A functional wall-hanging bag dispenser shaped like a cheerful hen, with cream body, brown wings, red comb and wattle, orange beak, floral embellishment and a lower opening for pulling out reusable plastic bags.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Finished Size: Approx. 45–55 cm (18–22 in) tall including hanging loops.
Terminology: US crochet terms
Materials
Worsted cotton: cream, warm brown, red, orange, green, white, yellow
4.0–4.5 mm hook
2 safety eyes or black embroidery thread
Elastic cord or narrow elastic, 25–30 cm
Tapestry needle
Optional lightweight lining fabric
Strong yarn for double hanging loop
Abbreviations
MR = magic ring
ch = chain
sl st = slip stitch
sc = single crochet
hdc = half double crochet
dc = double crochet
tr = treble crochet
inc = increase (2 sts in one st)
dec = decrease
BLO = back loop only
st/sts = stitch/stitches
R = round or row
FO = fasten off
Method
Crochet a large tapered tube from the top down. Shape the upper section as a chicken head, add wings and facial pieces, and finish the bottom with an elasticized opening that holds bags securely.
Formation / Construction Plan
Work the main body in joined or continuous rounds.
Shape neck and head with decreases.
Add comb, beak, wattle and cheeks.
Make two textured wings and sew to sides.
Create a scalloped lower trim and elastic opening.
Add a reinforced double hanging loop.
Full Pattern
Pattern note: This is an original approximation developed from the visible design language of the reference image. Gauge and yarn choice can change the finished proportions, so compare your work to the listed size and adjust as needed.
Main Body: Ch 60, join carefully without twisting. R1–6: sc around (60). R7 [8 sc, dec] x6 (54). R8–13 sc around. R14 [7 sc, dec] x6 (48). Continue decreasing every 5–6 rounds until 36 sts remain near upper body.
Neck/Head: Work 36 sc for 5 rounds. Increase to 42 sts over next round. Work 8 rounds even. Then decrease gradually to 18 sts, stuff lightly only in head area if desired, and close top.
Bottom Elastic Casing: At starting edge, work 1 round sc. Next round: *dc, ch 1, sk 1* around. Weave elastic through spaces and tie securely so opening is about 10–12 cm wide.
Scallop Trim: Join orange/brown above casing. *Sk 1, 5 dc in next st, sk 1, sl st next* around.
Wing (make 2): Ch 16. Rows 1–8: hdc across, decreasing 1 st at each end every second row. Add a final sc edge and lightly gather top edge.
Comb: Ch 14. Across chain work repeating [sl st, 5 dc in next st, sl st] to form 4 rounded lobes.
Beak: MR 4 sc, increase to 6, work 2 rounds, flatten and sew to face.
Wattle: Make two small red teardrops: ch 5, sc, hdc, dc, 4 dc in last ch, mirror back.
Mini Daisy: MR, 10 sc in ring. Change to white, [ch 4, 2 dc in same st, ch 4, sl st next st] x5.
Assembly and Finishing
Install or embroider eyes before closing the head completely.
Sew beak centered between eyes; add wattle below and comb on top.
Attach wings at upper side body, angled slightly backward.
Embroider or sew small daisies and leaves across the lower front.
Make two thick hanging cords by chaining 45 and slip stitching back. Sew both loops securely to the top back of the head/body.
Load bags through the lower opening or a discreet upper opening, depending on preference.
Adjustment Notes
Cotton yarn gives the bag holder better structure. Reinforce the hanging loops with sewing thread because a filled holder can become heavy.