Have you battled with your kitchen hand towels falling off your oven or dishwasher handle? This free crochet hand towel holder pattern—sometimes called a crochet towel topper or crochet towel tie—is both practical and stylish.
These hanging towel holders are incredibly quick and easy to make, making them perfect for beginners. Simply slip your finished crochet towel holder over your oven handle, feed your towel through the ring, and say goodbye to towels slipping onto the floor.
Below you’ll learn how to make Crochet Towel Holders 3 ways, so you can choose the style that works best for your home.
These easy Crochet Towel Holders are great to make ahead for craft markets, and they also make thoughtful handmade gifts. Pair one with a seasonal kitchen towel, mini cutting board, and jar of pepper jelly for a simple gift that anyone will love.
They also look beautiful wrapped with just a ribbon—no extra packaging needed!
Bonus: This Crochet Towel Holder pattern now includes a button closure option for even more versatility.
✨ Interchangeable Crochet Flowers
These towel holders pair perfectly with my removable crochet flowers! Each flower slides right over the button, making it easy to switch them out for different seasons and holidays.
View the Daisy Pattern
View the Sunflower Pattern
View the Rose Pattern
💐 Save with a Crochet Pattern Bundle
Want more than one pattern? These bundles make it easy to save when you grab several designs together.
3 Flower & 2 Towel Holder Bundle
Flower Appliqué Bundle
Towel Holder Pattern Bundle
📌 Love this pattern? Save the image to your favorite crochet board on Pinterest so you can easily find it later!
Useful Ideas for Your Crochet Towel Holders
Crochet towel holders are practical, but they can also add a simple decorative touch around your home.
Here are a few ways to use them:
- Add them to your oven, dishwasher, or cabinet handles to keep kitchen hand towels within easy reach.
- Hang them from drawer pulls or hooks in the bathroom for hand towels or washcloths.
- Use them on hooks, knobs, or handles in laundry rooms and mudrooms for an easy place to keep small towels handy.
My favorite place to hang these Crochet Towel Holders is on the dishwasher right next to my sink, so they’re always within easy reach. To clean your Crochet Towel Holders, I recommend hand washing them with a small amount of dish soap, then laying them flat to dry.
The towels shown are from Crae Home.
Yarn Suggestions for Your Crochet Towel Holders
The Crochet Towel Holder Pattern is written using Bernat Maker with two strands held together. Bernat Maker is a size 5 bulky tube-style yarn with a cotton outer shell and nylon center. The colors shown are Cream, Clay, and Black.
I love working with this yarn, but it can sometimes be hard to find, so I recommend stocking up when you see it available.
You can check my recommended supplies here:
Amazon or Like To Know It (LTK)
Yarn Alternatives
I get a lot of questions about substitutions for Bernat Maker, and I honestly haven’t found a true replacement—especially one that’s easy to find in stores.
Bernat Maker has a soft cotton outer shell with a nylon filling, giving it an almost jersey or T-shirt yarn feel. That construction is what gives these Crochet Towel Holders their sturdy shape and smooth finished look.
The good news is that this pattern is pretty forgiving when it comes to yarn substitutions. T-shirt yarn, cotton yarn, macrame cord, or even a sturdy acrylic yarn could all work well.
Because the towel holder will be used in the kitchen and may get pulled or tugged regularly, I recommend choosing a yarn that holds its shape and doesn’t stretch too easily.
Feel free to experiment with different yarns, but keep in mind that your finished size may vary. If you change the yarn weight, adjust your hook size as needed—the most important thing is creating a firm, tight fabric that won’t stretch out with use.
Wooden Rings
You’ll need two wooden rings for this pattern. I used 4″ Wooden Rings from Amazon. The outside diameter is approximately 3.9″–4″ (100mm), with an inside diameter of about 2.7″–2.8″.
I prefer the slightly larger 4″ rings because they make it much easier to pull the towel through without bunching it up too much.
You can use a smaller ring if you prefer, but I wouldn’t recommend going below 3″. The 4″ size still holds the towel securely while leaving plenty of room to feed it through.
