This bag holder is a tall, slim tube in one bright fuchsia pink. The body is an open filet-style mesh of square windows, so you can see the bags inside. Small raised six-petal puff flowers sit over the grid in a staggered pattern. The top has a solid band, a row of rounded scallops, and a hanging loop. At the bottom, the tube narrows into a cone of ribbed double crochet. The cone ends in a small round opening for pulling bags out one at a time.
The style is cheerful and practical. It works well in a kitchen, laundry room, or pantry. Thick yarn makes the mesh bold and sturdy. The puff flowers add texture without closing the windows. The mesh also lets air move around the bags. Using a single color keeps the project quick, with only one set of ends to weave in.
The pattern uses US crochet terms. The finished holder measures 6 in (15.2 cm) wide laid flat, 12 in (30.5 cm) around, and 19 in (48.3 cm) long from the bottom opening to the scallop tips. The hanging loop adds 4 in (10.2 cm), for 23 in (58.4 cm) overall.
Construction is simple. You work one continuous tube from the bottom up: a small ring, three shaping rounds, 20 mesh rounds, and a top band with scallops. Then you add the loop directly to the rim, make 18 small puff flowers, and sew them over chosen mesh intersections.
Finished Size and Construction
- Finished size: 6 in (15.2 cm) wide flat x 19 in (48.3 cm) long, plus a 4 in (10.2 cm) loop
- Circumference: 12 in (30.5 cm)
- Skill level: Easy-Intermediate
- Terminology: US crochet terms
- Yarn weight: #5 bulky
- Hook: 6.0 mm (J-10)
- Number of pieces: 1 tubular body worked in one piece, plus 18 small flower appliqués
- Layout: 12 mesh squares around x 20 mesh rounds tall
- Piece size: each mesh square is 1 in (2.5 cm) wide x 0.75 in (1.9 cm) tall
- Size before border: 6 in (15.2 cm) flat x 17.5 in (44.5 cm) long (bottom cone plus mesh)
- Border depth: 1.5 in (3.8 cm) top band and scallops
Materials
Choose a smooth bulky acrylic or acrylic blend. It holds its shape, survives washing, and shows the puff petals clearly. Avoid fuzzy or loosely spun yarn, which blurs the mesh windows.
- Fuchsia pink (one color): 150 g, about 150 m (164 yd) of #5 bulky yarn
The body uses about 80 m (87 yd) and the 18 flowers use about 45 m (49 yd). The rest is your safety margin.
Tools:
– 6.0 mm (J-10) crochet hook
– Tapestry needle
– 2 stitch markers
– Scissors
– Measuring tape
– Rust-proof pins and a rolled towel or a tall bottle for blocking
Quantities include a margin of about 20%. Buy all yarn from one dye lot.
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- dc – double crochet
- sp – space
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- rnd – round
- puff st – puff stitch (see below)
Puff stitch (puff st): Yarn over, insert hook in the ring, yarn over and pull up a loop about 0.75 in (1.9 cm) tall; repeat from * 3 more times (9 loops on hook). Yarn over and pull through all 9 loops. Ch 1 to lock.
Gauge and Checkpoints
Gauge: 12 dc = 4 in (10.2 cm). In the mesh pattern, 4 squares = 4 in (10.2 cm) wide and 4 rounds = 3 in (7.6 cm) tall.
The holder itself is your test piece. Work Rnds 1–8 (the bottom cone plus 4 mesh rounds), then stop and measure. This takes less than an hour and shows your real gauge in the round.
Measure the mesh with the tube flattened. Measure across 4 squares in the middle of one side, not at the seam column, which can be a little wider.
Checkpoints:
– After Rnd 1: the opening is about 1.5 in (3.8 cm) across.
– After Rnd 4: the tube flattens to 6 in (15.2 cm) wide, and the cone measures 2.5 in (6.4 cm) along its length.
– After Rnd 8: the piece measures 5.5 in (14.0 cm) long.
– After Rnd 24: the mesh section alone measures 15 in (38.1 cm).
– After Rnd 27: the piece measures 19 in (48.3 cm) long.
– One flower: 1.75 in (4.4 cm) across.
If your piece is too big: go down to a 5.5 mm (I-9) hook.
If your piece is too small: go up to a 6.5 mm (K-10.5) hook.
A difference of 0.25 in (0.6 cm) in flat width is fine. If the difference is more than 0.5 in (1.3 cm), change hooks and restart.
