The basket is made from inexpensive worsted weight acrylic craft yarn so that it will be stiff enough to stand up on its own. You can use other worsted weight yarn, such as a coarse wool, but soft yarns, such as merino wool, silk, cotton or blends would probably not be suitable if you want it to stand up like a basket.

The finished size is about 7” across, 4.5” wide and 5” tall.

The pattern includes instructions and photos for the basket pictured in the top photo and for an alternate stripe pattern, as well as alternate handle instructions, and 3 ways to make the flower, as pictured in the other photos.

Skill Level: This is not a very difficult pattern but it does require a good bit of concentration to follow the instructions and count stitches. I wouldn’t undertake it as a first crochet project but I’ve tried to include enough details and photos so that an advanced beginner with some experience can probably handle it.

I used 1 skein each of Red Heart Super Saver in the following 5 colors:

Jade (Green)
Bright Yellow (Yellow)
Light Periwinkle (Blue)
Light Raspberry (Pink)
Medium Purple (Purple)

Five skeins of this yarn are more than enough to make several baskets. I’ve made 5 baskets since writing this pattern and have plenty of yarn left for a a couple more baskets. If you use another brand of worsted weight yarn or leftover yarn from your stash, I’d estimate about 50 yards of each color.

I used a G Hook (4.25 MM). Gauge is not that important for a basket, although you do not want holes between your stitches. I crochet rather loosely, so I almost always go down one size to obtain gauge when I follow directions. If you crochet pretty tightly or if you usually obtain gauge with the hook suggested in a pattern, then you might want to use an H hook. My gauge was 6 stitches equal about 2” and 3 rows equal about 1”.

You’ll also need: A Tapestry Needle (for embroidery, sewing the flower together and to basket, and weaving in ends);Small decorative button (optional); Needle and Thread (to sew button to flower).