Tired of onions falling to the back of your pantry or taking up valuable space on the shelves? With this crochet onion holder, you can have your onions organized and out of the way in just a few hours or less. This fast and simple project is perfect for maximizing space and reducing food waste.
Estimated Project Cost $1-$2
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This crochet onion bag is the perfect blend of function and frugality. It keeps your onions well-ventilated and easy to access, while making great use of small amounts of cotton yarn you likely already have in your stash.
Whether you're trying to tidy up your pantry or prevent produce from going bad too quickly, this free pattern is a clever, quick project you can finish in just a few hours.
This project also doubles as a helpful tool for pantry organization. If your shelves need a declutter, be sure to check out How a Messy Pantry Costs You Money post or the list of Frugal Pantry Staples to Keep on Hand where onions are a top staple.
Just like my Crochet Market Bag and Crochet Bento Bag, this onion bag uses breathable large stitches, making it ideal for food storage. The mesh design promotes airflow, helping your onions stay fresh longer.
If you love frugal living and practical crochet, you'll want to bookmark this pattern alongside recipes like my Classic Macaroni Pasta Salad, Slow Cooker Beef Roast, and Tomato Jalapeño Salsa, all of which use onions too!
Or while you're meal planning, consider adding Microwave Yellow Squash for a veggie side that uses up produce fast!
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🍯 Why This Pattern Works:
- Only takes one skein! This entire project can be made using less than a roll of cotton yarn. Use the remaining yarn to make a Crochet Soap Saver.
- Reduces food waste. By storing your onions in a breathable mesh bag, they last longer, and you save money.
- Quick, beginner-friendly project. You can finish this in an afternoon with just basic stitches and techniques.
🪡 Materials Needed
- 100% cotton yarn- You will need less than one full skein of cotton yarn for this project.
- Crochet hook- (5mm recommended)
- Yarn needle- For weaving the yarn ends into the project.
- Scissors- For cutting the yarn as needed.
📖Variations
You can change the color to match your kitchen theme or use up scrap yarns for a fun striped look.
Want a bigger bag? Use bulkier yarn and a larger hook to hold more onions or even other produce like garlic or lemons.
💭Abbreviations to Remember (US terms)
- ch - chain
- sl st - slip stitch
- sc - single crochet
- dc - double crochet
- st(s) - stitch(es)
🧶Instructions for Crochet Onion Holder
Bottom Ring
Chain 10. (See Image 1) Sl st to first ch to form a ring (Image 2).
Work 16 sc into the ring. (Image 3). Sl st to first sc to join.
Mesh Body
Round 1: Ch 9. (Image 4). *Skip 1 st, dc in the next st (Image 5), and chain 9. Repeat from * around. Sl st to 3rd ch of beginning ch-9 to join. (Image 6).
Round 2: Sl st into first ch-9 space (yes, right next to the last sl st, so technically two side-by-side). Ch 9. * Dc in next ch-9 space, ch 9. Repeat from * around
Sl st into the 3rd ch of the beginning ch-9 to join. (Images 7 & 8)
Round 3-20 or until desired length: Repeat Round 2 until it reaches your desired length. Usually 18-24 rounds, depending on how many onions you want it to hold.
Top Edge
After slip stitching into the chain 3 of the 9 from the previous round, chain 1.
Sc 2 into each ch-9 space and 1 sc into each dc around. (Image 9)
For extra stability, do one more round of sc in these sc. (Image 10)
sl st to join. Do not fasten off.
Hanging Loop
Ch 40-60 right where you sl st a moment ago. You can make the chain bigger or smaller depending on what you want. (Image 11)
sl st back into the same st to form a loop or find the middle of the opposite side and attach it before doubling back to make a thicker handle. Your choice. I did a handle because it makes more sense with my storage arrangements. (Image 12).
Fasten off. Weave in ends. Done.
✂️Expert Tips
Cotton yarn is best because it's sturdy, washable, and holds shape well, even with the weight of onions. Avoid acrylic.
If your bag is curling at the base, your tension might be too tight. Gently stretch it out or wet block the circle flat.
Make the loop longer if you want to hang it on a pantry hook, cabinet knob, or even a coat rack.
🧵Pattern FAQs
Technically, yes, but cotton is preferred for its durability and breathability, especially important for storing produce. Acrylic will stretch out and break under the strain of weight, whereas cotton will hold up better and last years longer.
Yes, if you use cotton yarn. Place it in a delicates bag and use cold water. Lay flat to dry.
Try working into the back bump of each chain in the foundation ring and be mindful not to tighten your stitches too much.
Garlic, lemons, shallots, or even potatoes (just be mindful of weight and breathability).
The best bag for storing onions is a breathable, mesh-style bag that allows airflow while keeping them contained and off direct surfaces. That's why a crochet onion bag made from cotton yarn works so well. It keeps onions ventilated, reduces spoilage, and can hang conveniently in a pantry or cabinet.
For long-term storage, onions should be kept in a cool, dry, and dark place with good air circulation. Ventilated containers such as wire baskets, mesh bags, or slotted wooden crates are ideal. Avoid plastic containers or sealed bins. They trap moisture, which can cause onions to sprout or rot faster.
🪢More Homestead and Homemade Favorites
If you tried this Mesh Onion Keeper (or any other pattern on my website), please let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. I'd love to hear from you!
Mesh Onion Keeper
Materials
- 60-75 yds worsted weight cotton
- 5.0 mm crochet hook (H-8)
- yarn needle
- scissors
Abbreviations (US terms)
- ch - chain
- sl st - slip stitch
- sc - single crochet
- dc - double crochet
Instructions
Bottom Ring
- Ch 10, sl st to first ch to form a ring.
- Work 16 sc into the ring. Sl st to first sc to join.
Mesh Body
- Round 1: Ch 9. Skip 1 st, dc in next st, ch 9. Repeat from * around.
- Sl st to 3rd ch of beginning ch-9 to join.
- Round 2: Sl st into first ch-9 space (yes, it's right next to the join, so two side-by-side sl sts).
- Ch 9. Dc in next ch-9 space, ch 9. Repeat from * around.
- Sl st to 3rd ch of beginning ch-9 to join.
- Rounds 3-20 (or until desired length): Repeat Round 2. Usually 18-24 rounds depending on how many onions you want it to hold.
Top Edge
- After your final sl st into the 3rd ch of the previous ch-9:
- Ch 1.
- Work 2 sc into each ch-9 space and 1 sc into each dc around.
- Optional: For extra structure, work one more round of sc.
- Sl st to join. Do not fasten off.
Hanging Loop
- Ch 40-60, depending on how long you want the loop.
- Sl st back into the same stitch to form a loop.
- Optional: Sl st across to the opposite side, then ch back for a thicker handle.
- Fasten off. Weave in ends. Done.
Notes
- Skill Level: Easy / Confident Beginner
- Yarn: 100% cotton recommended for strength and breathability
- Hook Size: 5mm (or size to match yarn)
- Time to Make: 2-3 hours
- Finished Size: Adjustable (typically holds 4-6 onions)
- Uses: Ideal for pantry storage, promotes airflow, reduces food waste
- Care: Machine washable (cold, gentle), lay flat to dry
- Tip: Add a second round of single crochet at the top for extra stability
- Customizable: Adjust loop size or number of rounds to fit your space
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