Crocheting a soap holder is a practical and creative craft project that combines functionality with decorative appeal. A handmade crochet soap holder helps store soap neatly, prevents it from slipping, and even extends the life of the soap by allowing it to dry between uses. Moreover, a crochet soap holder can double as a spa accessory, a gift item, or part of your bathroom décor.

This long-form guide explains in detail how to crochet a soap holder step by step, including materials, basic crochet stitches, pattern instructions, and optional decorative touches.

1. Understanding a Crochet Soap Holder

A crochet soap holder is essentially a small pouch or net that holds a bar of soap. There are several types:

Simple pouch – fully encloses the soap
Open mesh bag – allows soap to lather easily while holding it
Hanging soap saver – includes a loop to hang in the shower

All types serve the same purpose: keeping your soap dry and accessible while adding a touch of handmade charm.

The basic structure usually consists of:

Foundation chain – creates the base width
Rows or rounds of stitches – form the pouch or mesh
Closure or loop – for hanging or tying

Crochet soap holders can also include decorative features like flowers, scalloped edges, or color patterns.

2. Materials and Tools Needed

Before starting, gather all the materials for your crochet soap holder.

Yarn

The best yarn for a soap holder is:

Cotton yarn – absorbent and gentle on skin
Bamboo yarn – soft, eco-friendly, and antibacterial
Linen or cotton-blend yarn – durable and natural

Avoid acrylic yarn for soap holders since it does not absorb water well and can make the soap slippery.

Yarn weight:

DK (light) or worsted weight works well for medium-sized soap bars.

Color suggestions:

White, beige, or pastel shades for a spa-like appearance
Bright colors for decorative or gift purposes

Crochet Hook

Choose a hook appropriate for your yarn:

3.5 mm – 4.5 mm for DK or cotton yarn
Smaller hooks make tighter stitches that hold soap securely
Larger hooks make looser mesh bags for lathering

Additional Tools

You will also need:

Yarn needle – for weaving ends and finishing
Scissors
Stitch markers (optional)

Optional:

Button or toggle – if you want a closure
Decorative charm – for personalizing the soap holder

3. Basic Crochet Stitches Required

A soap holder uses simple crochet stitches. Familiarity with these stitches is recommended:

Slip Knot – starting point
Chain Stitch (ch) – foundation and shaping
Single Crochet (sc) – dense, firm stitches
Double Crochet (dc) – looser stitches for mesh
Slip Stitch (sl st) – for joining and finishing
Half Double Crochet (hdc) – optional for slightly taller stitches

4. Step 1: Measure Your Soap

Before starting:

Measure your soap’s length, width, and thickness.
Decide whether you want a snug fit (pouch style) or a looser mesh bag.

For a standard bar of soap (approx. 3.5 x 2.5 inches), you’ll need a foundation chain of 12–15 stitches depending on yarn thickness.

5. Step 2: Create the Foundation Chain

Make a slip knot.
Chain 12–15 stitches (or adjust based on your soap size).

This chain forms the base width of your soap holder.

6. Step 3: First Row – Single Crochet Base

Insert the hook into the second chain from the hook.
Make a single crochet (sc).
Continue across the foundation chain with single crochet stitches.
Turn your work at the end of the row.

This row gives a solid bottom base to support the soap.

7. Step 4: Build the Sides

To create the pouch sides, you can work in rows or rounds:

Option A: Working in Rows (Pouch Style)

Chain 1 at the beginning of the row.
Work single crochet stitches across the row.
Turn your work.
Repeat until the piece height matches the soap’s thickness.

Option B: Working in Mesh (Open Bag)

Chain 3 (counts as first double crochet).
Work double crochet stitches with chain-1 gaps:
- dc in next stitch, ch 1, skip next stitch, repeat across row
Turn your work.
Repeat until the pouch reaches desired height.

This mesh style creates a soapy texture that allows easy lathering.

8. Step 5: Form the Top Edge

After reaching the desired height:

Work single crochet or slip stitches around the top edge.
This creates a firm rim for the soap holder.

Optional:

Add a scalloped edge or picot stitches for decoration.

9. Step 6: Create the Hanging Loop

To make your soap holder hangable:

Chain 15–20 stitches from the top corner of the holder.
Slip stitch back into the opposite side to form a loop.

Alternatively, attach a button or toggle for a closure.

10. Step 7: Sew the Sides (if working flat)

If you worked the soap holder flat:

Fold it in half so the edges meet.
Use a yarn needle and matching yarn to sew the sides together.
Leave one end open to insert the soap.

For a mesh bag, you can also work in rounds and skip this sewing step.

11. Step 8: Insert the Soap

Place your soap inside the crocheted pouch.
Adjust the opening so the soap fits snugly.
Use the hanging loop to hang the soap in the shower or on a hook.

12. Step 9: Optional Decorative Additions

Enhance your soap holder with these decorative touches:

Crochet flowers, leaves, or stars on the surface
Add contrasting yarn for edges or stripes
Use variegated yarn for colorful effects
Attach a small charm or bead

These small details make your soap holder unique and perfect for gifting.

13. Washing and Maintenance

Since soap holders are used in wet areas:

Use machine-washable cotton yarn for durability.
Remove the soap and wash the holder occasionally.
Air dry to prevent stretching or deformation.

Proper care ensures your crochet soap holder lasts for months or years.

14. Variations of Crochet Soap Holders

Mesh Soap Bag

Perfect for creating lather directly while holding the soap.
Works best with double crochet stitches and chain gaps.

Rolled Soap Cozy

Small crochet pouch that wraps tightly around the soap.
Can include a tie or button closure.

Hanging Soap Flower

Crochet a decorative flower on top of a mesh bag.
Adds charm to the bathroom décor.

Colorful Stripes

Use multiple yarn colors for a playful effect.

15. Benefits of a Crochet Soap Holder

Keeps soap dry and prevents waste
Creates gentle exfoliation when used with mesh patterns
Decorative and customizable for gifts
Quick project using small amounts of yarn
Reusable and eco-friendly compared to plastic holders

Crochet soap holders are practical and stylish handmade items suitable for personal use or gifts.

Conclusion

Crocheting a soap holder is a simple yet rewarding craft project that combines practicality with creativity. By using absorbent cotton or bamboo yarn, creating a base and side walls with single or double crochet stitches, and adding a hanging loop, you can produce a functional and decorative soap holder.

Optional decorative touches such as flowers, scalloped edges, or contrasting colors allow you to personalize each holder. This project is beginner-friendly, eco-friendly, and makes a great gift for anyone who appreciates handmade kitchen and bath accessories.

Once you master the basic crochet soap holder, you can experiment with mesh patterns, closures, and hanging designs, making each holder unique and functional. 🧼

If you want, I can also create a step-by-step diagram with visuals for the crochet soap holder, showing each stage from chain to final hanging loop. It will make it much easier to follow for beginners.

Do you want me to do that?

How to Crochet a Soap Holder: Step-by-Step Guide