The Cottage Bloom Plastic Bag Holder is a tall, soft tube for storing plastic grocery bags. You stuff bags in through the open top and pull them out one at a time through an oval opening near the bottom. It has a cream oval base and bottom band, an open filet-mesh body, a cream top band, and a tapered strap wrapped around a wooden ring so it hangs from a cabinet hook.
The photo shows two separate holders. Each is one crocheted body with sewn-on flowers. One has a dusty blue body with dusty pink and pale pink coiled roses and sage leaves. The other has a lavender body with white daisies, yellow centers, white buds, and sage leaves. This pattern makes one holder. Make it twice, once in each colorway, to get the pair.
The pattern uses US crochet terms. Each finished holder is 5 in (12.7 cm) wide laid flat and 13 in (33.0 cm) tall without the strap. It hangs about 18 in (45.7 cm) from the bottom to the top of the ring.
Here is the construction in brief. You work an oval base in rounds and turn the edge up into a single crochet band. Next comes the mesh body in joined rounds. Three rows worked back and forth leave a gap for the dispensing opening. After the cream top band, you work a strap in rows over the back half and wrap its last two rows around the ring. Finally, a cream edging neatens the top and you sew on the flowers.
Finished Size and Construction
- Finished size: 5 in (12.7 cm) wide flat x 13 in (33.0 cm) tall; about 18 in (45.7 cm) hanging length
- Skill level: Easy-intermediate
- Terminology: US crochet terms
- Yarn weight: Worsted (#4) cotton
- Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8)
- Number of pieces: 1 body per holder, plus sewn appliqués (blue: 5 roses, 4 leaves; lavender: 6 daisies, 5 buds, 6 leaves)
- Layout: One seamless tube, worked from the base up
- Piece size: Circumference of 40 sts = 10 in (25.4 cm), which is 5 in (12.7 cm) flat
- Size before border: 5 in x 12.75 in (12.7 cm x 32.4 cm)
- Border depth: 1 row of sc, about 0.25 in (0.6 cm)
Materials
Choose a smooth worsted-weight cotton. Cotton holds its shape under the weight of the bags and shows the mesh clearly. Stretchy acrylics will make the tube sag.
Quantities are for both holders unless noted:
- Cream (base, bands, edging): 70 g / 110 m (35 g / 55 m per holder)
- Dusty blue (body A): 55 g / 85 m
- Lavender (body B): 55 g / 85 m
- Dusty pink (large roses): 8 g / 12 m
- Pale pink (small roses): 5 g / 8 m
- White (daisies, buds): 8 g / 12 m
- Yellow (daisy centers): 2 g / 3 m
- Sage green (leaves): 6 g / 9 m
Tools:
- 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook
- 2 wooden rings, 2.75 in (7.0 cm) outer diameter
- Stitch markers (at least 4)
- Tapestry needle and scissors
- Measuring tape
- Rust-proof pins and a towel
All quantities include a margin of about 15 percent for gauge differences.
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- inc – 2 sc in the same stitch
- sc2tog – single crochet 2 together
- BLO – back loop only
- sp – space
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- RS / WS – right side / wrong side
Mesh: One mesh = (dc, ch 1), and it counts as 2 stitches. On later rounds, work each dc into the dc below and skip each ch-1 sp below with a ch 1. This builds the square grid.
V-st: (dc, ch 1, dc) in the same stitch.
Popcorn bud: Work 5 dc in the same stitch. Remove the hook, insert it into the top of the first dc, and pull the dropped loop through.
Gauge and Checkpoints
- Sc gauge: 16 sts x 18 rounds = 4 in (10.2 cm)
- Mesh gauge: 8 mesh (16 sts) x 8 rounds = 4 in (10.2 cm); 1 mesh = 0.5 in (1.3 cm)
Finish one holder before you start the second. The first holder is your real test piece.
Checkpoints (measured flat, tolerance 0.25 in / 0.6 cm):
- After Round 4, the base measures about 3.5 in x 2 in (8.9 cm x 5.1 cm).
- After Round 11, the tube is 5 in (12.7 cm) wide and 1.5 in (3.8 cm) tall.
- After Round 19, the total height is 5.5 in (14.0 cm).
- After Round 31, the total height is 11.5 in (29.2 cm).
- After Round 37, the total height is 12.75 in (32.4 cm).
If the tube is wider than 5 in (12.7 cm), change to a 4.5 mm hook. If it is narrower, change to a 5.5 mm hook. Never change the stitch count. The 40-stitch circumference controls the mesh, the opening, and the strap.
Base (Cream)
Round 1: Ch 11. Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 8 ch, 3 sc in last ch. Turn the work and continue along the other side of the chain: sc in next 8 ch, 2 sc in the same ch as the first sc. Join with sl st to first sc. (22 sts: 8 per long side, 3 per end)
Do not turn between rounds. The ch 1 at the start of a round does not count as a stitch.
