11 DIY Dog Bag Holder Designs You’ll Love (And Actually Use)
If you’re like me, you have dog poop bags stashed everywhere—stuffed in coat pockets, crumpled at the bottom of your purse, or hanging off the leash in a sad, plastic grocery bag. It’s time for an upgrade that’s both cute and functional.
I’ve rounded up 11 DIY dog bag holder designs that are easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for any dog parent. Whether you’re a sewing beginner or a craft pro, there’s something here for you. Let’s get started!
1. The Classic Leash-Mounted Fabric Pouch
This is the simplest design and my personal favorite. All you need is a small rectangle of cotton fabric, a snap button, and a clip. Sew the fabric into a little envelope pouch, attach the snap at the top, and sew a loop or clip onto the back. It slides right onto your leash handle.
I love that I can toss it in the washing machine when it gets dirty. Plus, you can match it to your dog’s collar for a coordinated look.
Pro tip: Use a fun, bold pattern so you can spot it easily in your bag.
2. The Upcycled Plastic Bottle Dispenser
This is the ultimate zero-waste hack. Take an empty plastic bottle (a small water bottle or hand sanitizer bottle works great), cut a hole in the cap just big enough to pull a bag through, and decorate the outside with washi tape or paint.
You can punch a hole in the bottom and attach a small carabiner to clip it to your leash or belt loop. It’s waterproof, lightweight, and costs almost nothing.
I keep one on my hiking backpack and it’s survived rain and mud without a problem.
3. The No-Sew Felt Keychain Holder
Not a sewer? No problem. Cut two identical shapes from stiff craft felt (a bone or paw print is cute), glue them together along the edges with fabric glue, leaving the top open. Add a keychain ring through a small hole at the top.
This holder is soft, quiet (no jingling), and takes about ten minutes to make. I’ve made these as gifts for my dog-walking buddies.
Just make sure the glue is fully dry before you stuff it with bags.
4. The Braided Paracord Bag Holder
Paracord is strong, durable, and comes in a million colors. Cut a length of paracord (about 3 feet), fold it in half, and braid or knot it into a small pouch shape. Leave a loop at the top for attaching to your leash.
This one looks rugged and outdoorsy. I use it on my heavy-duty walking leash. The best part? If you ever need emergency cord, you can unravel it.
It’s a little trickier to make, but there are great knot tutorials online.
5. The Repurposed Sock Roll
Got a lonely sock without a mate? Turn it into a bag holder. Cut off the toe, roll the sock into a tube, and stitch or glue the seam. Fold the top edge over to create a casing for a drawstring or elastic.
I used an old striped hiking sock and it looks surprisingly chic. It’s soft and stretchy, so it holds a full roll of bags easily.
This is a great way to use up mismatched socks from your laundry pile.
6. The Leather Snap Wrap
For a more polished look, try a leather wrap. Cut a strip of leather or faux leather about 2 inches wide and 6 inches long. Punch holes on both ends and attach a snap button. Wrap it around your roll of bags and snap it closed.
I made one from an old leather belt and it looks like something from a boutique pet store. It’s slim, so it fits in my pocket.
You can also stamp your dog’s name into the leather for a personal touch.
7. The Crochet Mini Bag Holder
If you crochet, this is a quick weekend project. Using cotton yarn, crochet a small cylinder that’s just big enough for a roll of bags. Add a chain stitch loop at the top for hanging.
Cotton is great because it’s washable and breathable. I made one in bright yellow so I never lose it in my tote bag.
You can also add a little flower or pom-pom decoration for extra cuteness.
8. The Rope and Wood Bead Dispenser
This one is more decorative but still functional. String large wooden beads onto a thick cotton rope, leaving a loop at the top. Tie a knot at the bottom to hold the bags in place. Slide the roll of bags onto the rope, between the beads.
It looks like a piece of jewelry for your leash. I’ve gotten so many compliments on this one at the dog park.
Make sure the beads are large enough that the bags don’t slip off.
9. The Zippered Coin Pouch Hack
Buy a small zippered coin pouch from a craft store (or reuse one you already have). Punch a hole in the zipper pull or the fabric tab and attach a clip. That’s it—instant bag holder.
I love this because it’s secure. Nothing falls out, even if I’m running with my dog. Plus, you can find pouches in every color and pattern imaginable.
It’s the fastest DIY on this list—literally takes two minutes.
10. The Fabric Scrap Tube with Drawstring
Use a small rectangle of fabric (scraps work great) to sew a simple tube. Turn it right side out, fold the top edge down to create a casing, and thread a ribbon or cord through. Pull the drawstring to close.
This is a great beginner sewing project. I made one from a leftover piece of floral fabric and it’s so cheerful.
You can make the drawstring extra long so you can hang it around your wrist.
11. The Carabiner and Elastic Loop
For the ultimate minimalist design, take a heavy-duty carabiner and a wide elastic band (like from an old headband). Sew the elastic into a loop that fits snugly around your bag roll. Clip the carabiner through the elastic.
This is what I use on my running leash. It’s lightweight, doesn’t bounce, and I can clip it anywhere—belt loop, backpack strap, or leash handle.
It’s not the prettiest, but it’s the most functional design I’ve tried.
Conclusion
DIY dog bag holders don’t have to be complicated or expensive. With a little creativity, you can turn everyday items into something practical and personal. Whether you choose a no-sew felt holder or a rugged paracord design, you’ll never be caught without a bag again.
Pick your favorite, make it this weekend, and enjoy those walks with one less thing to worry about.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the easiest DIY dog bag holder for beginners?
The upcycled plastic bottle dispenser or the zippered coin pouch hack are the easiest. They require no sewing and take just a few minutes.
2. Can I wash my fabric dog bag holder?
Yes, most fabric holders can be hand-washed or tossed in a lingerie bag in the washing machine. Leather and paracord holders should be spot-cleaned.
3. How many bags should a holder carry?
A standard roll has 15–30 bags. Most of these designs hold one roll comfortably. If you need more, just make the holder slightly bigger.
4. What materials do I need for a no-sew holder?
Stiff craft felt, fabric glue, and a keychain ring are all you need. No sewing machine or needle required.
5. Can I attach the holder to a poop bag leash?
Absolutely. Most of these designs include a clip or loop that attaches directly to the leash handle or D-ring. Just make sure the attachment is secure.
