For six weeks every year, we get to enjoy the kids at our Classical Conversations co-op learn music theory through the tin whistle. Enjoy. The word might be a little misleading. It’s not fun to hear a room of 4-year-olds blow as hard as they can into a metal tube. It is very hard for it to sound nice. Of course, by the time they’ve reached sixth grade, the music begins to be melodious.

It is fun to watch the kids learn something they really enjoy. And what’s more fun than a tin whistle?

For the rest of us, I introduce you to the Tin Whistle Sleeping Bag. I’ve seen many iterations of this over the years, but never in crochet. The sleeping bag has a few advantages. (1) It keeps the whistle clean. (2) It kind of protects the whistle. (3) When the whistle is sleeping, it would be rude to wake it up. While in the classroom and not during playing time, the whistle gets to take a nice long nap.

Tin Whistle Sleeping Bag

Yarn: I used Loops & Threads Joy DK in Peach Frost.This is a DK weight. Any weight yarn could be used with slight modifications.*

Hook: H-hook

Gauge: 12 stitches and 10 rows = 2″ square

Stitches: This entire pattern is made using only single crochet (sc) and chains (ch).

Extras: You will need a button, thread, and needle to sew it on.

Row 1: Ch 12. Sc in each ch across ending with three sc in last st. Continue to sc in the bottom bumps of the row ending with 2 sc in the same stitch as beginning sc. Do NOT join.

Rows 2-??: Sc in next sc and continue around.

As you work, you will start to form a sleeve.

Continue sc around until the work reaches 11.5 inches long.

Flap:

Row 1: Stop crocheting at the end of the row when the sleeve is lying flat. Ch 1, turn. SC in next 10 st.

Rows 2-5: Ch 1, turn. Sc in next 10 st.

Row 6: Ch 1, turn. Sc2Together over first two stitches. Sc in next 6 st. Sc2Together over last two st.

Row 7: Ch 1, turn, sc in next 8 st.

Row 8: Ch 1, turn, Sc2Together over first two stitches. Sc in next 4 st. SC2Together over last two st.

Row 9: Ch 1, turn. Sc in first 2 st. Ch 2, Sk 2 st. Sc in last 2 st. (This is your button hole).

Row 10: Ch 1, turn. Sc2Together over first two stitches. 2 sc in ch 2 space. Sc2Together over last two st.

Row 11: Ch 1, turn. Sc in 4 st. Fasten off. Weave in ends.

Fold over and place button. Sew button on.

You can now put your tin whistle to sleep in it’s very own sleeping bag.

*To make the sleeping bag with a different weight yarn, Chain to 2 inches then continue pattern as written. You may need to adjust the flap.