I’m calling this a recipe because there are one million variations for this basket.
It all depends on the yarn you are using and on the size you want to make your basket.
For this particular basket I used 5 strands of Vinnis Colours Nikkim in Turquoise and a 10mm hook. The Nikkim is a DK cotton yarn. A similar result can be achieved with any other yarn though, whether it’s a super bulky or T-shirt yarn. You could also try combining different types of yarns for a more textured basket.
I don’t substitute chains for stitches, instead I make only 1 chain at the start of each round and then place a half double crochet into the same stitch as was used for the closing slip stitch. When using taller stitches I use a chainless stitch instead.
There are a few ways of doing this: To create a rounded bottom simply stop increasing and work 60 stitches per round until your basket has the desired height. Another method is to use only the back loops, this creates a slight edge to the bottom.
For this basket I used back post half double crochets.
I find that this creates a completely flat bottom with a straight edge, which is what I prefer. When making the back post half double crochets make sure that you end up with the correct number of stitches (in this case 60) at the end of the round. In order to make the correct amount of stitches you will need to make one half double crochet around the post of the very last stitch from the previous round, effectively working between the last and first stitch.
Once the post stitch round was done I made one round with single crochets.
For the remainder of the basket I used an alternating spike stitch, to give the basket more stability. The spike stitch is a great simple stitch that also creates a lovely texture.
For the spike stitch you simply make a normal single crochet but insert the hook through the stitch one round lower down. This creates the little spikes. Alternate between a normal single crochet and a spike stitch all the way around and in the consecutive rounds place a spike stitch on top of the single crochet, and a single crochet on top of the spike stitch.
You can use any type of stitch for the side of the basket, however, single crochets and half double crochets work best, since they create a firm fabric. Front and back post stitches are also a good idea as they also strengthen the side of the basket.
Once your basket is the height you desire you can either simply fasten off, or give it a more finished look by using the reverse single crochet stitch (also known as a crab stitch). I used the reverse stitch but spiked it for every second stitch, continuing with the same pattern I had used for the side of the basket.
If you use this recipe please share photos of your creations with me by posting them on my Facebook page, or tag me (@stephaniedavies) in your Instagram photos.