DIY Knitted Artist Trading Card Pockets — Easy Patterns to Protect & Display Your ATCs

Knitted artist trading card (ATC) pockets are a charming, functional way to store, protect and display your miniature artworks. These simple, quick knit pockets give your cards a handmade touch and can be personalised with yarn color, texture and embellishments. Below are two easy pocket designs, materials, measurements and finishing tips to help you make a neat pocket for a standard ATC.

Example knitted artist trading card pocket (approx 9 x 8 cm) with simple front embellishment.

Materials:

• Oddments of dk yarn
• 4 mm needles
• Embellishments (buttons, beads, embroidery, etc.)

Finished measure: approx 9 x 8 cm (adjust yarn/needle size to change size)

Design 1

Cast on 18 stitches

Knit 1 row

Row 1: knit 2, knit 1 purl 1 to last 2 stitches, knit 2

Row 2: knit

Repeat these 2 rows for 18 cms

Knit 1 row.

Cast off

Sew side seams

Decorate the front with embellishments

Design 2 (Garter Stitch)

Follow instructions above but work in garter stitch (every row knit)

Sew left seam, on right side fold corner down and sew remainder of seam

Embellish front

Finishing & Tips

• Seams: Use a matching yarn and mattress stitch or whipstitch for a neat finish. For a softer inside, use a small running stitch to avoid bulk.
• Adjusting size: To make a larger or smaller pocket, change the number of cast-on stitches evenly and knit to your desired length. Gauge swatches help predict final size.
• Blocking: Lightly block pieces before seaming if using natural fibres to even out stitches.
• Embellishments: Sew buttons, beads or small appliqués to personalise each pocket. If adding heavy embellishments, reinforce the attachment to avoid pulling.
• Variations: Try stripes by changing yarn every few rows, or use textured stitches (seed stitch, ribbing) for different looks.

These pockets are quick to knit and make attractive, protective homes for your ATCs — perfect for gifting, swapping or storing your miniature artworks.