Every home needs a catch-all that keeps blankets, towels, and daily clutter beautifully organized. This chunky crochet storage basket works up with gorgeous stitch definition and sturdy sides that stand completely on their own without wire inserts.
Quick Facts
- Skill level: Beginner
- Finished size: 11 inches diameter by 9.5 inches height
- Yarn: Bulky weight cotton cord or super bulky t-shirt yarn (held double)
- Hook: 9.0 mm (US M/13) crochet hook
- Stitches used: Chain (ch), single crochet (sc), back loop only (blo), slip stitch (sl st)
- Time to make: 4 to 6 hours
Size tips and customization options are included further down the page.
What Makes This Crochet Storage Basket Special
This basket relies on three clever construction techniques to achieve its professional look. First, the flat oval base creates a stable foundation that won’t warp under heavy loads. Second, a single round worked in the back loop only creates a sharp, defined edge where the base transitions into the sides. Third, holding the yarn double gives the fabric extra thickness and density, ensuring the basket holds its shape rigidly even when empty. Finally, screw-on leather handles add a polished, store-bought finish.
Skill Level
- Basic crochet stitches (chain, single crochet)
- Working in the round in a spiral
- Working into back loops only
- Attaching screw-in leather handles
Don’t worry if you are new to working with bulky yarn; the stitches are large, clear, and easy to see!
Finished Measurements
| Measurement | Inches | Centimeters |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 11.0 in | 28.0 cm |
| Height | 9.5 in | 24.0 cm |
| Circumference | 34.5 in | 88.0 cm |
Materials You Will Need
| Item | Description | Quantity / Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Yarn | Bulky 100% Cotton Cord (Cream/Natural) | 550 yards / 500 meters |
| Crochet Hook | 9.0 mm (US M/13) | 1 hook |
| Leather Handles | Pre-punched tan leather straps with rivets | 2 handles |
| Notions | Stitch marker, yarn needle, measuring tape | As needed |
Yarn Suggestions
| Yarn Line | Weight | Skein Yardage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoooked Ribbon XL | Super Bulky | 130 yds / 120 m | Excellent structure |
| Bobbiny Chunky Cord | Bulky | 110 yds / 100 m | Holds shape perfectly |
| Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick | Super Bulky | 106 yds / 97 m | Softer look, needs lining |
⚠️ Note: Avoid lightweight acrylic or sock yarns for this project. They lack the structural stiffness required for a standing storage basket.
Gauge
- 8 sc and 8 rounds = 4 inches (10 cm) using a 9.0 mm hook with yarn held double in single crochet.
Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Definition |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| sc | single crochet |
| inc | increase (2 sc in the same stitch) |
| blo | back loop only |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| rnd(s) | round(s) |
| sk | skip |
| rep | repeat |
UK: sc = double crochet.
Special Stitches Explained
- Magic Ring: A movable starting loop used to begin working in the round. Wrap yarn around your fingers, insert hook, pull up a loop, and work your first round of stitches directly into the ring.
- Back Loop Only (BLO): Inserting your hook under only the back loop of the designated stitch, leaving the front loop unworked to create a sharp structural ridge.
Pattern Instructions
💡 Designer Tip: Hold two strands of yarn together as one throughout the entire project. Use a stitch marker at the start of each round and move it up as you go, since you will work in a continuous spiral without joining rounds.
Section 1: Basket Base
Rnd 1: With yarn held double, make a magic ring, work 6 sc into the ring, pull tight (6 sc).
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around (12 sc).
Rnd 3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18 sc).
Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6 (24 sc).
Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) x 6 (30 sc).
Rnd 6: (4 sc, inc) x 6 (36 sc).
Rnd 7: (5 sc, inc) x 6 (42 sc).
Rnd 8: (6 sc, inc) x 6 (48 sc).
Rnd 9: (7 sc, inc) x 6 (54 sc).
Rnd 10: (8 sc, inc) x 6 (60 sc).
Rnd 11: (9 sc, inc) x 6 (66 sc).
Rnd 12: (10 sc, inc) x 6 (72 sc).
Rnd 13: (11 sc, inc) x 6 (78 sc).
Rnd 14: (12 sc, inc) x 6 (84 sc).
Rnd 15: (13 sc, inc) x 6 (90 sc).
Rnd 16: (14 sc, inc) x 6 (96 sc).
✅ Checkpoint: Your flat circular base should measure about 11 inches across and lie completely flat on a table.
Section 2: Basket Sides
Rnd 1: Working in BLO only, sc in each st around (96 sc).
Rnds 2 to 18: Sc in each st around (96 sc).
Rnd 19: Sc in each st around, finish with 1 sl st in the next st to smooth the edge, fasten off and weave in all ends securely (96 sc).
Section 3: Assembly & Finishing
- Lay your basket flat and locate opposite sides for the handles.
- Position the leather handles approximately 2 inches down from the top edge, centered evenly on opposing sides.
- Push the Chicago screws or rivets through the pre-punched holes in the leather straps and directly through the crochet stitches of the basket wall.
- Tighten the screws securely on the inside.
Size Customization Tips
To make your basket wider, simply continue the circular base increases (adding 6 stitches per round) for as many rounds as you like, making sure to work one single round in the back loop only before starting the straight side rounds. Each extra increase round adds about 1.5 inches to the overall diameter.
Care Instructions
Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap. If heavily soiled, hand wash in lukewarm water with wool detergent, reshape gently while damp, and allow to dry flat on a towel. Do not tumble dry.
FAQ
Can I use single-strand yarn instead of holding it double?
You can use an extra-thick jumbo cord (category 7) as a single strand if it matches the thickness of two bulky strands combined, but standard bulky yarn must be held double to provide enough stiffness for the basket to stand upright.
How do I make the basket taller?
Simply work additional straight rounds of single crochet after completing Rnd 18 of the sides. Keep in mind that extra height will require more yarn than the listed yardage.
Are these baskets safe for storing children’s toys?
Yes! Cotton cord is non-toxic, durable, and machine washable, making it perfect for nursery toy storage.
Happy Crocheting!
I hope you love making your new chunky storage basket! Be sure to save this pin on Pinterest to keep the instructions handy for your next home decor project, and leave a comment below to let me know what color you chose.
📄 Your free PDF pattern