Round 2: Ch 1, inc in first st, sc in next 8, inc in each of next 3, sc in next 8, inc in each of last 2. Join. (28 sts)
Round 3: Ch 1, (inc, sc) once, sc in next 8, (inc, sc) 3 times, sc in next 8, (inc, sc) 2 times. Join. (34 sts)
Round 4: Ch 1, (inc, sc 2) once, sc in next 8, (inc, sc 2) 3 times, sc in next 8, (inc, sc 2) 2 times. Join. (40 sts)
Each round adds 6 stitches, all at the curved ends. The long sides stay straight, so the base stays oval.
Bottom Band (Cream)
Round 5: Ch 1, sc in BLO of each st around. Join. (40 sts) This makes a ridge where the base turns up, so the holder sits flat.
Rounds 6-11: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join. (40 sts)
Fasten off. This is Checkpoint 2.
Mesh Body (Blue or Lavender)
Round 12 (conversion round): Join the body color in any st. Ch 4 (counts as dc + ch 1), skip next st, dc in next st, ch 1, skip next st; repeat from * around. Join with sl st to 3rd ch of beginning ch-4. (40 sts = 20 dc + 20 ch-1 sps, worked 1 per existing st + 0 added; 20 mesh)
Rounds 13-14: Ch 4, skip ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, ch 1, skip ch-1 sp; repeat around. Join. (20 mesh)
Number the dc columns D1 to D20, with D1 at the beginning ch-4.
Dispensing Opening
Work the next three rows back and forth over D1 to D14 only. Columns D15 to D20 stay unworked, which leaves the opening.
Row 15 (RS): Ch 4, dc in next dc, ch 1; repeat 12 times, dc in D14. (14 dc + 13 ch-1 sps = 27 sts)
Row 16 (WS): Turn. Ch 4, skip ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, ch 1, skip ch-1 sp; repeat 12 times, dc in 3rd ch of turning ch. (27 sts)
Row 17 (RS): Repeat Row 16. (27 sts) This row ends at the D14 edge.
Close the gap: Ch 13, then sl st to 3rd ch of the beginning ch-4 of Row 17. (27 + 13 = 40 sts)
Round 18: Ch 4, dc in next dc, ch 1; repeat 13 times (this ends at D14). Then work over the ch-13: skip first ch, dc in next ch, ch 1, skip next ch; repeat 6 times. Join. (40 sts = 20 dc + 20 ch-1 sps; 20 mesh)
Rounds 19-31: Repeat Round 13. (20 mesh) Fasten off.
Opening Edging (Body Color)
Round 1: Join at the lower corner of the opening. Work 13 sc along the 13 free sts at the bottom, 2 sc in each of the 3 row ends up the side, 13 sc along the back of the ch-13, and 2 sc in each of the 3 row ends down the other side. Join. (38 sts = 13 + 6 + 13 + 6)
Round 2 (trim round): Ch 1, sc around, working one sc2tog at each of the 4 corners. Join. (34 sts = 30 sts worked as sc 1 per st + 4 sc2tog over the remaining 8)
The corner decreases round the opening into an oval about 2.75 in x 1 in (7.0 cm x 2.5 cm).
Top Band (Cream)
Round 32 (conversion round): Join cream. Ch 1, sc in each dc and in each ch-1 sp. Join. (40 sts = 40 worked 1 per existing st + 0 added)
Rounds 33-37: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join. (40 sts) Fasten off. This is Checkpoint 5.
Hanging Strap (Body Color)
Flatten the tube with the opening centered on the front. Mark the 20 back sts. The 20 front sts stay free and become the top opening for adding bags.
Row 1 (RS): Join in the first back st. Ch 1, sc in each of the 20 back sts. (20 sts)
Row 2: Turn. Ch 1, sc2tog, sc to last 2 sts, sc2tog. (18 sts)
Rows 3-7: Repeat Row 2. (16, 14, 12, 10, 8 sts)
Rows 8-10: Turn. Ch 1, sc in each st. (8 sts)
Row 11: Turn. Hold the ring just above the work. Ch 1. Work each sc into the next st and around the ring at the same time, so the ring is enclosed. (8 sts)
Row 12: Turn. Ch 1, sc in each st, again working around the ring. (8 sts) Fasten off and weave the tail through both ring rows.
The visible part of the strap (Rows 1-10) is about 2.25 in (5.7 cm) tall.
Border: Top Edging (Cream)
Border gauge: Work 1 sc per row end on the strap and 1 sc per stitch on the rim. Sc rows are the same height as sc stitches, so the edge lies flat.