Towels
The colorful towels shown are from Crae Home, a small business founded by two moms.
They’re made with an absorbent waffle-weave microfiber and come in lots of fun colors and seasonal designs. I’ve used them with these towel holders for years and love how well they work together.
Shop Crae Home towels and save 10% here.
Pattern Variations
Since originally publishing this pattern, the shorter version has become a popular option. To make the shorter version shown below, simply work 4 fewer rows than the 2-ring pattern instructions.
You can adjust the length to suit your space, but be sure to use an even number of rows so the pattern finishes correctly.
Button Closure Option
For another option, try my Button Closure Crochet Towel Holder Pattern.
This version uses just one wooden ring with a button closure, making it a good choice if there isn’t enough space between your appliance and handle to slide the rings through.
Sizing for the Crochet Towel Holders
Before adding the wooden rings, the band measures approximately 7.25″ long and 3.25″–4″ wide, depending on the version.
Note: I’ve also added a shorter variation to the pattern, which has become a popular option.
The Crochet Towel Holder Pattern is easy to customize. You can add or subtract chains from the foundation chain to adjust the width, and add or subtract rows to change the length.
If you make adjustments, be sure to finish with an even number of stitches and rows. The rest of the pattern can be worked as written, but your stitch count will be different.
If you change the yarn weight, adjust your hook size as needed to maintain a firm fabric.
Gauge | Working in Rows
7 sts x 5 rows of hdc in BLO = 3″ x 3″ using an L hook
Be sure to check your gauge before starting, since tension can vary depending on the yarn and how tightly you crochet.
Special Stitches
Herringbone Half Double Crochet (hhdc)
Yarn over, insert your hook, yarn over, pull up a loop and pull directly through the first loop on your hook. Yarn over and pull through the remaining two loops. Video instructions here
Skill Level
Advanced Beginner
Stitch Key | US Terms
- beg – beginning
- BLO – back loop only
- ch(s) – chain/chains
- dc – double crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- hhdc – herringbone half double crochet
- sc – single crochet
- sk – skip
- st(s) – stitch/stitches
✂️ Materials & Supplies Needed
Grab everything you need to make your Crochet Towel Holders:
- Yarn: Size 5 Bulky Yarn — two strands held together. I prefer Bernat Maker
- Yardage: Approximately 25 yards
- Crochet Hook: Size L/11 (8mm) Hook (or size needed to meet gauge)
- Notions: Tapestry Needle, Scissors, and a Flexible Measuring Tape
- Wooden Rings: Two 4" Wooden Rings — approximately 100mm outside diameter with a 2.7"–2.8" inside diameter
- Optional: Kitchen towels from Crae Home
Crochet Towel Holder Video Tutorial
Below you’ll find the full video tutorial showing how to make the Crochet Towel Holders from start to finish. It’s a helpful option if you prefer to follow along visually while working through the written pattern.
Crochet Towel Holders – 2 Ring Instructions
- Use two strands of yarn held together
- Beg ch of each row does not count as st, work 1st st in same st as beg ch.
- For the new, shorter version, skip the last four rows from each option below.
Option 1 | HDC in Back Loop Only
Row 1. Leaving a long beg tail (about 30″), loosely ch 9, starting in 2nd ch from hook, hdc across, turn. (8hdc)
Row 2-12. Ch 1, working in blo, hdc across, turn. (8hdc)
Fasten off leaving a long tail end (about 30″), see Joining Ends instructions below.
Option 2 | The Herringbone HDC
Row 1. Leaving a long beg tail (about 30″), loosely ch 9, starting in 2nd ch from hook, hhdc across, turn. (8hhdc)
Row 2-14. Ch 1, hhdc across, turn. (8hhdc)
Fasten off leaving a long tail end (about 30″), see Joining Ends instructions below.
Option 3 | The Lemon Peel Stitch
Note: Always work the sc into the dc of the previous row, and the dc into the sc of previous row.
Row 1. Leaving a long beg tail (about 30″), loosely ch 9, working in 2nd chain from hook, sc,dc across, turn.(8sts)
Row 2-12. ch1, sc,dc across, turn. (8sts)
Fasten off leaving a long tail end (about 30″), see Joining Ends instructions below.
