Basketweave Hanging Planter
Hanging planters bring greenery to eye level, turning an empty corner or window into a living focal point. This basketweave planter adds handmade texture to that equation. The stitch pattern creates a woven, dimensional surface that looks like tiny baskets within a basket — fitting for something that holds a plant. The dense cotton fabric supports the weight of a standard 4-inch pot and soil without sagging, and the simple macrame-style hanging cords complete the bohemian look.
The planter is worked from the bottom up in one piece. A flat circular base transitions to textured sides, and four evenly spaced hanging cords are threaded through the top edge. No seaming. No separate base and body pieces. If you've made a hat or any round-bottom bag, the construction logic is identical. The basketweave texture comes from alternating front-post and back-post double crochet stitches — the same post-stitch technique used in cables and ribbing, arranged to create a woven checkerboard effect.
Why You'll Love This Basketweave Planter
The basketweave stitch is deeply satisfying to watch develop. Each round of post stitches builds on the previous one, and after a few rounds the woven pattern becomes clearly visible. It's rhythmic, meditative crochet — the kind where you can see your progress round by round, and the texture emerging under your fingers keeps you motivated.
Cotton is the ideal fiber for planters. It's strong enough to support damp soil, washable when inevitable water spills occur, and it breathes — which matters for plant health. The dense basketweave fabric provides insulation for roots and looks substantial, not flimsy. When the planter isn't holding a plant, it looks like intentional decor rather than a purpose-built vessel that lost its purpose.
Hanging planters and home decor crochet projects have maintained strong popularity on Ravelry through 2025-2026, driven by the ongoing houseplant enthusiasm and the desire for handmade, non-disposable home accessories. A crochet planter makes an excellent housewarming gift paired with a small plant.
Materials Needed
Yarn
- 120 yards of worsted weight (#4) cotton. Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton in "Terracotta" or "Olive" ($5.99 per 186-yard skein at Joann, 1 skein needed). Paintbox Yarns Cotton Aran in any color ($4.99 per 93-yard skein at LoveCrafts, 2 skeins needed).
- Cotton is essential — it needs the strength and minimal stretch to hold a filled plant pot.
Hooks & Notions
- H/8 (5.0 mm) crochet hook for the planter body.
- Stitch markers (4 locking markers) for BOR and cord placement.
- Tapestry needle for weaving ends.
- Macrame cord or additional cotton yarn for the hanging cords. Approximately 12 yards of 3mm cotton macrame cord ($5 per roll at craft stores, enough for several planters), or use the same yarn doubled for strength.
Best Yarn Choices for a Sturdy Hanging Planter
The planter needs structure to hold a potted plant without sagging or stretching. Cotton is the only realistic choice — it's strong when wet, machine-washable, and creates a firm fabric suitable for weight-bearing. Mercerized cotton adds extra strength and a subtle sheen that makes the basketweave texture look crisp and defined.
Avoid acrylic (stretches, can't support weight), wool (felts when wet, attracts moths), and bamboo blends (too drapey, not strong enough). For the hanging cords, cotton macrame cord is ideal — it's designed for weight-bearing and has a smooth finish that knots cleanly. If you use yarn for the cords, hold two strands together for strength. For more on choosing yarns for structured projects, see my best yarn for crochet projects guide.
Gauge, Size Guide & Must-Have Tools
Gauge: 14 dc x 8 rows = 4 inches with H/8 (5.0 mm) hook in double crochet.
The planter is sized to fit a standard 4-inch nursery pot. Measure your pot before starting — if it's slightly larger or smaller, adjust the base diameter by adding or subtracting increase rounds.
Finished Measurements: 4.25 inches diameter at base, 5 inches tall. Fits a standard 4-inch round plant pot with approximately 0.25 inch of ease.
Size Adjustments:
- 6-inch pot: Continue base increases to approximately 6.25 inches diameter. Increase body rounds by 4-6. Budget an additional 50 yards of yarn.
- 3-inch pot: Stop base increases at 3.25 inches. Reduce body rounds by 4.
For more on resizing circle-based projects, see how to resize crochet patterns.
