Braided Baskets

Braided Baskets by knot•sew•cute

Project Overview

Braided Baskets is a downloadable crochet pattern designed to create structured decorative containers using super chunky yarn. This intermediate-level project produces functional storage baskets with a braided texture, suitable for organizing small items in home décor settings.

What Is Being Made

The pattern creates a set of crocheted baskets available in multiple sizes. The baskets are constructed to hold their shape through intentional stitch tension and structural design, making them practical storage solutions with visual appeal. The design is offered in three size variations, allowing crafters to choose the basket dimensions that best suit their needs.

Crochet Techniques Used

This pattern employs several foundational and intermediate crochet techniques to achieve the braided basket structure. The construction relies heavily on post stitches, which create the distinctive braided appearance by working around the posts of previous stitches rather than into the tops of stitches. This technique adds depth and texture to the finished baskets.

The pattern specifically utilizes front post double crochet (fpdc) and back post double crochet (bpdc) stitches to create the braided effect. These post stitches are worked by inserting the crochet hook around the vertical post of stitches from previous rows, creating raised, interlocking patterns that give the baskets their characteristic braided appearance.

To maintain the basket's structural integrity and ensure the sides stand upright, stitches are worked with intentionally tight tension. This deliberate approach to gauge prevents the baskets from losing their shape during use and ensures they maintain clean, defined edges.

Stitches Used

• Chain (ch) – Creates the foundation and turning chains throughout the pattern
• Slip stitch (sl st) – Joins rounds and moves yarn across stitches without adding height
• Single crochet (sc) – Short, tight stitch used for structure and shaping
• Half double crochet (hdc) – Medium-height stitch providing moderate density
• Double crochet (dc) – Taller stitch used for creating height and openness in pattern sections
• Treble crochet (tr) – Extra-tall stitch created by yarning over twice before insertion, adding significant height to pattern areas
• Front post double crochet (fpdc) – Post stitch worked from the front, creating raised braided texture
• Back post double crochet (bpdc) – Post stitch worked from the back, creating raised braided texture and interlocking patterns

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Braided Baskets pattern calls for Lion Brand® Wool Ease Thick and Quick yarn in super chunky weight. This yarn weight is ideal for creating quick, structured projects with excellent stitch definition. Each ball contains 6 ounces (170 grams) and provides 108 yards (98 meters) of yardage.

The pattern requires 2, 3, or 4 balls of Lion Brand® Wool Ease Thick and Quick depending on which size basket is being made. The three colorways shown in the pattern documentation are Wheat (402), Fisherman (099), and Barley (124) – warm, neutral tones that complement various home décor styles.

A 8.00 mm (L) crochet hook is used to work the pattern, or the size needed to obtain proper gauge. The pattern specifies a gauge of 5 single crochet stitches and 6 rows measuring 2 inches (5 centimeters) in an unblocked square when worked with the 8.00 mm hook. Achieving this gauge is important for maintaining the basket's intended dimensions and structural properties.

Additional materials include a yarn needle for weaving in ends after completion.

Yarn Weight and Fiber Content

Lion Brand® Wool Ease Thick and Quick is a wool-acrylic blend yarn designed for quick project completion. The super chunky weight allows stitches to work up rapidly while maintaining clear stitch definition, making it excellent for showcasing the braided post stitch technique. The yarn's blend provides warmth and durability while remaining easy to care for compared to pure wool options.