I am so excited about this pattern! I am totally in love with the effect on the outside of these baskets. I just feel like the finished product is so unique and I love how the two different yarn colors come together to form what reminds me of a piece of mosaic art. And the best part is, it’s so easy to do!
Choosing Your Yarn
The first thing you need to do is decide what yarns to use. I highly recommend starting with a neutral-colored bulky yarn, such as white, ivory, or gray. I used Bernat Maker Home Dec in “Cream” as the base for my baskets in the sample photos. Next, you need to choose a worsted weight yarn that will work well with your base color… and this is where you get to go a little crazy, because there are so many options! In the main photo above, I used one of my favorite colorways, Urban Chic in “Juneberry Breeze”. In the baskets pictured below, I used Hobby Lobby’s I Love This Yarn in Aqua Blue Gradient:
And here it is in the medium size with Hobby Lobby’s I Love This Cotton in “Pink/Teal/Orange” (that’s one colorway):
If you go with a color-changing yarn like I did, make sure the color changes aren’t toooooooo long. I love a nice gradual change, but as you can see on the main photos (with the Aqua Blue Gradient yarn), the yarn didn’t really change throughout the entire large-sized basket. I actually had to pull out quite a bit of yarn to get to a significant color change so that the smaller matching baskets wouldn’t be exactly the same.
About Those Cute Leather Tags
Those adorable tags on my baskets aren’t actually leather at all – they’re cork! I had mine printed by All This Wood (affiliate link). They always do a great job for me. If you purchase tags of your own through this link, you won’t pay any extra, but I’ll get a small percentage of the sale. My affiliate links are just one of the ways I am able to keep releasing free patterns, so I am always incredibly appreciative of anyone who uses them!
Video Tutorial
As simple as this pattern really is, I knew as I was typing it up that it wasn’t going to sound as simple on the page. Sometimes it’s easier to just watch someone else make it, so I’ve put together a video tutorial to assist you throughout. And like all Yarn + Chai tutorials, the pattern is written in full right on the screen so that you can follow along. I get tons of compliments about this tutorial feature, so it’s definitely worth the extra effort it takes to include it!
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.
MOSAIC BASKET
Difficulty: Easy
Yarn: I used Bernat Maker Home Dec (a #5 bulky weight cotton/nylon blend) in “Cream”, and Hobby Lobby I Love This Yarn (a #4 worsted weight acrylic) in “Aqua Blue”. Yarn amounts are listed with individual pattern sizes.
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)
SC Spike Stitch (see Special Stitches, below)
3rd Loop (see Special Stitches, below)
Special Stitches:
SC Spike Stitch: Instead of inserting your hook into the top loops of the stitch, insert them into its base, then complete an SC. This will wrap your SCs over the top of the SCs from the previous round.
SL ST Spike Stitch: Follow instructions for SC Spike Stitch, but instead of completing an SC, complete a SL ST.
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 away from you. When instructed to work in “3rd loop only”, reach over the two top loops and insert your hook into this special loop. This creates a delicate braided look on the right side of the pattern. Also called Camel Stitch or RibHDC.
Notes:
(1) This pattern is written in American Standard Terms.
(2) IMPORTANT: Most of this pattern is worked seamlessly, but a small portion is worked in joined rounds. 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.
(4) Because we utilize the SC Spike Stitch for entire rounds throughout the pattern, we will be referring to those rounds as an extension of the SC rounds they are being worked into. For example, if Round 15 is a round of SC, then the very next round which places spike stitches on top of those SCs will be referred to as Round 15B. This just makes for easier counting.
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SMALL BASKET
Yardage: 50 yards bulky, 20 yards worsted or DK
Finished Size: 3.5″ wide x 2.25″ tall
To Begin: With larger hook and bulky yarn, make a magic circle; CH1 (does not count as a stitch).
