Round Nesting Basket Pattern

Organize your home in style with this beautiful, sturdy round nesting basket pattern that works up quickly using super bulky t-shirt yarn.

We all have those little piles of clutter that seem to multiply overnight. From stray keys on the entryway table to rogue stitch markers on your craft desk, keeping small items organized can feel like a never-ending battle.

It is exhausting.

I used to buy plastic bins to solve this problem, but they always felt cold and clinical. They lacked the warmth and personality that makes a house feel like a home.

That is when I realized the solution was sitting right in my yarn stash. By combining a thick, sturdy t-shirt yarn with a smaller hook than usual, I created a fabric so stiff and robust it could stand up completely on its own.

These nesting baskets are the ultimate functional decor. You can use the larger one to hold fresh fruit on your kitchen counter, while the smaller one makes the perfect yarn bowl to keep your cakes from rolling across the floor. When you do not need them, they nest beautifully inside one another to save precious space.

Best of all, you only need a single skein of yarn to make them. Let us grab our hooks and clear up that clutter together!

Why You'll Love This Pattern

• Stands Up Tall: Using a smaller hook with super bulky yarn creates an incredibly stiff fabric that won't sag or collapse.
• Nesting Design: The two sizes fit perfectly inside each other, making storage a breeze when they aren't in use.
• One-Skein Wonder: You can whip up this beautiful set without needing to buy multiple skeins of yarn.

Materials You'll Need

• Yarn: Lion Brand Cover Story Lazy Days (Size 6 Super Bulky weight t-shirt yarn) in Cream or Sandstone.
• Hook: K (6.5 mm) crochet hook (or size needed to obtain a stiff fabric).
• Notions: Tapestry needle or a smaller 5 mm crochet hook for weaving in ends, stitch markers, optional custom leather tags or handmade metal labels, and matching sewing thread and needle.
• Yardage: 1 skein of the recommended super bulky yarn is enough to complete both baskets.

Gauge & Sizing

• Gauge: Gauge is not critical for this project, but your stitches must be tight and dense so the basket walls remain upright.
• Sizes included: Small and Large.
• Finished measurements: Small: 6.5 inches in diameter; Large: 8 inches in diameter.

Abbreviations & Stitch Instructions

• ch: Chain - Yarn over, pull loop through.
• sl st: Slip stitch - Insert hook, yarn over, pull through stitch and loop on hook.
• sc: Single crochet - Insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
• hdc: Half double crochet - Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through all three loops.
• dc: Double crochet - Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through remaining two loops.

Pattern Notes

• Skill Level: Advanced Beginner.
• This pattern is written in US crochet terms.
• The item is worked in the round.
• Tension Tip: Keep your tension firm. If your stitches feel loose, your basket walls will sag. Don't hesitate to drop down a hook size if needed.
• Customization Tip: You can easily add a pop of color to the rim of your basket. Learn how to seamlessly change colors when crocheting in the round to make your transitions look flawless.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Constructing the Basket Base (Both Sizes)

We will start by making a flat circle for the bottom of the basket.

Round 1: Using your 6.5 mm hook, ch 4 and join with a sl st to the first ch to form a ring. Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch here or throughout). Working over your starting yarn tail to make weaving in easier later, work 8 sc into the center of the ring. Pull the tail firmly to close the center hole, then sl st to the first sc to join. Do not turn your work. (8 sc)

Round 2: Ch 1. Work 2 sc in the next stitch, placing a stitch marker in the very first sc you just made. Work 2 sc in each remaining stitch around. Skip the slip stitch from the previous round (which looks like a tiny stitch). Join with a sl st to the marked stitch. Do not turn. (16 sc)

Round 3: Ch 1. Work 2 sc in the next stitch, marking the first stitch. Work 1 sc in the next stitch. *Work 2 sc in the next stitch, then 1 sc in the following stitch.* Repeat from * to * all the way around. Skip the slip stitch, then join with a sl st to the first sc. Do not turn. (24 sc)

Round 4: Ch 1. Work 2 sc in the next stitch, marking the first stitch. Work 1 sc in each of the next 2 stitches. *Work 2 sc in the next stitch, then 1 sc in each of the next 2 stitches.* Repeat from * to * around. Skip the slip stitch, then join with a sl st to the first sc. Do not turn. (32 sc)

Round 5: Ch 1. Work 2 sc in the next stitch, marking the first stitch. Work 1 sc in each of the next 3 stitches. *Work 2 sc in the next stitch, then 1 sc in each of the next 3 stitches.* Repeat from * to * around. Skip the slip stitch, then join with a sl st to the first sc. Do not turn. (40 sc)

Round 6: Ch 1. Work 2 sc in the next stitch, marking the first stitch. Work 1 sc in each of the next 4 stitches. *Work 2 sc in the next stitch, then 1 sc in each of the next 4 stitches.* Repeat from * to * around. Skip the slip stitch, then join with a sl st to the first sc. Do not turn. (48 sc)

Finishing the Base for the Small Basket

Round 7 (Small Basket Only): Ch 1. Work 2 sc in the next stitch, marking the first stitch. Work 1 sc in each of the next 7 stitches. *Work 2 sc in the next stitch, then 1 sc in each of the next 7 stitches.* Repeat from * to * around. Skip the slip stitch, then join with a sl st to the first sc. Turn your work and proceed to the Side Pattern.

