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.

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.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.