Tinos Basket in Lion Brand Touch of Alpaca Thick & Quick - M22086 TATQ - Downloadable PDF

Tinos Basket Crochet Pattern (M22086 TATQ) by Kristi Simpson for Lion Brand

The Tinos Basket is a free, beginner-friendly crochet pattern designed by Kristi Simpson in collaboration with Lion Brand Yarn Company. Pattern number M22086 TATQ produces a sturdy, decorative basket that works up quickly thanks to super chunky yarn and a large hook. Whether used as a home décor accent, a storage solution for small items, or a stylish catchall, this crocheted basket is an approachable project for crafters at the easy skill level.

Finished Dimensions

• Finished Width: Approximately 8 in. (20.5 cm) at the widest point
• Finished Height: Approximately 5½ in. (14 cm)

Materials Required

• Yarn: Lion Brand Touch of Alpaca Thick & Quick (Art. #686)
  • #130 Evergreen — 2 balls (Color A)
  • #123 Mineral — 1 ball (Color B)
• Crochet Hook: Lion Brand crochet hook size N (10 mm)
• Notions: Lion Brand stitch markers, Lion Brand large-eyed blunt needle

About Lion Brand Touch of Alpaca Thick & Quick

Lion Brand Touch of Alpaca Thick & Quick is a super chunky weight yarn, making it ideal for projects that need to work up fast while still producing a substantial, structured fabric. The alpaca content lends a soft, luxurious feel, while the thick construction helps the finished basket hold its shape without any additional stiffening. Working tightly with this yarn, as the pattern recommends, results in a firm and durable basket wall.

Techniques and Construction

The Tinos Basket is worked entirely in the round, beginning at the bottom of the basket and building upward. The construction is divided into two distinct sections:

• Lower Section (Solid Color A): Crocheted in continuous rounds — also called a spiral — without joining or turning at the end of each round. This technique creates a seamless, even fabric ideal for the base and lower walls of the basket.
• Upper Section (Checkerboard Pattern): The color shifts to introduce Color B (Mineral) alongside Color A (Evergreen) to form a checkerboard design. At this stage, rounds are joined at the end of each round to allow for smooth, clean color transitions. The unused color is carried along the inside of the basket rather than being cut and re-attached, which keeps the interior tidy and reduces finishing work.

Stitches Used

• Single Crochet (sc): The primary stitch used throughout the pattern, creating a tight, dense fabric well-suited to a structured basket.
• Single Crochet in Back Loop Only (sc-blo): A variation of the standard single crochet where the hook is inserted into the back loop only of the indicated stitch. This technique creates a visible horizontal ridge on the fabric and is commonly used to add textural definition or to mark a transition point — such as where the flat base meets the vertical sides of the basket.
• Joined Rounds: Used during the colorwork section to ensure neat, precise color changes at the beginning of each round.
• Continuous Rounds (Spiral): Used during the solid color lower section for a smooth, uninterrupted fabric.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 8 single crochets and 8 rounds equal approximately 4 in. (10 cm). However, exact gauge is noted as non-essential for this project. The pattern does emphasize working tightly to ensure the basket walls are firm and hold their shape effectively.

Skill Level and Accessibility

Rated as Easy, the Tinos Basket is an excellent project for crocheters who have mastered the single crochet stitch and are comfortable working in rounds. The large N/10 mm hook and super chunky yarn mean the basket grows quickly