Crochet baskets weave together functionality and beauty. Whether you’re a die-hard Marie Kondo fan or just looking for an easy crochet basket with handles, there’s a project here for every skill level.
Explore our curated collection of free crochet basket patterns that promise useful, handmade style and utility.
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Jump to:
- Easy Baskets To Crochet
- Essential Skills for Crafting Baskets
- How to Make a Crochet Basket Stiff
- Free Crochet Basket Patterns
- Supplies for Making a Storage Basket
- Put Your Crochet Baskets to Good Use
- Ways to Personalize Your DIY Baskets
- How to Determine a Crochet Basket Size
- More Handmade Home Style Inspo
- Invitation to our Facebook group
Easy Baskets To Crochet
Baskets can be a fantastic project for crochet beginners as they often use basic stitches and techniques. They’re a fun way to develop new skills, while making something functional along the way.
As you’ll see in the free crochet patterns below, there are endless ways to customize your basket projects with everything from leather to cross-stitch.
Essential Skills for Crafting Baskets
To create your own crocheted basket, there are some techniques you’ll want to be familiar with:
- You should be comfortable with fundamental stitches like single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, and slip stitch.
- Most baskets are worked in the round, meaning you’ll start by making a magic circle and gradually add more stitches each round.
- Increasing and decreasing techniques are used to shape the basket, so you’ll need to learn how to strategically add or subtract stitches.
- The ability to change colors and maintain consistent tension is also vital.
How to Make a Crochet Basket Stiff
We all need a little support sometimes. Here are eight ways to stiffen your handmade basket to ensure it’s robust and long-lasting:
- Opt for a thicker, more durable yarn instead of soft, stretchy yarn. Check out my favorite yarns to use for baskets at the end of this article.
- Use a smaller hook size to create a tighter stitch. I personally like to use a hook with a pointed tip rather than rounded, as this makes it easier to insert the hook between stitches.
- Crocheting with multiple strands of yarn held together will help to make the basket thicker and sturdier.
- Stiffening products like fabric stiffener and diluted glue strengthen crocheted baskets brilliantly.
- Maintaining a consistent tension and crocheting tightly will create a dense exterior that holds its shape.
- Choose stitches like single and half double crochet, as these form denser, more rigid fabric compared to open stitches or lace patterns.
- Incorporate malleable wire while crocheting so your basket is moldable and can hold specific shapes.
- When your project is finished, adding a solid base will also reinforce your basket. Cardboard, plastic canva, and other hard liners are all options.
- Crocheting basket walls directly into a wooden base is my go-to method when I know I’ll be carrying heavier items. You can find a wide range of wooden bases to use online.
Free Crochet Basket Patterns
What sets this collection of 30 free crochet basket patterns apart is the sheer diversity and creativity of the patterns. Let’s create form and function with a few balls of yarn!
Storage Basket Made of Twine
Large Round Pet Bed Basket
Lemon Peel Stitch Basket Pattern
While the Lion brand Fast-Track yarn kit used in this pattern is discontinued, any thicker t-shirt yarn will substitute well. The simplicity of this pattern makes it one of the best crochet baskets for beginners.
Easy Basket Pattern for Beginners
I’d use Lion Brand yarn Wool-Ease Thick & Quick for this, because it’s resilient enough to maintain the project’s shape even under heavy use.
Crochet Baskets With Handles
If you’ve been wondering how to crochet a basket with handles, look no further than this set of free patterns and tutorials.
Super Bulky Beginner Crochet Basket
This pattern is popular because it’s a great choice for using up scrap yarn. Small amounts of extra thick yarn can be used to make an aesthetically pleasing basket in less than 30 minutes!
Chunky Waistcoat Stitch Basket
A video tutorial is available if you’re unfamiliar with the stitch pattern.
Related: Learn how to crochet the waistcoat stitch
Stash Basket with Wooden Base
Made with t-shirt yarn, this creation can be finished in less than 2 hours!
Small Crochet Basket with Handles
With a fabric lining incorporated into the design, this pattern produces a sturdy basket. You’ll need a poster board, ½ yard of fabric, and a glue gun to make the insert for the basket. Plus, there are three color/size patterns available.
Hanging Basket Patterns
Create your own eco-friendly decor with these hanging basket patterns. These wall baskets not only provide helpful storage, but also add handmade warmth and coziness to your mudroom, kitchen, or bathroom.
Slouchy Single Crochet Hanging Baskets
Use Lion Brand Re-Tweed yarn to create a chic vibe that will complement your home decor. Available in muted colors with tweed flecks, this yarn will add depth and intrigue to your project. Alternatively, you can use another worsted weight (category 4) yarn.
