sturdy crocheted basket

The Bird’s Nest Basket: A Truly Sturdy Crocheted Basket!

I’ve seen cute crocheted baskets all over Pinterest for years. Everyone’s got their version, and I really love them all! Except for one thing. They are so stinkin’ flimsy! The pictures make them look nice and sturdy, but in reality, they flop all over the place. So I took it upon myself to make a truly sturdy crocheted basket.

The pattern itself is really simple, but it’s what you do after you’ve made your basket that seals the deal. I found a way to stiffen the baskets so they really hold their shape and can even withstand toddlers throwing them around (I know, I’ve got one)!

How to Use the Baskets

I designed these baskets to come in a set of three. They would make an excellent house warming gift or any time gift! The smallest basket is perfect for rings or earrings, while the largest basket would be great for car keys and lanyards. They could also be used as little planters, if you made the sides a bit taller.

My daughter Charlie put her stuffed Sunflower in the smallest basket, and I thought it was just precious!

Materials

I used Lion Brand Mac-Re-Me Recycled Cotton to make these baskets. It’s thicker than most yarns I use, and can fray pretty easily, but as long as you have a good tension with your crochet hook you’ll be a-ok!

N/ 10.00 mm hook

Yarn needle

Scissors

The Pattern

Below is the crochet pattern for the smallest basket. Head to my shop to grab a concise PDF with directions for all three basket sizes!

Difficulty Level

Beginner

Pattern Notes & Stitches to Know

ch- chain

st – stitch

sc – single crochet

sl – slip stitch

Approximate Finished Size

Small Basket

Small Basket

Make a magic ring. 4 sc into magic ring, sl (5 stitches total)

Round 1: 2sc in each stitch, 1 sc in last stitch, sl to beginning of round, ch 1 (10)

Round 2: *2sc in first st, sc in next.* Repeat * to * until last stitch. 2sc in last stitch, sl to first st, ch 1 (15)

Round 3: Sc in back loop only all around. Sl to first stitch (15)

Round 4: Sc around, sl to first stitch, ch 1. (15)

Round 5: Repeat Round 4. (15) Fasten off, weave in ends.

Stiffening the Basket

  1. Mix ¼ cup cornstarch with ½ cup water until smooth.
  2. Bring 1 ½ cups of water to a boil. Turn off heat.
  3. Slowly mix in cornstarch mixture, and stir until liquid starts to thicken.
  4. Pour into a bowl and let cool for 5 minutes.
  5. Once liquid is semi-cooled, dip baskets to coat with the cornstarch mixture.
  6. Clean off excess mixture, and shape basket.
  7. Leave to dry overnight.
  8. Voila! A sturdy crocheted basket!

How’d it Go?!

Let me know in the comments how your basket turned out! What are you using it for? Did you gift it to someone? Tag me in any photos on Instagram @sweetgumspot with the hashtag #birdsnestbasket so I can see your beautiful work!