P028 Spaghetti Easter Egg Basket

How to Crochet an Easter Egg Basket with Flowers

Create a sturdy handmade Easter basket with a rounded rectangular base, built-in handle and optional crocheted flower decorations. The basket is worked from the base upwards using thick jersey-style yarn, making it suitable for Easter egg hunts, gift hampers or seasonal table displays.

The optional flowers are crocheted separately in 8 ply cotton and sewn around the basket after completion. Choose from layered pansies, openwork buttercups and a five-petal daisy, or combine all three styles for a colourful floral finish.

Finished Measurements

What You Will Need

Basket Yarn

• 1 × 750 g cone of Makr Spaghetti yarn in the main colour

Flower Yarn

• 1 × 50 g ball of Makr Cotton 8 Ply in Colour 1
• 1 × 50 g ball of Makr Cotton 8 Ply in Colour 2
• 1 × 50 g ball of Makr Cotton 8 Ply in Colour 3
• 1 × 50 g ball of Makr Cotton 8 Ply in Colour 4

Hooks and Equipment

• 7 mm crochet hook for the basket
• 4 mm crochet hook for the flowers
• Wool needle for sewing and weaving in ends
• Scissors
• Optional fabric starch
• Stitch markers, if desired

Tension

Exact tension is not essential for this project. However, the basket should be worked firmly enough to hold its shape.

The original yarn is made from repurposed jersey and may vary in thickness. Change the hook size where necessary to produce a dense, stable fabric.

Abbreviations

• Ch: Chain
• Dc: Double crochet
• Dcblo: Double crochet through the back loop only
• Htr: Half treble crochet
• Tr: Treble crochet
• Dtr: Double treble crochet
• Trtr: Triple treble crochet
• Sl st: Slip stitch
• Mr: Magic ring
• St or sts: Stitch or stitches
• YO: Yarn over

Construction Overview

The project is made in four main stages:

1. Crochet an oval basket base.
2. Work the sides upwards in joined rounds.
3. Continue directly into the handle.
4. Crochet and attach the optional flowers.

Crochet the Basket Base

Using the 7 mm crochet hook and the main yarn, chain 9 stitches.

Round 1

1. Insert the hook into the second chain from the hook, working through the back loop only.
2. Work 2 double crochet stitches into that chain.
3. Work one double crochet through the back loop of each of the next six chains.
4. Work 4 double crochet stitches into the final chain.
5. Rotate the work to crochet along the opposite side of the chain.
6. Work one double crochet through the remaining loop of each of the next six chains.
7. Work 2 double crochet stitches into the final chain.
8. Join with a slip stitch.

You should have 20 stitches.

Round 2

1. Chain 1.
2. Work 2 double crochet stitches into each of the next two stitches.
3. Work one double crochet into each of the next six stitches.
4. Work 2 double crochet stitches into each of the next four stitches.
5. Work one double crochet into each of the next six stitches.
6. Work 2 double crochet stitches into each of the final two stitches.
7. Join with a slip stitch.

You should have 28 stitches.

Round 3

Increase around both curved ends by alternating one double crochet and two double crochet stitches, while working six plain double crochet stitches along each straight side.

You should have 36 stitches.

Round 4

Work two plain double crochet stitches between each increase around the curved ends. Continue working six plain stitches along each straight side.

You should have 44 stitches.

Round 5

Work three plain double crochet stitches between each increase around the curved ends, maintaining the six plain stitches along both straight sides.

The source lists a final count of 58 stitches after this round.

Turn the Base Into the Sides

To create a defined edge between the base and basket walls, work the next round through the back loops only.

1. Chain 1.
2. Work one double crochet through the back loop of every stitch around.
3. Join with a slip stitch.

The unused front loops create a subtle ridge around the bottom of the basket.

Crochet the Basket Sides

For the following six rounds, chain 1 and work one double crochet into every stitch around. Join each round with a slip stitch.

Check the basket regularly and keep the joins aligned. Work tightly enough for the walls to stand upright without becoming rigid.

Begin the Handle

Do not fasten off. The handle is worked directly from the final basket round, backwards and forwards in rows.

Handle Row 1

1. Chain 1.
2. Work one double crochet into each of the next 16 stitches.
3. Turn.

Handle Row 2

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

Handle Rows 3–4

Chain 1 and work four double crochet stitches. Turn after each row.

Repeat the four-stitch row until the handle measures approximately 25 cm.

