Crochet Patterns: Sleeping Bags and Baskets for Toys to Sleep in

7 Crochet Patterns to help you make lovely gifts for children this Christmas.

With Christmas getting ever closer, many of us are looking urgently for a crochet pattern which will make a lovely gift for a small relative or friend.

Children love to have a something they can put their soft toys and dolls to sleep in after a long day's play. So, a moses basket, a sleeping bag, a cradle, or even a little basket bag will all do the trick.

I have found 7 crochet patterns for you. 2 of them are designed by me, but I have used 6 of the patterns listed here, and the other one is on my to-do list. And I can say that these are all quite easy patterns and they work up quickly too. Always a bonus at this busy time of the year.

Moses Baskets:

Moses Basket for a Toddler to play with by Silvi Veale

I designed this pattern with toddlers in mind. I wanted something that was pretty, but didn't have any 'extra' bits for small children to put in their mouths 🙂.

It is an easy pattern which works up quickly using 2 strands of yarn (I used dk - 8ply), but it works up well in worsted too - it's just a bit bigger.

The Pattern is for a moses basket with separate mattress, plus a blanket to put around the dolly when sleeping inside.

Crochet pattern has full written instructions, plus pictures of each process and diagrams too, plus there is a print friendly version of the pattern if you prefer.

My moses baskets measure 10.5 inches (26.5 cms) length across the bottom and is 5.5 inches (14 cms) wide. They are 4 inches (10 cms) deep around (at the hood end it is 5.5 inches (14 cms) deep maximum). They were made using dk yarn.

You can find the pattern here on Ravelry:
Moses Basket for a Toddler

I hope you like it 🙂

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 Small Moses Basket and Swaddling Blanket by Silvi Veale 

This is my second moses basket pattern.

This one is a crochet pattern to make 2 items: a Small Moses Basket to hold a doll or soft toy measuring between 5 inches and 7 inches (when using double strand DK yarn); and a Swaddling Blanket to wrap around the doll when in the basket.

So, this basket is smaller than the previous basket for a toddler to play with. It is, however, very suitable to give as a special small gift for children of all ages.

There are two versions of the pattern and you will be able to download them both as required:

1. A full written pattern with pictorial instructions alongside the pattern.
2. A full written text only pattern which is print friendly.

My Moses Baskets have been made in double strand DK (double knit) yarn, using a 5 mm hook.
They measure approximately 7.5 inches (19 cms) in length by 4.25 inches (10.5 cms) width, measured across and unstretched.
The swaddling blanket is made in single strand dk yarn and a 4.5mm hook. Mine measures approximately 17.5 inches (44.5 cms) in width and 6 inches (15.25 cms) in length (note that these are wraparound so they are much wider than they are long).

This pattern will work up well in worsted/aran yarn. It will, however, produce a larger moses basket.
If using chunky yarn, I recommend using one strand at a time only.

You can find the pattern here on Ravelry:
Small Moses Basket and Blanket

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I'm very pleased with both of my moses basket patterns.

I can also highly recommend the following patterns as great crochet projects which are easy to understand and quick to work up:

Cradle Bags:

Bev's Doll Cradle Purse by Beverly A. Qualheim of Bev's Country Cottage

I love this little pattern!

I've used it to make quite a few cradle baskets of different colours and put teddy bears inside them 🙂
I chose this cradle bag pattern above others, because it is very well-explained, which also means that it is quick and easy to do. Its not a complete beginner pattern as such, but experienced beginners should manage it just fine.

This crochet pattern makes a cradle/bassinet purse and a small blanket to go inside.
(I actually used another blanket style for mine - but the blanket pattern is great too).

Bev says that this pattern takes about 5 hours, but once you get into the swing of it, I think it takes less time than that. It is quick and easy.

To quote Bev again: "This is an old fashioned toy that has never lost it's appeal. Little girls love purses and they love baby dolls! What could be better than a purse that opens up into a little bassinet for her dolly?"
And she's correct. Children do love the uniqueness of these little cradle bags.

Any 5" - 6" doll or soft toy will fit in the cradle (or a teddy bear in a cradle like in mine 🙂 ).
This is a great pattern to make for a Christmas present for a very lucky child.

You can find this sweet little pattern on Etsy here:
Doll Bassinet-Purse PDF pattern

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 Sleeping Bags:

 Baby Pod Photo Prop by Lorene Haythorn Eppolite- Cre8tion Crochet

This crochet pattern was actually designed as a papoose or photo prop for a newborn baby.
And when made up in the chunky or super bulky yarn used originally in the pattern, it does just that.

However, I wanted a smaller sleeping bag/papoose to fit a teddy bear, so I used dk yarn (double-stranded) and a 6mm hook to make most of mine and they fit 10 inch length teddy bears just fine with room to spare.
But I also made one using a 4.5mm hook and single strand dk and it was ideal for a 4 inch teddy bear 🙂

That's why I recommend this pattern.
If you want a quick and easy to make papoose/sleeping bag to put a soft toy in for a Christmas present, with very little tweaking, this definitely fits the bill!

I used the paid pattern to make my sleeping bags for teddies (because I think it's only fair to pay for a pattern you are using to make items to sell yourself). But of course you don't have to.