DIY Hanging Basket Pattern
This DIY crochet basket also uses a modified variation of the half double crochet stitch. You’ll find written instructions and a video tutorial to guide you.
Convertible Project Bag and Yarn Basket
The bag is constructed in a continuous spiral using single crochet. This pattern is easy to follow and available in three basket sizes – mini, midi, and maxi.
Easy Round Crochet Baskets
These easy crochet patterns are worked in the round, beginning with a center ring and working in rounds as opposed to rows. Being simple and versatile in design, these patterns are a great introduction to crochet for beginners.
Related: How to Crochet for Beginners
Spike Stitch Storage Basket
Use two strands of Bernat crochet yarn to create this sturdy basket. You can create a larger or smaller basket by adding or omitting rounds.
Toadstool Nursery Basket with Lid
This fab beginner crochet basket is super sturdy as it’s crocheted by holding three strands of yarn together. The pattern uses half-double crochet and appliqué techniques and can be worked up quickly using any two colors.
Half Double Crochet Basket with Handles
Holding two strands of bulky yarn together, you can create a stunning striped basket using multiple colors.
Boho Handmade Baskets with Tassels
Christmas Tree Tapestry Basket
Related: 35 Christmas Patterns to Crochet
Baskets Made From Granny Squares
Discover the allure of crochet baskets crafted from unique granny squares. Traditional design meets modern functionality with these delightful patterns. See more projects to make with granny squares here.
Granny Square Basket Free Pattern
The pattern displays five colors – one for the base and four for the dots. You can choose to do the same or have fewer/more colors. Also available in a smaller size, this pattern is ideal for using any scrap yarn from previous projects.
Adaptable Granny Square Basket Pattern
Choose your color combination, use a chunky yarn, or adjust the size to adapt this pattern to your liking.
Our Latest Crochet Inspiration:
Here are a few more free crochet patterns and tutorials that are hot off the presses.
Square Basket Patterns
With their precise angles and clean lines, square crochet baskets can add a useful, geometric pizazz to your coffee table or bathroom vanity.
Easy Single Crochet Square Basket
Even if you’re brand-new to crochet, you can follow along with the beginner-friendly stitches in this pattern. If you get stuck, there’s a video tutorial to guide you.
Basket Organizer with Removable Dividers
What distinguishes this basket is its versatility, made possible by the detachable dividers that let you alter the interior. Organize your lotions and potions, rein in your messy desk, or provide a permanent base for your keys and wallet.
Herringbone Square Basket Set
Related: Learn the Herringbone Double Crochet Stitch
Waistcoat Stitch Rustic Tweed Basket
Make the basket as short or tall as you like by working up to your chosen height and whip up some matching handles to complete the look.
Large Storage Baskets
These large baskets are designed to make a statement while keeping your space beautifully organized.
Coiled DIY Crochet Basket
The pattern suits both novice and seasoned crocheters with its simple stitches and optional handles.
Beginner Friendly Chunky Storage Basket
Begin by determining what yarn weight you want – a worsted weight will take longer to work up than a super bulky yarn. Try a cotton or cotton blend yarn to give your project a long life and ensure it’s machine washable.
Oval Basketweave Container
A more advanced crochet skill level is needed for this pattern, as it uses stitches worked around posts. You’ll need to use two strands of DK weight (category 3) yarn held together, T-shirt yarn, or a single strand of stronger yarn.
Related: How to Do the Basketweave Stitch
Large Handmade Blanket Basket
Use the resulting container to hold even your thickest blankets. Or, take advantage of its size and use this as a crochet laundry basket pattern instead.
Related: Our favorite free crochet blanket patterns
Crochet Heart Basket Pattern
Change the color of the heart to one of your choosing – a red heart would transform this into a great Valentine’s gift!
Related: How to Crochet a Heart Pillow
Nesting Basket Patterns
Nesting baskets offer a pretty way to create a set of versatile containers that fit neatly together. Perfect for all organizing!
Handmade Mini Nesting Basket Organizers
These crochet storage baskets make lovely gifts and are ideal for organizing little things like jewelry, spare change, or makeup.
Two-Toned Nesting Baskets
Use these baskets for plant pot coverings, side table decor, and gift baskets. A baby gift basket filled to the brim with adorable outfits, a cuddly toy, and a crochet baby headband would make a thoughtful baby shower gift.
Boho Basket Pattern
Tapestry Crochet Basket
Supplies for Making a Storage Basket
While each basket pattern is different, here are the basic supplies you’ll need.
- Crochet hook – use a smaller hook size with a pointed tip for tighter stitches
- Tapestry needle – for weaving in ends
- Stitch markers – to mark your place and prevent live loop from unraveling
- Measuring tape
- Optional: glue, canvas, or wire to stiffen your basket
What’s the Best Yarn for Crochet Baskets?
