This past Chanukah I made chunky crocheted baskets instead of the drawstring gift pouches that I usually make to hold chocolate coins and dreidels on the first night of Chanukah. And now, since Chanukah is long gone, I'm starting to see how useful little baskets like these can be year round! Plus they're a breeze to whip up, and look so very cute holding a piece of fruit, a small nicely wrapped gift or a combination of little prizes and treats. One could even hang a little basket like this from a neighbor's door knob, to surprise them with some cookies, wouldn't that be fun?
Tu B'Shevat, the new year for the trees is the next Jewish holiday, so right about now, I'm thinking of how to use these little baskets with fruit, and my decoupaged apples seem to be doing the job!
Oh, and did I mention that these little baskets are perfect for using up some odds and ends? I crocheted the bottom and first two side of basket rows using creme worsted weight yarn together with silver crocheting thread, and the rest was the same worsted weight yarn together with a stand of aqua baby weight yarn. I love the look of combining the several strands of yarn, and while the photos don't do it justice, the hint of metallic silver is lovely.
You'll Need:
- chunky yarn, or a combination of yarns of different weights
- size 6.5mm hook, or whatever works with your yarn
Quick Crocheted Gift Basket With Handle Pattern:
Round 1: Make a magic ring, ch3, (does not count as dc) and 12 dc into ring. Tighten ring and make a slip stitch into first dc.
Round 2: ch 1 and make 2 sc in each stitch from previous round. slip stitch to first sc of round.
Round 3: ch 1 *sc in next stitch, 2 sc in next stitch, and continue around from *. slip stitch to first sc stitch of round.
Round 4: ch 1, sc in back loop of each stitch, around. slip stitch to first sc stitch of round.
Round 5: ch2, hdc in back loop of each stitch, around. slip stitch in first hdc stitch of round.
Round 6 and 7: ch2, hdc in both loops of each stitch, around. slip stitch in first stitch of round, and cut off.
color/ yarn weight change if desired. using heavier yarn at this point increases width of basket, making it slighly rounded
Round 8 and 9: With new color/weight yarn combo, ch 2, hdc around and end with slip stitch to first hdc.
Round 10 and 11: ch3, dc around and end with slip stitch to first dc.
To Make Handle:
Attach yarn to top of stitch of last row, at one side of basket, and ch 33. slip stitch to point exactly opposite so handle will be centered. Slip stitch into next stitch top of last row, to secure width of handle, and then slip stitch back along length of chain, and finish with a slip stitch into end point on basket rim. Sorry if that's not so clear. Just when calculating placement of handle, do take into account that handle has a width of 2 stitches. If the handle comes out not in the middle, so rip it out and start over, you'll get what I mean when you do it, I'm sure!
That's it, weave in ends, fill with little gifts and enjoy giving the gift of something handmade! And you won't be surprised to hear that I've made another basket like this in a different size, stay tuned!
