6 Crochet Hanging Toilet Roll Holder Free Patterns
There is something quietly satisfying about a bathroom that feels intentional. Not necessarily expensive or magazine-perfect, but thoughtful — the kind of space where every small detail has been considered. A crochet hanging toilet roll holder is exactly that kind of detail. It is humble in function, storing a spare roll of toilet paper where you need it most, but it carries the warmth and personality of something made by hand. If you have been looking for a project that is quick to finish, genuinely useful, and makes a real difference in how a room looks and feels, this is it.
In this post, we are exploring six free crochet hanging toilet roll holder patterns, each one distinct in style, skill level, and aesthetic. Whether you are a beginner picking up a hook for the first time or an experienced crocheter looking for your next weekend project, there is something here for you. We will also cover everything you need to know before you start: yarn choices, hook sizes, the best stitches for this kind of project, and tips for finishing your holder so it looks polished and lasts for years.
Why Crochet a Toilet Roll Holder?
Before we dive into the patterns, it is worth taking a moment to talk about why this particular project has become so popular in the handmade community. Toilet roll holders might seem like a strange thing to crochet, but once you think about it, the appeal makes complete sense.
First, they are practical. In any bathroom, having a spare roll within arm’s reach is not a luxury — it is a necessity. A crochet hanging holder solves this problem beautifully. It hangs from a hook on the wall or from a towel rail, keeps the spare roll off the counter, and adds a decorative touch at the same time.
Second, they are fast to make. Most hanging toilet roll holders use between 50 and 150 yards of yarn and can be completed in a single sitting. That makes them perfect for using up scrap yarn, making last-minute gifts, or simply satisfying that urge to crochet something when you do not have time for a larger project.
Third, they photograph beautifully. There is a reason these little holders appear constantly on Pinterest and Instagram. A simple boho-style holder in natural cotton, hanging against painted wood or tile, looks effortlessly stylish. They have become a staple of the handmade home aesthetic.
Finally, they make excellent gifts. Everyone uses toilet paper. Everyone has a bathroom. A handmade holder, especially paired with a pretty roll of paper or a small plant cutting tucked inside, is the kind of thoughtful, personal gift that people genuinely appreciate.
What You Need Before You Start
Yarn
The best yarn for a crochet hanging toilet roll holder is cotton or a cotton blend. Cotton is smooth, durable, and washes well — all important qualities for something living in a bathroom where humidity is a constant. It also holds its shape well, which matters for a holder that needs to support the weight of a full roll of toilet paper.
Look for worsted weight or bulky cotton for a sturdier holder, or go with DK weight if you want something with a more delicate, open look. Natural cotton in cream or off-white is the most popular choice because it fits almost any bathroom color scheme, but do not be afraid of color. A deep terracotta, sage green, or dusty blue can look stunning against white tiles.
Macramé cord is another option worth mentioning. It gives a slightly more structured finish and leans into the boho aesthetic that works so well for this type of project.
Hook Size
Match your hook to your yarn. For worsted weight cotton, a 5mm hook is a good starting point. For DK weight, try a 4mm or 4.5mm hook. If you want a looser, more open texture with visible gaps in the stitching, go up a hook size from what the yarn label recommends. If you want a denser fabric that holds its shape firmly, go down a size.
Other Supplies
You will need a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and something to hang the holder from. Many patterns include a crocheted chain or a length of cord for hanging, but you can also use leather cord, jute twine, or ribbon for a different look. A simple adhesive hook or a small wall hook is all you need on the wall side.
Stitch markers are helpful, especially if you are working in the round without a clear seam to track your rows.
The 6 Free Patterns
Pattern 1: The Simple Basket Holder
This is the pattern to start with if you are new to crochet or if you want something you can make in under two hours. The design is a straightforward cylinder worked in the round using single crochet stitches. It is clean, classic, and versatile.
To make this holder, you begin by crocheting a flat circle for the base using the magic ring method. Once your base is the right diameter to fit a toilet roll — usually around 10 to 11 centimeters — you start working up the sides without increasing, which creates the straight walls of the basket. The height of the sides is typically around 12 to 14 centimeters, just enough to hold the roll securely without making it difficult to pull out.
The hanging strap is a simple crocheted chain, attached at two points on the rim of the basket and knotted at the top to create a loop. The whole pattern uses single crochet throughout and requires no special stitches. If you know how to make a magic ring, single crochet, and chain, you can make this holder.
Yarn: Worsted weight cotton, approximately 80 yards
Hook: 5mm
Skill Level: Beginner
Search for “simple crochet toilet roll holder basket free pattern” to find multiple free versions of this design on platforms like Ravelry, Yarn Over Club, and various crochet blogs.
Pattern 2: The Boho Macramé-Style Holder
This pattern takes the crochet hanging holder into boho territory, incorporating open lacework sections that mimic the look of macramé knotwork. The result is airy and decorative, with a texture that catches the light beautifully.
The key stitch here is the chain space mesh, where you alternate single or double crochets with chains to create open diamond or grid patterns in the fabric. The base is solid crochet for structure, but the sides open up into the lacy mesh, giving the holder a lighter feel that works especially well with natural or neutral-toned yarn.
A long hanging cord, either crocheted or made from jute twine, extends from the top and can be hung from a hook above the toilet or on the back of a door. Some versions of this pattern include small fringe or tassels at the bottom of the holder for an extra boho touch.
Yarn: DK weight natural cotton or macramé cord, approximately 100 yards
Hook: 4.5mm
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Look for “boho crochet toilet paper holder free pattern” or “macramé style crochet holder” to find free versions of this design.
Pattern 3: The Textured Waffle Stitch Holder
If you are comfortable with crochet basics and want to level up your technique, a waffle stitch holder is a wonderful project. The waffle stitch creates a deeply textured, grid-like pattern that looks far more complex than it actually is. It photographs spectacularly and gives the holder a satisfying, substantial feel in the hand.
