

3. Sc in next 2 sc *(Sc in the front loop only of the next 8 sc). Sc in next sc. Repeat from * twice. Sc in next 2 sc. Ch 1. Turn. (30 st)

4-9. Sc in each sc across. Ch 1. Turn. (30 st)

10. Repeat 3, but stitch in the back loop of the stitches this time.

11.-15 Repeat 4-9. End off, leaving very long sewing length.

Front

1. With MC, ch 35. Turn.

2-18. Sc in each sc across. Ch 1. Turn. (34 st)
On last row, end off and weave in end.

Pockets

1. With CC, join in remaining loops you didn't use in steps 3 and 10. Join in first loop. Ch 1, sc in same loop. Sc 1 in each loop across. Ch 1. Turn. (8 st)

2.-6. Sc in each sc across. Ch 1. Turn (8 st)

7. Repeat for each set of loops on back. 6 total.

Then we get to sew everything on/together! With a yarn needle and with the piece turned inside out, sew sides and bottom of front and back together. Sew sides of pockets down.

Strap

1. Ch 12. Turn.

2. Sc in each sc across until the last sc. Work 6 sc into last sc. (Adjust according to button size). Turn. (18 st)

3. Sc in each sc across. End off with sewing length (18 st)

Sew to inside of back with yarn needle. Sew button on front according to strap length (mine was about 1 1/2")

Mushroom

I worked this in two pieces. I did the top from top to bottom. I sewed the bottom on the front first and left a very long tail on the back. I then used the tail to make the spots.

Comments

[Norazom]

Hi, I'm pretty new to crocheting and reading pattern. How do I make the pockets for the case?

[Rayna]

Just 'me-tooing' on wanting a copy of the pattern. If you do share, will you be posting something on here or just emailing one around? Let us know, it's lovely!

[Fruppi]

I've been e-mailing on request, so one is heading your way!

[WildMist]

Could you send me the pattern too, please. My grandson just let me know he wants one of these

[Fruppi]

It's posted above. I got tired of e-mailing it!

[StayseaKay]

can i get one too please :) i just love this pattern. its so cute. i cant wait to try it. thankyou for sharing it with us.

[ctrulson]

Great pattern. I want to add a strap so that my child can carry it on his shoulder, what would you suggest? Great to add the mushrooms, but my son says he wants something else on his, so I will be figuring that out!!

[Fruppi]

I guess I would just crochet a long chain of doubles or triples and attach it to both ends. You could always sew on a fabric strip or something similar if you don't want to crochet anything extra. I've seen some other embellishments on the same pattern done by people on ravelry.com. Also if you like the Mario theme but don't like the mushrooms, you can find 8-bit pictures of Mario or other characters and that makes them easy to chart for crochet. Try spritestich.com for other geeky ideas (if that's the route you want!).

[spacegirl94]

could you possible send me more detailed instructions to?

[Fruppi]

The pattern is right up there...if you have specific questions, I'll do my best with them :).

[swtullie]

ok for example, on working the front 4.-9., has 6 rows and then on 11.-15. which has 5 rows says to repeat 4-9 which again is 6....so am i supposed to do 5 or 6 and also when working on the front it ends up with 15 or 16 rows but the back has 18 and is wider it doesnt really fit together...sry lol

[Fruppi]

Okay, it looks like I had a little math mistake there and I believe I intended for it to be 6 rows each time. The back is supposed to be bigger than the front because it will wrap around to form sides and the bottom. The difference in size should be about the width of the DS. and it should fit pretty nicely once its sewn together.

[swtullie]

yeah but if the sides AND top and bottom of each part are different lengths it cant be sewn together really...sry i tryed its just not working..maybe im doing something wrong O.O

[Fruppi]

Okay, sew the bottoms and sides together, and the top should be the right height once you put the DS in. You'll probably have to fudge the bottom corners a bit, but it can be done! :)

[jajinomoto]

Nice, here is more case for nintendo ds, http://www.colordrives.com/nintendo-ds-cases.html

[swtullie]

this is great =] i started on this pattern but it seems really big, bigger than the ds lol can u send me the more detailed instructions? i think i could better understand it with them lol

[Fruppi]

I don't know how much I can really clarify the instructions without specific questions. It sounds like you might want to try to use either a smaller hook or a lighter yarn. That might help you get the right gauge.

[smacey]

what does loop mean in the pocket part

[Fruppi]

You don't have to do any chain stitches. You will just start your single crochets in the front loop of the crochet stitch that you left when you made the front. Check out this video http://www.nexstitch.com/v_front_back_loop_stitch.html

If it's too late and you didn't leave the front loops free on the main piece, I would recommend chaining 9 stitches and making a square that is the size recommended. You can then just stitch the bottom and the sides of the squares on to form pockets. It won't be quite as efficient, but it should work. :)

[smacey]

how many chain stiches do i have to do on the pockets

[rainbowxx]

This is adorable! I'd love to be able to make something like this. I have a case for my DS, but it's a little too bulky to be very portable.

[smacey]

Please email me a more clearer description to me please im only 14 so please send me more detail im confused with the words back and front. Sorry im pretty much a beginner.

[Fruppi]

(removed by author or community request)

[Fruppi]

Try one of the videos on this page. I think they do a good job of showing that stitch. *Click here*

[Fruppi]

Oh...how do you delete your own comment without having it say "removed by community request? Anyone know?