The paid version is here:
Baby Pod Photo Prop 

This pattern is also available for free on the Cre8tion Crochet blog.

Enjoy 🙂

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Mermaid Tails:

Mermaid Tail for 18 inch Doll - from Granny's Crochet Shoppe & More

No pictures yet for this one, as it is still on my to-do list. Sorry!

There are many mermaid tail crochet patterns out there, but what I like about this one is that it was designed to be higher, almost like a sleeping bag.

In fact, I have seen a couple of these made into mermaid sleeping bags for dolls which are a little smaller than 18 inches high.

I love the shell stitch pattern by the way. It looks great!

This pattern was designed originally using Red Heart super Saver, which is worsted weight (10 ply) yarn. So do bear this in mind if you are working in dk yarn - the mermaid tail will be quite a bit shorter. But that may be just right if you are making this for a smaller doll or soft toy.

I also chose this pattern over other mermaid ones, because it is very well-explained and has pictures to show you every stage of the process.

When I first began crochet, I found some free crochet mermaid patterns, but the instructions weren't exactly clear and I gave up. But this pattern is great! And for a free crochet pattern, it really is excellent.

I will add a picture to this section when I've completed a mermaid tail. But please don't let that stop you getting on and making one yourself 🙂

You can find the full pattern on the Granny's Crochet Shoppe & More blog here:
 Mermaid Tail for 18 inch Doll - from Granny's Crochet Shoppe & More

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Hanging Nests/Baskets:

Newborn Hanging Nest by Chelsea Hathaway

I was looking for something a little 'different' to put soft toys in, when I found this lovely free crochet pattern.
Like the Baby Pod pattern, this pattern for a crochet hanging nest was also designed with newborn babies in mind.

When I looked at some of the projects for this pattern, it turned out that many people were finding it a little small for a baby.
Well that suited me fine, lol!

The original pattern is for super bulky yarn and a large size hook, but I used single strand dk yarn and a 4.5 mm hook.
I changed the stitch count just a little and...
Result - small hanging baskets for little teddy bears!

(I call them 'teddy swings' 🧸 ).
To give you an idea on size, the sitting teddies inside the hanging nests I have made measure 4 inches high sitting down. But you could easily make hanging nests larger or smaller than this just by varying the yarn and hook used or the number of starting stitches.

So I would say that this lovely little pattern is very worth a look!
And importantly, if you read Chelsea's updated notes, it works for a newborn as well.

This one is a Free Ravelry Download too. You can download it here:
Newborn Hanging Nest

Have fun 🙂

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Little Basket Bags for Dolls to Sleep in:

 Easy Peasy Little Bag by Britta Graham (bubnutPatterns on Etsy)

As you may know... 🙂 I make bags for teddy bears. And I'm always looking for new ideas, especially to fit certain sizes of teddy bear.
And this sweet little basket -style bag was just the fit for a 12 cm teddy bear to sleep in.

Usually I have to tweak patterns to make them fit, but this one worked straight out of the box.
In double-stranded dk yarn, the bag I made was smaller than the one in the pattern ( which is 9 inches wide by 7 inches high approximately), but it made an ideal place for a teddy to sleep!

The pattern shows you how to use different yarns (or in my case, 2 yarns together) to get the size bag required. It also gives very useful advice on how to keep the bag in shape and placing of handles, etc.

And, as I wanted to ensure that the teddy bears I put inside would feel comfortable... 🧸
I made a matching, large scarf to wrap around each one.

This is a handbag bag, rather than a moses basket, but, with a small doll or soft toy inside, wrapped in a blanket or a thick scarf, it makes somewhere to sleep very well.

You can find this lovely little pattern on Etsy here:
Handbag Crochet Pattern - Easy Peasy Little Kids Bag Crochet Pattern No.504 Digital Download English

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Well there you have it - 7 crochet patterns for moses baskets, sleeping bags, cradles, bags and even mermaid's tails. 
All easy to tweak, if necessary, to make a lovely sleeping space for a doll or soft toy.

I hope they are as useful to you as they have been to me.
Have fun making them this Christmas!

Buy A Craft Present Which Can Last the Whole Year

Do you know someone who loves their craft?

Or perhaps you know someone who is thinking about taking up a craft?

And I bet you know someone who loves reading about craft and can hardly wait to try out new craft ideas each month.

Then you really need to check out all the Craft Magazines that you can get direct and at affordable prices from Buy Subscriptions.

Buying a subscription for a friend, or family member, to get up to date knowledge and new ideas on their favourite craft will make a fantastic Christmas gift!

It's a great idea to be able to give something where the recipient receives a magazine every month, rather than just a one off item. It shows you want them to enjoy themselves all the year.

And now, many subscriptions are at reduced prices too.

For example:

The World of Cross Stitching Magazine Subscription 25% off.

Love Patchwork and Quilting Magazine Subscription 27% off

Simply Crochet Magazine Subscription 27% off.

Papercraft Inspirations Magazine Subscription - 28% off

Simply Knitting Magazine Subscription - 28% off.

Simply Sewing Magazine Subscription 32% off!

And those are just a few examples of the great craft magazines you can buy at reduced rates when you order them from Buy Subscriptions!

Check out the offers on this page!