Pattern Notes & Tips Before You Start
Basketweave Post Stitch Pattern: The texture comes from alternating front-post and back-post double crochet stitches in groups. Each group of 4 post stitches creates one "basket" square. After every 4 rounds, the pattern reverses — front posts become back posts and vice versa — creating the woven checkerboard effect. This is easier than it sounds. By the second repeat, your hands will know whether to go in front of or behind the post.
Post Stitch Anatomy: A front-post double crochet (FPdc) is worked by inserting the hook from the front around the post of the stitch below, instead of into the top loops. A back-post double crochet (BPdc) inserts from the back. The FPdc pushes the stitch forward, creating a raised ridge; the BPdc pushes it backward, creating a recessed trough. The alternating groups create the basketweave illusion. For a refresher on post stitches, my moss stitch tutorial includes post stitch photos.
Hanging Cord Attachment: The cords thread through the top round of the planter and are knotted underneath. Distribute the cords evenly (at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions). Gather all cords together above the planter at your desired hanging height and tie an overhand knot. The planter hangs from this central knot.
Drainage Note: The crochet planter is a cover, not a direct planting vessel. Keep your plant in its nursery pot inside the crochet cover. This allows you to remove the plant for watering and prevents soil and water from staining the cotton.
Abbreviations Explained
US crochet terms throughout.
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| sc | single crochet |
| dc | double crochet |
| FPdc | front post double crochet — yo, insert hook from front around post, complete as dc |
| BPdc | back post double crochet — yo, insert hook from back around post, complete as dc |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| inc | increase — 2 dc in same stitch |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| BOR | beginning of round |
Full reference: crochet abbreviations explained.
Step-by-Step Basketweave Hanging Planter Pattern
Part 1: The Base (Flat Circle in Double Crochet)
Foundation: With H/8 (5.0 mm) hook, make a magic ring.
Round 1: Ch 2 (does not count as dc here), work 12 dc into ring. Sl st to first dc to join. (12 dc)
Round 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st around. Sl st to join. (24)
Round 3: Ch 2, *dc in next st, 2 dc in next st; rep from * around. Sl st to join. (36)
Round 4: Ch 2, *dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in next st; rep from * around. Sl st to join. (48)
The base should measure approximately 4.25 inches in diameter and lie perfectly flat. If it ruffles, you increased too quickly; if it cups, your tension is too tight. Adjust hook size and rework if needed.
Part 2: The Basketweave Sides
Round 5 (Transition): Ch 2, dc in BLO of each st around. Sl st to join. (48) — This creates a defined edge where the base transitions to the sides.
Rounds 6-9 (First Basketweave Block):
Ch 2, *FPdc around each of next 4 sts, BPdc around each of next 4 sts; rep from * around. Sl st to join. (48 — 6 four-stitch groups of FPdc alternating with 6 four-stitch groups of BPdc)
Work this identical round 4 times total (Rounds 6, 7, 8, 9).
Rounds 10-13 (Reversed Basketweave Block):
Ch 2, *BPdc around each of next 4 sts, FPdc around each of next 4 sts; rep from * around. Sl st to join. (48)
The reversal creates the woven checkerboard — where front posts were, back posts now appear, and vice versa.
Rounds 14-17: Repeat Rounds 6-9 (FPdc/BPdc).
Rounds 18-21: Repeat Rounds 10-13 (BPdc/FPdc).
After Round 21, the planter should measure approximately 5 inches tall from the base. Test-fit your pot. If the planter is too short, add another 4-round basketweave block.
Part 3: Top Edge and Cord Holes
Round 22: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Sl st to join. (48 sc)
Round 23 (Cord Holes): Ch 1, *sc in next 5 sts, ch 2, sk 1 st; rep from * around. Sl st to join. (40 sc, 8 ch-2 sp)
Round 24: Ch 1, sc in each sc and 2 sc in each ch-2 sp around. Sl st to join. (56 sc)
Fasten off. Weave in the tail.
Part 4: Hanging Cords
Cut 4 lengths of macrame cord, each 40 inches long. (For a higher or lower hang, adjust length.)
