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Handy Dandy Lip Balm Holder Pattern

Handy Dandy Lip Balm Holder Pattern
4.6★ Rating
2-3 Hours Time Needed
2.1K Made This
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Beginner Friendly Level

Perfect for those just starting their crochet journey, with clear instructions and simple techniques

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Bite-Sized Project

Finishes in 2-4 hours—perfect for an afternoon of creative relaxation.

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Stylish Touch

An elegant detail to elevate any look, combining traditional techniques with contemporary design sensibilities.

About This Handy Dandy Lip Balm Holder Pattern

This pattern makes a slim lip balm (chapstick) holder with a loop strap, available in solid or multi-color versions. It uses simple hdc and sc stitches and is designed to fit standard lip balm tubes snugly. You'll get clear round-by-round instructions that are easy to follow and adapt.

Handy Dandy Lip Balm Holder Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

The multi-color version alternates small rounds of color to create a striped textured tube. A separate loop strap pattern is included for a finished portable holder you can wear or attach to a keyring.

Why You'll Love This Handy Dandy Lip Balm Holder Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it turns a small, everyday item into a charming handmade accessory. I enjoy how quickly one holder comes together — it is satisfying to finish in a single afternoon. The multi-color option lets me use up small yarn scraps and make playful combinations. I also love that it is practical and giftable; people appreciate a tiny, thoughtful handmade item that is also useful.

Handy Dandy Lip Balm Holder Pattern step 1 - construction progress Handy Dandy Lip Balm Holder Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Handy Dandy Lip Balm Holder Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Handy Dandy Lip Balm Holder Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love experimenting with color changes, so for a twist I often use variegated yarn for the rounds to get a marled, blended look.

I sometimes make the holder bigger by switching to sport or DK weight yarn and a larger hook for a chunkier version that fits larger balm tubes.

I also like to shorten or lengthen the loop strap depending on whether I want a wrist loop, keychain loop, or bag strap — just adjust the ch count.

I add tiny embroidered initials or small sewn-on felt shapes to personalize holders for gifts and to add texture.

I sometimes make matching sets with a small coin pouch or key fob using the same colors to create a coordinated gift pack.

I recommend trying metallic embroidery floss for a dressy version that sparkles and stands out on a purse or keyring.

I occasionally replace the loop strap with a small metal key ring or lobster clasp for quick attachment to bags and zippers.

I like to use leftover scrap yarn for multicolor rounds — it is a great way to use tiny bits and make each holder unique.

I sometimes change the final rounds to include a contrasting border color to emphasize the top edge and give a finished look.

I also add a small button or snap to close the top if I want extra security around the lip balm tube.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping the initial ch 3 or counting the wrong starting chain can change your stitch placement; always work into the correct chain and count stitches after Rnd 1 to confirm you have 12 sts. ✗ Forgetting to fasten off when instructed in the multicolor version makes color changes messy; fasten off at the end of the indicated round and weave in ends neatly before moving to the next color. ✗ Not placing stitches in the correct 'space between hdc groups' will distort the pattern; use the photos and arrows to identify the exact space and place stitches there. ✗ Attaching the loop strap without folding or securing correctly can cause it to come loose; fold the strap in half, attach the loose end with a small yarn needle and secure the 10 inch tail before weaving in ends.

Handy Dandy Lip Balm Holder Pattern

Make a handy, portable lip balm holder you can wear or clip onto bags. This pattern includes both solid and multi-color versions so you can customize colors and finishes. It uses simple stitches and clear step-by-step rounds to guide you through each part of the project. Perfect for quick gifts and small creative projects you can finish in an afternoon.

Beginner Friendly 2-3 Hours

Materials Needed for Handy Dandy Lip Balm Holder Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Single color: 9 yards fingering weight yarn (or 1 skein embroidery floss)
  • 02
    Multi color: 3 yards fingering weight yarn in 4 different colors (or 1 skein each of 4 different colors of embroidery floss)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size B (2.25 mm)
  • 02
    Small yarn needle for attaching loop strap and weaving ends
  • 03
    Scissors

Progress Tracker

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— Materials :

Info :

For single color holder: 9 yards Fingering weight yarn (or 1 skein embroidery floss). For multi color holder: 3 yards fingering weight yarn in 4 different colors (or 1 skein each of 4 different colors of embroidery floss). Crochet hook size B (2.25 mm). To test your gauge you can just finish the first rnd and then check to see if it is about the same circumference as the bottom of your lip balm, if it is pretty close then you are good. If it is way too big then size down your hook and if it is way too small then size up your hook.

Infos :

Abbreviations used: St(s) - stitch(es). Ch - chain. Sc - single crochet. hdc - half double crochet. Sl st. - slip stitch. For multi color chap stick holder see page 2.

— Notes on reading this pattern :

Info :

1: Chain sts in beginning of row count as first st.

Info :

2: The numbers in the ( ) at the end of each row is the total number of sts in that row.