Round 1: 6SC in MC. (6)
Round 2: 2SC in each ST around. (12)
Round 3: (2SC in next ST, SC in next ST) around. (18)
Round 4: (SC in next ST, 2SC in next ST, SC in next ST) around. (24)
Round 5: (2SC in next ST, SC in each of the next 3 STS) around. (30)
Round 6: (SC in each of the next 2 STS, 2SC in next ST, SC in each of the next 2 STS) around. (36)
Round 7: SC in each ST around. Pull the loop on your hook up a couple inches so it doesn’t unravel, then remove your hook. (36)
Round 7B: Insert hook into top loops of next ST; attach worsted weight yarn and CH1; SC in same ST. SC Spike Stitch into next ST and each remaining ST. Pull the loop on your hook up a couple inches so it doesn’t unravel, then remove your hook. (36)
Round 8: Reinsert hook into loop from bulky yarn. SC in each ST around (you’re working in the top loops of the SC Spike Stitches from the previous round). Remove hook. (36)
Round 8B: Reinsert hook into loop from worsted yarn. SC Spike Stitch in each ST around. Remove hook. (36)
Rounds 9-11B: Repeat Rounds 8-8B. (36)
Round 12: Reinsert hook into loop from bulky yarn. SC in each of the next 34 STS (2 STS remain). SL ST in each of the remaining 2 STS. Remove hook. (36)
Round 12B: Reinsert hook into loop from worsted yarn. SC Spike Stitch into each of the next 34 STS (2 STS remain). SL ST Spike Stitch into each of the remaining 2 STS. Remove hook. (36)
Fasten off thinner yarn – you won’t need it anymore.
Round 13: Reinsert hook into loop from bulky yarn. Join with a SL ST to the next ST (the first ST of the previous round). CH1. HDC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to the top of the first HDC. (36)
Switch to smaller hook.
Round 14: CH1. SC in 3rd loop of each ST around. Do not join. (36)
Rounds 15-21: SC in each ST around. (36)
Round 22: SC in each of the next 34 STS (2 STS remain). SL ST in each of the remaining 2 STS. (36)
Fasten off and weave in ends. Proceed to “Adding Plastic Canvas” (after instructions for large basket).
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MEDIUM BASKET
Yardage: 95 yards bulky, 40 yards worsted or DK
Finished Size: 5″ wide x 2.75″ tall
To Begin: With larger hook and bulky yarn, make a magic circle; CH1 (does not count as a stitch).
Round 1: 6SC in MC. (6)
Round 2: 2SC in each ST around. (12)
Round 3: (2SC in next ST, SC in next ST) around. (18)
Round 4: (SC in next ST, 2SC in next ST, SC in next ST) around. (24)
Round 5: (2SC in next ST, SC in each of the next 3 STS) around. (30)
Round 6: (SC in each of the next 2 STS, 2SC in next ST, SC in each of the next 2 STS) around. (36)
Round 7: (2SC in next ST, SC in each of the next 5 STS) around. (42)
Round 8: (SC in each of the next 3 STS, 2SC in next ST, SC in each of the next 3 STS) around. (48)
Round 9: (2SC in next ST, SC in each of the next 7 STS) around. (54)
Round 10: SC in each ST around. Pull the loop on your hook up a couple inches so it doesn’t unravel, then remove your hook. (54)
Round 10B: Insert hook into top loops of next ST; attach worsted weight yarn and CH1; SC in same ST. SC Spike Stitch into next ST and each remaining ST. Pull the loop on your hook up a couple inches so it doesn’t unravel, then remove your hook. (54)
Round 11: Reinsert hook into loop from bulky yarn. SC in each ST around (you’re working in the top loops of the SC Spike Stitches from the previous round). Remove hook. (54)
Round 11B: Reinsert hook into loop from worsted yarn. SC Spike Stitch in each ST around. Remove hook. (54)
Rounds 12-16B: Repeat Rounds 11-11B. (54)
Round 17: Reinsert hook into loop from bulky yarn. SC in each of the next 52 STS (2 STS remain). SL ST in each of the remaining 2 STS. Remove hook. (54)
Round 17B: Reinsert hook into loop from worsted yarn. SC Spike Stitch into each of the next 52 STS (2 STS remain). SL ST Spike Stitch into each of the remaining 2 STS. Remove hook. (54)
Fasten off worsted yarn – you won’t need it anymore.
Round 18: Reinsert hook into loop from bulky yarn. Join with a SL ST to the next ST (the first ST of the previous round). CH1. HDC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to the top of the first HDC. (54)
Switch to smaller hook.
