Back-to-School Pencil Case & Pouch Set

With Labor Day and back-to-school season just around the corner (September 7), it's the perfect time to crochet some practical, cute pouches for yourself or as gifts. This week's challenge is to create a set of small crocheted pouches—think pencil cases, coin purses, or notions holders—that are small enough to finish in a few days but satisfying enough to make multiples. Focus on clean, structured shaping using basic stitches (single crochet, half double crochet) and simple closures like drawstring tops or slip-stitch seams. The beauty is in the yarn color combinations and stitch texture, not complex techniques. Stack them, photograph them in a back-to-school flat lay, and you've got an instantly shareable project. This is a great gateway to understanding shaping and finishing, with endless room for customization—different sizes, stitch patterns, or embellishments. Whether you're a beginner perfecting your tension or an intermediate maker experimenting with color blocking, you can make this challenge your own.