This small nursery basket is a practical handmade gift for organizing socks, cloths, bows, or small supplies on a shelf. It is not written as a toy or sleep-space item. Use firm yarn, keep the sides compact, and give it with a note describing it as storage decor.
Supplies
- 120 to 150 yd worsted cotton or sturdy cotton blend
- 4.0 mm crochet hook for a firm fabric
- Stitch marker, yarn needle, scissors
Gauge and finished size
Gauge: 16 sc and 18 rounds = 4 in using a firm tension. Finished size: about 5.5 in wide and 4 in tall. Sizing assumption: shelf or dresser storage for light items.
Abbreviations
MR = magic ring, sc = single crochet, inc = 2 sc in one stitch, BLO = back loop only, sl st = slip stitch, st = stitch.
Pattern
- Round 1: MR, 8 sc. You have 8 sts.
- Round 2: Inc around. You have 16 sts.
- Round 3: Sc 1, inc around. You have 24 sts.
- Round 4: Sc 2, inc around. You have 32 sts.
- Round 5: Sc 3, inc around. You have 40 sts.
- Round 6: Sc 4, inc around. You have 48 sts.
- Round 7: Working BLO, sc around. Keep 48 sts.
- Rounds 8 to 18: Sc around through both loops. Keep 48 sts each round.
- Round 19: Sl st loosely around for a clean top edge. Fasten off.
Optional handles
Mark two opposite sides. On the next round, sc to first marker, ch 8, skip 6 sts, sc to next marker, ch 8, skip 6 sts, sc to end. Work one final round of sc into each stitch and chain. Keep handles short and firm.
Finishing
Weave in ends through several stitches. Shape the basket with your hands while damp if your yarn allows washing. Do not place storage baskets inside a crib, bassinet, or sleep space.