Crochet Advent Calendar: 24 Mini Pockets on a Garland
Twenty-four little single crochet pockets with fold-over flaps, numbered 1–24 and pegged onto a twine garland. Each pocket takes about 15 minutes, holds a sweet or a note, and you can reuse the calendar every December.
Pattern at a glance
US terms- Skill level
- Beginner
- Yarn
- Worsted (#4) cotton in red, green and cream, about 300 yd total
- Hook
- 4.5 mm (7)
- Time
- About 6–7 hours (15 minutes per pocket)
- Finished size
- Each pocket about 3 × 3 in (7.5 × 7.5 cm)
You'll need
- Worsted (#4) cotton in 2–3 colours — about 300 yd total
- 4.5 mm (7) hook
- Felt or contrast yarn for numbers
- 24 mini wooden pegs
- About 3 yd (3 m) of twine
- Tapestry needle
In this post
A crochet advent calendar is 24 small pockets hung on a string, one to open each day from December 1 to 24. Each pocket is a single crochet rectangle folded into a pouch with a flap. Number them with felt or embroidery and peg them to twine. A pocket takes about 15 minutes, so the whole calendar is 6–7 hours. Start now and you'll finish before December 1.
Unlike a cardboard calendar, you can refill it every year with sweets, notes, Lego pieces or tiny ornaments that build up a tree.
The rest of this post is just below — free, as always.
One pocket
- Row 1: Ch 14. Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and across. Ch 1, turn. (13)
- Rows 2–22: Sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn. (13)
- Flap shaping, Rows 23–26: Sc2tog, sc to the last 2, sc2tog. Ch 1, turn. (5)
- Fold: Fold Row 1 up to Row 14, making a pouch. The rest is the flap.
- Sides: Sl st or sc through both layers up each side to close the pouch. Continue sc around the flap edge.
- Closure: Ch 6 at the tip of the flap for a button loop, or skip it and let the flap tuck in.
Numbers 1–24
| Method | Time | Look |
|---|---|---|
| Felt numbers, glued or sewn | 2 min each | Crisp and easy to read |
| Chain stitch embroidery in a contrast yarn | 5 min each | Handmade, cosy |
| Surface slip stitch with the hook | 4 min each | Bold, matches the stitches |
| Wooden number tags on the pegs | 1 min each | Rustic, fully reusable |
Hang it
- Knot a hanging loop at each end of 3 yd of twine.
- Peg the pockets in order, about 4 in apart — or hang them in rows on a ladder or a branch.
- Alternate colours (red, green, cream) so neighbouring pockets stand out.
What to put inside
Wrapped chocolates, a note with a family activity ("make hot chocolate", "watch a Christmas film"), stickers, tiny toys, or one crochet snowflake a day. For adults: tea bags, a lip balm, a lottery ticket.
Want bigger gifts? Make five stockings instead with the mini sweater ornament or the Christmas stocking pattern.
Common questions
How long does it take to crochet an advent calendar?
About 6–7 hours: 15 minutes per pocket, plus an hour for numbers and assembly. Two pockets a day for 12 days is a relaxed pace.
How much yarn does a crochet advent calendar use?
About 12 yards per pocket, so roughly 300 yards in total for 24 pockets.
Can the pockets hold chocolate without stretching?
Yes, if you use cotton and keep your single crochet tight. Acrylic stretches more; size down the hook if you use it.
What goes in pocket number 24 at your house? 🎄
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