But let's not to forget anyone.....😀

Once you have seen what a great idea it is to Buy Subscriptions to Magazines for Christmas presents, you may be interested in these:

Magazine Subscription Special Offers

These are just a few of the best selling magazines which you can choose from.

There's something there for all the family this Christmas at Buy Subscriptions.

And for you, your Christmas present buying just got more inventive and a whole lot easier! 😀

Two Lovely Free Snuggle Blanket Patterns

Make a snuggle/lovey blanket for a very special Christmas present.

You Are My Sunshine Crochet Lovey
by Lorene Haythorn Eppolite - Cre8tion Crochet

This is a pattern which really makes you happy.
A lovely bright yellow sun and a soft snuggle blanket. I think most children (and adults) will like this one 🌞!

My Bright Sunshine Lovey using Cre8tion Crochet's Pattern

The pattern was originally designed for worsted weight (10 ply) yarn, but it's easy to change to the yarn of your choice.
I made mine in double knit (8ply) yarn. I used Stylecraft Special DK in:
Lemon, Cloud Blue, Aster, Lapis, Petrol, Matador, Jaffa, and Citron.

 I added some extra rows to the blanket and the amigurumi sunshine to make up the size difference.
And my Sunshine Lovey/Snuggle measures 16 x 16 inches, which is about right.

What I really like about this pattern is that it's quite easy and quick to make and the Sunshine centre is a good start for someone new to amigurumi crochet.

I've made quite a few of these Sunshine Lovey/Snuggles, all in bright rainbow colours.

This is one of my Bright Sunshine Lovey Snuggles available now on Etsy:
 Bright Colours Sunshine Lovey Snuggle Blanket with Sun in the centre

You can find the Free Crochet Pattern for the Sunshine Lovey here:
You Are My Sunshine Free Crochet Lovey Pattern

 I think you'll enjoy making it! 🌞

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Amigurumi Elephant Snuggle by Dennis van den Brink

A Free Pattern – Elephant Snuggle

This is a lovely little pattern. 🐘
It uses a basic granny square stitch for the blanket and an amigurumi pattern for the elephant part.

One of the Elephant Snuggles I made from the Elephant Snuggle Free Pattern

 It's an easy pattern which looks great when it's finished, so well worth doing.

And you can always ring the changes with this pattern: either with colour changes, yarn used, or with decorating the elephant.
I added a sweet little bow to my elephant, using a pattern called Scrapbusting Mini Bows by ChiWei Ranck of One Dog Woof
You can find the bow pattern on her site here:
Sweet and Simple Crochet Bows

My Elephant Snuggle with Bow design by One Dog Woof

 I love this pattern and have put one of my Elephant Snuggle Blankets in our Etsy shop.
You can see it here:
Elephant Snuggle Blanket Sweet and Cuddly Gift Lilac Pink & Cream

 You can find the Free pattern to make your own Elephant Snuggle here on the DenDennis site:
A Free pattern – Elephant Snuggle 🐘

 And while you are there, have a look at all the other patterns Dennis has made.
His website is a treasure trove for amigurumi lovers, both beginners and advanced. And you'll find lots of papercraft and woodland crafts items there too.
Some of the patterns are in Dutch, but many are in English, including the Elephant Snuggle pattern (and Google Translate can be your friend for some of the others 🙂 ).
So very well worth a look!
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Well that was an almost perfect post for Elephant  🐘 Sun 🌞 Dog 🐕
(I'll find a crochet dog to make it perfect soon. I promise! 😀)

Those are two of the best free snuggle blanket patterns I have found.
I think that they are great for all levels of crochet experience and, as you can see, I can prove that they work!

Hope you like them too!

~ Silvi

Quality Yarn at an Amazing Low Price

I use Stylecraft Special DK yarn for many of my craft projects.



Like most people nowadays, I find that money is tight, so at a budget price and in large, 100 gram balls which produce 295 meters of yarn to work with, Stylecraft Special DK works out a very good buy.

And it's a good buy because it's easy work with, soft, machine washable (and can be tumble dried), and you can use it to make a vast range of items, from all sorts of clothing to blankets and bags.

But here's another reason why I use this yarn.
The colours are fantastic!
All the colours of the rainbow and some you hadn't even thought of!

Stylecraft Special DK Colours

One of my crochet makes using Stylecraft Special DK was the Jacaranda Cal.
I wanted to use pretty colours which enhanced the intricate pattern design, and I think I chose well 😀

I used Cream, Cloud Blue, Violet, Clematis, and Parma Violet.
They are colours I would have found difficult to find in many budget yarns, but I knew I could rely on Stylecraft to produce them and for Deramores to stock them.

So why am I writing this post about Stylecraft Special DK right now?
Because I've just discovered that Deramores has special savings on their yarn with lots of savings.

Stylecraft Special DK is part of their Everyday Low Price Collection, plus,if you are looking for particular colours, buying in value packs will save you 10% more, plus for members, you will get rewards for your next purchase.

Now, like many crafters, I may be a yarnaholic, but I'm also very aware of the need to budget on my yarn purchases.
And this looks like a great deal to me.