Pattern: Bottom Cone
Each round begins at center back. You will add the hanging loop there later.
Foundation: Ch 18. Sl st in the first ch to form a ring. Do not twist the chain.
Rnd 1: Ch 1, sc in each ch around. Sl st in first sc. (18 sc)
This firm ring is the dispensing opening.
Rnd 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc here and throughout), dc in same st, dc in next st, 2 dc in next st, dc in next st; repeat from * 7 more times. Sl st in top of ch-3. (18 + 9 = 27 dc)
Rnd 3: Ch 3, dc in next st, 2 dc in next st, dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in next st; repeat from * 7 more times. Sl st in top of ch-3. (27 + 9 = 36 dc)
Rnd 4: Ch 3, dc in each st around. Sl st in top of ch-3. (36 dc)
The dc posts line up from the opening outward, which gives the cone its radiating ribbed look.
Pattern: Mesh Body
Rnd 5: Ch 5 (counts as dc + ch 2), skip next 2 sts, dc in next st, ch 2, skip next 2 sts; repeat from * 10 more times. Sl st in 3rd ch of beginning ch-5. (12 dc and 12 ch-2 sps = 12 squares, 36 sts)
Check: the start uses 3 sts (1 for the ch-5 and 2 skipped), and 11 repeats use 33 sts, for 36 in total.
Rnds 6–24: Ch 5, dc in next dc, ch 2; repeat from * 10 more times. Sl st in 3rd ch of beginning ch-5. (12 squares each round)
You now have 20 mesh rounds. Each dc sits directly on the dc below, which gives you 12 straight vertical columns and clean square windows. The mesh measures 15 in (38.1 cm) tall: 20 x 0.75 in (1.9 cm).
Keep your ch-2 spaces relaxed but even. If they are tight, the tube narrows and the windows pinch. If they are loose, the squares sag.
Column numbers for flower placement: the beginning ch-5 column at center back is column 1. Number the remaining dc columns 2 to 12 in your working direction. Place a marker on column 1 at the top of Rnd 24.
Pattern: Puff Flowers (make 18)
Rnd 1: Leave a 12 in (30.5 cm) tail. Make a magic ring. Ch 2, puff st in ring, ch 2; repeat from * 5 more times. (6 puff petals and 6 ch-2 sps)
Pull the ring closed tightly. Sl st in top of first puff. Fasten off with a 6 in (15.2 cm) tail and weave this short end through the back of the center.
The tight ring forms the small knotted center. Each petal is about 0.75 in (1.9 cm) long, so the flower is 1.75 in (4.4 cm) across.
Placement: An intersection is the point where the top of a dc meets the base of the dc above it. Center each flower on one intersection, with one petal pointing straight up the column and one pointing straight down. The other 4 petals cover the corners of the 4 surrounding squares.
There are 6 tiers of 3 flowers each. Tiers are 3 rounds (2.25 in, 5.7 cm) apart:
TIER 6 (top of Rnd 22): columns 1, 5, 9
TIER 5 (top of Rnd 19): columns 3, 7, 11
TIER 4 (top of Rnd 16): columns 1, 5, 9
TIER 3 (top of Rnd 13): columns 3, 7, 11
TIER 2 (top of Rnd 10): columns 1, 5, 9
TIER 1 (top of Rnd 7): columns 3, 7, 11
Flowers in one tier are 4 columns, or 4 in (10.2 cm), apart. That gives exactly 3 per tier: 3 x 4 in = 12 in (30.5 cm). Each tier shifts 2 columns, so the flowers stagger in a diamond pattern. Flowers in the same column repeat every 6 rounds, or 4.5 in (11.4 cm).
To attach: Thread the 12 in (30.5 cm) tail on a needle. Take 2 small stitches through the intersection to anchor the center. Then tack each petal tip to the nearest mesh bar. Keep the stitches small so the windows stay open. Weave in the end on the wrong side.
Border: Top Band, Scallops, and Loop
Border gauge: 12 sts = 4 in (10.2 cm). One scallop repeat = 6 sts = 2 in (5.1 cm).
Rnd 25: Ch 3, 2 dc in next ch-2 sp, dc in next dc, 2 dc in next ch-2 sp; repeat from * 10 more times. Sl st in top of ch-3. (12 + 24 = 36 dc)
This is a conversion round: 12 dc go into the 12 dc columns, and 24 dc go into the 12 spaces. Each side of the flattened tube has 18 dc.
