Mermaid Scale Crochet Kindle Cover Pattern
From dragon scales, to mermaid scales! If you’ve seen my dragon scale kindle sleeve but you’re intimidated by the crocodile stitch, this crochet kindle cover pattern is much more approachable and beginner friendly.
It uses the shell stitch and gradient yarn to create a pretty and functional protective pouch that’s reminiscent of mermaid scales.
Are you sick of this yarn yet? Because I’m not. I picked it up as a mill end bag ages ago and I’ll be sad once it’s all used up. The soft gradient effect is so pretty and I love that no two projects turn out exactly the same.
If you prefer physical books and are looking for a way to protect them while on the go, check out my granny square crochet book sleeve pattern which also uses this yarn.
About the Pattern
This crochet kindle cover is worked in rounds of shell stitch from the bottom up starting with crocheting around both sides of a chain to create an oval base.
The shell stitch itself is a simple 2 round repeat that works up quickly using basic stitches.
To finish, we’ll even out the shells at the top, add a round of double crochet and a button and loop closure to keep your kindle safe and secure.
I love using wooden buttons for the closure. They’re clean and simple and don’t detract from the yarn.
Recommended Yarn
I used Caron Blossom Cakes in Radiant Rainbow with a 6mm hook for this kindle sleeve for my Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen).
If substituting yarn, check out yarnsub.com for possible alternatives.
Adjusting the Size
The easiest way to resize this crochet kindle sleeve is to use thicker yarn and a larger hook and vice versa.
If you want to play with the number of starting chains, just make sure that your starting chain is a multiple of 6+2.
Why You’ll Love This Crochet Kindle Cover Pattern
Mermaid Scale Crochet Kindle Cover Pattern
Materials
- Worsted weight yarn, approximately 38g (I used Caron Blossom Cakes in Radiant Rainbow)
- 6mm crochet hook
- 2cm button and coordinating or neutral coloured thread/yarn for sewing it on
- Stitch marker, yarn needle, scissors
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch – chain
- dc – double crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- sc – single crochet
- sk – skip
- sl st – slip stitch
- st/s – stitch/es
- […] – repeat the instructions in brackets
- (…) – indicates stitch count at end of round
Special Stitches
Shell Stitch
The shell stitch is a 2 row repeat consisting of double crochet and single crochet stitches. The basic repeat looks like this:
- Work 5 double crochet into the next stitch.
- Skip 2 stitches.
- Single crochet in the next stitch.
- Skip 2 stitches.
In subsequent rounds, the 5 double crochet stitches are worked into the single crochet stitches from the round below and the single crochet stitches are worked into the centre stitch of the 5 double crochet stitches (the third double crochet).
Useful Links
Finished Size
The finished kindle sleeve is made to fit the Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen) and measures approximately 5.5″ x 7.25″ (14cm x 18.5cm). Size may vary depending on tension and materials used.
Gauge
5.5″ (14cm) long after R1.
Try the sleeve on your Kindle after a few rounds to check the fit. It should be snug without stretching.
Notes
- This pattern is worked in joined rounds.
- The chain 1 at the beginning of the round does not count as a stitch.
- The chain 3 at the beginning of the round counts as the first double crochet unless otherwise stated.
- You can easily make the kindle cover taller or shorter by working more or less rounds of the repeat.
Pattern Instructions
Crochet Kindle Cover
R1: Ch 20, 2 hdc in second ch from hook, hdc in next 17 chs, 4 hdc in last ch
Working down the other side of the ch – hdc in next 17 chs, 2 hdc in last ch, sl st to first hdc to join (42)
R2: Ch 1, sc in same st, [sk 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, sk 2 sts, sc in next st] x6, sk 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, sk last 2 sts, sl st to first sc to join (7 shells)
R3: Ch 3 (counts as a st), 4 dc in same st, [sk 2 sts, sc in third dc in next shell, sk 2 sts, 5 dc in next sc st] x6, sk 2 sts, sc in third dc in next shell, sk 2 sts, sl st to top of ch 3 to join (7 shells)
R4: Sl st over to the third dc in the shell, ch 1, sc in same st, [sk 2 sts, 5 dc in next sc, sk 2 sts, sc in third dc in next shell] x6, sk 2 sts, 5 dc in last sc, sk 2 sts, sl st to first sc to join (7 shells)
R5-14: Repeat R3 and R4 (7 shells) 10 rounds
R15: Repeat R3 (7 shells)
In this next round you’ll be working into all of the stitches to even out the top of the cover. You can easily make adjustments to the length by adding an additional shell stitch round before starting R16.
R16: Ch 1, hdc in same st, [sc in next 3 sts, hdc in next st, dc in next st, hdc in next st] x6, sc in next 3 sts, hdc in next, dc in last sc st, sl st to first hdc to join (42)
R17: Ch 2 (does not count as a st), [dc] x42, sl st to first dc to join (42)
Mark the centre back of the sleeve with a stitch marker.
R18: Ch 1, sc around until you reach the marked stitch – sc in the marked st, ch 12, sc in same st and remaining stitches of the round.
Do not fasten off yet. Remove your hook and place a stitch marker in the working loop so your stitches don’t unravel.
At this point, I like to pop my kindle into the sleeve to do a final fit check and mark the position of my button.
Check that the loop closure is centered and fits over the button.
Go back and make any adjustments if needed. You may want to add some extra length with an additional shell/dc round or change the position/size of the loop closure.
Using coordinating or neutral coloured thread/yarn, sew the button to the centre of the sleeve between R16 and R17, inline with the loop closure.
Once you’re happy with everything, fasten off invisibly to the first single crochet and weave in ends.
not ready to make this yet?
Pin this post for later
Explore More Crochet Patterns
After you crochet this kindle cover, here are some more crochet patterns to try:
What’s Next?
Invitation To Our Facebook Group
We hope you enjoyed this pattern. Come and hang out with me in the Stitch by Fay Community Facebook group. We created this space for you to share pictures, ask questions and support each other.
This pattern is for personal use only and may not be copied, reproduced, altered, published or distributed in any format (including video). If you wish to share this pattern, you may link to this pattern but please do not reprint it on your site.
You can sell finished products made from this pattern in small quantities. Do NOT use our photos as your sale photos.