by A crocheted dish towel holder made with a recycled CD is a brilliant mix of creativity, sustainability, and practicality. The CD gives structure and durability, while the crochet adds a soft, decorative touch. This project is beginner-friendly but also enjoyable for experienced crocheters.
In this detailed guide, you’ll learn everything you need—from materials to finishing touches—so you can create a beautiful and functional towel holder for your kitchen.
🌼 1. Why Use a CD?
Using a CD (or DVD) inside your crochet work has several benefits:
- Provides a strong, rigid base
- Keeps the holder from stretching out
- Helps maintain shape over time
- Recycles old materials ♻️
👉 This makes your towel holder both eco-friendly and long-lasting!
🧵 2. Materials You’ll Need
Prepare the following items before starting:
- Old CD or DVD (clean and scratch-free)
- Cotton yarn (medium weight recommended)
- Crochet hook (3.5mm–4.5mm depending on yarn)
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
- Button (medium to large size)
- Stitch marker (optional)
👉 Tip: Cotton yarn is best because it absorbs moisture and is durable for kitchen use.
🔧 3. Basic Stitches to Know
Make sure you’re comfortable with these stitches:
- Magic Ring (MR) or working around a ring
- Chain (ch)
- Slip Stitch (sl st)
- Single Crochet (sc)
- Half Double Crochet (hdc)
- Double Crochet (dc)
🌸 4. Project Overview
This project has three main parts:
- Crochet around the CD (front and back cover)
- Create a strap or loop
- Attach a button for closure
🟡 5. Step-by-Step Instructions
🔶 Step 1: Prepare the CD
- Clean the CD thoroughly
- You can optionally wrap yarn around it first for better grip
(this step is optional but helpful)
🧶 Step 2: Crochet Around the CD
Method 1: Working Directly Around the CD
- Make a slip knot and attach yarn to the CD edge
- Chain 1
- Work single crochet (sc) evenly around the CD
👉 Insert hook around the edge of the CD and pull yarn through
✔ Continue placing stitches evenly around the entire circle
- Join with a slip stitch
Method 2: Crochet a Circle Cover (Alternative)
If working directly on the CD is difficult:
- Make a magic ring
- Round 1: 10–12 sc into ring
- Round 2: Increase in each stitch (2 sc in each stitch)
- Continue increasing until circle matches CD size
✔ Make two circles (front and back), then crochet them together around the CD
🔵 Step 3: Secure the CD Inside
If using the circle method:
- Place CD between the two crochet circles
- Single crochet around edges to join them
- Ensure tight stitching so CD doesn’t move
✔ Now your base is complete
🌿 Step 4: Create the Towel Holder Strap
- Choose a point at the top of the circle
- Attach yarn
- Chain 20–30 (depending on desired length)
- Turn and work back:
- 1 sc or hdc in each chain
✔ Repeat 1–2 rows for thickness
👉 This forms a sturdy strap
🔘 Step 5: Create Button Loop
At the end of the strap:
- Chain 6–10 (depending on button size)
- Slip stitch into strap to form a loop
✔ Make sure the loop fits snugly around your button
🧷 Step 6: Attach the Button
- Sew the button onto the front center of the CD cover
- Ensure alignment with the loop
- Secure tightly with yarn or thread
✔ This allows you to hold the towel firmly in place
🌸 6. How It Works
- You pass your dish towel through the ring
- Fold it over
- Secure with the button loop
✔ This prevents towels from falling off easily
🎨 7. Creative Design Ideas
Make your towel holder unique with these ideas:
- 🌼 Add crochet flowers (like daisies)
- 🍓 Use bright or pastel colors
- 🧵 Try textured stitches (shell stitch, puff stitch)
- 🌈 Use multicolor or gradient yarn
- 🍃 Add small leaves or appliqués
💡 8. Tips for Best Results
- Keep stitches tight and even for durability
- Use cotton yarn (better for kitchen use)
- Make sure CD is fully covered (no sharp edges exposed)
- Adjust strap length based on where you’ll hang it
⚠️ 9. Common Mistakes & Fixes
❌ CD feels loose
✔ Add tighter stitches or another round
❌ Strap too stretchy
✔ Use single crochet instead of double crochet
❌ Button doesn’t fit loop
✔ Adjust chain length before finishing
🌼 10. Beginner-Friendly Quick Pattern
- Cover CD with sc
- Attach yarn at top
- Chain 25, sc back
- Chain 8 for loop
- Sew button
✔ Done!
💛 Final Thoughts
A crocheted dish towel holder with a CD is a simple yet highly practical project. It’s perfect for beginners and also a great way to use leftover yarn and recycle old CDs.
Not only does it keep your kitchen organized, but it also adds a handmade, cozy touch to your space 🌸
