The yarn is already in your hands, the hook is ready, and you’re looking for a project that feels satisfying but won’t take over your entire weekend. This small basket crochet pattern is exactly that. It’s a compact, functional piece that comes together quickly, offering the perfect balance of structure and simplicity. Whether you are looking to organize your desk, add a touch of charm to a nightstand, or create a thoughtful handmade gift, this project delivers. It’s the kind of make that looks like it took more effort than it actually did, resulting in a sturdy little container that is as useful as it is cute.
Why This Project Works
What makes this pattern stand out isn’t just the finished look, but the construction. Working a basket in the round with a handle is a fun challenge that teaches valuable techniques without being overwhelming. The finished size—approximately 5″ x 5″—is small enough to fill with a little something extra, like a treat or a skein of yarn, making it a proper gift that looks thoughtful without being over the top. It’s an intermediate project, so you’ll learn new skills like working in the round and attaching a handle, but it’s small enough to finish in a sitting or two. Plus, the versatile design works in any room of the house, so you can easily make several to fill different spaces.
Project Overview
This is a small, sturdy basket with a crocheted flower detail worked in bulky yarn. It features a flat base that grows outward, followed by sides built using a mesh stitch pattern. The handle is worked directly into the basket, eliminating the need for seaming, and the flower is a separate piece tied onto the handle for a decorative accent.
Materials
- Yarn: Bulky Weight Yarn (Weight 5). The fiber content is not specified, so choose whatever feels right. You will need approximately 100 to 150 yards, though grabbing a little extra is recommended.
- Hook: 6.00 mm Crochet Hook. This size pairs well with bulky weight yarn to create a firm, useful fabric.
- Notions: Scissors, tapestry needle, and stitch markers.
Gauge and Finished Size
Finished Size: Measures approximately 12 cm x 12 cm (5″ x 5″). Note that the size may shift slightly depending on your tension.
Gauge: Gauge is not critical for this project. Use a hook size that creates a firm fabric suitable for a sturdy basket. If your basket feels floppy, go down a hook size.
Abbreviations
US Terms
- bps = back post stitch
- ch = chain
- dc = double crochet
- sc = single crochet
- sl st = slip stitch
- sp = space
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- tr = treble crochet
- sc foundation st = single crochet foundation stitch (foundation single crochet)
- scbps = single crochet back post stitch
Pattern Notes
- This pattern uses the single crochet back post stitch and the single crochet foundation stitch. Beginner-friendly options are provided within the instructions for those who’d rather skip the foundation chain method.
- Ch 1 does not count as a stitch here or throughout. Throughout the pattern, the starting ch 1 is just a turning chain and should not be worked into on the following row or round.
- The pattern is worked at a 6.00 mm hook. The main goal is a firm, dense fabric.
Special Stitches
sc foundation st: *Ch 2, insert hook in 2nd ch from hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 1 loop (creates ch), yarn over, pull through 2 loops (completes sc).* Repeat for required number of foundation sts.
scbps: Insert hook from back to front to back around the post of the indicated stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops.
Pattern Instructions
Crocheting the Basket
The basket starts flat at the center and grows outward through a series of increase rounds before the sides are built up using a mesh stitch pattern. Take your time getting the base rounds even.
Round 1: 8 sc into a 4 ch loop, sl st to join, ch 1 (does not count as a st here or throughout). [8 sc]
Round 2: Starting in same st as previous sl st, 2 sc in each st around, sl st to join, ch 1. [16 sc]
Round 3: *1 sc, 2 sc in next st* repeat around, sl st to join, ch 1. [24 sc]
Round 4: *1 sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around, sl st to join, ch 1. [32 sc]
Round 5: *1 sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around, sl st to join, ch 1. [40 sc]
Round 6: *1 sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around, sl st to join, ch 1. [48 sc]
Round 7: *1 sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around, sl st to join, ch 1. [56 sc]
Round 8: Turn to crochet the opposite way and scbps around each previous sc around, sl st to join, ch 1. [56 sc]. Working into the back post of each stitch is what creates the defined ridge that separates the base from the sides. If you’re newer to post stitches, the beginner alternative below skips that technique entirely.