Widen the Handle End

Increase gradually over the final rows so the free end can be attached securely to the opposite side of the basket.

1. Work two double crochet stitches into the first stitch, then complete the remaining stitches.
2. Repeat the increase sequence over the next rows until the handle end is wide enough to match the attachment area.
3. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Attach the Handle

1. Position the free handle end directly opposite its starting point.
2. Check that the handle is centred and not twisted.
3. Use the long yarn tail and a wool needle or crochet hook to sew the end firmly to the basket.
4. Reinforce both handle joins with several passes through the thick fabric.

Optional Pansy Flowers

Make two pansies in alternate colour combinations using the 4 mm crochet hook and the cotton yarn.

Each pansy begins with a 12-stitch centre worked into a magic ring. The two large back petals are worked first in rows, followed by the smaller front petals and a final contrasting layer.

The petal shaping uses double crochet, half treble, treble, double treble and triple treble stitches to create a layered, dimensional flower.

Optional Buttercup Flowers

Make two buttercups alike.

1. Create a magic ring and work five groups of one double crochet and one chain into the centre.
2. Build the first petal round using treble crochet stitches and chain spaces.
3. Add a second openwork round using longer chains and double crochet anchor stitches.
4. Fasten off and weave in the ends.

Optional Daisy Flower

Make one daisy using two colours.

1. Create a magic ring and work 10 double crochet stitches into the centre.
2. Change colour and create five long looped petals using chains and triple treble crochet stitches.
3. Work a second round around the outside of each petal to provide shape and definition.
4. Fasten off and weave in the ends.

Arrange and Attach the Flowers

Position the flowers around the basket front and near the handle joins. The project photograph shows the larger pansies placed prominently at the front, with the smaller buttercups and daisy filling the surrounding spaces.

1. Pin each flower into position.
2. Use a matching length of 8 ply cotton and a wool needle to sew through the centre and lower petal edges.
3. Keep the outer petals partly free so the flowers retain their three-dimensional appearance.
4. Secure all yarn ends inside the basket.

Optional Starching

Apply fabric starch when a firmer basket is desired. Follow the directions on the starch product and repeat the treatment where necessary.

Shape the basket around an appropriately sized container and allow it to dry completely in the shade.

Finishing the Basket

1. Weave in all remaining yarn ends.
2. Check that the handle joins are secure.
3. Shape the oval base and straighten the sides.
4. Attach the optional flowers.
5. Apply starch if required.
6. Allow the basket to dry completely before use.

Alternative Yarns for the Basket

The original basket uses thick repurposed jersey yarn. A substitute should create a strong, dense fabric and should not stretch excessively when the basket is carried.

• T-shirt yarn – the closest substitute for the original recycled jersey construction.
• Recycled cotton cord – produces a firm, structured basket with a modern finish.
• Fabric ribbon yarn – creates a lightweight but sturdy basket with visible texture.
• Chunky braided cotton cord – gives the basket strong stitch definition and reliable shape.
• Macramé cord – may be used for a firmer decorative basket, provided it is flexible enough to crochet.
• Multiple strands of cotton yarn held together – can be used to build the necessary thickness when cord or T-shirt yarn is not available.

Alternative Yarns for the Flowers

• 8 ply cotton
• 8 ply mercerised cotton
• 8 ply cotton and acrylic blend
• 8 ply anti-pilling acrylic
• Small amounts of leftover DK yarn in coordinating colours

Choosing the Best Substitute

For the basket, choose a yarn that forms a firm fabric with a hook between approximately 6 and 8 mm. For the flowers, use a smooth 8 ply yarn with good stitch definition.

Avoid soft, fluffy basket yarns, as the sides and handle may stretch. Avoid highly textured flower yarns, as they can obscure the layered petal shaping.

Colour Ideas

• Blush basket with pastel flowers
• Natural cream basket with bright rainbow flowers
• Sage green basket with yellow, white and lilac flowers
• Lavender basket with pink and blue flowers
• Terracotta basket with cream, mustard and rust flowers
• Neutral basket with one bold feature flower

Alternative Uses

• Easter egg hunt basket
• Seasonal gift hamper
• Table centrepiece
• Storage for yarn and craft supplies
• Nursery storage basket
• Decorative flower or produce basket

Care

Follow the care instructions for the chosen yarn. Spot cleaning is usually safest for a structured basket, particularly when starch has been applied.

When washing is necessary, remove or protect the flowers, reshape the basket while damp and dry it around a suitably sized container.