Baskets are fast, practical, and endlessly customizable — ideal for organizing, gifting, or decorating. Below are five publish-ready crochet basket patterns with full materials lists, skill levels, gauge guidance, clear step-by-step instructions, finishing tips, variations, and care notes. Each pattern is written for a medium basket (roughly 8–10″ wide) and includes notes on resizing so you can adapt for larger or smaller projects.
Quick essentials (tools, yarn, abbreviations)
Yarn & hooks
- Best yarns for baskets: t-shirt/ribbon yarn, super-bulky cotton, chunky cotton blends, or two strands of worsted held together. These choices make a dense, sturdy fabric.
- Hooks: typically 8 mm–12 mm for bulky/t-shirt yarn; choose one size down if your stitches are open. For two strands of worsted together, a 6–8 mm hook often works well.
- Notions: tapestry needle, stitch markers, scissors, measuring tape, optional non-slip shelf liner/fabric for lining, optional craft stiffener.
Abbreviations (US)
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- hdc = half double crochet
- dc = double crochet
- sl st = slip stitch
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rep = repeat
- inc = increase (2 sc in one st)
- dec = decrease (sc2tog)
- RS/WS = right side / wrong side
Gauge and fabric
- Exact gauge isn’t critical, but baskets need a dense, tight fabric to hold shape. If your stitch fabric is loose, switch to a smaller hook or hold two strands together. Aim for a tight sc fabric — e.g., ~8 sc × 10 rows = 4″ in bulky yarn is a useful starting point for resizing math.
Safety
- For baskets used by small children, avoid sewn-on small parts (buttons, beads). Use embroidery for faces, and select washable, non-toxic materials.
1. Crochet Heart-Shaped Basket Pattern
Vibe: sweet and handy — perfect for holding jewelry, trinkets, or a small gift.
Skill level: intermediate (base shaping uses short rows or hybrid rounds).
Finished size: approx 8–9″ wide × 4–5″ tall (adjustable).
Materials
- Bulky cotton or t-shirt yarn (or two held worsted strands) — ~200–350 yd.
- Hook: 8 mm (adjust for density).
- Tapestry needle, stitch marker.
Construction overview
Work a flat heart-shaped base (hybrid of rounds and short rows), then work continuous rounds up from the base edge to produce vertical sides. Finish with a tidy rim and optional handles.
Pattern (step-by-step)
Base — heart shape (flat)
- Ch 3; work 12 sc in 3rd ch from hook; sl st to join — small circle (12 sc).
- Rnd 2: ch 1, 2 sc in each st around — 24 sc. Join.
- Rnd 3: ch 1, (sc, inc) rep around — 36 sc. Join.
- Rnd 4: ch 1, sc in next 2 sts, inc in next rep around — 48 sc. Join.
- Rnd 5: To shape the heart, divide the round into three zones: left lobe, center point area, right lobe. Mark the approximate thirds with stitch markers (e.g., 16 sts per third if 48 total). Working rowwise across the left third only: join yarn at the first stitch of the left third, turn your work and work rows back and forth into those 16 sts (ch 1 at row start) for 4–6 short rows of sc, to build a semi-circular lobe that sits above the base. Fasten off.
- Rejoin at the center third and work a few short tapered rows to form the bottom point of the heart (decreasing one stitch at the outer edge each short row) until the point is shaped. Fasten off.
- Rejoin and repeat short rows on the right third to create the right lobe mirroring the left. Fasten off and tidy the edges.
Notes: This hybrid rounds/short rows method creates a flat heart base. If short rows feel fiddly, an alternative is to work an oval base, then crochet two small rounds appliqués for the lobes and sew them on; the following side rounds will cover the join.
Sides / body
8. Rejoin yarn at any stitch along the outer edge of the flat base, RS facing. Work sc evenly around the full base edge, placing 2–3 sc in any corner or sharply curved section to keep the edge flat. Count stitches at the end of this round — that is your round stitch count (example ~64–80 depending on increases). Mark the start of round.
