How to Crochet a Mushroom-Shaped Garbage Bin Holder

Materials & tools you'll need

Step 1 — Form the foundation ring

Using orange yarn, chain 30 stitches and join with a slip stitch to form a circle — this ring becomes the base of the mushroom holder. Make sure the chain lies flat and is not twisted before joining, as any twist will carry through every subsequent round and cannot be corrected later. Keep your tension even across all 30 chains; a consistent tension here will make the base sit flat and give the finished holder a tidy, circular profile. Place a stitch marker in the joining stitch so you can track the start of each round as you build up the sides.

Step 2 — Build the mushroom base

Working from the foundation ring in orange yarn, begin the body of the base with a chain-4 turning chain, then work double crochet stitches around, chaining 1 between each double crochet and turning with a slip stitch into the first chain of the starting chain at the end of each row. Continue this pattern for approximately 5 rows until the orange section measures about 2 inches in height. Fasten off and weave in your ends. Switch to brown yarn and repeat the same row sequence — chain 4, double crochet around with chain-1 spaces, slip stitch at the end — for another 5 rows until the brown section also measures approximately 2 inches. Fasten off and weave in ends. These two colour blocks stacked together form the lower stem of the mushroom.

Step 3 — Work the gills

Return to orange yarn and join it with a slip stitch at the top edge of the brown section. The gills create the decorative underside of the mushroom cap and are worked using a decrease sequence that gives them a layered, textured look. For each gill row, chain 4, then work double crochet stitches in pairs separated by chain-2 spaces, skipping stitches between each group and turning with a slip stitch at the end of every row. Work approximately 3 rows of gills in this way, keeping the chain-2 spaces consistent in size so the gill effect reads clearly from the outside. Fasten off and weave in all ends once the gill section is complete. This section also reduces the overall stitch count, narrowing the piece slightly before the cap is attached.

Step 4 — Crochet the mushroom cap

Join green yarn with a slip stitch to one of the remaining orange stitches at the top edge of the gill section. Work the cap body in the same row pattern used for the stem — chain 4, double crochet around with chain-1 spaces, slip stitch to close each row — continuing for approximately 5 rows until the green section reaches about 2 inches in height. Fasten off and weave in ends. Switch to cream yarn to create the top dome of the mushroom cap. Work 3 rows in the same pattern for approximately 1 inch of height. The cream section rounds off the top of the cap and gives the mushroom its classic silhouette. Fasten off and weave in all remaining ends before moving to the joining step.

Step 5 — Join all sections

With orange yarn threaded onto your tapestry needle, sew the base, gill section, and cap together using slip stitches worked through the edge stitches of each piece. Align the sections carefully before sewing so the mushroom sits upright without leaning — check that the base ring is centred under the cap and that the gills sit evenly between the two. Sew each join with several passes through the fabric to create a firm, load-bearing seam that will hold up to the weight of a full plastic bag liner. Leave an opening at the top of the cap large enough to fit your hand through comfortably — this is the opening through which you will insert and remove the plastic bag liner when the holder is in use.

Step 6 — Add the drawstring

To allow the top of the mushroom holder to open and close easily, add a drawstring at the top edge of the cap. Crochet a loop or a simple chain long enough to encircle the opening, then thread a length of yarn or ribbon through the stitches around the top edge of the cap opening, spacing the threading points evenly to ensure the opening gathers uniformly when the drawstring is pulled. Tie the two ends of the drawstring together with a loose knot so they can be untied quickly when you need to change the bag liner. When not in use, pull the drawstring closed and tie it to keep the mushroom shape looking tidy on your counter or shelf.

Step 7 — Add finishing touches

Weave in any remaining yarn tails securely, threading each tail through the back loops of several nearby stitches in at least two directions before trimming close to the fabric. Check all seams from the outside to confirm they are firm, then turn the holder right side out if needed and give it a gentle press into shape with your hands. For optional decoration, you can add spots to the cream cap using a contrasting yarn colour and a simple surface slip stitch or embroidery, or use beads and sequins to create patterns on the mushroom cap surface. Consider making multiple holders in different colour combinations — a classic red-and-white toadstool colourway makes a striking alternative to the original orange and cream. Insert a plastic bag liner through the top opening, pull the liner rim over the outside of the cap edge to keep it in place, and your mushroom garbage bin holder is ready to use.

Frequently asked questions

What materials do I need to crochet a mushroom-shaped garbage bin holder?
You will need yarn in orange, brown, green, blue, and cream, a crochet hook suited to your yarn weight, scissors, plastic bags for liners, a tapestry needle, and stitch markers. The project does not require any specialised tools.

What skill level is required to make the mushroom-shaped garbage bin holder?
The project is rated beginner to intermediate. You will need to be comfortable with chain stitches, double crochet, slip stitches, and basic decreases. Joining separate pieces is the most technically demanding part.

What is the finished size of the crochet mushroom garbage bin holder?
The finished holder measures approximately 8 inches tall with a 6-inch diameter base — large enough to hold a standard small plastic bag liner and sit comfortably on a kitchen counter or shelf.

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