And when I, an intermediate crocheter, can produce projects like the Jacaranda which look even more intricate because of the colours, then I'm happy! :)

You can find All Stylecraft Special DK colours on the link at Deramores here:
Stylecraft Special DK colours and info

Go on have a look.
I bet you love looking at yarn colours as much as I do! 😀

Updates To Our Free Patterns

Updates to patterns designed by Elephant Sun Dog:

I'm slowly working my way through some of the free crochet patterns I designed to see if they need updating, so I'm listing them here as I update them:

Teeny Tiny Basket Pattern

I have made a minor alteration to the Teeny Tiny Basket Free Crochet Pattern.
This just needed a change of stitch count in the first row, and that has now been altered on this blog and on the free download in my Ravelry store.

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I have also substantially altered 2 of my free patterns for children's crochet bags.
These were the first patterns I designed, so they were not as clear as they could have been.
Updates have put this right and they should now be clear to understand and beginner friendly.

The updated patterns for small bags are:

Child's Small Bag With Pocket

Has been updated with clearer instructions as follows:

• Full explanation of crochet terms used;
• Written in accepted crochet (US) terminology;
• Stitch counts added;
• New pictures to help explain instructions.

This pattern is a Free Ravelry Download and you can find it here:
Child's Small Bag With Pocket by Silvi Veale

Small Bag With Granny Pocket

I have now updated this pattern and it should be much easier to understand 😀
Changes made:

• Ensured that crochet terms (US) are used throughout.
• I’ve taken out a couple of suggested options, because they simply confused the original pattern.
• I’ve made the instruction section on making the shoulder strap clearer.
• Added stitch counts where they were missing.

This pattern is a Free Ravelry Download and you can find it here:
Small Bag With Granny Pocket by Silvi Veale

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That's the pattern updates for now.
But if I update any of my patterns (or hear of others that have been changed up) I will let you know here.

And in the meantime...
See you very soon with more craft posts 🙋

~ Silvi

6 Free Crochet Patterns Which Make Beautiful Baby Blankets

Here are 6 Free Crochet Patterns which have been tried and tested to ensure that they will make beautiful baby blankets.
Where possible, there are also links to the Ravelry project pages for the patterns, so that you can see what other crocheters have achieved with them.

1: Granny Stripe Pattern by Lucy of Attic 24
 Lucy's Attic24 blog is a great go-to place for blankets and the Granny Stripe Pattern is a nice, basic pattern which is ideal for a first baby blanket.
On Lucy's site, you can also find ideas for blanket borders. And you'll enjoy looking at all the lovely ideas she has there.
I'm making my Granny stripe Blanket in different shades of red as it should feel nice and warm for the winter months.

My 'shades of red' Granny stripes blanket in progress

But if you look at the Ravelry page for the pattern here:
Granny Stripes by Lucy of Attic24 - Ravelry Page
You can click the project link on the right of the page and scroll through over 7,000 projects ( 😵!) to find colours that you would prefer.
Or just go for it with colours you have from stash. This pattern is very adaptable.

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In fact, most of the Attic24 patterns would work great as a baby blanket.
And as Lucy makes such fabulous blanket patterns, I must include another of her designs....

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2: This one in particular is a huge success with baby blanket lovers:
Neat Ripple Pattern by Lucy of Attic 24
 In fact, when you go to the Ravelry page for this pattern:
Neat Ripple by Lucy of Attic24 - Ravelry Page
 and click on the projects link on the right hand side, you will see that there are over 9.5k projects made using this pattern! That's quite amazing!
 So do have a scroll through the projects if you want ideas on yarn types and colours to use (and tips about the pattern from other crocheters).
With that many crocheters making this pattern, there must be loads of help within those project pages!
Here is my Neat Ripple Baby Blanket:

My neat ripple baby blanket in progress

As you can see, it's still a 'work in progress', but I love the colours so had to include a picture here 😉.
I think those colours with this pattern will make a beautiful baby blanket!

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3: The next pattern is on my 'to-do list, but will definitely be made soon:
Four Color Baby Blanket  by Crochet n Create
 (When you click the above link, scroll down the page for both US and UK pattern versions).
This is "A Candy stripe baby afghan blanket free crochet pattern, made in worsted weight yarn using soft pastel colours." As described on the Ravelry pattern page.
(although you can of course use dk yarn if you prefer - but perhaps in this case add a number of chains to get the size required - just ensure that you increase in multiples of 6).
This is a very pretty blanket with a puff stitch design.
You can see some projects done using this lovely pattern if you follow the projects link from the Ravelry page for the pattern linked below:
PFC72 Baby Afghan Blanket - Ravelry pattern page
(but a word of advice: don't bother following the link on the Ravelry pattern page - it will just redirect you to the new page at Crochet n Create which I've linked to already above 😉)

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4: Unicorn Stripes Baby Blanket by Megan Meyer
Megan has designed a beautiful but relatively easy to make baby blanket.
She designed her pattern for colour changing yarn and it works a treat as you will see in her pictures on the pattern's Ravelry page here:
Unicorn Stripes Baby Blanket by Megan Meyer
This lovely baby blanket pattern is a paid pattern on the Ravelry link - and it's worth it because the pdf download contains lots of help and advice (and all the work put in by Megan to get the pattern right) and no adverts.
However, I have listed this as a free pattern, because, at time of typing this post, there is a free version of the pattern here:
Unicorn Stripes Baby Blanket at Left In Knots
 My version of the Unicorn Stripes Baby Blanket is a 'Bright Rainbow' version, in the picture below. I also used different skeins of yarn for each colour (but that wasn't a huge problem).
I also added a few rows to the end of the pattern, to make a cot blanket.

