Cell Phone Pouch

Description:  This Cell Phone Pouch is a simple Macrame design that can be embellished several different ways.  Near the top is a section where beads can be applied, as in the image.  You can also add novelty buttons, or simply tie 2 short sennits of knots for decoration.  The size is for a 5 x 7 inch pouch, but it can be made larger or smaller.  I’ve provided you with a formula to help you modify the size, to fit your cell phone.  This is an easy pattern, suitable for beginners.

• 4mm Nylon or Cotton cord (47 or more yards, depending on the size)
• Project Board and Pins
• 2 Beads with 5mm holes (or other decorations)

• Square Knot
• Larks Head knot
• Alternating Square Knots

Cutting and Preparing the Cords

Width of Pouch (in inches) x 4 = Number of cords to cut.  You also need 8 extras, the same length.

Height of Pouch (in inches) x 8 = Length of each cord

Prepare the ends by applying glue to the tips.  You can also use tape or candle wax to coat the ends to prevent unraveling.

Creating the Strap

Step 1:  Take 4 cords and secure them to your project board with pins.  They should rest vertically (up & down).  Starting in the center and working towards one end, make a sennit of Square Knots.  Stop when the first half of the strap measures 3 inches.

Here are some other decorative knots you can use to make the strap for the Cell Phone Pouch:

• Spiral Stitch Sennit
• Interlaced Plaits (4-strand variation)
• Half Hitch Patterns (with holding cords)
• Vertical Larks Head Sennit

Step 2:  Turn the whole board around to work on the second half, which should also measure 3 inches.  Apply tape or Overhand knots to the tips of all these strands, to help identify them later on.

Move the strap off the board for now, until you are ready to attach it in step 7.

Designing the Pouch

Step 3:  Take 2 cords and lay them on your board horizontally, so you have access to the center of them.  Treat them as if they were one strand. They should be taut, since they're holding cords.  Apply a small piece of tape or use an Overhand knot at each end, to help identify them later on.

Step 4:  Attach 10 strands to the holding cords with Larks Head Knots, folding them in half in the process.  You’ll end up with 20 cords to work with.

Remove the design from the board while you work on the next step.

Step 5: Repeat steps 3 and 4 to start the back half of the Cell Phone Pouch.

Step 6:  Lay the front and back halves together so the insides are facing each other.  The way to tell the difference is that for the back half, the Larks Had knots will be touching the board (face down).  The front will have the Larks Head facing up.

Tip:  Place a piece of paper between the cords for each half, so you don’t mix them up. 

Step 7:  Take the strap and fold it, so the ends are resting on either side of the Cell Phone Pouch.  Make sure it is not twisted, and that it is secured to the board.  These cords, along with the ends of the holding cords, will be used to form a narrow gusset.

Step 8: Tie 3 rows of Alternating Square Knots, moving all the way around both halves of the Cell Phone Pouch.  You need to include the 4 strap cords as well as the holding cords at both the left and right edges. 

Tip:  If you work on the front half from left to right, then flip the whole thing over to work on the back, you will have better control.  The Pouch is designed like a tube, so if it's easier for you, hang it up by the strap once the first row is made.

Now it’s time to make a decision about how you want to decorate the  FRONT of the Cell Phone Pouch.  Here are 2 suggestions:

• Apply Beads or Novelty Buttons to the 2nd and 4th groups of cords
• Make short Spiral Stitch or Square Knot sennits instead of the beads
• Add other decorations such as shells or bells to those same groups

Side Cords:  These are the ones with the tape, or the OH knots in them.  There should be 8 at each edge:  4 that came from the strap and the ends of the holding cords.

Front Cords:  Divide the 20 strands into 5 equal groups consisting of 4 strands. 

Back Cords:  No dividing is necessary

Step 10:  Using only the front cords, mentally number the groups 1 thru 5.
In groups 2 and 4, which are made up of 4 strands each, slide the beads onto cords 2 and 3.  Tie a Square Knot just below, using cords 1 and 4 to tie the knots, and the ones with the beads as the fillers.

Step 11:  Use the remaining strands for the front, along with the sides and back, to make more Alternating Square Knots as follows: 

When working on the front, you will need to tie the ASK in each section, separate from each other.

Group 1 will be to the left of the beads, and is tied with the cords from the left gusset, which also connect to the back. Group 5 is on the far right, and also includes the gusset, which are joined to the back section as well. 

Group 3 passes between the two beads (or other decorations). Since there are only the 4 strands, they cannot be "alternated". Just tie one SK after the next in that area.   Don't include the cords in the other two groups (2 and 4).

The number of rows in each group will depend on the size of the beads you are using.  You need to stop when the final row is level with the Square Knots you tied just below the decorations.

Step 12:  Continue on, tying rows of ASK using ALL the cords. Stop when the Cell Phone Pouch is 6 inches long from top to bottom, or is the size you need (if you cut the cords longer).

Finishing Touches

Step 13:  Hold the pouch so you have access to the bottom.  Start at one edge, and take one cord from the back and front.  Tie a tight SK with the two strands (no fillers).  Apply glue to the knot, and trim the end to 1-inch.  Push it to the inside of the pouch, where it won’t be seen.

Repeat the process with the other ends, completely closing the bottom of the Cell Phone Pouch.