- Cozy Coils
Stuff, stuff everywhere: Baskets to the rescue!
When I became reacquainted with crocheting, I was fascinated by all of the different patterns that were available. Baskets were particularly appealing to me as they can be used to store a variety of items around the house and they are not cardboard or plastic (a huge advantage). They can be made in different diameters and heights. Tall and narrow ones can store pens or crochet hooks, shallow wide ones can be used to store toiletries, cards and other small games, or items in the junk drawer. Some may use them as planters, or even bong covers, for those so inclined. The options are endless. But one thing is for sure, they will add a warmth and texture that other types of baskets/bowls will not be able to emulate.
When I decided to make a basket pattern, I wanted to have a lot of texture in the stitch, but still have a simple stitch pattern to follow. I looked up various stitch options and landed on the grit stitch. This is a simple [sc, dc] skip st repeat. It results in the stitches slanting a little and that, together with the super bulky Bernat Blanket yarn gives a lovely texture.
Rocky Meadow Baskets
These baskets are very easy to work up. A small one can be made in 2-3 hours depending on your skill level and focus. I find that it takes me a little longer if I am watching TV. The larger ones will take a little more time, but could still be finished in an evening. Anything that is done so quickly is great for a small gift or craft tables/shows.
Rocky Meadow Baskets (in 3 sizes) pdf can be found in my Etsy and Ravelry Shops:
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rocky-meadow-baskets
FREE PATTERN
Large basket: 18 cm diameter base
Super bulky (size 6) yarn – I used Bernat Blanket
Size 9.0 mm and size 8.0 mm crochet hook
Abbreviations:
Ch - chain
Sc – single crochet
Dc – double crochet
Bl – back loop
Rep - repeat
Sl st – slip stitch
St - stitch
Special Stitches:
Grit stitch: sc and dc into same st, skip st, repeat; next row do sc and dc into the sc of the last row
Notes:
Join all rounds with sl st into first st of previous row (use a stitch marker in first st to avoid getting lost)
Begin row in the same st as the sl st
Instructions:
Base:
Ch 2
Round 1:
8 sc into 2nd ch, join – [8 sc]
Round 2:
2 sc in each st around, join – [16 sc]
Round 3:
*2 sc in 1st st, 1 sc, rep from * around, join – [24 sc]
Round 4:
*2 sc in 1st st, 1 sc in each of next 2 st, rep from * around, join – [32 sc]
Round 5:
*2 sc in 1st st, 1 sc in each of next 3 st, rep from * around, join – [40 sc]
Round 6:
*2 sc in 1st st, 1 sc in each of next 4 st, rep from * around, join – [48 sc]
Round 7:
*2 sc in 1st st, 1 sc in each of next 5 st, rep from * around, join – [56 sc]
Sides (by using the back loop only in the next row it creates the side of the basket):
Round 8:
Sc in bl only around, join – [56 blsc]
Round 9:
Sc and dc into 1st st, skip st (Grit st), rep from * around, sl st in top of 1st sc – [28 grit st]
Round 10-11:
Grit st in sc, rep around, join – [28 grit st]
If you want a taller basket add more rows here
Round 12:
Change to size 8.0 mm hook
Grit st in sc, rep around, join – [28 grit st]
Round 13-14 (size 8 hook):
Sl st around
Fasten off and weave in ends
Now you are all set to store your items, wrap as a gift, or sell at a craft show!
Please share your basket pics!
Keep Cozy while Coiling!