Info :

3: In the pattern, you will be instructed to place 2 hdc in the "last space made before join in previous rnd". The arrow in the picture is pointing to that space. (picture was taken after ch 2, and turn.)

Info :

4: You will also be instructed to place stitches between two hdc groups. The arrow in the next picture is pointing to this space.

— Solid Color Lip Balm Holder :

Info :

Chain 3:

Round 1 :

11 hdc in 3rd ch from hook, join with sl st. (12 sts)

Round 2 :

Ch 2, 2 hdc in same stitch as ch 2, skip 2, [3 hdc in next st, skip 2] 3 times, join with sl st to the top of the ch 2. (12 sts)

Round 3 :

Ch 2, turn, 2 hdc in the last space made before join on previous rnd, [3 hdc in space between next two hdc groups] 3 times, join with sl st to the top of the ch 2. (12 sts)

Round 4-9 :

Repeat rnd 3.

Round 10 :

Ch 1, 1 sc in each stitch in rnd, join with sl st to ch 1. (12 sts)

Round 11-13 :

Repeat rnd 10.

— Loop Strap :

Info :

Ch 25

Row 1 :

Sl stitch in 2nd ch from hook, 1 sl st in each remaining ch on strap. Join with slip stitch to the next ch over from start of ch sts (See picture A), fasten off leaving a 10 inch tail, before weaving in ends, fold loop strap in half and attach the loose end of the strap with small yarn needle and your 10 inch tail. (See pictures B and C)

Info :

When loose end of loop strap is firmly attached weave in remaining ends.

— Multi color Lip Balm Holder :

Info :

With main color chain 3:

Round 1 :

11 hdc in 3rd ch from hook, join with sl st, fasten off. (12 sts)

Round 2 :

With color 1 and starting in any stitch in rnd ch 2, 2 hdc in same stitch as ch 2, skip 2, [3 hdc in next st, skip 2] 3 times, join with sl st to the top of the ch 2, fasten off. (12 sts)

Round 3 :

With color 2 and starting in any space between two hdc groups, ch 2, 2 hdc in the same space, [3 hdc in space between next two hdc groups] 3 times, join with sl st to the top of the ch 2, fasten off. (12 sts)

Round 4 :

repeat rnd 3 with color 3

Round 5 :

repeat rnd 3 with color 4

Round 6 :

repeat rnd 3 with main color

Round 7 :

repeat rnd 3 with color 1

Round 8 :

repeat rnd 3 with color 2

Round 9 :

repeat rnd 3 with color 3

Round 10 :

With color 4 and starting in any stitch in rnd, ch 1, 1 sc in each stitch in rnd, join with sl st to ch 1. (12 sts)

Round 11-13 :

repeat rnd 10.

— Loop Strap (Multi color) :

Info :

Ch 25

Row 1 :

Sl st in 2nd ch from hook, 1 sl st in each remaining ch on strap. Join with slip stitch to the next ch over from start of ch sts (See picture A). Fasten off leaving a 10 inch tail, before weaving in ends, fold loop strap in half and attach the loose end of the strap with small yarn needle and your 10 inch tail. (See pictures B and C)

Info :

When loose end of loop strap is firmly attached weave in remaining ends.

Assembly Instructions

  • Fold the loop strap in half after finishing Row 1 and align the folded end with the top edge of the holder for a neat finish, then attach the loose end with a small yarn needle using the 10 inch tail.
  • Join loop strap to the holder by inserting the needle through the fabric and the folded strap loop, sew securely with the 10 inch tail and knot on the inside, then weave in the tail.
  • When changing colors in the multi-color version, fasten off each color at the end of the round and weave in ends flat against the inside of the holder to avoid bulk.
  • After attaching the strap and completing all rounds, check the fit with a lip balm tube and adjust tension if necessary before finishing; once happy, weave in all remaining ends securely.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use the photos and note markers to identify the "last space made before join" and the spaces between hdc groups for correct stitch placement.
  • 💡The numbers in parentheses at the end of each round are the total stitch counts—count after rounds to make sure you have the correct number of stitches.
  • 💡Fasten off and weave in ends as directed for clean color changes in the multi-color version, which keeps the outside tidy and wearable.

This Handy Dandy Lip Balm Holder pattern is a quick and charming project that turns small yarn scraps into practical accessories. Customize with colors or embroidery to personalize each holder for gifts or market sales. Keep one on your keys, bag, or give as a tiny thoughtful present. 🧶✨

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished holder fits a standard lip balm tube and measures approximately the circumference of the bottom of a standard chapstick when using fingering weight yarn and hook size B (2.25 mm).

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, but the final fit will change; using a thicker yarn will create a larger, looser holder while thinner yarn will make a smaller, tighter fit. Adjust hook size accordingly.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated beginner friendly; basic knowledge of chain, half double crochet (hdc), single crochet (sc) and slip stitch is recommended.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters complete this project in 2-3 hours, though time may vary based on experience level and whether you make the multi-color version.