Materials Needed & Measurements:
- Suggested Yarn: Cotton or acrylic worsted-weight yarn (Category 4)
- Yarn Measurements: Approx. 50-100 yards per basket, depending on size
- Hook Size: 4.5mm–5.5mm crochet hook
- Finished Pattern Size: Small (3”), Medium (4”), Large (5”) diameter
- Other Tools:
- Scissors
- Yarn needle
- Stitch marker (optional)
Stitch Abbreviations (US Terms):
- MR – Magic Ring
- SC – Single Crochet
- INC – Increase (2 SC in the same stitch)
- SL ST – Slip Stitch
- BLO – Back Loop Only
- CH – Chain
- ST – Stitch
- RND – Round
Stitching Instructions for Making the Mini Nesting Baskets Pattern:
Small Basket (3” Diameter)
- Base:
- RND 1: Make a Magic Ring (MR), work 6 SC into the ring, and pull the yarn tail to tighten the loop. (6 SC)
- RND 2: Work 2 SC into each ST around. (12 SC)
- RND 3: (SC in the next ST, INC in the next ST) repeat around. (18 SC)
- RND 4: (SC in the next 2 STS, INC in the next ST) repeat around. (24 SC)
- RND 5: SC in BLO around, working into the back loop only of each stitch to create a defined base edge. (24 SC)
- Sides:
- RND 6-12: SC in each stitch around, keeping the tension even for a smooth and sturdy shape. (24 SC per round)
- RND 13: SL ST in each ST around to form a finished edge. (24 SL ST) Fasten off and weave in ends securely.
Medium Basket (4” Diameter)
- Base:
- RND 1: Create a MR, make 6 SC inside the ring, and pull it tight. (6 SC)
- RND 2: INC in each ST around (2 SC in each ST). (12 SC)
- RND 3: (SC in the next ST, INC in the next ST) repeat around. (18 SC)
- RND 4: (SC in the next 2 STS, INC in the next ST) repeat around. (24 SC)
- RND 5: (SC in the next 3 STS, INC in the next ST) repeat around. (30 SC)
- RND 6: SC in BLO around, which creates a structural transition to the sides. (30 SC)
- Sides:
- RND 7-14: SC in each stitch around, maintaining even stitches for a uniform shape. (30 SC per round) 8. RND 15: SL ST in each stitch around for a smooth, polished edge. (30 SL ST) Fasten off and weave in ends.
Large Basket (5” Diameter)
- Base:
- RND 1: Start with a MR, place 6 SC inside the ring, and pull it tight to close. (6 SC)
- RND 2: INC in each ST around. (12 SC)
- RND 3: (SC in the next ST, INC in the next ST) repeat around. (18 SC)
- RND 4: (SC in the next 2 STS, INC in the next ST) repeat around. (24 SC)
- RND 5: (SC in the next 3 STS, INC in the next ST) repeat around. (30 SC)
- RND 6: (SC in the next 4 STS, INC in the next ST) repeat around. (36 SC)
- RND 7: SC in BLO around, reinforcing the base structure. (36 SC)
- Sides:
- RND 8-16: SC in each stitch around, keeping a steady tension for even shaping. (36 SC per round)
- RND 17: SL ST in each stitch around to form a neat, finished top edge. (36 SL ST) Fasten off and weave in ends securely.
Optional Finishing Touches
- Sturdy Shape: If you want firmer baskets, use a fabric stiffener or crochet with tighter tension. You can also hold two strands of yarn together for added thickness.
- Handles: To add handles, skip 4 stitches on opposite sides of the basket and CH 6, then continue SC around, working into the chain spaces in the next round.
- Color Variation: Add a contrasting color for the last round to create a decorative border or try using multiple colors for a striped effect.
Happy crocheting!
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