Your Giant Yarn Basket | Free Crochet Pattern
Supplies
- Fiber: Macrame Cord – 300 yards, 6 mm cord (3 bundles of 100 yards each)
- Hook 15.0 mm
- Scissors, Yarn Needle, Stitch Marker – I used a small clamp (optional)
Difficulty Level
EASY/INTERMEDIATE – see tutorials for assistance – 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
3rd loop – (aka back bar of the stitch) Scroll to Round 7 at this link to find the visual for where the third loop is located.
Video Tutorial for the Waistcoat Stitch
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.
Pattern Instructions
You have 2 variations available for this basket – one variation (the sample shown in the photos) gives you the option of weaving a braided tie between the posts of the stitches in R11. The 2nd option is to work R11 as BPsc to eliminate the additional height I added to allow this braid to fit easily – you would then omit the tie/braid step and have a more solid finished basket.
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. Finish off and set aside. [54]
R10: 1 sc in each st around [54]
R11: 1 BPhdc in each st around [54]
OPTION 2 for R11: 1 BPsc in each st around [54]
R12: Color B: 1 Wst in each st around [54]
R13-18: Rep R12 [54]
R19: Color A: 1 Wst in each st around [54]
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
Take 1 strand of each remaining color and either:
- Tie the strands together and braid them until you have a chain which will fit around the outside edge of your basket, plus 2 inches. Tie the end securely.
- Tie the 1-end of the color strand together. After you weave them through you will tie the other end securely too.
Next, weave the braid (or strands) in and out between the posts of R11 and tuck the final knotted end through to the inside of the basket and weave through inside stitches to secure.
Here is a quick photo of it squished into my light tent – so you can get the ‘true’ colors of the basket.
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 – and the cord was 6 mm polyester macramé cord – kind 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!