Joining Ends of The Crochet Towel Holders to Wooden Rings
Using a tapestry needle and beg tail end, sew short side of your piece around wooden ring, by working your needle under both loops of the foundation chain.
Fasten off and weave in the loose ends. Repeat process on opposite end, using your ending tail and working under both loops of row ends. Video instructions here
If you make the Crochet Towel Holder Pattern, I’d love to see how yours turns out! Be sure to tag me @simplymadebyerin
More Crochet Towel Holder & Kitchen Patterns
Looking for more practical crochet projects for the kitchen? Below you’ll find more towel holder designs, flower appliqués, and easy kitchen patterns to make next.
- Button Closure Crochet Towel Holder Pattern
- Crochet Flower Appliqués
- Easy Crochet Home & Kitchen Patterns
42 Comments
Stacie
Hi! This is probably a really silly question but can you tell me how you get the 2 strands together? Do you cut the yarn before you start and are they each 12.5 yards? Thanks so much!
Erin
Hi there, not a stupid question at all. The easiest way is to either use two skeins, or pull from the center and the outside. This particular yarn tends to tangle easily if you pull from the middle and the outside, so I recommend two skeins, but you can still make it work with one, just be careful when pulling from the center.
Christina
Hello! Following the recipe to a T, what is the length before adding the wooden rings?
Erin
About 7.25″, just add or subtract rows if yours isn’t the right length.
Elaine
Thank you for the tips in the video, very clear instructions for this quick project.
Erin
You’re very welcome!
Sara Schuster
Thank You so much 🙂
Erin
You’re welcome!
Cindy
I can hardly wait to do this! Great Christmas gifts this year!
Thank you for sharing!
Erin
Great idea, and you’re welcome!
Marcia
Is it 25 yards per strand (50 yards) or a total of 25 yards using both strands? (want to be sure I buy enough yard to make several for xmas presents. Thank you!
Erin
It’s 25 yards total for each holder.
Debi
I am just making sure on the crocheting we are crocheting with 2 strands all the way through? Would it be the best to have 2 skeins and just double the strands to crochet this correctly? Does that make sense LOL I am trying to figure if that is easiest for me I have already rolled one skein into a ball
Erin
Hi there, it’s definitely easier to use two skeins, so you can pull a strand from both skeins, but it is doable from one skein by pulling from the outside and center. I do find that Bernat Maker Home Dec tangles easily pulling from the center, so I try to avoid that option.
Bonnie
About how many towel holders can I expect to get from a skein?
Erin
Hi Bonnie, I use two skeins (since it’s two strands held together) and I’m getting about 20 holders. I calculated about 25 yards per holder, so technicallyI should be getting a few more, but I probably have a little extra waste yarn on my tail ends. If you’re using only one skein you should get about 10 holders.
Bonnie
Thanks for the quick reply! I plan on using 2 strands and was just placing my order for the yarn and wanted to make sure it was enough to make at least 3. I can’t wait for my yarn to get here!
Amy
Is there a different yarn you can use besides the bernat hime maker yarn?
Erin
I suggest cotton yarn, be sure to use multiple strands held together. If you go back up to the article it talks about yarn and substitutions. Thank you!
Janice E. Harrison
Hi Erin. I think a goid substitute yarn might be Easy Peasy yarn. I’ve only ever seen it on Amazon. I believe it’s the yarn found in the Wobbles Kits for beginner c
Cro c heters.
Erin
Thank you, I’ll take a look!
Allison Hall
Which of these stitch options do think uses the least amount of yarn?
Erin
They all use just about the same.
Letha Drury
I made the back loop hdc according to pattern and it turned out beautifully. For practical usage I am going to do fewer rows as it makes the towel hang very low when draped over cabinet pull. I pulled from center and outside of yarn with no issue. You have to be really careful weaving ends, yarn is very easy to pick!
