A couple of weeks ago I shared a new applique in my VIP group on Facebook and said it would be perfect for seniors. In a domino effect, it triggered a thought in some of my members for another project idea!
A few of them work in nursing homes and assisted living homes and asked if I would design a pattern for walkers for some of their clients/patients. I love a good challenge, so I said "sure!" This is the result of that request!
I had to do a little research first, since I had never heard of these before. I headed over to Google and Amazon to find out more about these walker pockets and learn more about their sizes, dimensions, and uses.
After seeing a few, I knew I could probably make it simple with just the basic single crochet stitch, but I wanted to make something that looked classy. I wanted it to have a "fashion" feel to it that would make seniors feel good.
The lemon peel stitch and the camel stitch combo proved to give me that "store-bought fashion" look I was going for and that I knew seniors would love. I am pleased with how nice it looks!
Note: This post contains affiliate links in which I may earn a small commission for clicks and/or purchases at no extra cost to you. This helps me provide the blog, website, and pattern free to you. Without your support I could not provide these services and products. My family and I thank you!
I made sure to make it in a way that allows you to add an applique and/or letters to personalize it for that special someone in your life. This will make a lovely gift this winter for seniors and will definitely be a great donation item, especially if you are looking for something different from the traditional blankets, hats, and scarves.
I had several testers for this pattern who already had a walker or a spouse with one -- here are their results!
Margie Leverette used a beautiful ombre yarn for hers and it came out wonderfully. She makes these to order as well, so if you do not have time to make one, you can find her in my VIP group to place an order.
Tina N. said her husband had been tying grocery bags on his walker to carry his things around and was so excited to give him an upgrade using this pattern. She said that her husband loves it and is super grateful!
I love her colors but that is probably because they are the same colors as the Alabama Crimson Tide Football team ha ha!
The great thing about this pattern is that it is super easy to custom make for all different types of walkers. The pieces are made separately so that you can easily adjust the height and length to fit the particular style of walker for which you are making it.
I will be honest with you. I did not own a walker but I bought one from a thrift store just to make this pattern ha ha! I am going to be donating it but I will share this little tidbit. When I took it off the walker, my kids snatched it, attached it to the back of our kitchen chair and put their homeschool supplies in it. Needless to say, I am going to have to make another one ha ha!
But at least you can see how versatile it is! Someone even recommended making longer straps so that it could also attach to a wheelchair. This pattern gives you plenty of room to do just that.
Several other people mentioned they will also use this as something they can lay over the edge of a recliner or couch to hold their crochet hooks and yarn in. There are so many possibilities with this pattern!
I think you are going to love it, and I am really excited about getting to see a lot of these made as Christmas presents this year and for years to come!
So, let's dive into the depths of this pattern. Here is everything you will need to make this super useful project.
“Walker Pocket”
Crochet Pattern
Materials:
Worsted Weight 4 yarn - 285 yds - 350 yds
Hook - H or 5mm
Needle
Scissors
Hot Glue - optional for extra security if you prefer to glue straps and buttons as opposed to sewing them on
Buttons 1 ¼ in; 6 or more if needed for your particular style walker *if using buttons to attach
Velcro - *optional if you do not want to use buttons
If you would like to make your walker pocket extra sturdy by adding some fabric backing and stronger straps, here are a few sturdy strap attachment recommendations from Amazon:
Stitches:
Ch - chain
Sc - single crochet
Dc - double crochet
Sk - skip a stitch
Sp - space
Hdc - half double crochet
CSFS - Camel Stitch Front Side
St/Sts - Stitch/Stiches
#st - complete # number of sts in same space
St # - complete stitch in next # number of spaces
Special Stitches
Lemon Peel Stitch - The lemon peel stitch is a beautiful stitch that is made by alternating the single crochet and double crochet stitches on each row like in the example below. With the alternating heights of each stitch in each row it creates a subtle texture like you would find on the peel of a lemon!
Lemon Peel Instructions:
Begin: Ch multiples 2 + 1
Row 1: *Sc, dc*, repeat to end.