My Bright Rainbow Version of the Unicorn Stripes Baby Blanket

 This is a lovely pattern - an easy stitch sequence, but decorative enough to make a pretty design.
And the border is lovely too.

Unicorn Stripes Baby Blanket Border

 This pattern is definitely a keeper!

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5:  Another free baby blanket pattern on my to-do list and it looks very pretty:
One Skein Baby Blanket by Marilyn Losee
 (although the above website page has a checkout, you can download the pdf pattern for free)
This is a fairly easy and quick-to-work pattern which looks beautiful when completed.
And seems to have a lot of fans who have made several of these baby blankets.
You can see hundreds of projects made using this pattern by looking at the Ravelry page for the pattern here:
One Skein Baby Blanket on Ravelry

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6:  You Are My Sunshine Baby Blanket by Christine Bumgarner

My You Are My Sunshine Baby Blanket

I've shown you this one before, but it's an ideal addition to a free baby blanket pattern post.
The pattern is made up from posts from the You are my Sunshine Afghan CAL by Christine Bumgarner
And you can find all 6 parts of the Cal from the links on this page:
You Are My Sunshine, my only Sunshine!

 Or you can click the project page link on the RH side of the Ravelry page for the pattern here:
You are my Sunshine Afghan CAL by Christine Bumgarner

and see the different colours and yarns which others have used to make their baby blanket.

This is mine completed and I love it!

You are my Sunshine Baby blanket

I love the central Sun design and the different stitches throughout.
I would say that this pattern is for an adventurous beginner or intermediate crocheter, but the instructions are very helpful, so you should manage fine with the more decorative stitch patterns.
And the bonus is that this pattern is available in English (US), Hebrew, Swedish and Dutch!
And it makes such a pretty blanket!

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And that's the last of the 6 Free Crochet Patterns Which Make Beautiful Baby Blankets.

But I'm sure there will be more soon.

In the meanitme, I hope you enjoyed this post and have found a good pattern to use to make your next baby blanket.

~ Silvi

See Us At St Margarets Hall Southsea This Saturday

Table Top Sale at St Margaret's Church Hall, Highland Road, Southsea.

I am pleased to let you know that I will be at the St Margarets Table Top Sale this Saturday, 28th September, 2019, with my crochet gifts stall - Teddy in a Bag.

The Table Top Sale will be open from 1pm to 3pm.

The venue is St Margaret's Church Hall, which is in Highland Road, Southsea, PO4 9DD.

This will be a great sale, with Free Entry to see lots of different tables, crafts, gifts, nearly-new, and the chance to have a chat with a local Crime Writing Author!

Refreshments are available also, so this will be just the thing for an enjoyable Saturday afternoon.

The sale is in aid of helping the local community.

It's an extra bonus to be able to attend events which help good causes, so I'm making sure I will have some new stock on display, alongside all the Teddy in a Bag favourites.

You can see some of the lines I will be showing in the picture above.

There are teeny tiny baskets with tiny teddies and bunnies inside; teddies in swinging cradles; moses baskets, teddy cradles, small children's baskets, backpacks, and shoulder bags, and pretty purses - all with a teddy inside. And those brand new Decorative Baskets with a happy Teddy snuggled up inside which I shared the pattern for in my previous post.

There will also be some elephant 'snuggle blankets', pretty pencil cases, and some items for adults and teenagers too - the large crochet shopper on the right of the picture is just one example of this range. There will also be phone bags, clutches, shoulder bags and purses. And all made by me 😀.

So, if you are in the Portsmouth and Southsea area, it would be great if you dropped in to see us all.

And if you do, please come over to say hello. We can have a chat about crafts 😀.

~ Silvi

Decorative Gift Basket - Free Crochet and Sewing Pattern

Make a Decorative Gift Basket For Someone Special. A pattern/tutorial which includes a crochet pattern, help with pattern cutting, and sewing tips.

This is an explanation of 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.

I think these baskets will make great presents that you can make yourself and add your own individual touches to.

I made mine to hold a teddy bear (measuring 20cms x 19cms when seated), but they would make a unique gift container for many different toys, jewellery, or a collection of small (and medium-sized) gifts.

The baskets I used for the base to measure 11cms inside depth by 71 cms circumference.
And my completed baskets measure 12.5cms depth by 72cms circumference.

My crochet pattern uses those measurements to make the basket outer cover.

But you can make these to fit any circular basket as follows:

• For smaller baskets, just finish the base bit early and then carry on with the side rows until it is high enough to reach just part the top of the base basket.
• For larger baskets, just keep adding to the base until it is large enough to fit your basket (you can see my previous post on making circles if you are unsure how to increase as you go). And then add a few rows to the side until your basket cover is just a bit higher than the base basket.

Why use a base basket?

