13 Free Crochet Patterns for Toilet Roll Covers
There is something quietly delightful about a beautifully crocheted toilet roll cover sitting on the back of a bathroom shelf. It is one of those small, handmade touches that transforms a purely functional space into something that feels personal, warm, and thoughtfully decorated. If you have been searching for free crochet patterns for toilet roll covers, you are in exactly the right place. Whether you are a complete beginner picking up a hook for the first time or an experienced crocheter looking for a quick and satisfying project, this collection has something for everyone.
Toilet roll covers were enormously popular in the mid-twentieth century, and they have made a wonderful comeback in recent years as part of the broader resurgence of slow crafting and home décor made by hand. They are small enough to finish in a single afternoon, require minimal yarn, and make fantastic gifts. They are also the perfect project for using up leftover yarn from larger projects. Below, you will find thirteen free crochet patterns for toilet roll covers, along with tips, technique explanations, and ideas for customizing each one to suit your bathroom’s style.
Why Crochet a Toilet Roll Cover?
Before diving into the patterns, it is worth pausing to appreciate just how practical and charming these little projects are. A crocheted toilet roll cover keeps spare rolls neatly organized and dust-free on open shelves. In bathrooms where storage is limited and a few rolls sit in plain view, a cover instantly elevates the look of the space. They can be styled to match towels, wall colors, or seasonal themes, and because they are small, they are easy to swap out whenever you feel like refreshing your bathroom décor.
From a craft perspective, toilet roll covers are ideal skill-builders. Many patterns introduce techniques like working in the round, increasing and decreasing to create three-dimensional shapes, adding decorative details like picot edging or surface embroidery, and attaching embellishments like buttons, bows, or crocheted flowers. Because the stakes are low and the project is small, you can experiment freely without committing hours of work to something that might not turn out the way you hoped.
And of course, they make beautiful, thoughtful gifts. A handmade toilet roll cover placed on top of a wrapped gift set, or tucked inside a basket with a few other bathroom goodies, shows real care and creativity.
What You Will Need
For most of the patterns listed below, you will need a relatively small amount of yarn — usually less than 50 grams, and often much less. The most popular yarn weights for toilet roll covers are worsted weight and DK weight, though bulky yarn can work wonderfully for a chunky, textured look. Cotton yarn is an excellent choice for bathroom items because it is easy to wipe clean and holds up well in humid environments. Acrylic yarn is equally popular because it comes in an enormous range of colors and is machine washable.
In terms of hooks, most worsted weight patterns call for a 5mm hook and DK patterns typically use a 4mm hook, though always check the individual pattern for its specific recommendation. A yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and a tape measure round out your basic toolkit. Some patterns also call for stitch markers, decorative buttons, ribbons, or a small amount of contrasting yarn for color details.
The 13 Free Crochet Patterns
1. Classic Granny Square Toilet Roll Cover
If you already know how to make a granny square, this pattern puts that beloved skill to immediate use. The cover is constructed by crocheting a flat granny square base and then working upward in rounds to create the cylindrical sides. It fits snugly over a standard toilet roll and can be made in a single color for a minimalist look or in a riot of bright shades for something more festive. This is an ideal beginner pattern because granny square construction is forgiving, widely documented, and incredibly satisfying to work up. Look for this pattern on Ravelry or creative crochet blogs, where it is typically listed under terms like “granny square toilet paper cover free pattern.” Many bloggers offer both US and UK crochet terminology versions.
2. Simple Striped Cylinder Cover
This clean, modern pattern is exactly what it sounds like — a cylinder worked in simple single or double crochet with color changes at regular intervals to create bold horizontal stripes. It is perhaps the most beginner-friendly pattern of the bunch, requiring only a chain stitch, single crochet, and the ability to join yarn in a new color. The result is neat, contemporary, and endlessly customizable. Use two colors from your stash that match your bathroom towels, or go bold with three or four contrasting shades. The beauty of this pattern is its simplicity, and you can find countless free versions available on platforms like Ravelry, Pinterest, and dedicated crochet blogs.
3. Lacy Shell Stitch Cover
For those who love a more decorative, vintage-inspired look, the shell stitch toilet roll cover is an absolute treasure. Shell stitches create a fan-like pattern of double crochets that gives the finished cover an elegant, almost delicate appearance. This pattern works particularly well in white or cream cotton yarn, creating something that looks like fine lacework. It is a step up in difficulty from the striped cylinder because it requires counting carefully and understanding how shell stitch clusters work, but it is still very approachable for confident beginners. The open, airy structure of the shell stitch also means this pattern works up quickly and uses very little yarn.