Thread one cord through each pair of ch-2 holes at the following positions: 12 o'clock, 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock, 9 o'clock. Pull the cord ends even so the planter hangs level. Tie a double knot under the planter edge at each threading point to secure.
Gather all 8 cord ends above the planter. Adjust so the planter hangs at your desired height (typically 12-18 inches below the gathering point). Tie an overhand knot with all cords together. For a clean finish, wrap a 6-inch strand of cord around the gathered cords just above the knot and tie tightly to create a neat wrapped closure.
Hang from the central knot.
Easy Variations & Custom Ideas
Single-Color Simplification: The basketweave texture works beautifully in one solid color. Skip any color changes and let the post-stitch texture be the only visual element. The planter reads as elegant and understated.
Two-Color Stripes: Change colors every 4 rounds (at each basketweave block transition) for subtle horizontal stripes. A cream planter with terracotta stripes, or a sage planter with cream stripes, adds visual rhythm.
Beaded Cord Detail: Thread a wooden bead onto each cord before knotting under the planter edge. The beads sit against the planter and add a decorative touch. Choose beads with holes large enough for your cord ($3 for a mixed bag at craft stores).
Mini Wall Planter: Instead of hanging cords, attach a small crochet loop to the back of the planter for wall hanging. Use a single cord threaded through two of the ch-2 holes at the back and tied into a loop. The planter hangs flat against a wall.
Common Troubleshooting and Fixes
"The basketweave pattern is hard to see." Post stitches need good lighting and contrast to be visible. If the texture isn't popping, your yarn may be too dark or your stitches too tight. Try a lighter yarn color (cream, natural, light gray) for maximum texture visibility. Block the finished planter to relax the stitches and define the post-stitch ridges.
"I lost track of which post stitch goes where." Place a stitch marker at the beginning of each four-stitch group until you memorize the rhythm. After a few rounds, the pattern becomes visible in the fabric itself — look at the round below to see whether you need an FPdc or BPdc. FPdc goes around a stitch that looks raised (it was an FPdc below); BPdc goes around a stitch that looks recessed.
"The planter is too tight for my pot." Cotton has no lateral stretch. If the pot doesn't fit, gently steam the planter body (hold steam iron 4 inches away for 15 seconds) and insert the pot while the fabric is still warm and slightly relaxed. The cotton will shape to the pot as it cools.
"The cords are uneven lengths." Before threading, lay all four cords together, align the ends, and trim to exactly the same length. After threading and knotting, hang the planter and adjust individual cord lengths by pulling slack through the knots before tightening them permanently.
Next-Level Tips
Waterproofing the Interior: Line the inside of the planter with a circle of clear plastic (cut from a gallon zip-top bag) before inserting the plant pot. This protects the cotton from water stains and extends the planter's life. The plastic is invisible from the outside.
Blocking Post Stitches: The basketweave texture benefits from light steam blocking. Hold a steam iron 4-5 inches above the fabric for 10-15 seconds per section. The steam relaxes the cotton and the post stitches settle into crisp ridges. Let cool completely before hanging.
Gift Pairing: Pair the planter with a small 4-inch plant (pothos, spider plant, or philodendron — $5-8 at any nursery or home improvement store). The combined gift is substantial and thoughtful. Include a care card: "Cotton planter cover — remove plant for watering. Spot clean or hand wash planter as needed."
Final Thoughts
This basketweave planter is the project that taught me to love post stitches. The repetitive front-post/back-post rhythm is almost hypnotic, and the moment when the woven checkerboard first becomes visible — usually around Round 8 or 9 — is genuinely rewarding. I've made these in terracotta, olive, cream, and a dusty blue that looked beautiful against a white wall. Each one found a home with a different plant, and each one still hangs somewhere in my house or a friend's.
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The Author
I'm Joanna T. Grey. I've been designing crochet patterns for over a decade, and I focus on modern, wearable pieces with clear, tested instructions. Every pattern here is written so you actually understand the why behind each step—not just what to do. Even if you're new or experienced, you'll find practical guidance and designs that work.
