P155 Planter Basket

How to Crochet a Harlequin Planter Basket

Add colour and texture to your home with this easy crocheted planter basket. Worked from the centre of the base upwards, the basket uses simple half treble crochet stitches to create a firm circular base and softly structured sides.

An optional openwork border adds a decorative finish around the upper edge. The basket can be made in three sizes to suit small pots, medium indoor plants or larger decorative planters.

Finished Measurements

What You Will Need

Yarn

The original pattern lists one 100 g ball of Woolish yarn for each size. Check the metreage carefully when making the medium or large basket, as the quantity required may vary with yarn choice and tension.

• Small: approximately 1 ball
• Medium: approximately 1 ball
• Large: approximately 1 ball

Hook and Equipment

• 6 mm crochet hook
• Wool needle for sewing in ends
• Scissors
• Removable stitch markers, if desired
• A waterproof saucer or liner for the plant pot

Tension

The original pattern does not provide a formal tension measurement. Aim for a firm, even fabric that can support the pot without large gaps.

If the basket feels too loose or floppy, try a smaller hook. If the fabric is overly stiff and difficult to work, try a slightly larger hook.

Abbreviations

• Ch: Chain
• Dc: Double crochet
• Dc2tog: Double crochet two stitches together
• Tr: Treble crochet
• Tr2tog: Treble crochet two stitches together
• Htr: Half treble crochet
• Htrblo: Half treble crochet through the back loop only
• Mr: Magic ring
• Sl st: Slip stitch
• St or sts: Stitch or stitches

Construction Overview

The planter basket is worked in three stages:

1. Crochet a flat circular base.
2. Work the sides upwards without further increases.
3. Add the optional decorative border.

The pattern is written primarily for the medium basket with a 20 cm base. The stitch counts for the small and large sizes appear in brackets.

Begin the Base

1. Using the 6 mm hook, make a magic ring.
2. Alternatively, chain 4 and join to the first chain with a slip stitch to form a ring.
3. Work 10 half treble crochet stitches into the centre of the ring.

Increase the Circular Base

Round 1

1. Chain 2. This turning chain does not count as a stitch here or throughout the pattern.
2. Work 2 half treble crochet stitches into the same stitch.
3. Work 2 half treble crochet stitches into every stitch around.
4. Join to the first half treble with a slip stitch.

You should have 20 stitches.

Round 2

1. Chain 2.
2. Work one half treble into the same stitch.
3. Work 2 half trebles into the next stitch, followed by one half treble into the following stitch.
4. Repeat this increase sequence around.
5. Join with a slip stitch.

You should have 30 stitches.

Round 3

1. Chain 2.
2. Work one half treble into each of the first two stitches.
3. Work 2 half trebles into the next stitch.
4. Repeat around and join with a slip stitch.

You should have 40 stitches.

Round 4

1. Chain 2.
2. Work one half treble into each of the first three stitches.
3. Work 2 half trebles into the next stitch.
4. Repeat around and join with a slip stitch.

You should have 50 stitches.

Continue to the Required Base Size

Continue increasing in the established pattern. Add one more ordinary half treble stitch between each increase on every new round.

Continue until you have:

• Small: 50 stitches
• Medium: 70 stitches
• Large: 110 stitches

Lay the base flat after each round. If it begins to ruffle, there may be too many increases. If it cups upwards before the sides begin, additional increases may be required.

Turn the Base Into the Sides

To create a defined fold between the base and the sides, work the first side round through the back loops only.

1. Chain 2.
2. Work one half treble crochet through the back loop only of the same stitch and every stitch around.
3. Join to the first stitch with a slip stitch.

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

Crochet the Sides

For each following round:

1. Chain 2.
2. Work one half treble into every stitch around.
3. Join with a slip stitch.

Repeat until the basket reaches the preferred height.

On the final plain round, decrease evenly as follows:

• Small: decrease 2 stitches evenly
• Medium: decrease 3 stitches evenly
• Large: decrease 2 stitches evenly

The final stitch counts should be approximately:

• Small: 48 stitches
• Medium: 67 stitches
• Large: 108 stitches

Add the Optional Decorative Border

The upper border creates a lacy scalloped edge. This section may be omitted for a simpler, more structured basket.

Border Round 1

1. Chain 9. This counts as one treble crochet and one chain-6 space.
2. Skip 6 stitches.
3. Work 5 treble crochet stitches into the next stitch.
4. Chain 5.
5. Repeat the skip, treble group and chain sequence around the basket.
6. Finish by working 4 trebles into the same stitch as the beginning chain.
7. Join to the top of the beginning chain.

Border Round 2

1. Slip stitch into the first chain-6 space.
2. Chain 3. This counts as one treble crochet.
3. Work 2 trebles, chain 3 and 3 trebles into the same chain space.
4. Work 3 trebles, chain 3 and 3 trebles into each remaining chain-6 space.
5. Join to the top of the beginning chain.
6. Fasten off securely.

Finishing the Basket

1. Weave in all loose yarn ends securely.
2. Shape the base into a flat circle and smooth the sides upwards.
3. Lightly steam or wet block according to the yarn-care instructions.
4. Allow the basket to dry around an appropriately sized container if extra structure is required.
5. Insert the waterproof plant saucer before adding the potted plant.

Alternative Yarns for This Project

A suitable yarn should produce a firm, stable fabric with a 6 mm hook. The basket needs more structure than a garment, so avoid yarns that stretch excessively.

• 12 ply acrylic – an affordable, easy-care option with enough body for a decorative basket.
• 12 ply wool and acrylic blend – combines structure, resilience and a softly textured finish.
• Chunky cotton – creates a firm, natural-looking basket with excellent stitch definition.
• Recycled cotton cord – provides extra stability and a modern handcrafted appearance.
• Fabric or T-shirt yarn – creates a heavier, more rigid basket, although the hook size and stitch count may need adjustment.
• Two strands of 8 ply yarn held together – can create a suitable thickness and allows custom colour combinations.

Choosing the Best Substitute

Choose a yarn that creates a dense fabric without making the stitches difficult to work. Cotton, cotton blends and firm acrylics generally provide better structure than very soft or fluffy yarns.

A multicoloured, marled or self-striping yarn will recreate the playful Harlequin effect shown in the original project.

Alternative Uses

• Storage basket for yarn and craft supplies
• Bathroom storage for rolled face washers
• Soft toy or nursery storage
• Desk organiser
• Gift hamper basket
• Decorative cover for a plain storage container

Colour Ideas

• Bright multicoloured or confetti yarn
• Natural cream, oatmeal or jute tones
• Sage, olive and forest green
• Terracotta, rust and mustard
• Blush, lilac and soft grey
• Black and natural for a modern monochrome look
• Contrasting border in a solid colour

Care

Follow the care instructions on the chosen yarn label. Remove the plant and waterproof liner before cleaning the basket.

Spot clean where possible. If washing is required, reshape the basket while damp and dry it around an appropriately sized container to help maintain its form.