I used a base basket to cover, because I was making a largish basket, and the bigger the basket, the more difficult it is to keep its shape (unless you make it with something like heavy rope, rather than cotton yarn...).
But for smaller baskets, you don't actually need a base basket to cover. If crocheted tight it should stand well on its own.
A light spraying of spray starch should ensure that a smaller basket keeps its shape.

Materials Required:

• Circular basket (buy these in ornaments or storage sections of local stores/supermarkets - ones with openwork sides are best for fitting the cover)
• Yarn of your choice in one or more colours.
• 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. 
• Darning/large eye needle for weaving in yarn ends.
• Fabric for the cushion and bolster.
• Polyester Fibre filling - flame retardent.
• Sewing thread.
• Tape measure.
• Pins.
• Sewing needle (or sewing machine if preferred).
• Lace, ribbon, or other material (if you want to add extra decoration).
• And a gift or gifts to put in your gift basket.

Yarn Required:

Yarn of your choice.
I've found that cotton yarn works best for me, but it's not essential.
With worsted, dk, or lighter weight yarn, you will need to work with 2 strands at once.

I used Drops Muskat, which is a DK 100% cotton yarn (50 grams/100m per skein).
Used holding 2 strands together throughout.
With a 5mm hook (US = H/8)
Amount of yarn used to make each one of my baskets was approximately 440 meters.

But your usage may vary according to yarn used and size of basket made.

You can make your basket stripey or plain (or add a trim to it, like I have added a small flower trim to my turquoise shades basket).
As my baskets were stripey, the pattern reflects that with colour changes.
So, just ignore them if you are using one yarn (which will then be Yarn A throughout).

For reference, in my red, white and green basket, the Colours go as follows:
Yarn A = Red,
Yarn B = White,
Yarn C = Green.

Note on Decoration:
Row 20 is a dc row (between 2 hdc rows of the same colour).
This gives you a thicker centre row where you can add lace, or thread through a contrasting chain, or add other decorations, if you choose.

Stitch Terminology:

Pattern is written in US terms.

• MR = Magic ring (or magic circle - see YouTube for examles of making a magic ring/circle if you are not sure).
• Ch = chain.
• st = stitch.
• sts = stitches.
• sl st = slip stitch.
• sk = skip (examples: sk1 = skip next st; sk2 = skip next 2 stitches).
• sc = single crochet.
• hdc = half double crochet.
• dc = double crochet.
• BLO = Back loop only (make the stitch into the back loop of the stitch, rather than through/under both loops of the st as is usual).
• Around = complete the row to the end (unless the next instruction changes this slightly. eg: "continue with *to* around until last 2 sts; hdc in last 2 sts").
• From * to * = Repeat the sequence of stitches between the * *.

Basket Cover Crochet Pattern:

Note for stitch counts:
Ch2 counts as 1 hdc throughout.
Ch3 counts as 1 dc throughout.

With Yarn A:
Holding 2 strands of yarn together, make a magic ring (MR)

Row 1: Ch 2, hdc 7 sts into ring. Sl st into top of ch2 to join. (8 sts).
Gently pull yarn ends of MR to close.

Row 2: Ch 2, hdc in same st; 2hdc into each of remaining sts. Sl st into top of ch2 to join. (16 sts).

Now tighten MR and work ends into back of work, neatly threading yarn ends forward, back, forward to secure.

Row 3: Ch 2, 2hdc in next st; *hdc in next st, 2hdc in next st*; follow * to * around to end. Sl st into top of ch2 to join (24 sts).

Row 4: Ch 2, hdc in same st; *hdc in next 2 sts, 2hdc in next*; follow * to * around to end, omitting final 2hdc. Sl st into top of ch2 to join (32 sts).

Row 5: Ch 2, hdc in next 2 sts, 2hdc in next st; *hdc in next 3 sts, 2hdc in next*; follow * to * around to end of row. Sl st to top of ch2 to join (40 sts).

Row 6: Ch 2, 2hdc in next st; *hdc in next 4 sts, 2hdc in next*; follow * to * around to final 3 sts, hdc in final 3 sts. Sl st to top of ch2 to join (48 sts).

Row 7: Ch 2, hdc in next 3 sts, 2hdc in next st; *hdc in next 5 sts, 2hdc in next*; follow * to * around until final st, hdc in final st. Sl st to top of ch2 to join (56 sts).

Row 8: Ch 2, 2hdc in next st; *hdc in next 6 sts, 2hdc in next*; follow * to * around to last 5 sts. Hdc in each of final 5 sts. Sl st to top of ch2 to join (64 sts).

Row 9: Ch 2, hdc in same st, *hdc in next 7 sts, 2hdc in next*; follow * to * around, omitting final 2hdc. Sl st to top of ch2 to join (72 sts).

Row 10: Ch 2, hdc in next 4 sts, 2hdc in next st; *hdc in next 8 sts, 2hdc in next*; follow * to * around until final 3 sts, hdc in each of final 3 sts. Sl st to top of ch2 to join (80 sts).

The base of your basket cover is now completed.

The following rows will build the sides:

Row 11: Ch 2, hdc BLO in next st and in each st around. Sl st to top of ch2 to join (80 sts).
(BLO sts are to make an 'edge' for the base - in this pattern they are only used in Row 11).

