Up-cycled Basket

Up-cycled Basket by YellowBlueDesign

Project Overview

The Up-cycled Basket is a beginner-friendly crochet project that transforms an old adult size medium tee-shirt into a functional and trendy storage container. This weekend project demonstrates sustainable crafting by repurposing everyday textiles into practical home décor. The finished basket provides satisfying storage solutions while promoting eco-conscious making.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a crocheted basket constructed from upcycled tee-shirt yarn. The basket features a structured bottom and sides suitable for holding and organizing items. The project is designed as a complete container with a defined base and walls, making it ideal for storage purposes.

Materials Required

• Yarn: One white adult size medium tee-shirt, cut into 1-inch thick strips to create tee-shirt yarn. Alternatively, store-bought jersey yarn can be substituted for convenience.
• Hook: US size G crochet hook
• Notions: Tapestry needle, tape measure, scissors, and a stitch marker to indicate beginning of round

Crochet Techniques and Stitches

The Up-cycled Basket employs fundamental crochet techniques appropriate for beginners. The pattern begins with a slip knot and chain foundation, establishing the base structure. Key stitches used include:

• Double crochet (dc): Used in the initial round to establish 12 stitches into the chain space, creating the foundational ring
• Single crochet (sc): Applied in subsequent rounds for building the basket walls and structure
• Chain stitch (ch): Used both for foundation and as spacing elements within pattern repeats
• Slip stitch (sl st): Employed to join rounds at the beginning of the pattern

Construction Method

The basket is worked in the round using a spiral construction technique. After establishing the initial base with double crochet stitches, the pattern transitions to single crochet with chain-space variations. Rather than closing each round with a traditional slip stitch, the pattern instructs working in a continuous spiral, with a stitch marker moved to track the beginning of each round. This technique creates a seamless, organic appearance while maintaining structural integrity.

Yarn Weight and Texture

The project uses aran-weight tee-shirt yarn, which provides substantial body and quick project completion. The 1-inch thick cut strips create a chunky, textured fabric that works up quickly on the US size G hook. This yarn weight is ideal for beginners as it allows stitches to remain visible and easy to manipulate.

Skill Level

Rated as a beginner project, the Up-cycled Basket requires only basic crochet knowledge. Crafters need familiarity with fundamental stitches and the ability to work in the round, making this an excellent introduction to circular crochet construction.