9. Rounds 2–10: sc in each st around. Work evenly until basket reaches desired height (8–12 rounds for 4–5″ height). For a stiffer basket, work additional rounds. If your base edge had heavy shaping and you need to increase slightly to avoid puckers, distribute increases evenly (e.g., every 12–16 sts work 2 sc in same st) in the first side round.
Rim and finish
10. Work 1 round hdc or sc in BLO to create a neat top rim. For a decorative border: sc, ch 3, sl st in next st around to make scallops. Fasten off; weave in ends.
11. Handles (optional): Attach at two opposite points along the top edge. Ch 10–16 (depending on desired handle length), skip same number of sts across the rim and sl st to attach; work 2–3 rounds of sc around the chain handle to thicken it. Alternatively sew a small folded fabric handle inside for extra strength.
Variations & tips
- Line the basket with fabric if contents need protection or to hide gaps.
- Use two strands of worsted for a durable basket in a smaller hook if you prefer less bulky look.
- To make a smaller heart basket, decrease initial rounds and shorten side rounds proportionally.
Care
- Machine wash gentle if yarn allows; reshape while damp. T-shirt yarn shrinks differently — test a swatch.
2. Crochet Strawberry-Inspired Basket Pattern
Vibe: playful, striped red body with embroidered seeds and a leafy green rim — fun for seasonal décor or gift packaging.
Skill level: confident beginner → intermediate (surface embroidery and color changes).
Finished size: approx 8″ diameter × 5″ tall.
Materials
- Bulky red yarn (main) ~200–300 yd.
- Contrast green for top rim and leaves ~50 yd.
- Small amount of black or dark brown for seed embroidery.
- Hook: 8–10 mm.
- Tapestry needle, stitch marker.
Construction overview
Make a circular base, work up the sides in red with subtle vertical texture or simple sc, switch to green for leafy top, then embroider seeds and attach decorative leaf appliqués.
Pattern (step-by-step)
Base
- MR, ch 1, 8 sc in ring; sl st to join. (8)
- Rnd 2: ch 1, 2 sc in each st around — 16 sc.
- Rnd 3: ch 1, sc in next st, inc in next rep around — 24 sc.
- Rnd 4: ch 1, sc in next 2, inc in next rep around — 32 sc.
- Rnd 5: ch 1, sc in next 3, inc in next rep around — 40 sc. Continue increasing rounds until the flat base measures your desired diameter (e.g., 8″). Keep counts even and flat; add increases in earlier rounds if cup forms.
Sides
6. Once base diameter reached, work sc in each st around for 12–15 rounds to build the strawberry height. For a textured vertical rib resembling seeds rows, try hdc BLO or alternating rounds of sc and hdc.
Leafed rim
7. Join green at top round and work 2–4 rounds of sc to form a sturdy top band. For leafy edge, work the following decorative round in green: ch 5, sl st into next st; ch 1, sl st in next st repeat around — this creates small loops. Alternatively, work scalloped leaves: sc in next st, (ch 2, 5 dc in next st, ch 2, sl st in same st), sc in next 2 sts to create leaf shapes. Fasten off.
Leaf appliqués (optional)
8. Make 3–5 small leaves and sew them around rim: ch 6; Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc, dc, hdc, sc across; fasten off leaving tail. Sew to rim so leaves sit outward.
Seeds (embroidery)
9. With black or dark yarn, use French knots or small straight stitches to add seeds evenly spaced across the red body. Secure ends on inside.
Variations & tips
- Add a white scalloped band near the base to mimic a calyx.
- Make a lining to hold small items or candy if using as a gift container.
Care
- Gently hand wash and dry flat to preserve leaves and embroidery.
3. Crochet Cottagecore Granny Square Basket Pattern
Vibe: soft, nostalgic cottagecore using granny-square panels assembled into a basket — decorative and modular.
Skill level: intermediate (granny creation and joining).
Finished size: approx 9–10″ diameter × 8″ tall assembled from 6–8 squares (size depends on square size).
Materials
- Worsted or bulky cotton in 2–4 colors ~400–700 yd total.
- Hook: 4.5–6.0 mm for granny squares; hold two strands for extra body if needed.