Row 2: Turn, *sc, dc*, repeat to end.
Note: The beginning stitch of the next row will always be opposite of the last stitch of the prior row.
Camel Stitch Front Side - for this pattern, work a half double crochet stitch into the 3rd loop on the front side of your work. You will not be using the traditional front or back loop at the top of your work. See next photo for assistance.
Pattern Info -
Size:
Approx. 15 inches wide and approx. 14 inches tall before being folded over top
Pockets are approx. 6 inches deep
This pattern will make a pocket for a walker to hold lightweight items, such as tissues, reading glasses, or a small book. In order for it to be stronger to hold heavier items, I would recommend sewing a piece of fabric to the back sides of each panel and the straps or try using two strands of yarn.
Because every walker is different you may need to make your straps longer or try a different method for attaching the pocket to the walker such as using tie strings that you could tie and knot when attaching. If you need your pocket wider/slimmer you can simply increase or decrease the beginning chain on the Main Panel and Pocket Panel sections. To make it taller/shorter you can increase or decrease the rows as needed on both the Main Panel and Pocket Panel sections as well.
This pattern is written in a way that you can easily customize your pocket to fit the particular walker you are making it for. Every piece is made separately so that you can customize it to meet your needs. For example, you may need more or less straps. Therefore they are made completely separate so that you can make as many as you would like and attach them where needed.
The walker pocket that I made fits a walker that is 19 inches wide. I folded over the top four inches of my walker pocket in order to fasten it. This leaves roughly 9 to 10 inches in the front. The pockets are approximately 6 inches deep.
Swatch/Gauge Info -
Foundation Ch: Multiples of 2+1
Swatch Size: Approx. 6in square
Approx: 4 st per inch
Begin: Ch 23
Row 1: Hdc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc next 21, ch 1. (22st)
Row 2: Turn, hdc 22, ch 1. (22st)
Row 3: Turn, CSFS 22, ch 1. (22st)
Row 4: Turn, hdc 22, ch 1. (22st)
Row 5 - 8: Turn, *sc, dc*, repeat *to* across, ch 2. (22st)
Row 9: Turn, hdc 22, ch 1. (22st)
Row 10 - 16: Repeat rows 2 - 8.
Skill Level / Language - Beginner/Intermediate. If you are unsure of any stitches, Youtube is a great resource! Written in American Standard Terms.
Thank you - I appreciate your support! It means so much to me! If you need anything, please reach out to me and I will be happy to help! You can find “Orchid & Bee’s” on Facebook! Also, be sure to join the VIP group for early access to patterns, give aways, crochet alongs, contests and more!
Pattern Instructions
Note: Beginning/Turning chs do not count as a stitch
Main Panel:
Begin: Ch 53
Row 1: Hdc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc next 51, ch 1. (52st)
Row 2: Turn, hdc 52, ch 1. (52st)
Row 3: Turn, CSFS 52, ch 1. (52st)
Row 4: Turn, hdc 52, ch 1. (52st)
Row 5 - 8: Turn, *sc, dc*, repeat *to* across, ch 2. (52st)
Row 9 & 10: Turn, hdc 52, ch 1. (52st)
Row 11: Turn, CSFS 52, ch 1. (52st)
Row 12: Turn, hdc 52, ch 1. (52st)
Row 13 - 16: Turn, *sc, dc*, repeat *to* across, ch 2. (52st)
Row 17 - 32 : Repeat rows 9 - 16 twice. (52st)
Row 33 - 36: Repeat rows 9 - 12. (52st)
Finish: Sc around all four sides to create the border, sl st to join, fasten off.
Pocket Panel:
Note: If you would like to make an extra set of pockets you can make a second one and add as many rows as you like to get the height you would like. Sew this panel between the back piece and the original pocket panel.
