Easy Crochet Laundry Basket Pattern | Modern Home Storage Tutorial
There is something deeply satisfying about making your own home storage pieces. When a functional object is also beautiful, and when you made it yourself with your own hands, every single time you use it carries a little extra meaning. That is exactly what this crochet laundry basket delivers — a sturdy, spacious, and genuinely stylish storage basket that will look right at home in a modern bedroom, bathroom, or nursery.
This pattern is designed for beginners who are ready to take on their first large project, as well as intermediate crocheters looking for a satisfying weekend make. The stitches are simple and repetitive, which means you can settle into a rhythm and enjoy the process rather than constantly checking your hook and counting stitches. If you can chain, single crochet, and work in continuous rounds, you have everything you need to complete this basket.
Let’s walk through everything from materials to the final stitch.
Why Crochet Your Own Laundry Basket?
Before diving into the pattern, it is worth talking about why crocheted baskets have become such a popular home décor choice in recent years. Store-bought laundry baskets are often made from plastic, which cracks over time, looks cheap, and rarely matches the aesthetic of a thoughtfully decorated room. Wicker and rattan options are beautiful but can be expensive and fragile, and they are difficult to clean if something spills inside them.
A crocheted basket made from cotton rope or chunky yarn sits in a sweet spot. It is durable enough to hold a full load of laundry, flexible enough that it will not crack or splinter, machine washable depending on the yarn you choose, and completely customizable in terms of color and size. You can make one that perfectly matches your bedroom palette, add handles in a contrasting color, or keep it a clean neutral that goes with everything.
There is also the deeply practical element of cost. A quality textile laundry basket from a home décor store can easily run forty to eighty dollars. With this pattern and a few rolls of cotton rope, you can make something comparable — or even superior — for a fraction of that price. And once you have made one, you will likely want to make several more in different sizes for bathroom storage, toy organization, or blanket corralling.
Materials You Will Need
Getting your materials sorted before you begin makes the whole process smoother. Here is what you need to complete this project.
Yarn: The best choice for a laundry basket is a thick cotton rope or T-shirt yarn, sometimes called zpagetti yarn. You want something with structure that will hold its shape under the weight of clothing. Look for a yarn labeled as super bulky (weight 6) or jumbo (weight 7). Approximately 500 to 700 grams will complete a standard laundry basket that measures about 12 inches tall and 14 inches in diameter. If you want a larger basket, plan for closer to 900 grams.
Cotton macramé cord in a 5mm thickness is another excellent option and comes in beautiful natural and dyed colors. It produces a slightly more textured finish and an extremely sturdy structure.
Hook: A 10mm or 12mm crochet hook is ideal for this project. The large hook size is part of what makes the work go quickly — you will be surprised how fast the basket grows. An ergonomic handle is worth considering for a project this size, since the chunky yarn can put more strain on your hand than lighter work.
Scissors and yarn needle: You will need sharp scissors for cutting your yarn at the end and a large-eye yarn needle for weaving in your ends securely.
Stitch markers: Optional but genuinely helpful. Because this basket is worked in continuous rounds rather than joined rounds, a stitch marker placed at the beginning of each round will save you from losing count.
Optional: If you want handles, you will need a slightly contrasting or complementary yarn in the same weight, or you can work them in the same yarn as the basket body. A piece of cardboard cut into a circle matching your base diameter can also be inserted into the bottom for extra structure, though the cotton rope tends to be stiff enough that this is not strictly necessary.
Gauge and Sizing
Because this basket is a home storage item rather than a garment, gauge does not need to be precise. What matters is that your fabric is tight enough to hold its shape and not too loose or floppy. Work a few test stitches and check that your fabric feels firm. If it drapes too softly, go down a hook size. If it feels stiff and difficult to work, go up a hook size.
The finished measurements for this pattern as written are approximately 14 inches in diameter at the base and 12 inches tall, which holds a substantial amount of laundry. For a smaller storage basket or bathroom organizer, simply stop adding increase rounds sooner and work fewer body rounds. For a larger hamper, extend both sections.