- Tapestry needle, stitch markers.
Construction overview
Crochet a set of large granny squares, join them stiffly into a box/round basket shape, add a bottom disc for sturdiness, and work a ribbed rim.
Pattern (step-by-step)
Granny square (large — one example, ~6–7″)
- MR, ch 3, 11 dc in MR; sl st to join (12 dc).
- Round 2: ch 3, 2 dc in same st, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 2 rep in each corner space — produce 4 corner clusters to form a small square.
- Rounds 3–5: continue granny rounds, working (3 dc) in each side space, and (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in each corner, changing colors every round if desired. Stop when square measures your target size (e.g., 6–7″). Make 6 squares for sides plus 1 square for base (or make more squares and join into wider basket).
Base (solid panel)
4. For the bottom, make a dense round disc with bulky yarn: MR, 10 sc in ring; Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st (20 sc); Rnd 3: sc, inc around (30); continue increasing until disc diameter matches assembled square layout (for a circular base) or make a granny-style square base.
Assembly
5. Layout squares: arrange 6 side squares in a row and two end squares for a rectangular box, or arrange 6 side squares around a circular base for a hexagonal basket. Join squares using join-as-you-go or mattress stitch (seaming with RS together for flat joins). Ensure joins are tight; reinforce with a round of sc along inside seams for extra strength.
Sides & rim
6. Once side panels are joined and base attached, pick up stitches along top edge and work 6–10 rounds of sc (or hdc) to build up a stiff rim. For a folded cuff, work BLO rounds and fold inward to create a double-thickness rim.
Handles (optional)
7. Crochet wide, sturdy handles by chaining 25–30, work sc across chain, then attach each end securely inside the folded cuff with whipstitch and extra reinforcement stitches.
Variations & tips
- Make squares different but use a unified border color for consistent cottagecore look.
- Line with cotton fabric for delicate items.
Care
- Machine wash if yarn allows; reshape and dry flat.
4. Crochet Foxy Stash Basket Pattern
Vibe: functional basket with a friendly fox face on one side — great for yarn storage, toys, or an accent in a nursery (embroidered face safer than buttons).
Skill level: intermediate (shaping and surface embroidery).
Finished size: approx 9–10″ diameter × 6–8″ tall.
Materials
- Bulky yarn for basket body: main color (e.g., warm rust) ~300–400 yd; contrast color (cream) for face ~50 yd.
- Hook: 8–10 mm.
- Tapestry needle, stitch markers.
Construction overview
Work a circular base, side rounds to desired height, create a flat face panel with color changes or surface embroidery, then add ears as small crocheted triangles sewn to the rim.
Pattern (step-by-step)
Base
- MR, ch 1, 8 sc in ring; sl st to join.
- Rnd 2: ch 1, 2 sc in each st around — 16 sc.
- Rnd 3: ch 1, sc in next st, inc in next rep around — 24 sc.
- Rnd 4: ch 1, sc in next 2, inc rep around — 32 sc. Continue increasing evenly until base reaches approx 9–10″ diameter (use more rounds as needed).
Sides
5. Sc in each st around until basket reaches about 4–6″ (depending on desired depth). For a taller yarn stash basket, work 8–12 rounds.
Face panel
6. Option A (colorchange panel): before finishing sides, work two rounds of surface color-change strips where you want the face. Use tapestry crochet (single crochet colorwork) to add a cream triangular face shape on one side of the basket while working the side rounds (work slowly and carry floats short distance behind work so they don’t get snagged).
7. Option B (embroidered face): finish the side rounds in main color, then embroider a cream triangular patch onto one side with surface slip-stitch or satin stitch. Embroider eyes as French knots (small) or tiny sewn circles of contrasting yarn. For safety in baby items, embroider eyes and nose rather than using buttons.
Ears
8. Make 2 small triangle ears (in main color): ch 3; Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and next (2 sc). Row 2: ch 1, sc across (2 sc). Row 3: ch1, sc2tog to make triangle tip; fasten off leaving tail for sewing. Make 2 and sew to top edge of rim on face side.
