Free Crochet Toilet Paper Holder Patterns with Videos: Your Complete Guide to a Charming Bathroom Upgrade
There is something quietly satisfying about walking into a bathroom and noticing a handmade touch that transforms an ordinary space into something warm and personal. A crocheted toilet paper holder is one of those small but surprisingly impactful projects that can do exactly that. Whether you are a seasoned crocheter looking for a quick and rewarding project or a beginner searching for something practical to make with your new skills, free crochet toilet paper holder patterns are a wonderful place to start. And when those patterns come with video tutorials, the learning process becomes even more accessible and enjoyable.
In this guide, you will find everything you need to know about crocheted toilet paper holders — from the different styles and stitches used, to tips on materials, sizing, and finishing. We will also walk through some of the best free patterns and video resources available so you can dive in with confidence and come out with a project you are genuinely proud of.
Why Crochet a Toilet Paper Holder?
Before we get into the patterns themselves, it is worth pausing to appreciate why so many crafters love this project. Crocheted toilet paper holders have been popular for decades, and they have recently experienced a genuine resurgence as more people rediscover the joy of handmade home décor.
For one thing, they are incredibly functional. A standing or wall-mounted crocheted holder keeps your spare rolls organized and accessible while adding a cozy, artisan feel to your bathroom. For another, they are a relatively fast project — most designs can be completed in a few hours, making them ideal for gift-giving or for when you want the satisfaction of finishing something without a weeks-long commitment.
They also offer a beautiful opportunity to use up yarn scraps. Many of these holders require only a small amount of yarn, so you can match your bathroom color scheme, experiment with new yarn types, or stitch through your stash without buying anything new.
Finally, handmade bathroom accessories have become genuinely trendy. The cottagecore and slow-living aesthetic movements have brought renewed appreciation for hand-crafted home goods, and a charming crocheted toilet paper holder fits right into that world.
Choosing the Right Yarn and Hook
Getting your materials right makes a big difference in how your finished holder looks and how long it lasts. Here is what to consider before you cast on.
Yarn weight and fiber content matter more for this project than many people expect. Because a toilet paper holder lives in a bathroom, it is exposed to humidity and occasional splashing. Cotton yarn is the most popular choice for this reason — it is durable, easy to wash, holds its shape well, and comes in an enormous range of colors. Worsted weight cotton is probably the most commonly used for toilet paper holders because it works up quickly and creates a fabric sturdy enough to hold the roll securely without being too stiff.
That said, some crafters prefer a cotton-acrylic blend because it offers a little more stretch and is often softer to the touch. Pure acrylic yarns can work too, especially if you choose a tighter stitch pattern, though they may not feel as crisp or hold up quite as well to moisture over time.
Hook size should match your yarn label’s recommendation as a starting point, but for holder projects, many patterns suggest going down a hook size to create a tighter, more structured fabric. A tighter gauge means the holder will keep its shape better under the weight of a toilet paper roll.
Stiffener is an optional but popular finishing step. Many crafters spray or dip their finished holder in fabric stiffener or a diluted mixture of water and cornstarch, then let it dry over a roll of toilet paper so it holds the perfect shape. This step is especially useful if you are using a softer yarn that might otherwise sag.
Types of Crochet Toilet Paper Holder Patterns
One of the most enjoyable things about exploring free crochet toilet paper holder patterns is how much variety there is. The basic concept — create a structure that can hold one or more toilet paper rolls — opens up to a wide world of creative possibilities.
Standing doll holders are probably the most iconic style. These feature a doll figure (often a Southern belle with a wide skirt or a simple country doll) whose crocheted skirt forms the holder. The toilet paper roll slides up inside the skirt and is hidden from view, with just the free end pulled down for use. These holders have a nostalgic, vintage charm that many people find irresistible, and they make wonderful gifts.
Basket or cylinder holders are a cleaner, more modern option. These are crocheted in the round to form an upright cylinder or small basket that holds a spare roll (or several rolls) upright. They sit on a shelf, back of the toilet tank, or countertop, and because they have no doll element, they fit easily into a wide range of bathroom styles, from farmhouse to minimalist.
Tank-top hangers are designed to drape over the back of a toilet tank. They often feature a pocket or loop on each side, so you can keep a spare roll on one side and perhaps a small sachet or decoration on the other. These are practical and unobtrusive.
Wall-mounted holders are crocheted to be hung on a wall or over a towel bar. They typically feature a loop or tabs for hanging and a pocket that cradles the roll. These are great for smaller bathrooms where counter space is limited.
Novelty and character holders follow the same basic concept as the doll holder but use animal characters, holiday themes, or custom shapes. You might find a crocheted gnome, an owl, a cactus, or a pumpkin-shaped holder depending on the season or the crafter’s personal style.
A Closer Look at Popular Free Patterns and What Makes Them Work
There are many wonderful free patterns circulating on crafting blogs, YouTube, and pattern-sharing sites like Ravelry. Here is an overview of the styles and features you are likely to encounter, along with what to look for in a quality free pattern.
Crocheted doll toilet paper cover patterns almost always work from the bottom hem of the skirt upward. The widest part of the skirt — which will rest on the floor or counter and surround the toilet paper roll — is worked first, then the skirt is decreased to create the waist and bodice of the figure. The head is often worked separately and attached, and the hair is made from fringe or yarn loops. A good video for this style will show you how to get an even, sturdy base and how to shape the decreases so the doll’s figure looks proportional.
