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Tray Stitch Basket – a ‘how to’ tutorial
Don’t you love it when those ‘happy accidents’ happen? I was playing around with yarn and accidentally discovered a new pattern which has fast become one of my favourites! The Tray Stitch is perfect for exactly what it implies – making shallow trays. It’s such a decorative and functional stitch that works up quickly. You’ll have a serviette holder, a place to leave your jewelry, a basket for your essential oils, or a place to rest your keys and sunnies in no time! You will need: 1 Timber basket base (I used the 18cm square for this tutuorial, but you can use any shape or size) 5mm crochet hook for…
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Wood Stitch Basket – a ‘how to’ tutorial
The wood stitch is probably my most used stitch when making crochet baskets! I love it for a few reasons: – The stitch has great definition – it reminds me of an actual ‘basket weave’ look. – It’s really strong and makes for a very sturdy basket. – It works up fairly quickly, once you get the hang of it. – It’s popular with my basket customers! This pattern uses (US) half double crochet (hdc). It is a bit of a yarn eater, so make sure you have plenty to make the basket size you want. You will need: A timber basket base T-shirt yarn /rope/ jute twine (have some…
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Square and Rectangular Bases
Baskets are the best because they are just so darn USEFUL! What’s more, we all know that handmade baskets are also beautiful, unique and stunningly stylish. So of course it makes sense to be able to create baskets in all shapes and sizes, to meet every possible need! The wonderful thing about our basket bases is that they make creating any shape and size so simple! No need for counting stitches, increasing, wondering how to make the base less floppy or stressing about how to make a corner. Corners shmorners! You just put a stitch in each hole, keep calm and carry on. We’ve designed our angled bases with gently rounded…
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Spiral Stitch Basket – a ‘how to’ tutorial
I’m going level with you here. I’m not sure if this stitch already has a name. If it does, I couldn’t find it anywhere. So we improvised, and with some help from Melanie @elementheart (check out her gorgeous boho handbags/purses on Instagram!), we came up with the ‘Spiral Stitch.’ This pattern forms a very attractive twisty/spirally look around the basket, and it’s very fun to make! You will need: Timber basket base (I used an 18cm round base in the tutorial) 5 – 6 mm crochet hook to ‘cast on’ 9mm and 8mm hooks for walls (or whichever sizes work best for you. It’s very personal!) T-shirt yarn (yarn in…
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Three different methods for Casting On
There is always more than one way to do something! Just because I like to ‘cast on’ to our timber basket base a certain way, doesn’t mean it’s the only way. Here are three different methods for casting on, using our cute little baby 10cm bases. Have a play and see which one you like the best! Check out this five minute video for the best explanation, or read on below. Method One A round of slip stitches first, followed by a round of single crochets. This is my preferred method, because it covers the holes nicely, prevents anything little from falling through, and provides a nice cushioned buffer between…
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Seamless Join with Waistcoat/Knit Stitch
It took me the longest time to get the hang of the seamless join. I attempted every which way possible to make a less obvious join in my crochet basket rounds! Well, I finally nailed it…I’m sure there are other ways to achieve this, but this is what works for me. Check out my quick video tutorial here and have a go for yourself! Let me know if it works for you too! This stitch style is one of the most popular stitches used for crochet baskets. I love the look it gives and it’s quite ‘yarn efficient’. Don’t forget that the ‘joining’ stitch starts the next round, so if you are…
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Getting started with your base (for the experienced basket maker)
This is the condensed version of the ‘Getting Started’ tutorial for experienced crocheters and basket makers! Don’t forget that if you get stuck, you can also see the full video tutorial here. You will need: Basket base (I am using a 12cm base in the tutorial, but you can use any size – the process is exactly the same). T-shirt yarn A 5mm (or similar) crochet hook to ‘cast on’ A 7mm crochet hook for the basket walls (or whichever size you prefer to use for basket making) A small crochet hook (ie. 3.5 or 4mm hook) to weave in the end Note: *You will be working on the underneath…
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Let’s get started! How to ‘cast on’ to your basket base.
Congratulations! You have probably just purchased your first basket base and are thinking, ‘Now how am I supposed to use it?’ Well…you’ve come to the right place! This is an in depth tutorial for new crocheters, with limited basket making experience. If you are a seasoned basket maker, you might prefer to check out the instructions here. If you are a ‘watch it for real’ learner like me, click here to view the full video tutorial which will show you how to make your basket, from start to finish (or you can just skip to the parts you need). You will need: Basket base (I am using a 12cm base…