Round 19: CH1. SC in 3rd loop of each ST around. Do not join. (54)
Rounds 20-29: SC in each ST around. (54)
Round 30: SC in each of the next 52 STS (2 STS remain). SL ST in each of the remaining 2 STS. (54)
Fasten off and weave in ends. Proceed to “Adding Plastic Canvas” (after instructions for large basket).
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LARGE BASKET
Yardage: 145 yards bulky, 60 yards worsted or DK
Finished Size: 6.5″ wide x 3″ tall
To Begin: With larger hook and bulky yarn, make a magic circle; CH1 (does not count as a stitch).
Round 1: 6SC in MC. (6)
Round 2: 2SC in each ST around. (12)
Round 3: (2SC in next ST, SC in next ST) around. (18)
Round 4: (SC in next ST, 2SC in next ST, SC in next ST) around. (24)
Round 5: (2SC in next ST, SC in each of the next 3 STS) around. (30)
Round 6: (SC in each of the next 2 STS, 2SC in next ST, SC in each of the next 2 STS) around. (36)
Round 7: (2SC in next ST, SC in each of the next 5 STS) around. (42)
Round 8: (SC in each of the next 3 STS, 2SC in next ST, SC in each of the next 3 STS) around. (48)
Round 9: (2SC in next ST, SC in each of the next 7 STS) around. (54)
Round 10: (SC in each of the next 4 STS, 2SC in next ST, SC in each of the next 4 STS) around. (60)
Round 11: (2SC in next ST, SC in each of the next 9 STS) around. (66)
Round 12: (SC in each of the next 5 STS, 2SC in next ST, SC in each of the next 5 STS) around. (72)
Round 13: SC in each ST around. Pull the loop on your hook up a couple inches so it doesn’t unravel, then remove your hook. (72)
Round 13B: Insert hook into top loops of next ST; attach worsted weight yarn and CH1; SC in same ST. SC Spike Stitch into next ST and each remaining ST. Pull the loop on your hook up a couple inches so it doesn’t unravel, then remove your hook. (72)
Round 14: Reinsert hook into loop from bulky yarn. SC in each ST around (you’re working in the top loops of the SC Spike Stitches from the previous round). Remove hook. (72)
Round 14B: Reinsert hook into loop from worsted yarn. SC Spike Stitch in each ST around. Remove hook. (72)
Rounds 15-21B: Repeat Rounds 14-14B. (72)
Round 22: Reinsert hook into loop from bulky yarn. SC in each of the next 70 STS (2 STS remain). SL ST in each of the remaining 2 STS. Remove hook. (72)
Round 22-B: Reinsert hook into loop from worsted yarn. SC Spike Stitch into each of the next 70 STS (2 STS remain). SL ST Spike Stitch into each of the remaining 2 STS. Remove hook. (72)
Fasten off worsted yarn – you won’t need it anymore.
Round 23: Reinsert hook into loop from bulky yarn. Join with a SL ST to the next ST (the first ST of the previous round). CH1. HDC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to the top of the first HDC. (72)
Switch to smaller hook.
Round 24: CH1. SC in 3rd loop of each ST around. Do not join. (72)
Rounds 25-36: SC in each ST around. (72)
Round 37: SC in each of the next 70 STS (2 STS remain). SL ST in each of the remaining 2 STS. (72)
Fasten off and weave in ends. Proceed to “Adding Plastic Canvas”.
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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.
You’re done!
I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. If you’re sharing your baskets on social media, be sure to use hashtag #ycmosaicbasket and tag me @yarnandchai.design!
I was going to purchase the pdf but I learn a lot from the comments..so I have been printing the whole thing and taking advantage of what everyone is learning,thank you
Thank you so much for the mosaic basket pattern. I absolutely love it! And you do a great job of teaching it!
Question do you happen to have a pattern for an oval shaped basket/tray? I’m sure the increases would just be different. Thanks again ..!
Not at this time 🙂
So I purchased the pattern for these baskets. Then saved the PDF into my crochet folder. I tried to print it and all I get is a blank page.
Please email me at rebecca@yarnandchai.com, I’m happy to help 🙂
Just a quick question about the mosaic baskets. I have completed up to round 12 of the base of the large size, but it seems really small to me at only approximately 5 inches and a bit. Does adding the sides, canvas, etc widen it up a little? Thanks a lot!
