DIY Giant Storage Basket Crochet
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If you need a stylish way to store your yarn or projects, my Giant Yarn Basket crochet pattern is a great choice. Made with sturdy 6 mm macrame cord, this basket uses the waistcoat stitch to create a thick, knit-look fabric that holds its shape. With built-in handles and a roomy interior, it’s perfect for keeping your craft supplies neat and easy to reach. You’ll find the free crochet pattern and helpful tutorials available to help you make your own.
Create a sturdy and stylish storage solution with the Your Giant Yarn Basket crochet pattern. Crafted using 300 yards of 6 mm macrame cord and a 15 mm hook, this basket features the knit-look waistcoat stitch for a modern finish.
Measuring 12 inches tall with an 18-inch diameter base, it includes built-in handles for easy transport. Ideal for holding yarn, blankets, or household items, this project is perfect for crocheters seeking a functional yet decorative piece.
DIY Giant Storage Basket Crochet Pattern
Supplies
- Fiber: Macrame Cord – 300 yards, 6 mm cord (3 bundles of 100 yards each)
- Crochet Hook: 15.0 mm
- Scissors, Yarn Needle, Stitch Marker – I used a small clamp (optional)
Difficulty Level
- EASY/INTERMEDIATE – see included tutorials for assistance – you will need to understand the parts of a stitch (stitch anatomy) and how to read a written crochet pattern
Finished Size
- Height: 12 inches (at the handle)
- Width: (flat circle diameter of the finished base) 18 inches
- Width: 20 inches flattened
Gauge
- approximately 5 sts = 4 inches; 6 rounds = 4 inches
Abbreviations
US Terminology used
- 3rd loop – this is the loop behind the front and back loops of a hdc sometimes called the back bar
- beg – beginning
- BPhdc – back post half double crochet stitch
- BPsc – back post single crochet stitch
- ch – chain
- MR – magic ring
- R – row/round
- rem – remaining
- rep – repeat
- sc – single crochet
- sk – skip
- sl st – slip stitch
- st/sts – stitch/stitches
- Wst – waistcoat stitch
- Wsl st- waistcoat slip stitch
- * – ** Repeat the instructions between the asterisks the number of times indicated. This repeat will contain of multiple instructions.
- () – Repeat the instructions between the parentheses the number of times indicated.
- [] – at the end of the row – the total number of stitches
Helpful Tutorials
- Waistcoat Stitch Video Tutorial
- Back Bump
- Invisible Join
- Waistcoat Stitch
- Video Tutorial for the Waistcoat Stitch
- Stitch Anatomy
Stitch Diagram
Notes
- Do not sl st to join at the end of rounds unless specified.
- Ch stitches do not count as stitches in the totals at the end of the rounds.
- Do not work into chain stitches unless specified.
- Waistcoat stitch is also known as the New Chain Stitch.
- The Basket is worked from the bottom (base) up to the top in one piece
- Using the macrame cord is a bit less ‘finger friendly’ than yarn so be sure to take small breaks – your hands and wrists may become sore from extended time crocheting. I worked this up in 3 hours but the next day my forearms and hands were tender. I recommend letting the project rest on your lap or a pillow as you work so you are not trying to hold it aloft as you crochet. It is quite heavy once completed.
- Add the Giant Yarn Basket to your Ravelry Library here.
Free Giant Yarn Basket Pattern
R1: Color A: MR: ch 2, 6 sc [6]
R2: 2 sc in each st around [12]
R3: *2 sc in the next st, 1 sc in the next st**. Rep from * to **6 times. [18]
R4: *2 sc in the next st, 1 sc in each of the next 2 sts**. Rep from * to ** 6 times. [24]
R5: *2 sc in the next st, 1 sc in each of the next 3 sts**. Rep from * to ** 6 times. [30]
R6: *2 sc in the next st, 1 sc in each of the next 4 sts**. Rep from * to ** 6 times. [36]
R7: *2 sc in the next st, 1 sc in each of the next 5 sts**. Rep from * to ** 6 times. [42]
R8: *2 sc in the next st, 1 sc in each of the next 6 sts**. Rep from * to ** 6 times. [48]
R9: *2 sc in the next st, 1 sc in each of the next 7 sts**. Rep from * to ** 6 times. [54]
R10: 1 sc in each st around [54]
NOTE: You have 2 variations available for this basket!
The first option (the sample shown in the photos) gives you the option of weaving a braided tie between the posts of the stitches in R11.
The second option is to work R11 as BPsc instead to create a more solid finished basket. If you work R11 as BPsc instead you do not need to make the braided tie.
R11: First option: 1 BPhdc in each st around [54] , or
R11: Second option: 1 BPsc in each st around [54]
Finish off Color A and join Color B in any stitch.
R12: Color B: 1 Wst in each st around [54]
R13-18: Rep R12 [54]
Finish off Color B and join Color A in any stitch.
R19: Color A: 1 Wst in each st around [54]
Finish off Color A and join Color C in any stitch.
R20-24: Color C: 1 Wst in each st around [54]
R25: 1 Wst in each of the next 7 sts, ch 5, sk 5 sts, 1 Wst in each of the next 22 sts, ch 5, sk 5 sts, 1 Wst in each of next 16 sts [44 Wst, 10 ch]
R26: 1 Wst in each of the next 7 sts. 1 sc in back bump of each of 5 ch sts, 1 Wst in each of the next 22 sts, 1 sc in the back bump of each of the next 5 ch sts, 1 Wst in each of the next 16 sts [44 Wst, 10 sc]
R27: 1 Wsl st in each st around [54]
Finish off and weave in ends securely on the inside of the basket.
