I love this free pattern not only because it makes an attractive basket nor because it uses a clever technique that I’m applying to other projects, but also because it introduced me to Bernat Maker Home Dec yarn.
This yarn is kind of like a round, dressed-up version of t-shirt yarn. It’s woven rather than spun, which means you don’t get as much fuzz and you’d have to work to split it. It’s bulky, so it works up quickly, and it has a pleasant amount of squish to it. I had to order it online because I couldn’t find it locally, but since then, I’ve ordered more.
The pattern itself is clever in that it’s actually two layers, one of which gets folded inside the other. The technique is smart and the stitches used for it keep it looking crisp and tidy.
This pattern also lends itself to easy customization: you crochet the bottom first so you can make it whatever dimensions suit you, and then it’s just a matter of working upwards. You could, of course, apply the same process with a different stitch, and once you’ve done this one, you’ll be super comfortable with the herringbone half double crochet stitch (HHDC), which I’ve used on other projects as a result.
Because I was new to both the HHDC and the folding technique, I also appreciated that this pattern has an accompanying video. It made it easy to get a sense of the pattern before I started and helped when I got to new concepts.
The one pictured here is now holding a bunch of plant-care supplies that were previously “clutter,” and I’m planning to make quite a few more of these in sizes that suit the purpose. (An idea that I may or may not follow through with: wrap the little IKEA NOJIG containers with this pattern. I’m not sure if I’ll like the rounded effect but I’m interested to try!)
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