A327 Streamer Easter Basket

How to Crochet an Easter Basket

Create a small handmade Easter basket using simple crochet stitches and a built-in handle. The basket is worked in joined rounds from the centre of the base upwards, before the handle is continued backwards and forwards in rows.

Finish the basket with ribbon, buttons or other embellishments, then fill it with paper shred, decorated eggs or lightweight Easter treats.

Finished Measurement

The finished basket measures approximately 14 cm in diameter.

What You Will Need

Yarn and Materials

• 1 × 50 g ball of Lincraft Streamer yarn
• Ribbon for decorating the handle and rim
• Buttons or other embellishments, if desired
• Paper shred or tissue for filling the basket

Hook and Equipment

• 6 mm crochet hook
• Wool needle with a large eye
• Scissors
• Hand-sewing needle and thread for attaching embellishments

Tension

Exact tension is not important for this project. However, changing the yarn thickness or hook size will alter the finished dimensions and firmness of the basket.

Aim for a fairly firm fabric that will hold its shape without becoming difficult to crochet.

Abbreviations

• Beg: Beginning
• Ch: Chain
• Dc: Double crochet
• Htr: Half treble crochet
• Tr: Treble crochet
• Sl st: Slip stitch
• St or sts: Stitch or stitches
• Sp: Space
• Mr: Magic ring
• Bptr: Work one treble crochet around the post of the next stitch from the back of the work
• V-stitch: Work one treble, chain one and one treble into the same stitch or space

Construction Overview

The Easter basket is worked in three stages:

1. Crochet a circular base.
2. Continue upwards to form the basket sides.
3. Work the handle directly from the final round.

The basket is worked as one continuous piece. The beginning chain of each round does not count as a stitch.

Begin the Basket Base

1. Using the 6 mm hook, make a magic ring.
2. Alternatively, chain 3, join with a slip stitch and work into the ring.
3. Work 6 double crochet stitches into the centre.

Increase the Base

Round 1

1. Chain 2.
2. Work 2 treble crochet stitches into the base of the chain.
3. Work 2 trebles into each remaining double crochet.
4. Join to the top of the beginning treble with a slip stitch.

You should have 12 treble crochet stitches.

Round 2

1. Chain 2.
2. Work 2 trebles into the base of the chain.
3. Work 2 trebles into every stitch around.
4. Join with a slip stitch.

You should have 24 treble crochet stitches.

Round 3

1. Chain 2.
2. Work one treble into the base of the chain.
3. Work one treble into the next stitch, followed by 2 trebles into the following stitch.
4. Repeat this increase sequence eleven times.
5. Join with a slip stitch.

You should have 36 treble crochet stitches.

Turn the Base Into the Sides

Round 4

1. Chain 2.
2. Work one back-post treble around each treble crochet from the previous round.
3. Join to the top of the beginning treble with a slip stitch.

Working around the stitch posts creates a defined ridge and encourages the sides of the basket to rise upwards from the base.

Create the Openwork Side Pattern

Round 5

1. Chain 2.
2. Work one V-stitch into the base of the chain.
3. Miss the next stitch.
4. Work one V-stitch into the following stitch.
5. Repeat around seventeen times.
6. Join to the top of the beginning treble.

You should have 18 V-stitches.

Round 6

1. Chain 1.
2. Work one half treble into the base of the chain.
3. Work one half treble into each chain space and treble around.
4. Join with a slip stitch.

You should have approximately 54 half treble crochet stitches.

Round 7

1. Chain 2.
2. Work one treble into the base of the chain.
3. Work one treble into every stitch around.
4. Join with a slip stitch.

You should have 54 treble crochet stitches.

Round 8

1. Chain 2.
2. Work one V-stitch into the base of the chain.
3. Miss the next two stitches.
4. Work one V-stitch into the following stitch.
5. Repeat around seventeen times.
6. Join with a slip stitch.

You should have 18 V-stitches.

Round 9

1. Chain 1.
2. Work one double crochet into the base of the chain.
3. Work one double crochet into every chain space and treble around.
4. Join with a slip stitch.

You should have approximately 54 double crochet stitches.

Crochet the Handle

Do not fasten off after completing the basket sides. Continue working the handle backwards and forwards in rows.

Handle Row 1

1. Chain 1.
2. Work one double crochet into each of the next five stitches.
3. Chain 1 and turn.

You should have 5 double crochet stitches.

Handle Row 2

1. Work one double crochet into each of the five stitches.
2. Chain 1 and turn.

Repeat Handle Row 2 a further 28 times.

Handle Row 31

Work one double crochet into each of the five stitches, then fasten off, leaving a long yarn tail for sewing.

Attach the Handle

1. Count approximately 22 stitches around the basket rim from the base of the handle.
2. Position the free handle end over the following five stitches.
3. Check that the handle is centred and not twisted.
4. Use the long yarn tail to sew the handle securely to the basket.
5. Stitch through each of the five handle stitches several times for strength.

Add the Ribbon

Weave ribbon through the openwork stitches around the basket rim and along the handle.

Keep the ribbon relaxed so it does not pull the crochet fabric out of shape. Tie a decorative bow at the front and attach a button at its centre, if desired.

Finishing the Basket

1. Weave in all loose yarn ends securely.
2. Check that both handle ends are firmly attached.
3. Gently shape the base and sides by hand.
4. Trim the ribbon ends neatly.
5. Attach buttons and embellishments securely.
6. Fill the basket with paper shred or tissue.

Alternative Yarns for This Project

The original basket uses Lincraft Streamer yarn, which creates a textured, raffia-like finish. A suitable substitute should be firm enough to hold the basket shape and strong enough for the handle.

• Paper raffia yarn – provides the closest rustic, basket-like appearance.
• Natural raffia – creates a firm, traditional finish, although it may be less flexible to crochet.
• Recycled cotton cord – produces a sturdy, reusable basket with a modern appearance.
• Chunky cotton yarn – creates a softer basket with clear stitch definition.
• Fabric or T-shirt yarn – produces a heavier, firmer basket, although a larger hook may be required.
• Two strands of 8 ply cotton held together – provides a flexible alternative and allows custom colour combinations.
• Firm chunky acrylic – an affordable option for a decorative basket, provided it does not stretch excessively.

Choosing the Best Substitute

Select a yarn that creates a dense but workable fabric with a 6 mm hook. Cotton, paper yarn and raffia will generally provide more structure than soft wool or loosely spun acrylic.

Avoid highly elastic or fluffy yarns, as the basket may collapse and the openwork pattern may lose definition.

Decoration Ideas

• Satin ribbon woven through the handle
• A large bow with a feature button
• Small fabric flowers
• Wooden or novelty Easter buttons
• Pastel pompoms around the rim
• Embroidered initials or a gift recipient’s name
• Contrasting yarn around the final round

Alternative Uses

• Small gift hamper
• Easter table centrepiece
• Decorative egg holder
• Children’s pretend-play basket
• Storage for craft notions
• Wedding or event favour basket

Care

Care will depend on the selected yarn. Paper raffia and natural raffia should generally be kept dry and spot cleaned only.

Cotton or acrylic versions may be gently hand washed. Reshape the basket while damp and allow it to dry around a bowl or container of a similar size.