Pattern Abbreviations
ch — chain
sl st — slip stitch
sc — single crochet
MR — magic ring (also called magic circle)
rnd — round
st — stitch
BLO — back loop only
The Pattern
Creating the Base
The base of this basket is worked in a spiral, which means you do not join rounds with a slip stitch and chain. Instead, you simply continue crocheting from one round into the next. Place a stitch marker at the first stitch of each round and move it up as you complete each round.
Round 1: Create a magic ring. Work 6 single crochet stitches into the ring. Pull the ring closed snugly. (6 sts)
Round 2: Work 2 single crochet stitches into each stitch around. (12 sts)
Round 3: [Single crochet in the next stitch, 2 single crochet in the following stitch] repeat around. (18 sts)
Round 4: [Single crochet in the next 2 stitches, 2 single crochet in the following stitch] repeat around. (24 sts)
Round 5: [Single crochet in the next 3 stitches, 2 single crochet in the following stitch] repeat around. (30 sts)
Round 6: [Single crochet in the next 4 stitches, 2 single crochet in the following stitch] repeat around. (36 sts)
Round 7: [Single crochet in the next 5 stitches, 2 single crochet in the following stitch] repeat around. (42 sts)
Round 8: [Single crochet in the next 6 stitches, 2 single crochet in the following stitch] repeat around. (48 sts)
Round 9: [Single crochet in the next 7 stitches, 2 single crochet in the following stitch] repeat around. (54 sts)
Round 10: [Single crochet in the next 8 stitches, 2 single crochet in the following stitch] repeat around. (60 sts)
At the end of round 10, your base should measure approximately 14 inches in diameter and lie flat without curling. If it is curling upward at the edges, your tension may be too tight and you can try going up half a hook size. If it is ruffling or waving, your tension is too loose.
Building the Sides
This is where the basket transforms from a flat circle into a three-dimensional container. The key technique is working in the back loop only (BLO) for the transition round, which creates a clean, defined edge at the bottom of the basket walls.
Round 11 (transition round): Working in BLO across all stitches, single crochet in each stitch around. (60 sts)
This round is what creates that lovely crisp fold that defines the base from the sides. It is a small detail that makes a significant difference in the finished look.
Rounds 12 through 23: Single crochet in each stitch around through both loops. (60 sts each round)
Continue working in a spiral, single crocheting into each stitch, until your basket sides measure approximately 11 to 12 inches tall, or until you reach your desired height. This section is wonderfully meditative — the stitch count stays consistent and you can simply count your rounds and watch the basket grow.
Adding the Rim
The rim gives the top of the basket a finished, polished look and adds extra structure so the edge does not flop outward.
Round 24: Slip stitch into each stitch around, joining at the end with a slip stitch to close the round.
Alternatively, for a more decorative rim, you can work a round of reverse single crochet (also called crab stitch) around the top edge. This stitch is worked from left to right rather than the usual right to left and creates a beautiful twisted rope effect that looks intentional and professional. It takes a moment to get used to working in the opposite direction, but the result is worth it.
Making the Handles
Handles are optional but make the basket much more practical for carrying laundry to and from the machine. Work two handles placed opposite each other on the basket.
To find the placement, count your stitches and divide by two. The first handle will start at stitch 1 and the second will start at stitch 31 (or the stitch directly across from the first).
To make each handle: With your hook, join yarn at your chosen starting stitch. Chain 20 (or more for a longer handle, keeping in mind that longer handles will be floppier). Skip the next 6 stitches on the basket rim and slip stitch into the 7th stitch. Work single crochet stitches back across the chain, then slip stitch into the starting stitch to complete the handle loop.
For extra strength, work a second row of single crochet back across the handle. Fasten off and weave in your ends thoroughly, since handles take the most strain.
Repeat for the second handle at the opposite side of the basket.