Erin
I’m so happy you tried it out! Yes, some prefer a shorter towel holder, I now offer a shorter version. I just skip four rows from each of the patterns listed. You can get a blunt end threader like this, it’s very helpful for weaving the ends of this yarn in: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09Q3PBL6L?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzerinha07-20&creativeASIN=B09Q3PBL6L&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.3WJAYUJ8ZF12&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d_asin
Sandra
Hi,
I recently purchased your pattern on Etsy and I am struggling. I folded the yarn in half to get 30″ but after the 5th row, I ran out of the yarn that was folded? Did I read your instructions incorrectly when I first started? “Row 1. Leaving a long beg tail (about 30″),” I’m doing the Option 2 Herringbone stitch. Do you have a video that shows how you begin?
Thank you
Erin
Hi Sandra, make sure you’re using two strands of yarn held together, and the 30″ beginning tail is what you use at the end of the pattern to sew around the ring. If you’re running out of yarn, it sounds like you are using the tail to crochet with, you want to be using the yarn from the skein, not the tail.
Sandra
Thank you! Is there an alternative yarn to use? I saw you mention in one of the comments above – easy peesy yarn. Would the macrame yarn be fine to use without doubling it? This yarn keeps getting tangled and I am to the point of frustration with it!
Erin
Hi there, yes, you can use pretty much whatever you’d like, just experiment. I think cotton or macrame would work great, especially in the kitchen!
Heather
First I’ll say that your pattern is a dream to work up and looks so pretty, even with other yarn types! Thank you ❤️ Question though, how do we go about washing these? I’m nervous to put the wood rings in the machine but both my yarn and rings are getting dirty from all the little hands in the kitchen haha and not looking as nice 😞
Erin
Thank you, I appreciate your kind words! I recommend hand washing. I know most of the rings on the market are unfinished, but I think if you wash the yarn portion really well, and then dry the rings off immediately, they should be fine. A dab of dish soap should help, as it’ll cut through grease stains.
Claire
Bonjour, très joli et pratique. Mais au moment de laver, la partie avec les anneaux comment procéder? Les annaux de bois sont fragiles à l’eau…
Hello, very nice and practical. But when it comes to washing, the part with the rings, how do you proceed? The wooden rings are fragile in water…
penny piotter
where can i get the buttons? and what size did you use?
Erin
I used a toggle style button that measures approximately 1.75 inches by .60 inches. I purchase mine from https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=4nbUrzainsE&mid=54066&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fshop%2FINGUTE on Etsy. It’s an overseas shop, but I’ve been purchasing from them for years, I’ve never had any issues, and the quality, and price is amazing!
Marci
I love the pattern and would like to give it a try. But I want to use one skein of Bernat Maker yarn. Can I separate it into two balls without a problem? I would wind by hand. Thank you.
Erin
Thank you for following along! Yes, I usually just pull from the outside and middle. Just be careful with the middle pull as this yarn usually comes out in a big clump and tangles easily.
Jean
Hi. I haven’t been able to find the needle you used to sew the yarn onto the wooden ring. If I use a regular blunt end needle it’s hard to thread it. I tried the drawstring needle you have listed on Amazon supplies but the end part snags the yarn. Thanks, Jean
Erin
Hi there, I use the drawstring threader from Amazon, and it works great for me. Here’s the link: https://amzn.to/4iP6zlI
Yvonne G
I just came across this pattern. I absolutely love it. I learned to crochet 47years ago when I was 20. I love how thorough your instructions are and appreciate your tips!! Thank you for these patterns. It made me want to take up crocheting again. I’m waiting for my rings to be delivered. And I made one of your adorable pumpkins. Thanks again!! =)
Erin
Hi Yvonne, and thank you for your kind words! I’m so happy you’re enjoying crochet again, I can’t wait to see how your towel holders turn out!
Yvonne G
Erin I just ordered the rings from Amazon and they arrived so dirty. Did you have that problem? If so, can they be washed? I know Amazon isn’t your problem, but I just want to know if I am being too particular. =)
Erin
I’ve ordered hundreds from them and a few batches have come dirty, almost moldy. I just exchanged them for a new set.