Round 8 (Beginners Alternative): Turn to crochet the opposite way and sc around, sl st to join, ch 1. [56 sc]
Round 9: *1 sc, skip 1 st, ch 1* repeat around, ending on ch 1, sl st to join. [56 sc]. This is where the mesh pattern begins. The alternating skips and chain spaces set up the lattice structure you’ll carry through the rest of the sides.
Round 10: Ch 2, skip previous sc, *1 sc in ch-1 sp, ch 1, skip previous sc, 1 sc in ch-1 sp* repeat around, ending on 1 sc in ch-1 sp, sl st to join, ch 1. [56 sc]. You’re working into the chain spaces from the previous round rather than into the stitches themselves, which keeps the mesh offset and interlocked.
Round 11: *1 sc in ch-1 sp, skip 1 st, ch 1* repeat around, ending on ch 1, sl st to join. [56 sc]
Rounds 12–16 (or more): Repeat Rounds 10 and 11. Continue alternating these two rounds until the basket reaches the height you want. The “or more” note is intentional—work as many repeats as you need for your project.
Making the Handle
The handle spans across the top of the basket and is worked directly into the existing stitches, so there’s no seaming involved. Two versions are given here: one using foundation single crochet and one using a starting chain for those who prefer the more familiar method.
Step 1: Starting in next st, crochet 22 sc foundation sts, sl st in opposite side of basket, sl st in next st to secure, fasten off and tie in all tails. Foundation single crochet creates the chain and stitch in one motion, so the handle has a bit more flexibility than a chain-based version.
Step 1 (Beginners Alternative): Ch 22, sl st in opposite side of basket, sl st in next st, turn, 1 sc in next 22 ch across, sl st in opposite side of basket, fasten off and tie in all tails.
Crocheting the Flower
This small flower is worked separately and then tied onto the handle as a decorative accent. It comes together quickly—just two rounds.
Round 1: 5 sc into a 4 ch loop, sl st to join. [5 sc]
Round 2: *[ch 2, 1 dc, 1 tr, 1 dc, ch 2, sl st in st below], sl st in next st* repeat around. [5 petals]. Each bracket group forms one petal. The sl st between brackets anchors you into the next base stitch before you begin the next petal.
Assembly: Fasten off and tie onto handle.
Tips
Rounds 9 through 11 set up the mesh pattern, and once you’re into the repeat it does get easier. The key thing to watch is that ch 1 at the start: it does NOT count as a stitch throughout this pattern. If your stitch count is drifting, that’s usually the culprit. I find it helps to place a stitch marker at the start of each round until the rhythm clicks.
FAQs
What is the single crochet back post stitch and do I really need it for this basket?
The single crochet back post stitch (scbps) is worked around the post of the stitch from the previous round. It creates a defined ridge that separates the base from the sides, giving the basket structure. If you are new to post stitches, you can skip this technique by using the beginner alternative provided in Round 8.
What is the sc foundation stitch and why does the pattern use it for the handle?
The single crochet foundation stitch builds your chain and single crochet in one pass. For the handle, this creates a more flexible, even base than a standard chain, allowing the handle to hold its shape comfortably. If you prefer not to use this technique, the pattern includes a chain-based alternative.
How tall can I make the basket sides?
The lace mesh section runs from Round 9 onward, and the pattern instructs you to repeat Rounds 10 and 11 for Rounds 12 through 16 OR MORE. You can keep going as long as you want. Just keep in mind that a taller basket will use more yarn, so you may need to wind on a bit extra if you plan to go significantly taller.
How is the flower attached to the basket?
The flower is crocheted separately, then fastened off and tied directly onto the handle. It’s a simple tie-on finish, so you can position it wherever it looks best before securing the tails.
The lace rounds are confusing me. Any tips for keeping track?
The key to the lace rounds is remembering that the starting ch 1 does not count as a stitch. If you find your stitch count drifting, double-check that you aren’t working into that turning chain. Placing a stitch marker at the start of each round can help you keep track of where you are.
For more inspiration, check out our easy crochet sunflower keychain for a quick accessory idea, or explore our mini crochet pumpkin patterns for seasonal decor.
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