Nesting Baskets

Nesting Baskets by Siobhan Auger-Deal

What is Being Made

Nesting Baskets are a set of three crocheted containers designed to stack within one another for space-efficient storage and display. These modern home décor pieces are versatile organizers suitable for storing small items such as jewelry, coins, and candy. The baskets can be customized for larger items or repurposed as plant pot covers, making them functional additions to any room.

Basket Sizes and Dimensions

The pattern includes three nesting baskets in graduated sizes:

• Small Basket: 3¼" diameter, 10" circumference, 1½" height
• Medium Basket: 4¼" diameter, 14" circumference, 1¾" height
• Large Basket: 5" diameter, 16½" circumference, 2" height

Crochet Techniques and Stitches

The Nesting Baskets project uses half double crochet as the primary stitch throughout the construction. This fundamental crochet stitch creates a fabric with moderate height and density, ideal for basket structure. The pattern employs a gauge of 8 stitches by 6 rows over a 4 x 4 inch square, which helps ensure properly proportioned baskets. The construction method involves crocheting the bottom and body of each basket with a 4mm crochet hook, then finishing the top edge with a 3.5mm crochet hook for a refined detail.

Materials and Yarn

The Nesting Baskets pattern calls for Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick yarn in a super chunky weight. This yarn blend contains 80% acrylic and 20% wool, offering durability and easy care. The yardage requirements are minimal due to the super chunky weight: Small basket requires 14 yards, Medium requires 25 yards, and Large requires 36 yards, with a total of 75 yards needed for the complete nesting set. One ball of Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick (106 yards/6 ounces) provides sufficient yardage for the entire project.

Tools Required

Completing the Nesting Baskets requires a 4mm crochet hook for the main construction of basket bottoms and bodies, and a 3.5mm crochet hook for finishing edges. Additional supplies include a removable stitch marker for tracking rounds, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and scissors for cutting yarn.

Skill Level and Difficulty

Rated as intermediate difficulty, the Nesting Baskets project is accessible to crocheters with foundational skills. The pattern relies on the fundamental half double crochet stitch, making it suitable for those who have mastered basic crochet techniques and are ready to work on a structured project with multiple components.

Design and Customization

Created by designer Siobhan Auger-Deal and published by ShivMatic Knits in 2021, these nesting baskets showcase modern design principles. The pattern's flexibility allows crafters to customize basket sizes for specific storage needs or to create variations such as larger containers or decorative plant pot covers, extending the project's creative possibilities.