In general, stiffer yarns such as cotton and wool work or chunky yarns work the best for making baskets. Here are my recommendations:
Cotton – the stiffer, the better! Multiple strands of 24/7 Cotton held together makes for a vibrant, sturdy basket.
Tshirt yarn – a form of chunky yarn made from recycled textiles. You can learn how to make your own tshirt yarn from old clothes.
Chunky yarns – for a highly textured look, I like Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick. Holding multiple strands of a thinner yarn like Pound of Love can be an economical way to crochet a large, chunky basket.
Twine/Jute/Rope – this unconventional choice produces a beautifully organic texture, but it can be taxing on your hands,
Put Your Crochet Baskets to Good Use
If you get on real basket-making kick, here are some ways to use your handmade receptacles.
- Storage for blankets and pillows
- Toy organizer
- Bathroom or kitchen essentials
- Craft supply storage
- Plant pot cover
- Crochet laundry basket
- Jewelry holder
- Make-up organizer
- Pet bed or toy storage
- Magazine or mail organizer
- Desk organizer
- Nursery storage
- Gift basket (fill it with a hot pad and a bottle of wine as a hostess gift)
- Easter Basket
- Purely decorative – fill with flowers, shells, or other ornamental items.
Ways to Personalize Your DIY Baskets
Personalizing your storage basket can be a fun way to showcase your creativity and make each piece unique. These are some of my favorite embellishments to enhance the look and feel of a crochet basket:
Handles – Craft a complementary crochet handle or use a contrasting material such as leather, fabric or rope. Here’s my favorite way to add leather handles to crochet projects.
Labels and Tags – a leather or cork label/tag will make your basket look like it’s come straight from a high-end store.
Tassels and Pom Poms – these cute additions add an element of playfulness to a handmade basket. Learn how to make a simple DIY pom pom.
Cross-Stitch/Embroidery/Monogramming – embroider small designs, patterns, or words on the basket’s tightly woven surface. Check out this tutorial to learn how to cross stitch on crochet.
Buttons and Beads – integrate into your stitches as you work or sew them on afterward for added detail.
Ribbons – weave ribbons in and out of the crochet stitches or include them as appliques for a decorative touch.
Lining – use printed fabric for a fun contrast in texture and pattern. Alternatively, a plastic lining is ideal for a basket destined to hold your potted plants.
Flowers – attach a beautiful crochet flower or DIY felt flower for a seasonal theme, or to cover any imperfections!
Pockets – include another level of organization by affixing pockets to your basket. Use different colors, sizes and designs atop the fabric for further customization.
Charms or Pendants – use jewelry or old trinkets to add a touch of sparkle or meaning to your basket.
Fringe/Lace Edging – add a lacy edge at the top of the basket for a delicate, vintage look. Many of these blanket trim ideas would work well, too.
Mix and match any of these ideas or design your own to make your hamper one-of-a-kind.
How to Determine a Crochet Basket Size
It’s quite easy to adjust the size of your circular basket once you understand how the math works. This can be helpful if you are making a basket for a specific purpose, such as to hold a potted plant or to fit around a mason jar.
The circumference of the finished basket is determined by the size of the bottom base.
- Measure the item you want to fit.
- Use a tape measure to measure the circumference of (distance around) the container. Depending on how loosely you want it to fit, you may want to add an inch or two to this number.
- Divide the circumference by Pi (3.14). The resulting number is the diameter (distance across) that the circle base needs to be in order to create the basket circumference you desire.
- Make a crochet circle. Increase each round of your circle until it measures the required diameter across.
- Stop increasing. Begin making the sides of the basket by crocheting in the round without increasing.
(Turns out your middle school math teacher was correct – knowing how to calculate circumference will be useful one day).
Sample Basket Sizes
Overwhelmed by the math? Here are some example basket base sizes and the expected circumferences:
| Basket Size | Diameter (width of circle) | Circumference (diameter x 3.14) |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 6” | Approx. 19” |
| Medium | 10” | Approx. 31.5” |
| Large | 14” | Approx. 44” |
| Extra Large | 18” | Approx. 56.5” |
Why is my Crochet Basket Curling?
Your handmade basket is likely curling because you’re adding too many or too few stitches in each round/row.
To fix this, carefully count your stitches to ensure you’re following the pattern correctly. Be sure to also maintain consistent tension to prevent curling.
More Handmade Home Style Inspo
Ready to feather your nest with modern crochet projects? Here are more free patterns I think you’ll love.
See more home decor patterns →
That was so fun! Now what?
Invitation to our Facebook group
Come discuss crocheting sturdy baskets and lots of other projects and techniques in our Make & Do Crew Facebook group. Here thousands of helpful crocheters answer each others questions and share their stitches. Join us!
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