Tips for a Beautiful Finish
A few small habits will significantly elevate the quality of your finished basket.
Keep your tension consistent. Because you are working with thick rope rather than delicate yarn, inconsistencies in tension are more visible. Try to pull each stitch to the same tightness throughout. If you notice your stitches getting tighter as you go — which is common when your hands get tired — take breaks and shake out your hands periodically.
Weave in your ends with care. At the base of the basket, weave the starting tail in several different directions through the surrounding stitches for at least two inches. The same applies to any yarn joins or color changes. Chunky cotton rope can be deceptively slippery and a tail woven in only one direction may work loose over time.
Block your base if needed. If the base of your basket is slightly uneven or has a small dome to it, you can wet block it by lightly dampening the base and pressing it flat. Let it dry completely before beginning the sides.
Work the transition round firmly. Round 11, the back loop only round, sets the shape of your basket. Pull it a little tighter than your usual tension if needed. A clean, right-angle fold between the base and the sides gives the basket a structured, modern look.
Color and Customization Ideas
One of the greatest joys of making your own storage is the ability to tailor it to your space. Here are a few directions worth considering.
A classic natural cotton rope in undyed cream or off-white is timeless and works in virtually any room. It has a quiet, organic quality that complements both minimalist and maximalist interiors.
For a more contemporary look, consider a basket in a deep forest green, dusty terracotta, or slate gray. These colors are popular in modern home décor and will photograph beautifully if you share your work on social media.
Stripes are an easy way to add visual interest. Simply join a new color at the beginning of a round and carry or cut the previous color as needed. Two or three horizontal stripes in the body of the basket look intentional and stylish without requiring any additional technique.
You can also mix textures. Some crocheters use a smooth cotton rope for the base and a slightly more textured or braided yarn for the sides, which creates an interesting contrast.
For a nursery or children’s room, a white basket with a single band of a soft pink, mint, or yellow is sweet without being babyish, and will grow with the space as the child does.
Caring for Your Crocheted Basket
Most cotton rope and T-shirt yarn baskets can be spot cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap for small marks. If the basket needs a more thorough wash, check your yarn’s care label. Many cotton ropes are machine washable on a gentle cold cycle, though it is best to air dry rather than put the basket in a dryer, as heat can cause shrinkage and distortion in the structure.
Keep heavy or sharp items from pressing against the sides from the inside over long periods, as this can distort the shape over time. With normal use, however, a well-made cotton rope basket should last for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute a different yarn? Yes, any super bulky or jumbo yarn will work, but structure is important. Fluffy or loosely spun yarns will not produce the same firmness. If you use a softer yarn, consider going down a hook size to tighten the fabric.
What if I run out of yarn mid-project? Join new yarn at the beginning of a round rather than mid-round whenever possible. To join, fasten off your current yarn leaving a tail, then join the new yarn with a slip knot and continue from the same stitch. Weave both tails in carefully.
My base is curling — how do I fix it? Blocking will help, as mentioned above. You can also try going up a hook size for the base rounds only, then switching back to your original hook for the sides.
Can I make this without a magic ring? Yes. Chain 4 and join with a slip stitch to form a ring, then work your first round of single crochets into the ring. The center will have a small visible hole rather than the closed center of a magic ring, but it will be functionally the same.
Final Thoughts
This crochet laundry basket is one of those projects that delivers outsized satisfaction relative to the skill level required. The stitches are simple, the rhythm is calming, and the end result is genuinely useful — something you will reach for every single day. It also makes a wonderful handmade gift. A basket filled with some nice bath products or rolled-up dish towels is a thoughtful and impressive housewarming present that any home can use.
Once you have made one, the variations are nearly endless. Scale it down for a small bathroom counter organizer. Scale it way up for a living room blanket hamper. Change the colors with every season if you like. The basic structure stays exactly the same.
If you make this basket, consider sharing a photo in the comments or tagging it on social media — there is nothing more motivating than seeing how differently every maker interprets the same pattern. Happy crocheting.
