I had a good amount of Bernat Maker Home Dec yarn leftover after finishing up the Market Tote Bag pattern, so I started brainstorming what to use it for — and came up with these adorable mini baskets!
There’s no doubt that the mini bean stitch is the perfect stitch for a basket, and those colors are to die for. But do you want to know what really sets these baskets apart?
The reinforced sides!
That’s right. As I was working up my first flimsy basket, I kept thinking, there has to be a better way to do this. I was already using a much smaller hook than is recommended for the yarn, and even though it was producing a nice tight fabric, it just wasn’t stiff. The walls of the basket would lose their shape at the slightest touch. Once I got to the top, I thought to myself… maybe I should double layer the sides. So I did, and it helped a little, but it was still missing something. Finally it dawned on me that I had a stack of plastic canvas in my stash. I cut out some strips of it and lined them overlapping inside the basket, then folded the second layer down over it. Perfect!
They still aren’t totally indestructible, but the plastic canvas helps them hold their circular shape, and even the large basket can be picked up with one hand without drooping. It takes a little extra time to crochet up a double layer, but I think you will be so impressed with the finished product that it will be totally worth it.
These nesting baskets come in 3″, 4.5″, and 7″ widths, but once you’ve made one, resizing the pattern to fit your needs should be pretty easy to figure out.
Prefer a PDF?
This pattern can be completed using the 100% free version right here on this page. However, many people prefer the convenience of a printable, ad-free PDF. Below are three options: my popular All Access Pass, the individual PDF pattern, and a Basket Bundle (if you love baskets, it’s a great deal!). Click the image to learn more about each option.
MINI NESTING BASKETS
Difficulty: Easy
Yarn: I used Bernat Maker Home Dec, a #5 bulky weight cotton/nylon blend, in colors “Cream” and “Clay.” Amounts for each basket size are listed within their individual patterns.
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.
(3) The finished size of each basket is listed on its individual pattern.
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SMALL BASKET
Yardage: 30 yards
Finished Size: 3″ wide x 1.5″ tall
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. DO NOT JOIN. (30)
Rounds 6-8: (MBS in next ST, SK next ST) around. (30, or 15 beans)
Round 9: (MBS in next ST, SK next ST) around. SL ST to the top of the first ST of the round to join. (30, or 15 beans)
Round 10: CH1. HDC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to the top of the first ST of the round. (30)
Switch to smaller hook.
Round 11: CH1, TURN. SC in 3rd loops of each ST around. DO NOT JOIN. (30)
Rounds 12-15: SC in each ST around. DO NOT JOIN. (30)
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. Proceed to “Adding Plastic Canvas” (included at the end of the pattern).
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MEDIUM BASKET
Yardage: 80 yards
Finished Size: 4.5″ wide x 2.25″ tall
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; join with a SL ST to the top of the first SC. (42)
Round 8: CH1. (2SC in next ST, SC in each of the next 6 STS) around. DO NOT JOIN. (48)
Rounds 9-14: (MBS in next ST, SK next ST) around. (48, or 24 beans)
Round 15: (MBS in next ST, SK next ST) around. SL ST to the top of the first ST of the round to join. (48, or 24 beans)
Round 16: CH1. HDC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to the top of the first ST of the round. (48)
Switch to smaller hook.
Round 17: CH1, TURN. SC in 3rd loops of each ST around. DO NOT JOIN. (48)
Rounds 18-26: SC in each ST around. DO NOT JOIN. (48)
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. Proceed to “Adding Plastic Canvas” (included at the end of the pattern).
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LARGE BASKET
Yardage: 160 yards
Finished Size: 7″ wide x 3″ tall
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; join with a SL ST to the top of the first SC. (42)
Round 8: CH1. (2SC in next ST, SC in each of the next 6 STS) around; join with a SL ST to the top of the first SC. (48)
Round 9: CH1. (2SC in next ST, SC in each of the next 7 STS) around; join with a SL ST to the top of the first SC. (54)
Round 10: CH1. (2SC in next ST, SC in each of the next 8 STS) around; join with a SL ST to the top of the first SC. (60)
Round 11: CH1. (2SC in next ST, SC in each of the next 9 STS) around; join with a SL ST to the top of the first SC. (66)
Round 12: CH1. (2SC in next ST, SC in each of the next 10 STS) around. DO NOT JOIN. (72)
Rounds 13-21: (MBS in next ST, SK next ST) around. (72, or 36 beans)
Round 22: (MBS in next ST, SK next ST) around. SL ST to the top of the first ST of the round to join. (72, or 36 beans)
Round 23: CH1. HDC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to the top of the first ST of the round. (72)
Switch to smaller hook.
Round 24: CH1, TURN. SC in 3rd loops of each ST around. DO NOT JOIN. (72)
Rounds 25-35: SC in each ST around. DO NOT JOIN. (72)
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. Proceed to “Adding Plastic Canvas.”
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Adding Plastic Canvas
Cut two pieces of plastic canvas that are just slightly shorter than the single crocheted portion of your basket (the part we are folding over). The length of the plastic canvas isn’t important; just cut across the entire sheet. Roll the pieces of canvas up together into a small tube and place it down inside the basket. Work with it so that it is up against the walls of the basket, and touching the floor of the basket. Then, fold the single crocheted portion of the basket into the middle, over the canvas, so that the canvas is hidden inside. Use your fingers to smooth down any wavy areas until the middle of the basket is smooth and round.
These baskets are so beautiful — I love your pattern and cannot wait to make more and more of these — Thank you so much for sharing the pattern!
I LOVE this pattern. Am experimenting with yarns and sizes. THANK YOU!
WHY, Why, if it said free pattern can,t you print it out without dozens of advertisements????? In fact i didn,t see anywhere to PRINT it out!! Not a very nice beginning for me!!!
You’re kidding right??? This lady has gone through all the effort of writing up a pattern that you can use and read for FREE and you have the audacity to come into the comments and complain that you can’t print it without getting ads. Absolutely disgusting. Be kinder next time and think before you write something so rude to someone you don’t know.
Copy and paste worked well for me.
Hello! I was just wondering, for when skipping, do I have to chain 1 as well or I just ignore the stitch and skip as of nothing happened because I’m really confused, thank you!
I have yet to find anything comparable. Home Dec is getting harder to find, but you can still order it from Yarnspirations. As far as substitutes, you really can make the baskets with any #5 yarn; they’ll just have a bit of a different look.
I can’t find the Bernat Maker Home Dec yarn. Do you have any suggestions on a comparable yarn?
Amazon has it now in cream! I just ordered it! So excited to make the large basket.