Crochet Pattern for Toilet Paper Holder: A Charming and Practical DIY Project

There is something deeply satisfying about turning a simple ball of yarn into something that lives in your home every single day. A crocheted toilet paper holder is exactly that kind of project — humble enough to be a beginner’s weekend win, charming enough to make your bathroom feel intentional and cozy, and practical enough that every member of your household will interact with it daily without even thinking about it. This pattern from CraftsForLove.com walks you through everything you need to know to create a beautiful, sturdy, and functional toilet paper holder that you will be proud to display.

Whether you are brand new to crochet or a seasoned crafter looking for a satisfying small project, this guide covers materials, stitches, the full step-by-step pattern, finishing tips, and plenty of ideas for customization. Let’s get into it.

Why Crochet a Toilet Paper Holder?

Before we dive into the pattern itself, let’s talk about why this project is worth your time. Toilet paper holders seem like such a mundane household item — the kind of thing you buy once at a hardware store and never think about again. But a handmade crochet version changes the energy of an entire bathroom.

Crocheted home accessories bring warmth and texture into spaces that can otherwise feel cold and sterile. Bathrooms especially benefit from soft, handmade touches. A crocheted toilet paper holder adds a bohemian, cottagecore, or farmhouse aesthetic depending on the yarn and colors you choose. It costs almost nothing to make. It is a wonderful gift for housewarmings, baby showers, or anyone who appreciates handmade items. And if you make it from cotton yarn, it is washable, which makes it entirely practical for a bathroom setting.

This project also works up quickly. Most crocheters can complete a toilet paper holder in an afternoon or an evening, making it a perfect project when you want something finished and satisfying without committing to weeks of work.

Materials You Will Need

Getting your materials together before you start is always a good idea. Here is what you will need for this crochet toilet paper holder pattern.

Yarn: You will want approximately 100 to 150 yards of medium-weight (worsted, size 4) cotton yarn. Cotton is the best choice for bathroom accessories because it holds its shape well, is easy to clean, and comes in a huge range of colors. Some crafters use a blend of cotton and acrylic, which works beautifully and is slightly more affordable. Avoid pure wool for this project since moisture is a factor in bathroom settings.

Hook: A 5.0 mm (H/8) crochet hook is ideal for this pattern with worsted-weight yarn. If your tension runs tight, try a 5.5 mm hook. If it runs loose, try a 4.5 mm hook. Achieving the right gauge will ensure your holder is sturdy enough to keep its shape.

Gauge: Approximately 14 single crochets and 16 rows equal 4 inches (10 cm). Gauge is not critical for this project as long as your finished piece is stiff enough to hold its shape, but keeping it close to this measurement will give you the sizing described in the pattern.

Other supplies: You will need a yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and stitch markers. If you want to add a hanging loop or decorative button, gather those as well. A piece of cardboard or a small plastic canvas sheet cut to size can be inserted into the base if you want extra stability, but this is entirely optional.

Skill Level and Stitches Used

This pattern is rated easy to beginner-intermediate. If you know how to make a magic ring, single crochet, half double crochet, and slip stitch, you have everything you need. If you are brand new to crochet and have only worked in rows, this pattern works in the round, which might feel new but is very easy to pick up.

Here are the stitches you will use:

Magic ring (MR): A way to start working in the round that creates a tight, closed center. If you are not comfortable with the magic ring, you can chain 4 and slip stitch to form a ring instead.

Single crochet (sc): The most basic stitch in crochet and the workhorse of this pattern.

Half double crochet (hdc): Slightly taller than single crochet, used to add height and a subtle texture variation.

Slip stitch (sl st): Used to join rounds and create clean edges.

Chain (ch): Used for turning chains and any decorative elements.

Increase (inc): Two single crochets worked into the same stitch to increase the total stitch count.

Understanding the Pattern Format

Throughout this pattern, stitches are written in standard American crochet terminology. Each round is listed with the stitch count at the end in parentheses so you can always check your work. Stitch markers are your friends in circular crochet — place one at the beginning of each round so you always know where you are.

The finished toilet paper holder measures approximately 5.5 inches tall and 5 inches in diameter at the widest point, which fits a standard roll of toilet paper comfortably. It sits upright on a flat surface and the roll slides in and out easily.

The Full Crochet Pattern for Toilet Paper Holder

Part One: The Base

Start with a magic ring, or chain 4 and join with a slip stitch to form a small ring.

Round 1: Work 6 sc into the magic ring. Pull the tail to close the center. Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of this round. (6 stitches)

Round 2: Work 2 sc in each stitch around. (12 stitches)

Round 3: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st* repeat from * to * around. (18 stitches)

Round 4: *Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat from * to * around. (24 stitches)

Round 5: *Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat from * to * around. (30 stitches)

Round 6: *Sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat from * to * around. (36 stitches)

Round 7: *Sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat from * to * around. (42 stitches)

At the end of Round 7, your base should measure approximately 5 inches across. If it is slightly smaller or larger depending on your tension, that is completely fine. The key is that it lies flat without curling or ruffling.

Part Two: Building the Walls

Now you will transition from the flat base to the upright walls of the holder. This is done by working into the back loops only for one round, which creates a sharp, clean edge at the base of your walls and gives the piece its upright structure.

Round 8 (BLO): Working in the back loops only of each stitch, sc in each stitch around. (42 stitches)

This is the pivotal round that gives your holder its shape. Do not skip the back loop only instruction here — working through both loops at this stage will prevent your walls from rising cleanly.

Round 9 through Round 18: Sc in each stitch around, working through both loops as normal. (42 stitches each round)

Continue these rounds until the walls of your holder measure approximately 4 to 4.5 inches in height. This is where you can easily customize the pattern. If you want a taller holder, simply add more rounds before the finishing step. If you want a shorter, more decorative version, you can reduce a few rounds here.

