Hello, fellow yarn lovers! If you are looking for a fun, eco-friendly project that brightens up your home while cutting down on clutter, you are going to adore this project. The crocheted gambá (opossum) shopping bag holder is a delightful blend of playful character and practical everyday organization.
By keeping your reusable grocery bags neatly tucked inside a charming, handmade animal companion, you will make sustainable living a whole lot more fun. Let’s grab our hooks and yarn and get ready to stitch up a smile for your kitchen or pantry!
Materials & Tools Needed
- Medium-weight (Worsted / #4) cotton yarn in main body color (e.g., grey) and accent colors (e.g., white, black, or pink)
- Crochet hook size G/6 (4.0 mm) or H/8 (5.0 mm), depending on your tension
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and assembly
- Stitch markers
- Optional: Small amount of polyester fiberfill for the snout/ears, and a small hair elastic or drawstring cord
Abbreviations & Pattern Notes
- US Terminology
- ch: chain
- sc: single crochet
- hdc: half double crochet
- inc: increase (work 2 sc in the same stitch)
- dec: decrease (sc 2 stitches together)
- sl st: slip stitch
- st(s): stitch(es)
- Note: The body is worked in the round from the bottom up as a cylinder. The facial features, ears, and hanging loop are made separately and sewn on securely.
Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions
- Body Base: Using your main body color, ch 36, join with a sl st to form a ring (being careful not to twist). Alternatively, work flat and seam, or start with a magic ring for a closed bottom with a draw-string dispenser opening. For a standard tube holder, ch 30-40 loosely to create a wide enough opening for bags.
- Body Cylinder:
- Round 1: Ch 1, work 1 sc in each st around. Join with sl st to first sc. (36 sts)
- Rounds 2–35: Repeat Round 1 until the tube measures approximately 15 to 18 inches long. This creates a flexible, stretchy mesh or solid body to hold multiple bags. Fasten off main color.
- Top Dispenser Casing: Attach your accent color at the top edge. Work 1 hdc in each st around for 3 rounds. On the final round, create eyelet holes for a drawstring if desired (ch 2, skip 1 st, hdc in next st). Fasten off and weave in ends.
- Ears (Make 2):
- Round 1: With accent color, start with a magic ring, work 6 sc into ring. Join. (6 sts)
- Round 2: Inc in each st around. (12 sts)
- Rounds 3–4: Sc in each st around. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
- Snout and Facial Details: Using black yarn, embroider a cute little nose and whiskers near the top-front of the body. You can also crochet a small oval snout piece and sew it on. Add safety eyes or embroider sleepy/playful eyes above the snout.
- Hanging Loop: Join yarn at the top back edge of the bag holder, ch 15–20 securely, and sl st back into the base of the chain to form a sturdy loop for hanging on a wall hook.
Finishing & Helpful Tips
- Maintain Consistent Tension: Keep your stitches relatively firm so the bag holder maintains its cylindrical shape even when packed full of plastic or fabric bags.
- Secure Sewing: Double-check that all facial features and ears are tightly stitched on using sturdy cotton yarn tails, as this item will be handled frequently.
- Cotton is Best: Stick to 100% cotton yarn for this project; it provides the ideal structure, durability, and washability needed for kitchen and pantry accessories.
- Easy Access: Stuff your completed holder with reusable bags from the top, and easily pull them out one by one from the bottom opening whenever you need them!