Supplies:
Heavy cotton yarn, worsted weight
Crochet hook, size I - or whichever is appropriate for the yarn
Yarn needle
Optional decorative yarns, buttons, etc.
(The small bag I made used #36 nylon cord and a 00/2.5mm crochet hook)
Instructions:
This project is crocheted in a spiral formation. It is helpful to mark the first stitch on each row, in order to keep track of rows and stitches.
Round 1: make an adjustable ring with 6 sc. (or: ch2, 6 sc in 2nd chain from hook)
Round 2: make 2 sc in each sc = 12 sc
Round 3: sc in next sc, increase in next sc, repeat around = 18 sc
Round 4: *sc in next 2 sc, increase 1 in next sc, repeat from * = 24 sc
Round 5: *sc in next 3 sc, increase 1 in next sc, repeat from * = 30 sc
Round 6: *sc in next 4 sc, increase 1 in next sc, repeat from * = 36 sc
Round 7: *sc in next 5 sc, increase 1 in next sc, repeat from * = 42 sc
Round 8: *sc in next 6 sc, increase 1 in next sc, repeat from * = 48 sc
Round 9: *sc in next 7 sc, increase 1 in next sc, repeat from * = 54 sc
Round 10: *sc in next 8 sc, increase 1 in next sc, repeat from * = 60 sc
Round 11: *sc in next 9 sc, increase 1 in next sc, repeat from * = 66 sc
Round 12: *sc in next 10 sc, increase 1 in next sc, repeat from * = 72 sc
Round 13: *sc in next 11 sc, increase 1 in next sc, repeat from * = 78 sc
Round 14: sc in each sc around = 78 sc and next 3 rows. (4 rows sc total)
Round 18: slip st first st, chain 3 skip next st, dc next st, chain 1, skip next st around. Join to 2nd chain w/slip st.
Round 19: sc in each sc around = 78 sc and next 3 rows. (4 rows sc total)
Round 23: slip st first st, chain 3 skip next st, dc next st, chain 1, skip next st around. Join to 2nd chain w/slip st.
Round 24: sc in each sc around = 78 sc and next 7 rows. (8 rows sc total)
Round 32: slip st first st, chain 3 skip next st, dc next st, chain 1, skip next st around. Join to 2nd chain w/slip st.
Round 33: sc in each sc around = 78 sc and next 3 rows. (4 rows sc total)
Round 36: slip st first st, chain 3 skip next st, dc next st, chain 1, skip next st around. Join to 2nd chain w/slip st.
Round 37: sc in each sc around = 78 sc and next 3 rows. (4 rows sc total)
Round 40: *sc in next 11 sc, decrease 1 in next sc, repeat from * = 72 sc
Round 41: *sc in next 9 sc, decrease 1 in next sc, repeat from * = 66 sc
Round 42: sc in each sc around = 78 sc and next 3 rows. (4 rows sc total)
Round 45: slip st first st, chain 3 skip next st, dc next st, chain 1, skip next st around. Join to 2nd chain w/slip st.
Round 46: sc in each sc around = 78 sc
Hide yarn ends by weaving into fabric w/yarn needle.
Use two braided strands as handles, weave through top dc in opposite directions.
(I used a 4-strand round plait braid)
OPTIONAL DETAILS:
*Create a decorative edge by crocheting w/ a contrasting yarn on the last row.
*Little handles are easy to make by creating strips of single crochet.
You may need to adjust the number of stitches and rows based upon your gauge
and finished size of basket. This is how the green accent handles were made:
Chain 13
sc in second chain from hook, and each chain across = 12 sc
sc in each chain = 12 sc
end.
Add decorative hand embroidery to the strips, if desired.
Fold strip in half, overlapping ends. Tack securely onto opposite sides of basket.
Weave ribbon through dc rows and tie with a bow on the front of the bag.