4. Bobble Stitch Texture Cover
Bobble stitches add a satisfying, three-dimensional texture to any crochet project, and a toilet roll cover is no exception. In this pattern, bobbles are arranged in evenly spaced rows or columns around the cylinder, creating a bumpy, tactile surface that feels as good as it looks. This is a great pattern for intermediate crocheters who are comfortable with basic stitches and ready to try something with a bit more complexity. The bobbles are worked in the body of the fabric rather than applied afterward, so the construction is all-in-one and very satisfying. Rust, mustard, and forest green are particularly beautiful color choices for this style, lending a cozy, autumnal feel to the finished piece.
5. Woodland Animal Cover (Hedgehog or Owl)
This is where crochet toilet roll covers become truly charming. Woodland animal designs — particularly hedgehogs and owls — are among the most popular styles online, and for good reason. The toilet roll itself forms the body of the creature, and the crocheted cover adds a head, face, and sometimes small limbs or wings. These patterns are excellent for intermediate crocheters and are irresistible in children’s bathrooms or as gifts. Free versions of hedgehog and owl toilet roll cover patterns can be found on sites like Ravelry, Craft Passion, and various personal crochet blogs. They are typically worked in brown or grey yarn with small amounts of contrasting color for facial features and embellishments.
6. Farmhouse-Style Rustic Cover
The farmhouse aesthetic has swept through home décor, and crochet has followed suit. This pattern uses a combination of single crochet and moss stitch (also called granite stitch or linen stitch) to create a textured, slightly rustic fabric in natural, neutral tones. Cream, oatmeal, and warm grey yarn choices complement this look perfectly. The pattern often includes a simple twisted rope handle or a small crocheted button closure at the top, adding a practical and decorative touch. This style pairs beautifully with wooden bathroom accessories, wicker baskets, and natural soap bars for a cohesive, organic bathroom look.
7. Colorful Market Stitch Striped Cover
The market stitch, sometimes called the planned pooling stitch or the interlocking crochet stitch depending on how it is worked, creates a visually striking diagonal or checkered pattern. When worked in two contrasting colors, it produces a graphic, eye-catching effect that looks far more complex than it actually is. This free pattern is available on several crochet blogs and YouTube channels, and once you understand the basic mechanics of the stitch, it works up remarkably quickly. Bold color combinations — think navy and white, red and cream, or black and mustard — look particularly striking in this design.
8. Pineapple Crochet Cover
The pineapple motif is one of the most iconic designs in traditional crochet, and it translates beautifully onto a toilet roll cover. The pineapple pattern requires a good understanding of yarn overs and chain spaces, placing it firmly in the intermediate-to-advanced category, but the result is genuinely breathtaking — an intricate, lacy design that looks like it belongs in a museum of textile art. White or ecru cotton thread is the traditional choice, and the finished piece has an heirloom quality that makes it a meaningful gift. Several free pineapple crochet toilet paper cover patterns are available on Ravelry, where they are searchable by motif type.
9. Cactus Character Cover
Quirky and modern, the cactus toilet roll cover has become a social media darling for good reason. The body of the cover is worked in a bright grass green, and small crocheted arms are added to the sides to suggest a classic saguaro cactus shape. A small crocheted flower at the top adds the perfect finishing touch. This pattern is fun, quick, and perfectly suited to bathrooms with a botanical or desert theme. It is also a perennial hit as a gift for anyone who loves plants or succulents. Free versions of this pattern are widely available on Pinterest, Etsy (in freebie listings), and independent crochet blogs.
10. Rainbow Tapestry Crochet Cover
Tapestry crochet involves carrying two or more colors of yarn simultaneously and working over the unused color to keep it hidden within the stitches. The result is a fabric with colorwork designs built right into the structure — no surface embroidery or appliqué required. A rainbow stripe tapestry cover worked in vivid ROYGBIV colors is joyful, inclusive, and endlessly cheerful. More advanced tapestry patterns incorporate geometric designs, hearts, or even lettering into the surface. This technique is best suited to intermediate and advanced crocheters, but the results are so rewarding that many beginners use small projects like this to learn tapestry crochet for the first time.