[legokevin360]

its create not crochet

[Fruppi]

Ummm...I create with crochet!

[ChibiAngel]

um..I just started crochetting, and i'd LOVE do this! so, um..can u please send me a more detailed description? um..i'm sorry i'm only 14..i really need a lot of help..T-T please help?

[thesatxrose]

I'd LOVE to have the pattern for this!! I have a lot of scrap yarn laying around and this would be an ideal way to use some of it up. This is awesome and so much nicer for females to carry around!!

[veggienoodles]

I'd love to receive the pattern for this DS cozy. I'm new to crochet and I love my DS and I'd love to make this little case for it.

[cartoonprincess]

I'd love one too! Your creation is great because it's different and when other kids are talking i can say "i bet you don't have one of these!" Nice Job! xx

[cartoonprincess]

I'd love one too (a more detailed pattern) ! Your creation is great because it's different and when other kids are talking i can say "i bet you don't have one of these!" Nice Job! xx

[phiena]

Loveeee this! I am also new here... I would love to have the pattern! I had just recently purchased a nintendo ds and I'm dying for the perfect cover and this is it! Where could I get the instruction ?? by email or would it be posted here? thanks!

[lrccook]

being a freak for crochet and my ds...i would love to have the pattern. i am new to the site as well so i don't know if you just post the pattern or reply to the comment??? anyways, really good job!

[zombiehottie0900]

i would also really love either some more detailed instructions or a pattern...please?

[sarasmom]

Fruppi, Can I get the pattern as well? My daughter just bought her a DS this past weekend with money she has saved from good grades and birthday gifts. I'd love to make this for her. Sara's mom

[prolixphantasm]

Wow, that's really lovely! I just bought a DS the other day and I'd love to make a cozy for it. Could you please send me the whole pattern? That would be great!

[jesuisravi]

Hi, I'm new here too. Any chance we could have a chart for this? It makes me so happy.

[Fruppi]

Well, I don't really have a chart, but if you check your inbox, there's a pattern in there for you. The only thing I charted was the mushroom, and you can see that in the slideshow.

[jesuisravi]

Oh man, thanks so much. I'll get right on it asap. x

[sukigirl]

What a great idea! I love how you can charge it in it's case and that it has a spot for your games. But the best is the mushrooms! Thanks for the offer of the pattern!

[jessyratfink]

I somehow missed this! I absolutely love it. I'm going to be making PSP & DS cases out of felt soon. :D

[Fruppi]

Sounds very cool and I'd like to see them :)

[asyrith]

Wow. I am freaking in love with this. So, I can't crochet to save my life...do any of you more talented folk want to be paid a not too outrageous fee for such a wonderful item?

[Fruppi]

Oh hmmm.... I don't really know, actually. I've been kind of wavering about whether or not I want to crochet for cash...I've done a few commissioned projects, but I ruin my wrists enough alone on my own projects, let alone everyone else's :). Then again, it's definitely a more enjoyable way of making money than my actual job... So I guess the short answer is, I'll think about it?

[babbs36]

I would love to have the pattern!Both my kids got them for thier birthdays.Excellent idea!

[kaneko]

hahah i want pattern plz! nice for protecting ds, while keeping it all nice and soft i guess haha anyways, nice job :P

[sdroid]

I really love this pattern! I've been trying to find something for my DS for a while, and I think this will work :D It would be greatly appreciated if I could get the pattern. Thanks very much.

[Queenmuma1]

I would love this pattern, I am still a beginner, details work best with me. Thanks for sharing.

[anngel369]

really cute case! i would love the pattern to this!

[babequilter]

This is awesome Fruppi! I love things that are both really cute and really useful! Keep the creative juices flowing!

[Fruppi]

Thanks, babequilter :D

[Zontee at Lion Brand]

So cute, Fruppi! I love that it's Super Mario inspired. (I've crocheted some Super Mario things for my brother and he just loves them.)

[stinkymum]

This is a very unusual project and probably you could adapt it to make other things as well!

[calm43]

Looks incredible, dying to try one for my grandchildren but would like to have more detailed crochet instructions if possible.

[RollyB]

I love this....and I would love a copy of the instructions please.

[EstherC724]

I love this idea and for christmas all three of my grandchildren got the nintendo DS system so I am sure they would love their own personalized cover so yes please send on the instructions.

[mitchmarch2006]

You did a great job. As the others I would like the pattern instructions, if you have them. My granddaughter would love one of these! You go girl!!

[AwlB]

Id love a more detailed pattern please

[deadalchemist]

If you could write out a detailed pattern and share it; that would be great! I'd love to make it as a gift if you're willing to share. For more nintendo charts (its for cross stitch but as you know we can crochet them) check out www.spritestitch.com I found the website through Instructables!

[stranoster]

I'd love an instructable about how to crochet things as well. I hope you make one because you seem really good. Brilliant work.

[GorillazMiko]

Great job! The mushrooms were a great addition, the socket things that holds the games are great too! Nice job! +1 rating.

[lotwilight]

Hey Fruppi, That is too cute! I would love more pattern info.

[canida]

Cute- I love the mushrooms! If you get really inspired, you could put other characters on the pockets in the back. A koopa turtle would be pretty fabulous as well. ;)