I’ve been on a basket kick lately, and while I was working on the pattern for the Mini Nesting Baskets, I decided that a new place for my favorite crochet hooks would be a great way to utilize the techniques I was exploring – mainly, the use of plastic canvas to make a strong, sturdy basket! So I whipped up this cute little basket for my desk and now I’m wondering why I didn’t make my own hook holder a long time ago.
Of course, there could be many applications for this little guy. Pens and pencils, candy, buttons… it could hold just about any little objects you can think of.
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HOOK & NEEDLE BASKET
Difficulty: Easy
Finished Size: 3.75″ tall x 3.75″ wide
Yarn: I used about 110 yards of Bernat Maker Home Dec, a #5 bulky weight cotton/nylon blend, in “Clay.”
Hooks: H (5.0mm) and G (4.25mm)
Gauge: Your first 5 rounds should measure 2.5″ across.
You’ll also need: Yarn needle, stitch marker, plastic canvas
Terms and Abbreviations:
MC (magic circle – view tutorial here)
ST/STS (stitch/stitches)
SL ST (slip stitch)
SK (skip)
CH (chain)
SC (single crochet)
HDC (half double crochet)
MBS (mini bean stitch – see Special Stitches, below)
3rd Loop (see Special Stitches, below)
Special Stitches:
Mini Bean Stitch (MBS): Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull through (2 loops on hook), yarn over, insert hook into same stitch, yarn over, pull through (4 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through all 4 loops, chain 1 to close stitch. (Please note that this CH1 does count as a stitch in the final stitch counts of each round; so each MBS you complete will count for 2 stitches.)
3rd Loop: Half double crochet stitches have a 3rd loop that we utilize in this pattern. For this pattern the 3rd loop can be found just below the front loop on the side of the work that is facing you. When instructed to work in “3rd loop only”, insert your hook into this special loop. This creates a delicate braided look on the opposite side of the pattern. Also called Camel Stitch or RibHDC.
Notes:
(1) This pattern is written in American Standard Terms.
(2) IMPORTANT: Part of this pattern is worked in joined rounds, and part of it is worked seamlessly. Pay attention, and only join, chain and/or turn when specifically instructed. Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of your rounds when working seamlessly.
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INSTRUCTIONS
To Begin: With larger hook, make a magic circle; CH1 (does not count as a stitch).
Round 1: 6SC in MC; join with a SL ST to the top of the first SC. (6)
Round 2: CH1. 2SC in each ST around; join with a SL ST to the top of the first SC. (12)
Round 3: CH1. (2SC in next ST, SC in next ST) around; join with a SL ST to the top of the first SC. (18)
Round 4: CH1. (2SC in next ST, SC in each of the next 2 STS) around; join with a SL ST to the top of the first SC. (24)
Round 5: CH1. (2SC in next ST, SC in each of the next 3 STS) around; join with a SL ST to the top of the first SC. (30)
Round 6: CH1. (2SC in next ST, SC in each of the next 4 STS) around; join with a SL ST to the top of the first SC. (36)
Round 7: CH1. (2SC in next ST, SC in each of the next 5 STS) around. DO NOT JOIN. (42)
Rounds 8-19: (MBS in next ST, SK next ST) around. (42, or 21 beans)
Round 20: (MBS in next ST, SK next ST) around. SL ST to the top of the first ST of the round to join. (42, or 21 beans)
Round 21: CH1. HDC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to the top of the first ST of the round. (42)
Round 22: CH1, TURN. SC in 3rd loops of each ST around. DO NOT JOIN. (42)
Switch to smaller hook.
Rounds 23-39: SC in each ST around. DO NOT JOIN. (42)
QUICK CHECK: Remove your hook and fold the top half of the basket down into the center to create a double-layered side. The round of 3rd loops we did earlier (which looks like a braid around the edge) should be at the top of the basket, and down inside, the last round of single crochets should be touching the floor of the basket but not crowding it. You may need to add or remove a round or two of single crochets to achieve this.
To finish: Unfold your basket, reinsert your hook into the last stitch, and SL ST to the first ST of the final round. Fasten off and weave in ends.
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Adding Plastic Canvas
Cut across your plastic canvas to make strips that are the same height as the inner layer of the basket. Set your basket so that it is completely unfolded. Roll up a strip of canvas and insert it into the bottom of the basket, allowing it to expand up against the walls of the basket. Continue adding as many layers as you want to make it as stiff as you want. Fold the inside layer down over the canvas. Work the fabric until it all lays neat and flat.
Here’s a quick tutorial video that explains what plastic canvas is, where to buy it, and how to use it in Yarn + Chai basket patterns:
Hi I have tried lots of patterns and instructions on YouTube and can honestly say they are the best I have used and the projects have turned out lovely. Thank you.
Hi! I’m making all your baskets. I made the mosaic crochet one and am working on this one now. I love, love, love your patterns and videos. The addition of plastic canvas is a genius idea! I have a lot of plastic canvas sheets from previous crafting projects and this is a great way to use them! Thank you so very much for sharing your patterns and tips. I appreciate you! 🥰
I love this hook basket but I’m having trouble with mine looking like yours when I start the mini bean stitch. The pattern says to do the MBS and then skip a stitch. Doing this leaves a gap where in your picture there is not gap. What am I missing?
Hello! If you’re following the pattern, it should be fine… I used a small hook so the stitches are tight and because the beans stack alternately, they fill in the space from the previous round.
Love the plastic canvas concept. Stiffener is such a good idea for baskets that the kids put toys into; I have a couple I’m going to try to “update” with plastic canvas to shore up their silhouette.
When using a crocheted piece for a pen and pencil container I put a plastic frosting container without the lid inside the basket and then the pens do not leak onto my crocheting only the plastic which is easily replaced.
Thanks for your blog, I fond it interesting and fun to read.
*Find it interesting.
So clever!! Love this design!
What a fantastic idea!
I’ve been using this plastic for bobbins when changing colours. I cut out a big capital I and then wrap the colour around the middle. The bigger the letter the more yarn you can wrap around it. A small cut between one square at either end and you can put the working length through and it will never unravel. These hold more yarn than any clothes peg and if you keep it close to the last stitch worked they do not tangle because the is nothing dangling.
How ingenious! I love baskets, but dislike it when they are floppy. This not only solves the problem, but they are still washable!
Looking forward to making your baskets.