Hi Angela! It will be just a bit wider when finished, but probably not all the way to the 6.5” that it is supposed to be. You can always just add more rounds 🙂
I made a whole bunch of these for Christmas gifts and they were a big hit! Thanks so much for the pattern.
I’m having a difficult time figuring out how to access my pass Rebecca. This is as far as I’ve been able to navigate.
Sign in to your Yarn + Chai account, then click “Passholder Area” at the top of the screen. If it tells you “content restricted”, refresh the page as instructed on that screen. If you need further help, email me at rebecca@yarnandchai.com. 🙂
So I paid for the pdf of the mosaic basket and I don’t know how or when I get it. Can someone help?
Hello! If you didn’t receive the email (check your junk folder), you can also sign into your Yarn + Chai account and find it in your “downloads” tab. If you need further assistance, please email me at rebecca@yarnandchai.com 🙂
mklinda13@gmail.com
Well that is genius with the plastic canvas! Of all the years (60 years) I’ve been crocheting and making other crafts, I’ve never come across this technique. Thank you!
I love your tutorial! Thank you so much! Really looking forward to trying it
I love these baskets, thank you for the patterns. I just have one question: What other type of yarn can you use as the base? Thanks Again
As long as you’re using the plastic canvas, any chunky yarn should do as long as it isn’t super soft! 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing your patterns! Your video tutorials are so helpful and pleasant to watch! Great job! I am so happy I found your site!
Please help in round 6 I’m getting more then 36 stitches please let me know where I went wrong I got 30 stitches on round 5
Round 6: (SC in each of the next 2 STS, 2SC in next ST, SC in each of the next 2 STS) around. (36)
So, the pattern is:
(1-1-2-1-1) (1-1-2-1-1) (1-1-2-1-1) (1-1-2-1-1) (1-1-2-1-1) (1-1-2-1-1) = 36 total.
Have you tried watching the video tutorial?
If you are doubling half the stitches at 18 stitches you will not get 6 increases you will get 9 increases. This will throw off the counts after that…so yes the stitch counts are off.
The counts are not off. 🙂
Please help in round 6 I’m getting more then 36 stitches
Hi Rebecca I am having some troubles after round 7 (42) deffintly not getting (48 ) stitches in round 8 thank you in advance
Round 8: (SC in each of the next 3 STS, 2SC in next ST, SC in each of the next 3 STS) around. So, the pattern is:
(3-2-3) (3-2-3) (3-2-3) (3-2-3) (3-2-3) (3-2-3)
…If you add all those together, you get 48. Have you tried watching the video tutorial?
Hi Rebecca,
I’m working on the Mosaic basket. After the 3rd round i have 18 stitches but after the 4th round I keep getting more then 24 stitches. I have frogged it 3 times I keep getting the same stitch count. I dont know what I’m doing wrong.
Can you please help?
Thank you
Sure! 🙂 Here’s what you’re probably doing.
Round 4 says “(SC in next ST, 2SC in next ST, SC in next ST) around”. Simplified, this repeat is 1-2-1… so there’s a single SC at the beginning of the repeat, and a single SC at the end of it. Meaning when you repeat it, those will be side by side. What YOU are probably doing is this:
1-2-1-2-1-2-1-2-1-2…
But what you need to be doing is this:
1-2-1-1-2-1-1-2-1-1-2-1…
Here the sequence is in parentheses to help you better see the repeats:
(1-2-1)-(1-2-1)-(1-2-1)-(1-2-1)…
If you haven’t watched the video tutorial yet, it helps to explain it. 🙂
Lol… exactly what I was doing. Thank you so much!
Anna
Well…I wish I would have read this before commenting before…lol. This makes sense now that you explained. Thanks!
Thank you for this pattern. I am fairly new to crochet and having so much fun with this. Your written and video instructions are the best!
How many baskets can you get out of one skein of the Bernat Maker Home Dec yarn?
If you stick with my gauge, you’ll be able to make all of them from 1. It takes 290 yards and there are only 317 in a skein, so you’ll cut it close, but it can be done 🙂
I absolutely loved making this basket! Your video was thorough and easy to understand, and I learned some new stitches in the process! Can’t wait to make more of these. Thanks so very much.
LOVE the way this works up! I did a trio of the Mosaic baskets and I’m in love with this concept!