Finishing the Base for the Large Basket

Round 7 (Large Basket Only): Ch 1. Work 2 sc in the next stitch, marking the first stitch. Work 1 sc in each of the next 5 stitches. *Work 2 sc in the next stitch, then 1 sc in each of the next 5 stitches.* Repeat from * to * around. Skip the slip stitch, then join with a sl st to the first sc. Do not turn. (56 sc)

Round 8 (Large Basket Only): Ch 1. Work 1 sc in the next stitch, marking this stitch. Work 1 sc in each of the next 6 stitches. *Work 2 sc in the next stitch, then 1 sc in each of the next 6 stitches.* Repeat from * to * around. Skip the slip stitch, then join with a sl st to the first sc. Turn your work and proceed to the Side Pattern.

Growing the Basket Sides (Both Sizes)

Note: Stitch counts are listed as Small (Large).

Round 1: Ch 1 (this counts as your first slip stitch). Slip stitch in each of the next 53 (62) stitches to the end of the round. (Note: The next round is worked directly into these slip stitches, which sit flat on the surface of your work. This clever technique creates a sharp, defined edge between the bottom and the sides of your basket!)

Round 2: Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). Work 1 sc in the first slip stitch, placing a stitch marker here. Work 1 sc in each of the next 53 (62) slip stitches around. Join with a sl st to the first sc. Do not turn. (54, 63 stitches)

Round 3: Ch 2 (counts as a dc). In the very same stitch as your starting chain-2, work (1 dc, ch 2, 1 sc). *Skip the next 2 stitches. In the next stitch, work (2 dc, ch 2, 1 sc).* Repeat from * to * until only 2 stitches remain. Join with a sl st to the top of your starting chain-2. (18 (21) pattern repeats)

Round 4: Pull up the loop on your hook just slightly. Without making a turning chain, work (2 dc, ch 2, 1 sc) directly into the first ch-2 space. Work (2 dc, ch 2, 1 sc) into each ch-2 space across to the end of the round. Join with a sl st to the first dc. (18 (21) pattern repeats)

Rounds 5–6: Repeat Round 4 two more times. Turn your work at the end of Round 6. (The remaining rounds will be worked on the outside of the basket without turning).

Round 7: Pull up the loop on your hook slightly. *Work 1 hdc in the next sc (located right before the ch-2 loop), work 2 sc directly into the next ch-2 loop, then skip the next 2 dc.* Repeat from * to * around. After working 2 sc in the final ch-2 loop, skip the last 2 dc and join with a sl st to the first hdc. Do not turn. (54, 63 stitches)

Round 8: Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). Work 1 sc in the same stitch, marking this stitch. Work 1 sc in each stitch around. Join with a sl st to the first sc.

Round 9: Slip stitch in each stitch around, stopping in the stitch right before your marked slip stitch. Cut your yarn, leaving a tail, and finish with an invisible join for a perfectly seamless, professional edge.

Finishing: Use a smaller hook (like a 5 mm) or a tapestry needle to weave in your starting and ending tails securely on the inside of the basket. If desired, sew on custom leather tags or metal labels using matching sewing thread.

Easy Variations & Custom Ideas

• Hanging Basket Adaptation: If you love storage that saves floor space, you can easily adapt this design into a crochet hanging basket by adding a simple chained loop to the final round.
• Coaster Set Companion: Pair these nesting baskets with a matching crochet doughnut coasters set to create a cozy, coordinated look for your coffee table.
• Kitchen Hot Pad Set: Use the leftover yarn to make a matching easy peasy potholder to complete your kitchen decor theme.
• Color Blocking: Work the base and the first two rounds of the sides in a dark neutral, then switch to a lighter cream for the textured body to create a modern, minimalist color-blocked look.
• Stripe Details: Add a single contrasting stripe right along the slip stitch ridge of the base to make the transition pop.
• Colour ideas: Try earthy tones like sage green, terracotta, or charcoal gray to match modern farmhouse or boho home decor styles.
• Yarn substitutions: If you cannot find t-shirt yarn, you can substitute it with double-stranded bulky cotton yarn or thick macramé cord to achieve the same stiff, structured walls.

Common Troubleshooting & Fixes

• Problem: My basket walls are floppy and won't stand up.
  Fix: Your tension might be too loose, or your hook is too large. Try dropping down half a millimeter in hook size, or consciously pull your loops tighter as you work.
• Problem: The bottom of my basket is curling like a bowl before I even start the sides.
  Fix: This usually happens if you accidentally missed an increase or if your stitches are too tight. Count your stitches at the end of each base round to ensure you have the exact count.
• Problem: I can see gaps between my stitches on the base.
  Fix: T-shirt yarn requires a firm hand. Try pulling your working yarn tighter when completing your single crochets, or use a smaller hook to close up those gaps.
• Problem: The transition from the base to the sides looks messy.
  Fix: Make sure you are working Round 2 of the side pattern directly into the flat slip stitches from Round 1, not into the stitches behind them. This creates that crisp, clean ridge.

Care Instructions

Because t-shirt yarn is durable, you can spot clean these baskets with a damp cloth and mild soap. If they lose their shape over time or after washing, simply reshape them by hand while damp and let them air dry completely. Avoid machine washing or tumble drying, as this can cause the fabric to soften and lose its structural integrity.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like the satisfaction of making something that is both beautiful and incredibly useful. These nesting baskets are a quick weekend project that will bring instant order and handmade charm to any room in your home. Happy crocheting, my friends!