Optional Braided Tie
This is for the basket that uses Option 1 for Round 11 (ie if you worked BPhdc in Round 11 you will make this braided tie).
Take 1 strand of each remaining color (I kept them on their spools and braided with the spools):
- Tie the 3 color strands together securely and braid them together until you can wrap them around the outside edge of your basket, and have an additional 2 inches of braid extra.
- Cut the ends of the cord and tie them securely.
- Weave the cord through the BPhdc stitches in R11.
- Tuck the final knotted end through to the inside of the basket and weave through inside stitches to secure.
Finishing Instructions
- Weave in any remaining ends.
Add a project page for Your Giant Yarn Basket on Ravelry here.
I hope you enjoy making your own Giant Yarn Basket! It’s a practical and fun project that adds a handmade touch to your space. You’ll love how sturdy and roomy it is for organizing yarn, blankets, or everyday items.
Happy crocheting!
You may also enjoy these posts:
Crochet a sturdy Giant Yarn Basket! 🧶 Built-in handles, waistcoat stitch texture, and roomy size. Free pattern! #crochet #storagebasket
Happy crocheting!
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Hi Marlene, It didn’t say on the label but I believe it was a knitted cord – it didn’t unravel when cut like a braided cord would. Hope this helps! Rhondda
I love this pattern! I was wondering if you used braided cord or knitted cord. Thanks!
Hi Susan, There should not have been a finish off at the end of Round 9. There should have been a finish off for the color change inserted in the pattern after Round 11. I’ve updated the instructions to show this. Thank you for letting me know! Rhondda
I don’t understand why I’m instructed to fasten off and set aside at the end of Row 9 when there doesn’t appear to be a color change there. Why do you not just continue on to Row 10?
Hi Lauren, I’m not sure if that will be the same as the 6mm cord. It looks like it is a fair bit lighter and softer than the 6 mm polyester cord I used for the pattern. It would still work but the basket would be much smaller (I think) and maybe not as firm. To be sure though you could contact them at hobbycraft and ask them if it is a 6mm cord or if they recommend a specific 6mm cord in their shop? I saw they had a 5mm cord – but that would also make it smaller than the original basket. If you do end up trying it, I’d love to know how it turns out 🙂
Best wishes,
Rhondda
Hi Rhondda,
I’ve bought some yarn but am confused if this is a 6mm cord. Are you able to tell me if the yarn linked below would be ok for this project?
https://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/knitcraft-linen-return-of-the-mac-yarn-200g/6418631006.html?glCountry=GB&gclid=Cj0KCQjw39uYBhCLARIsAD_SzMSaDqw5eAhuLj4D2moN13d-hwrHcoBZ37_ZvESCVFZ6W4Ach9d4t6UaAkV8EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
PS Sorry for the double comment I am very new to crochet!
Hi Rhondda,
Thanks so much for your reply. I’ve bought some chunky macrame yarn but am confused about how to tell if this is 6mm cord or not as it doesn’t measure 6mm in diameter. I’ve linked the cord below, do you think this would be OK?
https://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/knitcraft-linen-return-of-the-mac-yarn-200g/6418631006.html?glCountry=GB&gclid=Cj0KCQjw39uYBhCLARIsAD_SzMSaDqw5eAhuLj4D2moN13d-hwrHcoBZ37_ZvESCVFZ6W4Ach9d4t6UaAkV8EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
PS sorry for the double question, I am very new to crochet!
Hi Lauren, I used almost the full 300 yards for my project Рand the cord was 6 mm polyester macram̩ cord Рkind of like this: https://tidd.ly/3CWYmJy Hope this helps, Rhondda
Hi,
I want to have a go making this basket and was wondering if 3x 88 yard bundles of cord (so 264 yards in total) would be sufficient?
The yarn I’m eyeing up is 88 rather than 100 yards so I was just wondering if I should by four of these or if I could get away with 3?
Hi Carol, I continue working on the RS of the fabric. So when you rejoin your the bottom of the basket will be facing towards you and you will be working in the top loops of the last round of stitches you worked in R9. We work around the outside of the basket (the RS) for the entire project. The stitches when worked properly look very similar on the outside and inside (not exact but super close). Hope this helps! Rhondda
Are the sides of the basket worked on from the outside or inside? That is, when you connect the yarn to the base, is the base in the front of the side you are working on, or in the back of the side you are working on.
Does the waistcoat stitch look the same on the inside and outside of the basket??
perfect for gift giving!!! and never thought of using macrame cord. Youve opened my eyes for future projects!!!! even using cotton clothes line rope.
Beautiful basket! I like the colors the choice of yarn and the size! I want to try it!
Thank you so much Rhondda for this gorgeous pattern!!!! I love it. I never have enough yarn baskets!!!
Thanks Joanne 🙂 I actually love it even more than I thought I would myself 😉 I’m using it constantly and almost want to make a 2nd one for another project. The handles make it very easy to carry around with me so I find I actually bring it with me to family member’s homes to use there too! Have fun making it!! Rhondda
Hi Angelica 🙂 The stitch itself is very easy once you find the spot to put the hook – but if it is too difficult on the hands you can easily use a single crochet stitch instead. It will change the finished appearance of the basket slightly and it will be a little bit less ‘stiff’ on the sides but it will work 🙂 Have fun making it and let me know if you run into any questions 🙂
All the best, Rhondda
This looks wonderful! I love baskets. I always need another yarn WIP basket!
Fantastic pattern Rnondda! I love how it looks like so… I need it!;-) Besides, it is a bit of a challenge, hope the new techniques aren`t all that difficult to learn. Anyways, thank you so much for sharing!
Best!