Rnd 26: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Sl st in first sc. (36 sc; 18 per side)
Rnd 27: Ch 1, sc in same st, skip 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, skip 2 sts, sc in next st; repeat from * 4 more times, skip 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, skip 2 sts. Sl st in first sc. (6 scallops: 30 dc + 6 sc = 36 sts; 3 scallops per side)
Fasten off and weave in.
Why the math works: each scallop repeat uses 6 stitches, and 36 ÷ 6 = 6 scallops with nothing left over. Each 6 in (15.2 cm) side holds 18 sts, or 3 scallops of 2 in (5.1 cm). The band adds 0.75 in (1.9 cm) for the dc round, 0.25 in (0.6 cm) for the sc round, and 0.5 in (1.3 cm) for the scallops. Together that is 1.5 in (3.8 cm), which brings the total length to 19 in (48.3 cm).
Hanging loop: Join yarn with a sl st in the first sc of Rnd 27 at center back (marked column 1). Ch 24. Sl st in the same sc to form a loop. Work 30 sc over the chain loop. Sl st in the same sc. Fasten off and weave in firmly.
The 30 sc pack tightly over the 24 ch and make a stiff, rounded strap. The loop hangs about 4 in (10.2 cm) above the rim.
Final Blocking
- Weave in all ends along the dc columns, not across open windows.
- Spray the holder lightly with water until it is damp but not dripping.
- Slide a rolled towel or tall bottle about 3.8 in (9.7 cm) wide inside so the tube rounds out.
- Line up the 12 dc columns so they run straight up and down.
- Measure: 12 in (30.5 cm) around and 19 in (48.3 cm) long.
- Pin each scallop into a neat, round curve.
- Press each flower lightly with your fingers so the petals spread evenly.
- Let the holder dry completely before you remove the form.
Final Quality-Control Checklist
- Rnd 1 has 18 sc, and the opening is about 1.5 in (3.8 cm) across.
- Rnds 2, 3, and 4 have 27, 36, and 36 dc.
- Every mesh round has 12 squares and 36 sts.
- There are exactly 20 mesh rounds, measuring 15 in (38.1 cm).
- The 12 dc columns run straight with no spiral.
- Rnd 25 has 36 dc, and Rnd 26 has 36 sc.
- There are 6 even scallops, 3 per side.
- 18 flowers are attached in 6 staggered tiers of 3.
- Flat width is 6 in (15.2 cm) and length is 19 in (48.3 cm).
- The loop is sturdy and sits at center back.
Troubleshooting
The mesh slants or spirals. You may be working into a ch instead of the dc. Find the top of the dc for each column.
The seam column looks short. Join into the 3rd ch of the ch-5, not the 5th, so the column stays a full dc tall.
Squares look like rectangles. Your dc are too short or too long. Change how high you pull up the first loop, or change hooks.
Wrong stitch count in Rnd 5. Recount the 36 dc of Rnd 4. Each square must use exactly 3 sts.
The cone ruffles. Your increases are too loose. Go down one hook size for Rnds 2–4 only.
The opening is too tight for pulling bags. Rework Rnd 1 with a 6.5 mm (K-10.5) hook. The stitch counts stay the same.
Puffs look flat or uneven. Pull every loop to the same 0.75 in (1.9 cm) height before closing the puff.
Flowers droop. Tack every petal tip, not only the center.
Scallops don’t fit evenly. Recount Rnd 26. You need exactly 36 sc.
The holder leans on the wall. Make sure the loop sits exactly over column 1.
Care
Hand wash in cool water, or machine wash gently in a laundry bag. Reshape, then let it dry over a bottle. Avoid high heat, which can flatten the puff petals.
Final Notes
The measurement chain is short and predictable. A ring of 18 sc grows through 27 and 36 dc into a 12 in (30.5 cm) tube. Twelve squares of 1 in (2.5 cm) keep that size for 20 rounds, or 15 in (38.1 cm). The 1.5 in (3.8 cm) top band brings the holder to 19 in (48.3 cm), and the loop adds 4 in (10.2 cm). Eighteen 1.75 in (4.4 cm) flowers sit in 6 staggered tiers, with 3 flowers spaced 4 in (10.2 cm) apart in each tier.
Check your gauge at Rnd 8 and count every round. The rest will follow.
Happy crocheting!