Throw it in the Basket

Throw it in the Basket Crochet Container

What You're Making

Throw it in the Basket is a beginner-friendly crochet container project designed by Biosha Thompson. This downloadable PDF pattern provides instructions for creating a functional basket suitable for storage and organization. The project uses super chunky yarn to produce a quick, satisfying make that works up rapidly due to the large yarn weight and hook size.

Crochet Techniques Used

This pattern employs fundamental crochet techniques accessible to beginners. The construction begins with a magic loop foundation, which creates a seamless center point for the circular base. The pattern then uses circular rounds with strategic increases to shape the basket form. Increases are distributed evenly throughout rounds to create expansion and depth. The pattern also incorporates working through the back loop only in later rounds, a technique that creates textural variation and structure in the finished piece.

Stitches and Abbreviations

The pattern utilizes the following crochet stitches:

• Chain (Ch) – The foundation stitch used to create loops and turning chains
• Half Double Crochet (HDC) – The primary stitch throughout the pattern, providing medium height and density
• Single Crochet (Sc) – Listed in abbreviations for reference
• Slip Stitch (Sl st) – Used to join rounds and create seamless transitions between rows

The pattern follows standard crochet abbreviations including St (stitch/stitches), Sp (space), Rep (repeat), Beg (beginning), and BL (back loop).

Materials and Gauge

This project requires Tarn T-shirt yarn in the colour Intelligent Blue, a super chunky weight yarn composed of 98% cotton and 2% elastin. The pattern calls for 2–3 balls of yarn, with each ball containing 500 grams and 100 meters. A 12 mm crochet hook pairs with this yarn weight to create the appropriate fabric density. The recommended gauge is 5 stitches and 4 rows over a 10 x 10 centimeter swatch when working half double crochet stitches, though the pattern notes that chaining 6 stitches produces approximately 5 stitches in measurement.

Pattern Structure

The basket is constructed in four main rows. Row 1 begins with a magic loop of 8 stitches, then increases to 16 stitches by working 2 half double crochets into alternating stitches. Row 2 continues the expansion pattern, reaching 25 stitches. Row 3 further increases the stitch count to 50 stitches using the same doubling technique in alternating stitches. Row 4 establishes the basket sides by working half double crochet through the back loop only into every stitch, creating structure and preventing further expansion. Each row is joined with a slip stitch to the turning chain, maintaining a seamless circular construction.

Why This Pattern Works for Beginners

Throw it in the Basket is an ideal beginner project because it relies on a single primary stitch—the half double crochet—repeated throughout. The super chunky yarn weight means stitches are large and easy to see, making it simple to identify mistakes and correct them. The magic loop foundation, while slightly more advanced than a traditional chain, is clearly explained. The rapid stitch increases in the early rounds produce visible progress quickly, providing motivation and confidence. The finished container is immediately functional, making this an especially satisfying first project for new crocheters.