This is a guide on how to make decorative ‘gift’ baskets, using a plain basket and adding crochet sides and a padded cotton cushion and bolster to complement the gift you put inside.

Crochet Pattern is in US Terminology.

This is a written pattern/tutorial which includes a crochet pattern, pattern cutting help, and sewing tips.

It also contains an end section of 24 pictures of the making process, with captions giving more explanation.

I have placed all but one picture on the final pages of this pattern. This allows you to choose to print out mainly text only and view most of the pictures online when you want to save printing costs.

These decorative baskets will make great presents that you can make yourself and add your own individual touches to.

For my baskets, I used Cotton, DK yarn, worked 2 strands together, and a 5mm hook.

But any yarn and hook size will do, as long as the hook size is smaller than recommended for the yarn thickness. This will ensure that the basket cover is firm.

My completed baskets measure 12.5cms depth by 72cms circumference.

I used approximately 4.4 meters of yarn to make each one.

But yours will vary, according to basket size and yarn used.

Materials Required:

1: Circular basket (buy these in ornaments or storage sections of local stores/supermarkets - ones with openwork sides are best for fitting the cover).

2: Yarn of your choice in one or more colours.

3: Crochet Hook (size depends on yarn used, but should be a smaller size than normally used for double thickness of the particular yarn you are using). This is to get the stiffness and tightness of stitches required to make a firm basket.

4: Darning/large eye needle for weaving in yarn ends.

5: Fabric for the cushion and bolster.

6: Polyester Fibre filling - flame retardent.

7: Sewing thread.

8: Tape measure.

9: Pins.

10: Sewing needle (or sewing machine if preferred).

11: Lace, ribbon, or other material (if you want to add extra decoration).

12: And a gift or gifts to put in your gift basket.

Pattern is also posted on my blog - address below: