Free Knitting Pattern: The Nova Tarot Deck Pouch
Originally published on yarnbean.com in January 2022.
The Nova Tarot Pouch is a free tarot pouch knitting pattern that features a pocket and I-cord rope to secure the pocket.
An ad-free, PDF version of this pattern is available for a small fee – click here to purchase the Nova Tarot Pouch Knitting Pattern PDF.
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Introducing the Nova Tarot Pouch! Last fall, I released the Selenic Tarot Pouch Crochet Pattern and it quickly became one of my most popular patterns. I knew that I had to create a tarot pouch knitting pattern that was just as magical and unique!
The Nova Tarot Pouch is an easy, beginner friendly knitting pattern that uses foundational knitting skills. This pattern is worked back and forth in straight rows. This pattern uses the knot stitch, which is a combination of knit and purl stitches. I have a photo tutorial of this stitch available (see below).
This pattern is written for DK/weight 3 yarn. For these photos, I used approximately 1/2 skein of Fiber Hound’s Mama Mia-inspired Super Trooper yarn! I personally think that the clusters in this tarot pouch knitting pattern look fabulous using variegated or speckled yarn. I’ve collected a list of some of my favorite speckled and variegated yarns from some incredible indie dyers on Etsy – you can shop the list at this link here.
The finished product of this pattern features an envelope-style pouch with a 5 inch deep pocket for deck storage, with a 34 inch long I-cord rope to secure the pocket. The finished tarot pouch measures approximately 11 inches.
While this knitting pattern is designed to store tarot decks, it can also be used for other decks or treasures. I use mine to store my Gabby Bernstein Super Attractor deck. I use this deck regularly in my manifestation practices and really love picking a card from the deck to read each morning.
Pattern Features
step by step instructions, with photos
worked back and forth in straight rows
Uses DK/Weight 3 yarn
Uses the knot stitch – photo tutorial available to view here
Uses the I-cord technique – video tutorial available here
Blocking recommended
Basic sewing skills required
Supplies Needed for the Nova Tarot Pouch Knitting Pattern
While the Nova Tarot Pouch pattern can be adjusted to work to use any yarn/needle size, I have linked some of my most favorite products in the list below. Having quality materials enhances my knitting and crocheting experience and I know that you’ll love these products, too!
140 yards of DK/Weight 3 yarn (shop a collection of my favorite variegated & speckled yarns on Etsy here!)
4.5 mm straight or circular knitting needles
scissors & blunt yarn needle – if you don’t have a set of metal yarn needles, you NEED this inexpensive set)
4.5 mm double pointed needles (I highly recommend these Bamboo DPNs)
Terminology and Abbreviations
K – knit
P – purl
Instructions
Knit your piece
The knot stitch is worked in multiples of 6 stitches + 5. If you would like to make your tarot pouch wider or thinner, just make sure to use a multiple of 6 + 5 stitches!
To make a knot: purl 3 together, leaving the 3 stitches on the left needle. Knit the same 3 stitches together, again leaving them on the left needle. Purl those same 3 stitches together. Drop those 3 stitches from your left needle.
If you would like step-by-step photo instructions for how to knit the knot stitch, check out my tutorial here: How to Knit the Knot Stitch Tutorial by Yarn Bean.
Using your favorite cast on method, cast on 41 stitches on your 4.5mm straight or circular needles.
Row 1: knit
Row 2: purl
Row 3: k1, *make a knot, k3* repeat from * to * until the last 4 stitches. Make a knot, k1.
Row 4: Purl
Row 5: Knit
Row 6: Purl
Row 7: k4, *make a knot, k3* repeat from * to * until the last stitch. K1.
Row 8: Purl
Repeat rows 1-8 until your piece measures approximately 14 inches, or longer if desired. If you decide to block your piece, this will help elongate it.
Once your piece is at the desired length, cast off. Using your blunt yarn needle, weave in your ends.
I strongly recommend blocking your piece prior to making your pocket. Your edges won’t curl as much and it will give your tarot pouch a much cleaner look!
Make your pocket
With the right side (stockinette side) of your work facing up, take one end of your piece and fold it up approximately 5 inches to create the pocket.
Sew both ends of the pocket closed and weave in your ends.
Flip your pocket inside-out so that the right side is facing outward.
Knit your I-cord
The I-cord is made by knitting a small set of stitches on double-pointed needles (DPNs) without turning your work. Instead of turning your work, you slide the stitches you just worked to the other end of the needle. This creates a rope-like cord! The I-cord seems more intimidating than it actually is. Here is a video tutorial to help you understand how to knit the I-cord.
Using your double-pointed needles and your preferred cast on method, cast on 3 stitches. Knit your I-cord until it measures approximately 34 inches (you can make yours longer or shorter if you desire). Once your I-cord is at your desired length, cast off and weave in your ends.
You do not have permission to sell, share, copy, or duplicate this pattern or my photos in any way. Do not use this pattern for a video, blog, or class tutorial. You may sell finished products made from this pattern, but please credit Yarn Bean as the pattern writer under all circumstances. I love seeing what others make from my patterns, so please feel free to tag me on social media! Thank you for following these rules.
Make sure to save this pattern to Pinterest to save it for later!
