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How to crochet a basket

Spring cleaning? Make chunky crochet baskets for storing your craft supplies using our free crochet basket pattern. They'll come in handy for all that wool and yarn!

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Phoebe Burt

Published: August 10, 2021 at 8:00 am

We've do love a good storage solution, and this free crochet basket pattern is the perfect way to tidy up all those loose bits and bobs in your home. We'll show you how to crochet a basket with instructions for making two sizes (large and small) - it's a quick and easy make to help you keep everything neat and tidy. They're small enough for popping on your sewing table or desk but big enough to hold fabric in, and the large crochet basket is just the right size for keeping your current crochet project in!

How to crochet a basket

You’ll need

• A 1kg (2.2lbs) cone of recycled cotton cord. • 10mm (UK 000, US N/15) crochet hook • Darning or tapestry needle with a large eye

If you're looking for more eco-friendly yarns to use for this free crochet basket pattern, you could try the Hoooked Spesso Eco Barbante Chunky Recyled Cotton, or mix it up with Wool and the Gang Mixtape yarn

Measurements

Small Crochet Basket - approx 6cm x 6cm

Large Crochet Basket - approx 7cm x 6½cm

Notes

1kg of cord will be enough to make 1 large and 1 small crochet basket.

Tension

Tension is not important for this project, but you may need to adjust your hook size depending on the type of cord you are using.

Abbreviations

You can find a full list of all abbreviations we use in our abbreviations and conversions guide. This free crochet basket pattern is written in UK terminology but you can easily convert it to US terms using the guide.

Once you've hooked up these crochet baskets, why not try some of these fab free crochet projects for the home:

How to crochet a basket

You will need:

Yarn (recycled cotton cord or any other super-chunky yarn)
Crochet hook

Step 1

Make a crochet magic loop – wind the yarn around two fingers, insert the hook under the first strand and pull up a loop from the second strand. Once the first round is complete you can pull the tail end of yarn to close up the hole a bit.

free crochet basket pattern step 1

Step 2

Ch1 (does not count as st), 6dc into loop, ss to the first dc to join. [6 sts]

This first round of stitches are the hardest to work with the thick cotton, if you’re really struggling you can try increasing your hook size. Check you have the correct number of stitches after each round, and do not count the slip stitch or the first chain when working into the stitches.

free crochet basket pattern step 2

Step 3

Ch1 (does not count as st), 2dc into each st, ss to join. [12 sts].

free crochet basket pattern step 3

Fancy hookin up some crochet baskets without the need to buy all the materials seperately? Then check out some of these fab crochet basket kits!

Beginners crochet basket kit

Crochet heart basket kit

Love Game basket crochet kit

Marley dog basket crochet kit

Step 4

Ch1 (does not count as st), *1dc in next st, 2dc in next st; rep from * another five times, ss to join. [18sts].

free crochet basket pattern step 4

Step 5

Ch1 (does not count as st), *2dc, 2dc in next st; rep from * another 5 times, ss to join. [24sts]

If you’re making the small crochet basket skip step 6 and go straight to step 7.

free crochet basket pattern step 5

For more craft storage solutions check out these projects:

Step 6

Ch1 (does not count as st), *3dc, 2dc in next st; rep from * another 5 times, ss to join. [30sts].

free crochet basket pattern step 6

Step 7

Ch3 (this does counts as a tr stitch), working in the back loops only, tr in each st around. Ss to the third ch at the beginning of the round to join. [30sts for large crochet basket, 24sts for small crochet basket].

free crochet basket pattern step 7

Step 8

Working in both loops of stitches, repeat step 7 another 3 times for the large basket, 2 times for the small basket. If you want a taller basket, just add more rows.

free crochet basket pattern step 8

Step 9

For the large crochet basket – Ch3 (counts as st), 4tr, ch5, skip 5 sts, 10tr, ch5, skip 5 sts, 5tr, ss to the third ch at the beginning of the round to join.

For the small crochet basket – Ch3 (counts as st), 2tr, ch5, skip 5 sts, 8tr, ch5, skip 5 sts, 3tr, ss to the third ch at the beginning of the round to join.

free crochet basket pattern step 9

Step 10

For the large crochet basket – Ch1 (doesn’t count as st), 5dc, 5dc into the space left by the ch, 10dc, 5dc into the space, 5dc, ss to the ch at the beg of the round to join.

For the small crochet basket – Ch1 (doesn’t count as st), 3dc, 5dc into the space left by the ch, 8dc, 5dc into the space, 3dc, ss to the ch at the beg of the round to join.

Fasten off with a tail of 10cm. Weave in end (if you’re able to split the cord into three & sew each one into the stitches on the wrong side of the tub for a more secure weave)

free crochet basket pattern step 10

And that’s how to crochet a basket! Once you’ve made this free crochet basket pattern once, you’ll see that it’s so simple to make – so why not get creative and try hooking up some miniature crochet baskets in DK yarn, or test your maths skills and add more rounds after round 6 to make wider crochet baskets.

If hooking up this free crochet basket pattern has got you in the mood for making more baskets, and you fancy learning more about traditional basket weaving, then check out our beginners guide to basket weaving. You’ll find expert advice on different techniques and materials, and even some handy kits to try!

We hope you’ve enjoyed this free crochet basket pattern, don’t forget if you need any help with your crochet stitches you can always check out our crochet for beginners guide. And if you’re looking to treat yourself, check out our list of the best crochet hooks and the best crochet kits for beginners.

SEO and Communities Editor, Gathered

Phoebe has worked for Gathered, and our sister magazine Mollie Makes, for 3 years. She manages our Arts & Crafts section and specialises in social media and content strategy. She has a background in all things marketing, a flair for Pinterest and a knack for finding the next big craft trend. Previously she worked as Digital Campaign Executive for Fat Media. You may recognise her name from Mollie Makes Social Media magazine, where she shared her expertise and top tips on becoming social media savvy. She has two passions in life - craft (specifically embroidery) and music. She's written for online music publications including Bristol in Stereo, Culture or Trash and Festival Mag so if you're looking for a new band recommendation she's the one to ask.