Ugly Christmas Sweater Book Sleeve Crochet Pattern

Perfect Gift for Bookworms

If you're looking for a cute Christmas gift for the bookworm in your life, this Ugly X-Mas Sweater book sleeve might just be the perfect project to whip up. It's a simple pattern with no zippers and no buttons, just an Ugly Christmas Sweater Appliqué to give it that fun festive feel.

Crocheted book sleeves have so many benefits, here are a few that should convince you to work up this pattern:

• Protect books from bent covers, scratches, spills, and everyday wear
• Keep books safe while transporting in bags, backpacks, or purses
• Customizable sizing to fit any book, paperbacks or hard covers
• Lightweight and stylish accessory for book lovers
• Durable fabric that withstands bumps and knocks
• Made with yarn that can be soft, washable, and sturdy
• Offer a personal, handmade touch and gift option for readers
• Easy and quick to crochet for crocheters of various skill levels
• Help preserve the condition and longevity of favorite books
• Provide a cozy, "sweater-like" cover that is visually appealing.

So, is this enough to convince you? If so, keep scrolling to get to the pattern.

The printable PDF version of this pattern is available for a small fee in my shop, Etsy & Ravelry.

Materials Needed

• DK yarn (cotton or acrylic) in festive Christmas colors. I used Paintbox Yarns DK in red, beige and 2 shades of green.
• 4 mm crochet hook for sleeve
  3 mm crochet hook for Ugly Christmas Sweater Appliqué
• Yarn needle
• A pair of scissors
• Cotton fabric for lining (optional)
• Book of choice

Abbreviations Used in Pattern

• ch = chain
• hdc = half double crochet
• dc = double crochet
• st = stitch
• sts = stitches
• fo = fasten off
• Sl St Surface Crochet

Skill Level

Book sleeve: Beginner

Ugly Christmas Sweater Appliqué: Intermediate

Measurements/Size

The book sleeve is made to measure (fits specific book/s)

The mini sweaters measure about 11 cm (4.3") in width from sleeve to sleeve and 8 cm (3.2") in height.

Yardage

I used about 70 m (76.5 yards) of yarn for the sleeve and about 11 m (12 yards) for the appliqué.

Gauge

Book Sleeve: 16 stitches and 10 rows = 10 cm x 10 cm (4") in dc with 4 mm hook

Appliqué: 10 stitches and 7 rows = 5 cm x 5 cm (2") in hdc with 3 mm hook

Notes

- You can choose to add any other appliqué or keep the book sleeve plain if you wish.

- Turning Ch 2 counts as a stitch.

- A slight slant in the seam is normal with joined dc rounds. You can adjust your starting method if you prefer a cleaner, straighter seam. You can work your first dc into the same stitch as the join, then join to the first real dc at the end. You could also try the “standing dc” (no chains, just start with a dc) at the beginning of each round. This could create a straighter seam as well. 

- Please note that I use US crochet terms.

Christmas Book Sleeve Crochet Pattern

Base

Foundation: With Color 1 and 4 mm hook, tie a slip knot on your hook, Ch the length of your book minus 3 chains. (Your chain should be a little shorter than the height of your book).

R 1: Dc into the third ch from your hook, 1 more dc into that same ch (you now have 3 dc in first corner) 

Dc into each ch across. Work 2 more dc into the last ch (you now have 3 dc in second corner) 

Now turn your project and continue to work dc across the opposite side of the foundation chain. Sl st to join.

Note: Try to work over your tail so you don’t have to weave it in later. You should have an equal number of dc stitches facing each other + 3 dc in either corner.

Body

R 2-12: Ch 2, dc around, sl st to join.

Note: Insert your book into the sleeve after a couple of rounds to check that it fits snuggly.

Continue to dc around till you almost reach the top of the book. Leave room for one more round in a different color.

Cut yarn color 1 leaving a short tail and fasten off.

Join yarn color 2, ch 2, dc around, sl st to join

Cut yarn color 2 leaving a short tail and fasten off.

Thread your yarn needle and weave in your end on the inside of the book sleeve.

Note: If your book cover turns out too big, you can fit 2 books in it.

Ugly Christmas Sweater Appliqué Pattern

Body

We will be working this sweater from top to bottom.

R 1: Switch to 3 mm hook, then tie a slip knot on your hook with Color A, Ch 8 (8)

R 2: Sc into the second ch on your hook and into each ch across, turn (7)

R 3: Ch 1, sc into each st across, turn (7)

R 4: Ch 1, 2 hdc across, turn (14)

R 5 - 7: Ch 1, hdc across, turn (14) 3 rows

Do not cut yarn. Continue to sleeve.

Sleeve 1

R 8: 3 sc, turn (3)

Note: No more ch 1 at the beginning of a row from here.

R 9-13: Sc across, turn (3) 5 rows

Note: You have the option of changing colors for the last row.

Leaving a short tail, cut your yarn and fasten off.

Sleeve 2

R 14: Reattach yarn Color A on the first st of R 7 to start the second arm, ch 1, 2 sc, turn.

R 15-19: 3 sc, turn (3) 5 rows

Note: If you changed colors on the last row for the first sleeve, do the same on this one.

Leaving short tails, cut your yarn and fasten off.

R 20: Reattach yarn for body at the corner (armpit) of the arm you just finished, hdc into the same st, 8 hdc, turn (9)

R 21-23: Ch 1, hdc, turn (9) 3 rows

R 24: Sc across (9)

Note: You have the option of changing colors for R 24.

Leaving a short tail, cut your yarn and fasten off.

Collar

With a contrasting color, slip stitch surface crochet across the collar starting from the right side. (7 sts) Video tutorial below

Leaving a short tail, cut your yarn and fasten off.

Weave in all your ends neatly or use them to attach your appliqué to your project.

Add a cute embellishment on the front of the Ugly Sweater either by gluing on some ready-made Christmas buttons or embroidering a cute design. See video below for how to work French Knots on your crocheted sweater.

Attach your appliqué to the book cover either by sewing it on, or gluing it to the book sleeve.

Optional:

You could also add a loop with a button in the center of the book sleeve to make sure it doesn't slip out.

You could also add a shoulder strap to the book sleeve for a hands-free carrying 🙂 

Strap:

Leaving a 4" tail, ch 100.

R 1: In the 3rd ch from hook, dc across, turn (98)

R 2: ch 1, sc across, work 2 sl sts into the side to get down to the ch (98)

R 3: Working into the starting ch, sc across (98)

Leave long tail, cut yarn & fasten off.

Sew securely onto sides of book sleeve with darning needle. Weave in ends and cut excess.

And there you have it! Your cozy Ugly Christmas Sweater Book Sleeve.

Have a very happy festive season and I hope you enjoy your new project 🙂

Happy hooking!

May

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• Easy Christmas Bauble Crochet Pattern
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• Christmas Santa Hat Appliqué Crochet Pattern
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• Christmas Elf Hat Appliqué Crochet Pattern
• Easy Chunky Santa Hat Crochet Pattern