Simple cylinder or basket patterns are ideal for beginners. They typically start with a magic ring or chain ring to form the base, then work upward in the round using single crochet, half double crochet, or a combination of stitches. The best free patterns for cylinders include notes on gauge and finished measurements so you can check your work against a standard roll of toilet paper before finishing.
Hanging pocket patterns often use a combination of chains and stitches to create a flexible, decorative panel with one or two open pockets. These frequently incorporate lace-like openwork stitches, pretty edging, or color changes that make them feel intentional and designed rather than purely utilitarian. Video tutorials for this style are particularly helpful because it can be tricky to visualize how the hanging tabs attach or how the pockets are shaped.
When evaluating any free pattern, look for a few key elements: clearly written instructions (or a well-narrated video), notes on gauge and finished size, a list of materials, and ideally a photo of the finished project so you can confirm what you are working toward. Patterns on well-established crochet blogs, popular Ravelry pages with many project uploads, and YouTube channels with a dedicated crafting audience tend to be the most reliable.
Finding Free Patterns with Video Tutorials
Video tutorials have transformed the way people learn to crochet, and they are especially valuable for projects with three-dimensional shaping or multiple construction steps. Here is where to look for free crochet toilet paper holder patterns with video guidance.
YouTube is the single best resource. Searching for terms like “free crochet toilet paper holder tutorial,” “crochet toilet paper cover pattern,” or “crochet doll toilet paper holder video” will surface dozens of results. Look for videos with a high number of views and positive comments, which often indicate that the instructions are clear and the pattern is accurate. Many popular crochet YouTubers provide the written pattern in their video description as a free download, so you get both formats in one place.
Crafting blogs with embedded videos are another excellent source. Many crochet bloggers write out their patterns in full and embed a companion YouTube video within the post. This is especially convenient because you can read ahead, reference the photos, and watch the video all on the same page.
Ravelry lists thousands of free crochet patterns, and many of them link out to video tutorials on YouTube or Vimeo. You can filter the search results to show only free patterns and sort by the number of projects (which gives you an idea of how popular and well-tested the pattern is).
Pinterest functions well as a discovery tool. Pinned posts often link directly to blogs or YouTube videos, and you can build a personal board of patterns you want to try, making it easy to find them again later.
Facebook groups dedicated to crochet are another underrated resource. Members frequently share free patterns and videos, ask for recommendations, and post their finished projects with links to the original source. Joining a few active groups gives you a constantly refreshing stream of community-vetted patterns.
Tips for Success: Getting Your Holder Right the First Time
Even with a great pattern and a clear video, a few practical tips can make the difference between a holder that looks polished and professional and one that ends up a little lopsided.
Swatch first if the pattern recommends it. For a structured project like a toilet paper holder, gauge matters. A cylinder that is too wide will allow the roll to rattle around inside, while one that is too narrow will not fit the roll at all. Most standard rolls are about four inches in diameter, so keep that measurement in mind as you work.
Check your tension. Crocheting tightly gives you a firmer, more structured fabric, which is usually what you want for a holder. If your work feels loose or floppy, try going down a hook size.
Block or stiffen your finished piece. As mentioned earlier, fabric stiffener makes a significant difference in the final appearance and durability of your holder, especially for freestanding styles. Simply spray the finished piece, shape it over a roll of toilet paper, and allow it to dry completely before using or gifting.
Weave in your ends carefully. Bathroom accessories get handled regularly, so you want your ends to be secure. Weave them in through multiple stitches in different directions rather than just tying a knot.
Customize freely. Free patterns are a starting point, not a rigid prescription. Swap colors, add a flower or bow, change the edging, or experiment with a different stitch for the body of the holder. Making it your own is part of the fun.
Gift-Giving Potential and Beyond
A crocheted toilet paper holder makes an exceptionally thoughtful handmade gift. It is practical, decorative, and personal in a way that a store-bought item simply cannot match. They are popular for housewarming gifts, holiday gift baskets, bridal shower presents, and teacher appreciation. Because they work up relatively quickly — often in a single evening for an experienced crocheter — you can make several at once without it becoming an overwhelming project.
Consider pairing a crocheted holder with a matching tissue box cover, a small crocheted soap dish liner, or a set of crocheted washcloths. A coordinated bathroom set presented in a pretty basket becomes a genuinely impressive and memorable gift.
You might also think about making them to sell. If you enjoy crafting for profit, crocheted bathroom accessories have a consistent market at craft fairs, farmers markets, and on platforms like Etsy. Toilet paper holders with a novelty or seasonal angle (think holiday gnomes, spring bunnies, or Halloween characters) tend to do especially well because buyers look for them as gifts or seasonal decorations.
Getting Started Today
The best thing about free crochet toilet paper holder patterns with videos is that there is genuinely no barrier to entry. You do not need expensive supplies, a lot of experience, or a big block of time. A skein of cotton yarn, an appropriate hook, and access to YouTube or a crafting blog are all it takes to get started.
If you are completely new to crochet, look for beginner-friendly patterns that use only single crochet and work in the round. The cylinder or basket style is particularly forgiving and teaches you foundational skills that will serve you well in future projects. If you have been crocheting for a while and want something a little more creative, try a doll-style holder or a pattern that incorporates texture stitches like bobbles, shells, or surface slip stitching.
However you approach it, crocheting a toilet paper holder is a reminder of one of the best things about this craft: small projects can carry a lot of heart. A few hours of stitching, a thoughtful color choice, and a little care in finishing can transform something as ordinary as a spare toilet paper roll into a small piece of handmade art that makes your bathroom feel like home.
So pull out your hooks, choose your colors, queue up a video tutorial, and enjoy the process. Your bathroom — and anyone who visits it — will be glad you did.
