Crochet Christmas Basket: Sturdy Storage Pattern

Two Basket Sizes from the Same Construction

The small basket finishes on 48 stitches and the large on 60. The bases increase by six stitches per round, then a back-loop round turns the wall upward. Oval handle spaces replace the same number of stitches they skip, keeping the rim count unchanged.

Materials You'll Need

• About 620 yd (567 m) worsted cotton (walls), 100% cotton, in Forest green.
• About 210 yd (192 m) worsted cotton (handle bands), 100% cotton, in Warm ivory.
• About 80 yd (73 m) worsted cotton (base accents and berries), 100% cotton, in Cranberry.
• About 16 yd (15 m) worsted cotton (leaves), 100% cotton, in Sage green.
• 5.0 mm (US H-8) crochet hook.
• Yarn needle.
• 6 stitch markers.
• Scissors.
• Round containers for blocking.

A plied cotton or cotton tape yarn gives the best wall strength. If you use acrylic, hold two strands together and confirm the base gauge before continuing.

Gauge and Finished Measurements

• Skill level: Intermediate.
• Gauge: 14 sc and 15 rnds = 4 in (10 cm).
• Finished size: Small: 9 in (23 cm) wide by 6 in (15 cm) high; Large: 12 in (30.5 cm) wide by 9 in (23 cm) high.
• Working time: About 9 hours for both baskets.

Set each base on a flat table after the final increase round. A ruffled base has too many stitches for the gauge; a bowl-shaped base needs a slightly larger hook.

Abbreviations and Special Stitches

Instructions use US crochet terms. Count at the end of every numbered row or round before moving on.

• mr: magic ring.
• ch: chain.
• sl st: slip stitch.
• sc: single crochet.
• hdc: half double crochet.
• dc: double crochet.
• inc: 2 stitches in the same stitch.
• dec: invisible single crochet decrease.
• BLO: back loop only.
• FLO: front loop only.
• sk: skip.
• sp: space.
• st(s): stitch(es).
• rnd(s): round(s).

Berry: Work 6 sc in a magic ring, then 6 sc for 2 more rounds; stuff lightly, decrease 3 times and close.

Pattern Notes

• Work basket bases and walls in continuous spirals.
• Move the first-stitch marker every round.
• Make exactly 3 berries and 2 leaves for each basket.

Work the holly pieces after the baskets are complete. Their placement is measured from the center between the two handles, so both baskets face the same way.

How to Build a Crochet Christmas Basket

The cranberry base edge forms a narrow visual stripe. Forest yarn begins on the final base round and continues through the wall. The ivory band starts only after the basket reaches full height, which prevents a pale line from showing inside the lower wall.

For each handle round, chain the same number of stitches that you skip. The next round works into every chain, restoring the original count and reinforcing the oval opening.

Adding Handles and the Holly Motif

1. Block the empty basket over a straight-sided container that matches its diameter.
2. Sew three firm cranberry berries at the center front of the ivory band.
3. Place one sage leaf on each side with the points angled slightly upward.
4. Stitch through the leaf center line and along the lower edge.
5. Steam the handle bands lightly and let them cool before filling the baskets.

Do not sew the motif through both sides of the band opening. Keep all tails between the ivory outer band and the green inner wall.

Firm Walls without Plastic Stiffener

• Use a hook that creates dense stitches without hand strain.
• Keep the slip-stitch base edge loose enough to stay flat.
• Do not carry dark yarn behind the ivory band.
• Lift a filled basket with both handles at the same time.

Using the Two Basket Sizes

The small basket holds yarn, rolled napkins or wrapped gifts. The large size suits folded throws beside a chair. For nonseasonal storage, leave off the holly and replace the cranberry base with a muted accent color.

Care and Storage

Empty the baskets and hand wash in cool water. Press out moisture in a towel, then dry over round containers so the walls and handles keep their shape.