Part Three: The Top Edge

The top edge adds a polished, finished look and helps the holder keep its round shape. You have a few options depending on the aesthetic you are going for.

Option A — Simple slip stitch edge: Slip stitch in each stitch around the top of the holder and fasten off. This gives a subtle, clean finish.

Option B — Half double crochet decorative edge: Chain 2 (this counts as your first hdc), then hdc in each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the beginning chain. Fasten off. This creates a slightly thicker, more decorative top rim.

Option C — Scallop edge: *Skip 1 stitch, work 3 hdc in next stitch, skip 1 stitch, sl st in next stitch* repeat around. This creates a lovely decorative scallop border that adds a cottage charm to the finished piece.

For most people, Option B or Option C is the most visually rewarding. Choose whichever best matches your bathroom decor and your personal style.

Finishing Your Toilet Paper Holder

Once you have fastened off your yarn, cut the tail leaving a length of about 6 inches. Thread this tail through your yarn needle and weave it into the interior of the holder, moving through several stitches in different directions to secure it. Do the same with the starting tail from your magic ring.

Give your holder a light blocking if needed. For cotton yarn, you can wet it slightly, shape it by hand, and allow it to air dry. This will help it hold a perfect cylinder shape and look its most polished.

If the base feels a bit soft or you want extra support, cut a circle of plastic canvas or stiff cardboard to fit inside the base. Trace the inside of your holder onto the material, cut it out, and drop it inside. It will not be visible and it will keep the holder sitting flat and firm.

Customization Ideas

One of the most enjoyable parts of this pattern is how many ways you can make it your own. Here are some ideas to consider.

Color variations: Choose a neutral like cream, sage green, or dusty blue for a spa-like bathroom aesthetic. Go bold with terracotta, mustard, or deep teal for a more eclectic look. Use self-striping yarn to get a rainbow effect with no color-changing required.

Texture variations: Try working the body of the holder in half double crochet instead of single crochet for a taller stitch and slightly different texture. You can also work rows of alternating stitches — one round sc, one round hdc — for a subtle ribbed or textured effect.

Appliqués and embellishments: Crochet a small flower, star, heart, or leaf and sew it to the side of the holder. You can also embroider initials or a small motif directly onto the surface using a contrasting yarn color.

Hanging version: If you want your holder to hang rather than sit on a surface, simply crochet a chain of 20 to 30 stitches at the end, join it to the top edge on the opposite side to form a loop, and hang it on a hook or knob in your bathroom. Add a small button or toggle for decoration where the loop attaches.

Jute or twine version: For a more rustic, natural look, use jute twine or a natural cotton rope yarn instead of standard crochet cotton. This creates a more rigid, textural holder that leans into farmhouse or boho aesthetics beautifully.

Tips for Success

Even experienced crocheters appreciate a few reminders when tackling a new project. Here are some tips that will make your crochet toilet paper holder turn out beautifully.

Keep your tension consistent throughout the project. Uneven tension will cause your holder to look lopsided or wobbly. If you find your tension loosens as you relax into the project, go back and have a look at your first few rounds to make sure everything looks even.

Use stitch markers generously. In circular crochet, it is very easy to lose track of where your rounds begin and end. A stitch marker at the start of each round will save you from frustrating miscounts.

Count your stitches at the end of every round during the base section. Increasing rounds require precision, and a missed increase or an accidental extra increase will affect the final shape of your base.

Do not pull your starting yarn tail too tight when closing the magic ring. Aim for snug, not tight — a center that is pulled too firmly can cause the base to pucker.

If your walls flare outward, your tension in the body is too loose. Try going down a hook size or consciously pulling your stitches a little more firmly. If your walls pull inward, your tension is too tight — go up a hook size.

Gifting This Pattern

A crocheted toilet paper holder might sound like an unusual gift, but it is genuinely one of those handmade items that people adore precisely because no one else thought to give them one. It fits beautifully into a handmade bathroom gift basket alongside a crocheted soap dish, a small washcloth, a linen spray, or a bar of artisanal soap.

For a housewarming gift, make one in a neutral color and include a note with care instructions — let the recipient know the holder is machine washable in a mesh laundry bag on a gentle cycle, or hand washable with mild soap.

For a seasonal touch, make one in fall colors for a Thanksgiving gift, deep red and green for the winter holidays, or soft pastels for springtime. The pattern itself stays the same — the yarn color does all the storytelling.

Care Instructions

To keep your crochet toilet paper holder looking its best, hand wash it in cool water with a gentle soap and reshape it while damp. Lay it flat or prop it upright over a cylindrical object — a large jar or a similar-sized container works perfectly — and allow it to air dry completely before placing a new roll inside.

If you made your holder from a cotton-acrylic blend, it is likely safe to machine wash on a gentle cycle inside a mesh laundry bag. Always check the yarn label for specific care instructions.

Avoid wringing or twisting the holder, as this can distort its shape.

Final Thoughts

This crochet pattern for a toilet paper holder is proof that even the most functional, overlooked corners of your home deserve a little handmade love. The pattern is approachable for crafters of nearly any skill level, works up quickly, uses materials that are easy to find and affordable, and produces a finished item that is both beautiful and genuinely useful every single day.

If you make this pattern, we would love to see your finished holder over at CraftsForLove.com. Share your creation on social media and tag us so we can celebrate your work. Every crafter brings something unique to a pattern — your color choice, your tension, your finishing touches — and that is what makes handmade items so endlessly interesting and worth making.

Happy crocheting, and may your bathroom be a little warmer and more beautiful because of what your hands created.