Edging row: Join cream at the left side of the strap, just below Row 11. Work 10 sc down the row ends, 20 sc across the free front sts of Round 37, and 10 sc up the right side of the strap. Fasten off. (40 sts = 10 left side + 20 front rim + 10 right side)
Why the math works: Each side of the strap has 10 rows below the ring, so each side gets 10 sc. The rim has the 20 sts that the strap didn’t use, out of the tube’s 40. There are no extra corner stitches, because the first and last rim sc sit right next to Row 1 of the strap. The edging adds about 0.25 in (0.6 cm), so the height goes from 12.75 in (32.4 cm) to 13 in (33.0 cm).
Appliqués
Leave a 10 in (25.4 cm) tail on each appliqué for sewing.
Coiled Rose (Blue Holder)
Large rose, dusty pink (make 3): Ch 23.
Row 1: V-st in 4th ch from hook, skip 2 ch, V-st in next ch; repeat 6 times, dc in last ch. (7 V-sts)
Row 2: Turn. Ch 3 (counts as dc), 4 dc in first ch-1 sp, sc between next 2 V-sts, 5 dc in next ch-1 sp; repeat 6 times, sl st in turning ch. (7 petals)
Small rose, pale pink (make 2): Ch 17. Work the same as the large rose, but repeat 4 times in each row. (5 V-sts; 5 petals)
Roll each strip up from the starting end, petals at the top, and stitch through the base to hold it. Large roses are about 1.5 in (3.8 cm) across and small roses about 1.25 in (3.2 cm).
Daisy (Lavender Holder, Make 6)
Round 1: With yellow, make a magic ring and work 10 sc in it. Join. (10 sts) Fasten off.
Round 2: Join white. (hdc, 2 dc, hdc) in next st, sl st in next st; repeat 4 more times. (5 petals)
Each daisy is about 1.25 in (3.2 cm) across.
Bud (Lavender Holder, Make 5)
With white, ch 2 and work a popcorn bud in 2nd ch from hook. Each bud is about 0.5 in (1.3 cm).
Leaf (Make 4 for Blue, 6 for Lavender)
With sage, ch 7. Sl st in 2nd ch from hook, then work sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc in the next 5 ch, and ch 1 for the tip. Turn the work and continue along the other side of the chain: sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc, sl st. Join. Each leaf is about 1.25 in (3.2 cm) long.
Placement
Blue holder: Group the 5 roses on the upper left front, starting 1 in (2.5 cm) below the top band. Put the dusty pink roses at the top and the pale pink roses lower down. Tuck the 4 leaves under the outer edges.
Lavender holder: Make an upper cluster near the top band from 3 daisies, 2 buds, and 3 leaves. Make a lower cluster above the opening from 3 daisies, 3 buds, and 3 leaves. Backstitch a 0.5 in (1.3 cm) sage stem under each bud.
Sew each appliqué through the dc posts and chains only, never across an open square.
Final Blocking
- Weave in all ends.
- Mist the holder until it is damp, not soaked.
- Stuff it loosely with a rolled towel so it is round and 10 in (25.4 cm) around.
- Straighten the mesh so the columns run vertically.
- Pin the opening into an even oval and open up the petals.
- Let it dry completely, then take out the towel.
Final Quality-Control Checklist
- 5 in (12.7 cm) wide flat and 13 in (33.0 cm) tall.
- The base sits flat, with a ridge at Round 5.
- Every mesh round has 20 mesh, and the columns line up.
- The opening is centered on the front and has smooth curves.
- The strap is centered on the back and tapers evenly from 20 to 8 sts.
- The ring holds firm when you tug it.
- The appliqués lie flat, with no loose tails.
Troubleshooting
Mesh spirals: Start every round with ch 4 and join into the 3rd ch of that ch-4.
Base cups or ruffles: If it cups, use a larger hook for Rounds 1-4. If it ruffles, recount to 22, 28, 34, 40.
Opening is lopsided: Check that each of Rows 15-17 has 14 dc and that the ch-13 isn’t twisted.
Strap leans: Center the opening on the front again, recount the 20 back sts, and redo Row 1.
Tube sags: Use 100 percent cotton, or a smaller hook for the mesh.
Care
Hand wash in cool water with mild soap. Press out the water gently and dry the holder flat, keeping the wooden ring as dry as you can.
Final Notes
Every measurement follows from gauge. The 22-28-34-40 base gives a 40-stitch tube that is 10 in (25.4 cm) around and 5 in (12.7 cm) flat. Those 40 stitches become 20 mesh, and the opening takes 13 of them. The tube then goes back to 40 sc for the top band and splits into 20 for the strap and 20 for the rim. The bands, mesh, and edging add up to 13 in (33.0 cm), and the strap and ring bring the hanging length to about 18 in (45.7 cm). Check each measurement as you go and both holders will match.
Happy crocheting!