Begin: Ch 53
Row 1: Hdc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc next 51, ch 1. (52st)
Row 2: Turn, hdc 52, ch 1. (52st)
Row 3: Turn, CSFS 52, ch 1. (52st)
Row 4: Turn, hdc 52, ch 1. (52st)
Row 5 - 8: Turn, *sc, dc*, repeat *to* across, ch 2. (52st)
Row 9: Turn, hdc 52, ch 1. (52st)
Row 10 - 16: Repeat rows 2 - 8. *if you would like your pockets deeper you can add additional rows as desired before finishing
Finish: Sc around all four sides to create the border, sl st to join, fasten off.
Note: If you do not want to use straps and buttons or straps you can make long chains, fold them in half and attach the middle points to desired locations on walker pocket. Then you can simply tie and knot the strings. Alternatively you could make straps using velcro for easier assembly.
10inch Straps: Make 2 or more if needed/desired
Begin: Ch 37
Row 1: Hdc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc 35, ch 1. (36st)
Row 2: Turn, sc 28, ch 4, sk 4, sc 4, ch 1. (36st including ch 4)
Row 3: Turn, hdc 4, hdc 4 around ch 4, hdc 28, fasten off. (36st)
Note: If you would like your straps wider/thicker for more support you can add a sc or hdc row around the border, same applies for 3 inch straps below.
3inch Straps: Make 3 or more if needed/desired
Begin: Ch 11
Row 1: Hdc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc 9, ch 1. (10st)
Row 2: Turn, sc 3, ch 4, sk 4, sc 3, ch 1. (10st including ch 4)
Row 3: Turn, hdc 3, hdc 4 around ch 4, hdc 3, fasten off. (10st)
Final Assembly:
Begin:
Depending on how you made your walker pocket you may need to use your own method for assembling.
If you made your walker pocket following the instructions exactly then you can assemble yours in the same manner as I did:
First I sewed two of the 3 inch straps to the top back ends of the main panel. Then I sewed the third 3 inch strap to the center.
Next, I folded my walker pocket over the top bar of my walker and measured where I would need to attach my buttons.
After measuring, I found that 6.5 inches was where I needed to sew the three buttons.
Note: You can either sew your pocket panel on first and then sew the bottom straps on working through both panels, or you can sew them onto the back of the main panel and then sew your pocket over top of the straps.
I sewed my pocket on first by lining up the edges and sewing the outer edges together. I measured to the center of the pocket and did a single running stitch with yarn and needle down the middle.
Next I attached my 10 inch straps to the back of the two combined panels approx. 2.5 inches from the bottom.
Lastly I attached my walker pocket to the walker and buttoned the top three straps. I wrapped the 10 inch straps around the leg of the walker to the back of the pockets to find the best position for my buttons and found 2.5 inches from the bottom and 2 inches from the outer edge gave me the best tension. I made sure I did not sew the button through both panels by putting one hand inside the pocket so that I was only sewing through the back panel.
To finish, I attached my walker pocket to the walker and made adjustments as necessary. You can test it by putting items in it and then moving the buttons if needed to help the tension.
If additional support is wanted/needed you can make a few more straps and add them where needed.
For a final extra special touch feel free to add an applique or letters for it to have a personalized touch!
And just like that you are finished! Depending on the type of walker you have it will look a little something like this:
I hope you enjoyed making this pattern and I would absolutely love to hear your stories about who you have blessed with this project as well as see your photos. Feel free to comment on this post, on my Facebook page, or in my VIP group! You can also tag me on Instagram!
I just love seeing how projects come out all over the world! I am grateful for all those that visit Orchid and Bee's and enjoy my patterns. It definitely brings a lot of joy to me, and I hope that I am able to bless you in return as well.
Before I go, if you would like to join us this month (September 2021) for a special event where we are blessing a teacher or student with a special project, you are welcome to join us! For more details you can click here! There will be prizes for participants, so feel free to invite your crochet friends and buddies to join as well!
Well crochet friends, that is all I have for now. I look forward to seeing you next week for another great pattern! Do not forget to subscribe to Orchid and Bee's so that you never miss out on a free pattern or special announcements. Have a great day!
Blessings,
Karen E.
Orchid and Bee's