11. Simple Ribbed Cover with Button Detail
Ribbing in crochet is achieved by working in the back loop only of each stitch, which creates a stretchy, textured fabric that closely resembles knitted ribbing. A ribbed toilet roll cover fits snugly and attractively around a standard roll, and the addition of one or two decorative buttons gives it a polished, finished appearance without requiring advanced embellishment skills. This is a great pattern for beginners and intermediate crocheters alike, and it works up especially well in a slightly bulkier yarn for extra coziness. The ribbed texture also makes this cover particularly satisfying to hold.
12. Vintage Doll-Dressed Cover
This is perhaps the most nostalgic design in the collection. The vintage doll toilet roll cover places a crocheted doll torso on top of the toilet roll, using the roll itself as the body beneath a crocheted skirt that flows down over the paper. It is a throwback to mid-century bathroom décor and has a wonderful kitsch charm that is very much back in style. This pattern is more complex than most on this list, requiring the construction of a small amigurumi-style doll head, arms, and torso, but detailed free versions exist on vintage craft websites, Ravelry, and YouTube. It makes an unforgettable gift for anyone who loves retro home décor.
13. Snowflake Winter Cover
A seasonal toilet roll cover might seem like an unnecessary extravagance, but once you have made one, it is impossible to resist swapping out your bathroom accessories with the seasons. This winter cover features a simple snowflake motif worked in surface slip stitch or tapestry crochet onto a white or icy blue background. It takes very little yarn and very little time, making it an ideal last-minute project for the holiday season. A set of four or five worked in a range of wintery shades — silver, white, powder blue, and deep navy — makes an absolutely lovely gift wrapped together with a ribbon.
Tips for Customizing Your Toilet Roll Covers
One of the greatest joys of crochet is that no two finished pieces need to be exactly alike, even when made from the same pattern. Here are a few ideas for making each of the patterns above entirely your own.
Color is the most immediate and powerful customization tool. Do not feel constrained by the colors shown in pattern photos. A hedgehog worked in lavender and cream is just as charming as one in traditional brown, and a shell stitch cover in deep teal can look dramatically different from the same pattern worked in pale pink.
Yarn texture also plays a significant role in the final look of a piece. The same pattern worked in smooth mercerized cotton versus fluffy mohair blend versus rustic tweed wool produces three completely different aesthetics. If you have interesting textured yarn in your stash, a simple pattern like the striped cylinder or the ribbed cover is an ideal canvas for letting the yarn itself shine.
Embellishments transform even the simplest patterns into something special. Crocheted flowers, ribbon threaded through the top row of stitches, small pearl buttons, or even a length of velvet ribbon tied in a bow at the top all add personality and charm without requiring any additional pattern knowledge.
Finally, do not be afraid to resize patterns. A toilet roll cover worked in a slightly larger hook and bulkier yarn can accommodate a double roll, while a smaller hook and finer yarn can create a cover for a travel-sized roll to keep in a handbag or overnight bag.
Where to Find These Free Patterns
Most of the patterns described above can be found with a straightforward search on Ravelry, which remains the largest online database of free and paid crochet patterns. Pinterest is an excellent visual search tool for discovering patterns on individual blogs and websites. YouTube is invaluable for any technique that feels unclear in written form — searching for the specific stitch name alongside the word “tutorial” almost always turns up a helpful video. Independent crochet blogs, particularly those with long archives, often have beautifully photographed, well-written free patterns that do not always surface in mainstream searches.
When searching, useful terms to combine include “free crochet toilet roll cover pattern,” “toilet paper cover crochet free,” “crochet loo roll cover pattern,” and the names of specific stitches or styles you are interested in, such as “shell stitch crochet toilet cover” or “amigurumi toilet paper cover.”
A Final Word
Crocheted toilet roll covers are small, but they carry a lot of heart. They are made from scraps of yarn and hours of quiet, focused creativity. They sit in the most private corner of a home and still manage to make people smile. Whether you are making one for yourself, for a friend, for a craft fair, or simply because you have half a skein of beautiful yarn and an afternoon to spare, any of these thirteen free patterns will reward you with something genuinely lovely.
Start with a pattern that matches your current skill level, and do not be afraid to try something a little more challenging once you have got the shape under your belt. The toilet roll cover is one of those perfectly sized projects that teaches you more than you expect while asking very little of your time and materials. Pick up your hook, choose your favorite yarn, and enjoy every stitch.
