Rainbow Stripe Toiletry Tube Crochet Free Pattern
Introduction
This Rainbow Stripe Toiletry Tube is a cheerful, Y2K-inspired little bag that keeps your toothbrush, toothpaste, and travel bits tidy. It's designed for advanced beginners who are comfortable with single crochet and simple increases, and it works up quickly in continuous rounds. The bright hot pink, orange, yellow, and lilac stripes give it a fun, nostalgic look, while the cotton yarn makes it sturdy enough to toss in a suitcase. The finished tube is about 9 inches long and 4.5 inches across, with a drawstring top that cinches closed to keep everything secure.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: DK weight (3) cotton or acrylic, in 4 colors: A = hot pink (50 yds), B = orange (40 yds), C = yellow (40 yds), D = lilac (50 yds).
- Hook: 4 mm (G-6).
- Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors.
- Finished size: Approx. 9 inches long x 4.5 inches diameter.
Abbreviations
- MR: magic ring — an adjustable loop to start working in the round.
- sc: single crochet.
- inc: increase — work 2 single crochet into the same stitch.
- ch: chain.
- sk: skip — miss the next stitch without working into it.
- sl st: slip stitch.
- sts: stitches.
- sp(s): space(s).
- rnd(s): round(s).
Gauge
20 sts and 20 rnds = 4 inches in single crochet. To check, crochet a small flat swatch in sc and measure a 4-inch section; adjust your hook size if needed to match.
Tips Before You Start
- Use a stitch marker at the start of each round — continuous rounds can spiral, and the marker keeps your place.
- Change colors at the last yarn-over of the final stitch of a round so the new stripe starts cleanly.
- Keep your tension even; the tube stays straight only if the rounds are consistent.
- Don't fasten off after the body — the edging continues directly in color A.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Base (Color A)
Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc (6 sts).
Rnd 2: inc x6 (12 sts).
Rnd 3: [sc, inc] x6 (18 sts).
Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] x6 (24 sts).
Rnd 5: [3 sc, inc] x6 (30 sts).
Rnd 6: [4 sc, inc] x6 (36 sts).
Rnd 7: [5 sc, inc] x6 (42 sts).
Rnd 8: [6 sc, inc] x6 (48 sts).
Rnd 9: [7 sc, inc] x6 (54 sts).
Rnd 10: [8 sc, inc] x6 (60 sts).
Rnds 11-12: sc in each st around (60 sts).
Body (Stripes)
Change to B.
Rnds 13-16: sc in each st around (60 sts).
Change to C.
Rnds 17-20: sc in each st around (60 sts).
Change to D.
Rnds 21-24: sc in each st around (60 sts).
Change to A.
Rnds 25-28: sc in each st around (60 sts).
Change to B.
Rnds 29-32: sc in each st around (60 sts).
Change to C.
Rnds 33-36: sc in each st around (60 sts).
Change to D.
Rnds 37-40: sc in each st around (60 sts).
Change to A.
Rnds 41-44: sc in each st around (60 sts). Do not fasten off.
Edging (Color A)
Rnd 45: sc in each st around (60 sts).
Rnd 46: [sc, ch 1, sk 1] around (30 sc, 30 ch-1 sps).
Rnd 47: sc in each sc and ch-1 sp around (60 sts). Fasten off.
Drawstring (Color D)
Row 1: ch 80, sl st in each ch across. Fasten off.
Assembly and Finishing
Weave the drawstring through the ch-1 spaces of Rnd 46, going in and out around the tube. Tie the ends together to secure. Weave in all yarn ends on the wrong side. Block lightly if desired to even out the stitches and help the tube hold its shape.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the stripe order or use scrap yarn to create your own color sequence.
- Add a small fabric lining for extra durability and to protect the crochet from spills.
- Make a matching mini version by stopping the body earlier for a coin purse.
