Sure! Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to make a Crochet Shell Basket. This basket uses the beautiful shell stitch to create texture and sturdiness — perfect for storage, gifts, or decor.
How to Make a Crochet Shell Basket
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Supplies You’ll Need:
- Yarn
- Choose a sturdy yarn (cotton or t-shirt yarn is ideal)
- Weight: Worsted (Medium 4) or Bulky (5-6)
- Crochet Hook
- Size: 5.0 mm (H-8) or suitable for your yarn
- Use a smaller hook if you want a tighter, sturdier basket.
- Scissors
- Yarn Needle (for weaving in ends)
- Stitch Markers (optional but helpful)
Approximate Finished Size:
You can customize your basket, but this tutorial creates a basket about 6-8 inches in diameter and 4-6 inches tall.
Crochet Stitches & Abbreviations:
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- dc – double crochet
- shell – 5 dc in one stitch
- st(s) – stitch(es)
Step-by-Step Instructions
STEP 1: Crochet the Base (in rounds)
Start with a magic ring (or chain 4 and sl st to form a ring).
Round 1:
- Ch 2 (does not count as a stitch), make 10 dc into the ring
- Join with sl st to the first dc (10 sts)
Round 2:
- Ch 2, 2 dc in each st around (20 sts)
- Join with sl st
Round 3:
- Ch 2, (1 dc in next st, 2 dc in next st) repeat around (30 sts)
- Join with sl st
Round 4:
- Ch 2, (1 dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in next st) repeat (40 sts)
- Join with sl st
Continue increasing until the base reaches your desired diameter (use the formula: each round adds 10 dc).
STEP 2: Form the Sides
To create upright sides, you need to stop increasing and begin working up.
Round X (Next Round After Desired Base):
- Ch 1, sc in back loop only of each st around
- This creates a crease for turning the base upward
- Join with sl st
STEP 3: Add the Shell Stitch Pattern
Now start the shell pattern.
Round 1 (Shell Pattern Start):
- Ch 1, skip 2 sts, shell (5 dc) in next st, skip 2 sts, sc in next st
- Repeat from * to * around
- Join with sl st into the first sc or dc
Round 2:
- Sl st into the 3rd dc of the first shell (center), ch 1
- sc in center of shell, shell in next sc repeat around
- Join with sl st
Repeat Round 2 until your basket reaches desired height
STEP 4: Final Round and Finishing
Final Round (Optional Border):
- You can end with a round of sc in each st around for a clean edge
- Or use reverse sc (crab stitch) for a decorative finish
Fasten Off:
- Cut yarn, leaving a tail
- Use a yarn needle to weave in the end securely
STEP 5: Optional Additions
- Add Handles: Leave two spaces of 5-6 stitches on opposite sides in your final round, skip them, and chain the same number to form handles
- Reinforce Sides: Use stiffener (fabric stiffener spray) or crochet two layers together
Tips for Success:
- Use tight stitches to make the basket sturdy
- Block your basket to shape it if needed
- Try two strands of yarn together for a thicker result
Example Shell Pattern Visualization:
Round 1:
[sc, skip 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, skip 2 sts] repeat
Round 2:
[5 dc in sc, sc in center dc of shell] repeat
Watch tutorial:
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