Row 12: Ch 2, hdc in next st and in each st around. Sl st to top of ch2 to join (80 sts).

If you are making a 'stripey' basket like mine, it is now time to change yarns (if not, just carry on with your original yarn).

Cut yarn A, leaving an end to weave in.

Change to Yarn B.

Row 13: With Yarn B:
Join new yarn with a sl st, then ch 2, hdc in next st and in each st around. Sl st to top of ch2 to join (80 sts).

Row 14: Ch 2, hdc in next st and in each st around. Sl st to top of ch2 to join. (80 sts).
Cut yarn B, leaving an end to weave in.

Change to Yarn C.

Row 15: With Yarn C:
Join new yarn with a sl st, then ch 2, hdc in next st and in each st around. Sl st to top of ch2 to join (80 sts).

Row 16: Ch 2, hdc in next st and in each st around. Sl st to top of ch2 to join. (80 sts).
cut yarn C, leaving an end to weave in.

Change to Yarn B.

Row 17: With Yarn B:
Join new yarn with a sl st, then ch 2, hdc in next st and in each st around. Sl st to top of ch2 to join (80 sts).

Row 18: Ch 2, hdc in next st and in each st around. Sl st to top of ch2 to join. (80 sts).
cut yarn B, leaving an end to weave in.

Change to Yarn A.

Row 19: With Yarn A:
Join new yarn with a sl st, then ch 2, hdc in next st and in each st around. Sl st to top of ch2 to join (80 sts).

New St (double crochet) for the following row:)

Row 20: Ch 3, dc in next st and in each st around. Sl st to top of ch3 to join. (80 sts)

(Back to original (hdc) st again:)

Row 21: Ch 2, hdc in next st and in each st around. Sl st to top of ch2 to join. (80 sts).
cut yarn A, leaving an end to weave in.

Change to Yarn B.

Row 22: With Yarn B:
Join new yarn with a sl st, then ch 2, hdc in next st and in each st around. Sl st to top of ch2 to join (80 sts).

Row 23: Ch 2, hdc in next st and in each st around. Sl st to top of ch2 to join. (80 sts).
cut yarn B, leaving an end to weave in.

Change to Yarn C.

Row 24: With Yarn C:
Join new yarn with a sl st, then ch 2, hdc in next st and in each st around. Sl st to top of ch2 to join (80 sts).

Row 25: Ch 2, hdc in next st and in each st around. Sl st to top of ch2 to join. (80 sts).
cut yarn C, leaving an end to weave in.

Change to Yarn B.

Row 26: With Yarn B:
Join new yarn with a sl st, then ch 2, hdc in next st and in each st around. Sl st to top of ch2 to join (80 sts).

Row 27: Ch 2, hdc in next st and in each st around. Sl st to top of ch2 to join. (80 sts).
DO NOT CUT YARN

Turn your work.
The final row will be done on the Wrong Side.

Shell edging:

Row 28: Still with Yarn B:
Ch 3, dc 4 times into same st; sk 1 st, sc in next st, sk 1 st; *dc 5 times into next st, sk 1 st, sc in next st, sk 1 st*;
Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to top of ch3 to join.
Cut yarn, leaving an end to weave in.

Weave in all yarn ends.

Finished Basket cover showing final row turned back as shell edging.

 And the crochet part of your basket has been completed!

Do not fix the crochet cover to the base basket yet, because you need to use the base basket to make your fabric pattern.

Making the Cushion and Bolster for inside the basket:

Measuring for fabric to be used:

The Cushion:
Take a piece of paper large enough to place the basket on.
Place the basket on the paper and draw around the base - you should then have a paper circle the same size as the base.
This is your cushion pattern, without seam allowance or 'bulking' allowance (when the padding is put inside, this will make the cushion 'bulk' and the original measurements will be a little short).
You will need to cut 2 shapes of material from the cushion pattern, but when you cut them out, you will need to add around 1cm extra for the seam + 2cm extra for 'bulking' (see picture if you're not sure what to do here).

The Bolster:
Measure the basket you will be covering as follows:.
Measure the circumference (around the outside of the basket). This will be the length of the bolster.
Measure the depth of the basket. This will be the width of the bolster.

The Bolster will be made from a rectangle of fabric which measures:
Length: Circumference + seam allowance (about 1 cm) + allowance for 'bulking' (about 1-2 cms)

(Becomes Circumference plus about 3cms).

Width: Depth x 2 + seam allowance (about 1 cm) + allowance for 'bulking' (about 2cms).

(Becomes Depth plus about 3cms).

The fabric you choose will need to be a piece which is large enough to make the 2 cushion pieces and the bolster piece.

Cutting out your fabric:

Bolster:
Fold your fabric lengthwise if possible.
With fabric folded, begin at one side edge and measure down from the fold to a point which is the depth + about 3cms.
Place a pin at this point.

Then, measure along the fold to make the length of the bolster (circumference + around 3cms).
Place a pin at this point.

Then, with your tape measure, go along the length of the bolster, measuring down from the fold to the depth + 3cms and place pins at several points, placing your last pin down from the pin you placed to note the length required (this gives you a straight line to cut).

Then, carefully cut along your pin lines for the length and up from your last pin at 'depth level' to the pin placed at the fold.
And that's your bolster cut out.