The stitch itself combines double crochets and front post double crochets worked in a specific sequence to build up that characteristic raised grid. Once you get the rhythm of it, the pattern is quite meditative. The holder is worked in rows rather than in the round, then seamed up the side, which makes it a slightly different construction from the other patterns here.
This design benefits particularly from a high-contrast or richly saturated color. A deep charcoal, a warm rust, or a classic navy in a smooth cotton shows off the waffle texture beautifully.
Yarn: Worsted weight cotton, approximately 120 yards
Hook: 5mm
Skill Level: Intermediate
Search for “waffle stitch crochet toilet roll holder free pattern” on Ravelry or dedicated crochet pattern blogs.
Pattern 4: The Plant Pot Double Holder
This clever design holds two rolls of toilet paper stacked vertically, making it ideal for bathrooms that see a lot of use. The construction mimics the shape of a tall plant pot, wider at the top and slightly tapered at the base, which keeps both rolls stable.
What makes this pattern particularly interesting is that it often doubles as a small plant holder — you can tuck a trailing plant like a pothos or a string of pearls into the top alongside the toilet roll for a quirky, functional decoration. The pattern uses basic stitches but incorporates increases and decreases to achieve the tapered shape, which makes it a useful skill-building project.
The hanging mechanism on this design is usually a longer, adjustable cord so the holder can be positioned at the right height to be easily accessible.
Yarn: Bulky weight cotton or chunky yarn, approximately 150 yards
Hook: 6mm
Skill Level: Intermediate
Search for “double crochet toilet roll holder free pattern” or “tall hanging toilet paper holder crochet.”
Pattern 5: The Bear or Animal Face Holder
For a bathroom with a more playful personality — or for a children’s bathroom — an animal face toilet roll holder is an absolutely charming option. The most popular version features a bear face on the front of the holder, with small crocheted ears attached to the rim, but you will also find fox, cat, bunny, and even koala versions available as free patterns.
The base construction is similar to the simple basket holder, but with embroidered or crocheted facial features added afterward: eyes, a nose, a mouth. The ears are small crocheted pieces sewn onto the sides. The result is something that makes people smile every time they see it, and children in particular adore them.
This is a great pattern for using up small amounts of scrap yarn in multiple colors. The body of the holder might be in brown or grey, with cream for the inner ears and black or dark brown for the facial features.
Yarn: Worsted weight cotton or acrylic in 2 to 3 colors, approximately 100 yards total
Hook: 5mm
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate (the construction is simple; adding features requires basic sewing or surface crochet)
Search for “crochet bear toilet roll holder free pattern” or “animal crochet toilet paper holder.”
Pattern 6: The Hanging Net or Pocket Holder
The final pattern in our collection takes a completely different structural approach. Instead of a closed-bottom basket, this design is essentially a crocheted net or open pocket that cradles the toilet roll from beneath while leaving it largely visible. The effect is delicate and minimalist — the roll almost appears to float in a web of yarn.
This design is typically worked using a combination of chains and slip stitches or half double crochets to create a loose mesh. The stitches are spaced widely enough that you can see the roll through the netting, which gives it a very different visual quality from the basket-style holders. It tends to work best with a statement yarn — something with an interesting texture or color, since the structure of the holder draws attention to the yarn itself.
The hanging cord on this design is usually a single long piece threaded through the top of the net, tied off, and looped for hanging.
Yarn: DK or sport weight cotton, approximately 60 to 80 yards
Hook: 4mm
Skill Level: Beginner
Search for “crochet net toilet roll holder free pattern” or “hanging mesh toilet paper holder crochet.”
Tips for Finishing Your Holder
A well-finished holder is the difference between something that looks handmade in the best sense and something that looks unfinished. Here are a few things worth doing before you hang yours up.
Weave in your ends thoroughly. Because bathroom holders are in a humid environment and will occasionally be handled, loose ends can work themselves free over time. Weave each end in at least two directions and trim close.
Block your holder if the shape needs it. Cotton responds very well to wet blocking. Soak the finished piece in cool water, gently squeeze out the excess, and then shape it around a suitable object — a jar, a can, even the toilet roll itself — to dry. This evens out the stitches and gives the holder a much more professional appearance.
Treat the hanging cord carefully. If you are using a crocheted chain for hanging, reinforce the attachment points with a few extra stitches or a small knot to prevent the chain from pulling away from the body of the holder under the weight of the roll.
Consider adding a stiffener if you want the holder to keep a very crisp shape. A light misting of spray starch, allowed to dry completely, can help a softer cotton yarn hold its form better in humid conditions.
Caring for Your Crochet Holder
Cotton crochet holders are easy to care for. Most can be machine washed on a gentle cycle in cool water, then reshaped and air-dried. Avoid tumble drying cotton crochet, as the heat can cause shrinkage and distortion. If your holder has any embellishments — buttons, beads, fringe — check these before washing to make sure they are secure and colorfast.
With good care, a well-made crochet hanging toilet roll holder will last for years. Many crocheters find themselves making several — one for every bathroom in the house, a few to give as gifts, and then a few more in new colors when a pattern variation catches their eye.
A Final Thought
There is a particular kind of joy in making something small and useful with your hands. A crochet hanging toilet roll holder will never be the centerpiece of a room, but it will be noticed — by guests who pause to admire it, by the people you give it to, by yourself every time you reach for it. That quiet, daily presence of handmade things in a living space is one of the things that makes a house feel like a home.
All six of the patterns described here are available for free online. Take your time browsing, pick the one that speaks to your style and skill level, and enjoy the making. And when you are done, you might just find yourself reaching for more yarn to make a second.
