This mini basket is the perfect size to keep jewelry, small trinkets, or even crochet notions! (My 2-year-old son went for Lego figures.) Cistella is Latin for “small box or basket”. The shape reminds me of a little box I kept my foreign coins in when I was a kid.

The basket works up quickly using only basic techniques. Photos of each step are included, as well as both a chart and written instructions for the tapestry crochet portion. I also provide optional, but recommended, steps for stiffening your basket, which will help it keep its shape and give it an almost wicker-like feel.

Techniques

The difficulty of this pattern is advanced beginner: you will need to be familiar with the tapestry crochet technique, working in the back loop only, and working in both joined and continuous rounds. Only basic stitches are used.

Materials and Gauge

• Sport-weight yarn in two colors (see note below): about 155 yards (142 meters) in Color A (main color); about 20 yards (18 meters) in Color B (accent color)
• 2.5 mm crochet hook
• Stitch markers
• Tapestry needle
• (optional) Acetate cake collar or thin cardboard to add structure to the basket
• (optional) 5 fl. oz. (150 ml) clear, water-soluble kids’ glue, such as Elmer’s, to stiffen the basket

The sample shown in the photos uses Scheepjes Catona (100% mercerized cotton) in colors Fir and Silver Green. While Catona is officially described as fingering-weight, some sites list it as sport or fingering/sport. Having compared it to several other yarns in my collection, I find it to be closer to a sport weight. I also tried this pattern with a true fingering yarn, and it was much too fine. Keep this in mind when choosing a yarn.

I recommend cotton yarn for its sturdiness and inelasticity. Other plant fibers such as linen or hemp should also be fine.

Gauge is not crucial for this pattern, as long as your stitches are tight and consistent. At a gauge of 27 stitches and 23 rows per 4 inches in tapestry single crochet, your basket will have a diameter of about 5 inches (12.5 cm) and a height of 2 inches (5 cm) without the lid.

Disclaimer

© 2023 Alison Fisher. All rights reserved. This pattern is FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY. The pattern (or parts of it) may not be reproduced, distributed or resold, translated, published, altered, shared or posted (for sale or free) over the internet or offline. You can sell items made from this pattern, provided they are handmade by yourself in a limited number and you give credit to the designer. Please add the following lines to your item description and any item you are selling: “This item is handmade by (your name) from a design and pattern by Alison Fisher.”