Rim
9. Work 2 rounds sc in BLO to create a folded rim that can be folded inward and sewn for a neat finish. Reinforce ear attachments with extra stitching.
Variations & tips
- Add embroidered whiskers and blush cheeks with a lighter color.
- For a reversible basket, make a second face on opposite side.
Care
- Wash according to yarn label; reshape when damp.
5. Crochet Easter Bunny Basket Pattern
Vibe: adorable seasonal basket with bunny ears and a face — perfect for egg hunts or spring décor.
Skill level: confident beginner → intermediate (appliqués and shaping).
Finished size: approx 8–9″ diameter × 5–6″ tall.
Materials
- Bulky cotton or t-shirt yarn in pale neutral for body, pink for inner ear details, small amount of black for face embroidery.
- Hook: 8–10 mm.
- Tapestry needle.
Construction overview
Work a circular base, build sides, add two tall ear appliqués sewn to rim, embroider a sweet face, and optionally add a small pom tail.
Pattern (step-by-step)
Base
- MR, ch 1, 8 sc in ring; sl st to join.
- Rnd 2: ch 1, 2 sc in each st around — 16 sc.
- Rnd 3: ch 1, sc in next st, inc in next rep — 24 sc.
- Rnd 4: ch 1, sc in next 2, inc rep — 32 sc. Continue increasing until base = desired diameter (~8″).
Sides
5. Sc in each st around for 10–14 rounds to create height ~5–6″. For a shorter egg basket, stop earlier.
Ears (make 2)
6. Ear base (larger ear): ch 6. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across (5 sc). Row 2: ch 1, sc across. Row 3: ch 1, sc2tog, sc across to last 2 sts, sc2tog — creates taper. Continue decreasing at each end by sc2tog every other row until ear tip is closed. Fasten off leaving long tail for sewing.
7. Inner ear (pink): make a smaller ear shape (fewer chains) and sew centered on larger ear with edge showing.
Assembly
8. Attach ears to the top inside rim at two points about 2–3″ apart, sewing firmly so they stand. Reinforce with extra rows of sc around the base if ears feel floppy.
9. Embroider face: with black yarn, stitch two simple eyes (small straight stitches or French knots), a tiny triangular nose, and a small smiling mouth. Add pink cheeks with blush yarn or small pink circles.
Pom tail
10. Make a small yarn pom (or pom-maker) in matching color and sew securely to the back of the basket near base as a bunny tail. Reinforce with extra stitches.
Finishing
11. Work 1–2 rounds sc around rim for neatness. Optionally line with fabric for egg protection.
Variations & tips
- Make a drawstring casing at rim and add ribbon drawstrings to close basket if needed.
- Make mini versions as party favor baskets.
Care
- Hand wash or machine gentle; reshape and dry flat. Secure sewn elements before washing.
Final finishing notes (applies to all patterns)
Stiffening & linings
- For extra structure, add a non-slip shelf liner cut to fit the base and sides, sewn or glued inside. For lightweight yarns, an internal fabric lining makes the basket hold shape and hides yarn joins.
Seams & reinforcement
- Weave in ends tightly and hide tails within the fabric. Reinforce handles and appliqués with extra stitching from the inside.
Sizing math
- To resize a circular basket base: make a flat increasing circle until diameter desired. Keep increases even by following standard circular increase guides (increase count proportional to circumference). For taller baskets, add more side rounds. For heart or shaped bases, scale the flat base up with additional rounds before building sides.
Care
- Check yarn label: many cotton/t-shirt yarns are machine washable on gentle; however, colorfastness may vary. Air dry flat to maintain shape.
conclusion
These five baskets cover whimsical, seasonal, and practical styles — heart-shaped and strawberry baskets for gifts and holiday displays; a cottagecore granny basket for cozy décor; a foxy stash basket for functional charm; and an Easter bunny basket for seasonal fun. Each design can be adapted in yarn, size, and finishing to suit your home and gifting needs. Choose sturdy yarn and tight stitches for structure, add linings or non-slip pads where needed, and enjoy making small, useful handmade pieces that bring both function and personality to any space.
