Description

This holder has the kind of rhythm that suits a rainy evening on the couch. The body begins with simple rounds, and the stitches settle into place one after another. You will shape a little face with crocheted eyes, a beak, and ears, but the main body stays calm and repetitive.

Ingredients

Worsted weight yarn, weight 4 medium, about 180 total yards (165 m): 140 yards (128 m) of main color, 25 yards (23 m) of cream or light contrast yarn, 15 yards (14 m) of a small beak color
H-8 (5.0 mm) crochet hook
Yarn needle for weaving in ends
Sharp scissors
Stitch marker (optional)
Tape measure
Small amount of polyester fiberfill, about 1 ounce (28 g)
Black embroidery thread and a small needle for eyes and beak details
Optional scrap cardboard, about 2 inches by 3 inches (5 cm by 8 cm)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Check the difficulty and stitch multiple. This is a confident beginner pattern worked in joined rounds. The base uses six stitches and increases by six.
Make a gauge swatch. Work 14 single crochet stitches across and 15 rounds tall with your H-8 (5.0 mm) hook. The swatch should measure 4 inches (10 cm); adjust your hook if your fabric is much tighter or looser.
Make the foundation chain. With the main color, chain 2, then work 6 single crochet into the second chain from the hook. Join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet. You have 6 stitches.
Shape the base. Chain 1, then work 2 single crochet in each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch for 12 stitches.
Continue the increase rounds. For round 3, chain 1, then repeat single crochet in the next stitch and 2 single crochet in the following stitch around. Join with a slip stitch for 18 stitches. For round 4, repeat single crochet in the next 2 stitches, then 2 single crochet in the next stitch around for 24 stitches.
Finish the base. For round 5, repeat single crochet in the next 3 stitches, then 2 single crochet in the next stitch around. Join for 30 stitches. For round 6, repeat single crochet in the next 4 stitches, then 2 single crochet in the next stitch around. Join for 36 stitches.
Build the sides. Chain 1 and work 1 single crochet in each stitch around for 12 rounds, joining each round with a slip stitch. Keep the same 36-stitch count in every round.
Check the height and opening. After the 12 side rounds, your holder should measure about 6 inches (15 cm) from the base.
Make the top edge. Work one round of single crochet in each stitch, still keeping 36 stitches. Slip stitch to join, fasten off, and leave a 6-inch (15 cm) tail.
Make the eye circles. With the cream yarn, make a magic ring. Chain 1, then work 8 single crochet into the ring and pull the center closed. Slip stitch to join for 8 stitches. Make a second matching circle.
Add the face details. Sew the eye circles near the top front of the holder, with about 1 inch (2.5 cm) between their centers. Use black embroidery thread to stitch small round pupils.
Add the owl ears. With the main color, sew several firm stitches from the back edge toward the center, then back again to form each small pointed ear. Keep these stitches secure.
Finish the face and shape the holder. Add a few small black stitches for the beak line if you like. Lightly press the holder flat with your hands and shape it with cardboard if desired.
Weave in and block. Weave in every remaining end securely on the wrong side.

Notes

The finished holder works best where small things tend to disappear. Keep it on the arm of the couch for your phone, on the table beside your reading chair for glasses, or near the bed for a charging cord and earbuds.

Cook Time: 180 minutes