NOTE:
If you have a piece of fabric which has cut outs or similar and is therefore unable to be folded to get a full length for the bolster:
If you still have room on your fabric, you can instead cut 2 pieces on unfolded fabric.
But if you do this, you will need to add an extra 2cms for the seam allowance at the top.

Cushion:
On your folded fabric pin your cushion shape.
Then carefully cut around the circular shape, but not at the edge - allow an extra 3cms all around and cut there.
This will give you 2 cushion shapes of fabric.

NOTE:
If you are unable to cut your cushion shape on folded fabric, just place the cushion pattern on your fabric twice and cut around as above.

Sewing the Cushion and Bolster:

Bolster:
Turn the fabric and fold it so that the wrong sides are facing outwards.
Pin both side edges along the seam line (around 1-2cms in).
Pin the bottom edge (using the same seam line), but leave an unpinned section of about 15cms in the middle (this will be the gap where we put the filling in).
Machine or hand sew down the edges and along the bottom on the pin marks, removing pins as you go.
BUT DON'T FORGET to leave the opening in the bottom middle.

Cut and fasten off your sewing thread.

Turn the bolster to the right side (you do this by pushing it through the opening you have left at the bottom).

Get your polyester filling material. Take smallish pieces at a time and push them gently into the bolster.
Don't over-stuff the bolster. It is supposed to be 'comfy' and 'squishy' - not too firm.
When you have enough filling in the bolster it's time to sew up the gap.

You can hand sew the gap together if you like:
Fold down the seams either side of the gap and then pin them together.
Hand sew together by carefully catching a thread from the folded-down seam either side of the gap and sewing them together.
Do this all along the gap. Cut and fasten off your thread.
This is the neatest way and shouldn't really show the join.

Or, you can maching sew the gap together:
Fold down the seams either side of the gap and then pin them together.
Then carefully machine sew along the seam you have just made - but sew AS NEAR AS POSSIBLE TO THE EDGE (making sure that you catch both pieces as you do so).
This looks nearly as neat as hand sewn, so it's up to you 😉

Cushion:
Take your 2 cushion pieces.
Place them with right sides together (so that you are working with the wrong side facing you).
Pin them together.
Pin around the circle about 1-2cms in from the edge.
Leave a gap of about 8cms for turning and filling.
Machine or hand sew around the seam line, removing pins as you go.
DON'T FORGET to leave the 8cm gap.

Cut your thread and tie it off.
Then, turn the cushion to the right side (by pushing it through the gap).
Take your polyester filling material.
Break off fairly small parts and push into the gap.
Fill cushion with enough filling to be comfy and a bit 'bouncy', but not too hard.
It needs to look and feel 'squashy' rather than balloon like 😀.
Now it's time to sew up the gap in the cushion fabric.
Follow directions for pinning and sewing the gap in the bolster.
And then the cushion's done!

Bolster and Cushion completed ready to place in basket

Final bits....

Take your crochet basket cover and fit it around the base basket.

I like to raise the edge slightly above the edge of the base basket.
Then fold the shell edging back so that it hangs down (in white it looks like snow on a roof 🌨 ).
Once the basket cover is fitted correctly you can fix it in place:

Fixing the Crochet Cover to the Base Basket:
Take a needle with a long thread of yarn - use a colour that you have used a lot in the crochet pattern.
From the INSIDE of the base basket, gently push threaded needle through a gap in the basket that corresponds with a crochet section on the outside which is the same colour as the thread used.
Leave a length of thread on the inside which is about 8cms long.
Take the needle and thread back through to the inside, making sure that you are still on the same colour as the thread and that you are threading through a different part of the inner basket (but one that is less than a 0.5cm away).
Cut the thread, leaving an end of about 8cms.
Tie a tight knot with the two edges of thread left, then cut thread close to the knot.

Do this in several places around the basket.
Your crochet basket cover will then be secure.

And then...

Place the cushion in the bottom of the basket.
Take the bolster and place it in the basket, on top of the cushion, so that the bolster fits around the inner edge.
(If you are placing a soft toy in the basket, the bolster can be wrapped around them, to make a comfy 'seating area' :)
If you like, you can 'fluff up' the bolster a little, so that it's above the edge of the basket.

Put your toy or gift inside (as you can see, soft toys look very comfy in the basket :) ).

And you have a lovely and very unique gift to give to someone special.
I'm sure they will love it!

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You can find a Free PDF version of this pattern/tutorial on Ravelry here:
Decorative Gift Basket by Silvi Veale
As well as this pattern, it also contains many more pictures with explanations which you may find useful.

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This pattern/tutorial has been written by me - Silvi Veale.
I hope you enjoy using it.

I've tried to explain everything as much as possible.
But if you have any questions, you can contact me either:

In the comments on this blog post at Elephant Sun Dog.
Or on Ravelry - my Ravelry username is Silvi3

You can use this pattern to make items to give as gifts or to sell at markets and fairs.

However, please do not copy this post/pattern and say it is yours.
And please do not share the pictures I have used in this post as if they are yours.

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Thank you so much for reading this pattern - it's a long one :)

And I hope you enjoy using it to make some lovely decorative baskets.

~ Silvi