Crochet Basket Pattern: Storage Tote Basket with Handles, Striped Granny Tote Basket Crochet Pattern | PDF & Tutorial
There is something deeply satisfying about making something with your own hands that also serves a real purpose in your home. A crocheted basket sits right at that perfect intersection of craft and function — beautiful enough to display on a shelf, sturdy enough to hold your yarn stash, your kids’ toys, your blankets, or your bathroom essentials. Today I am sharing one of my all-time favorite makes: a Striped Granny Tote Basket with Handles. This crochet basket pattern is perfect for beginners who want a confidence-building project and for experienced crocheters who want a fast, satisfying weekend make.
Whether you are new to crochet or have been hooking for years, this storage tote basket will become one of those patterns you return to again and again. It works up quickly, uses basic stitches, and the result looks like something you would find in a boutique home décor shop. I have made at least a dozen of these in various color combinations as gifts, for my own home, and to sell at craft fairs. Every single time, people stop and ask where I bought it.
Keep reading for the full free pattern tutorial, yarn and hook recommendations, sizing tips, and a breakdown of every stitch you will need. A printable PDF version is also available so you can take this pattern with you wherever you crochet.
Why You Will Love This Crochet Basket Pattern
Before we dive into the actual pattern, let me tell you a little bit about why this design is so special and why it keeps coming back to my hook.
The striped granny tote basket design uses a modified version of the classic granny square construction — but instead of working in flat squares, we work in continuous rounds to build a structured, three-dimensional basket. The result is a beautifully textured fabric with that nostalgic, old-fashioned granny stitch look, but in a modern, clean silhouette that fits perfectly into contemporary home décor.
The handles are worked directly into the basket rather than attached separately, which means they are strong, secure, and perfectly integrated into the overall design. No sewing, no weaving in extra ends for handle attachment — it all comes together as one seamless piece.
The stripes add a pop of visual interest without adding complexity. You can customize the color combination to match any room in your home, making this one of the most versatile crochet home décor projects in my entire collection.
Materials You Will Need
Getting your materials together before you start is always a great idea. Here is everything you will need to complete this crochet storage basket.
Yarn: This pattern works best with a bulky or super bulky weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn. I recommend using 100% cotton or a cotton-acrylic blend for structure and washability. You will need approximately 300–400 yards of your main color (MC) and 100–150 yards of your contrasting color (CC). Cotton yarn holds its shape beautifully in baskets and softens slightly with use, which gives the finished piece a wonderful feel.
Some of my favorite yarns for this project are Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton in a bulky weight, Paintbox Yarns Simply Chunky Cotton, or any similar bulky cotton option from your local craft store. If you prefer a softer drape, a chunky wool or acrylic works well too, though the basket may be slightly less structured.
Crochet Hook: Use a 6.0 mm (J/10) crochet hook for bulky yarn, or a 5.5 mm (I/9) hook if your yarn runs on the thicker side. Always check your gauge before beginning — I will cover gauge below.
Other Supplies: A tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, stitch markers (optional but helpful for marking round beginnings), and a measuring tape.
Gauge and Sizing
Gauge in crochet is always important, but it is especially critical for a basket because you want the fabric to be dense enough to hold its shape. If your fabric is too loose and drapey, the basket will not stand up on its own.
Gauge: 12 stitches and 8 rows = 4 inches in double crochet using a 6.0 mm hook and bulky weight cotton yarn.
To check your gauge, make a small swatch of about 15 stitches and 10 rows in double crochet, then measure a 4-inch square in the center of your swatch. If your swatch matches, you are good to go. If your stitches are too big, try a smaller hook. If they are too small and tight, go up a hook size.
Finished Size (as written): Approximately 11 inches wide at the base, 9 inches tall (not including handles), and 10 inches across the top opening. Handles add approximately 4 inches of height. This makes a medium-sized tote basket that is perfect for storing throw blankets, yarn, toys, or bathroom towels.
You can easily adjust the size by changing your starting chain length (for a wider basket) or by adding or reducing rounds (for a taller or shorter basket).
Abbreviations and Stitches Used
This pattern uses standard US crochet terms. Here is a quick reference for every abbreviation used.
ch — chain
sl st — slip stitch
sc — single crochet
dc — double crochet
hdc — half double crochet
ch-sp — chain space
MC — main color
CC — contrasting color
rep — repeat
st(s) — stitch(es)
BLO — back loop only
rnd — round
The granny stitch cluster used throughout this pattern is worked as follows: 3 double crochet stitches worked into the same stitch or space, followed by a chain 1. This creates the signature open, clustered texture that makes granny stitch so beloved.
Pattern Notes Before You Begin
There are a few things worth knowing before you cast on your first stitch.
The basket base is worked flat in joined rounds, building from the center outward. Once the base reaches the desired size, you will join and begin working the sides upward. The sides are worked in continuous, joined rounds using the granny cluster stitch. Color changes happen at the beginning of a new round and are clean and easy to manage.
When you change colors, simply pull the new color through on the last pull-through of your final stitch in the previous round. Carry your non-working yarn loosely along the inside of the basket to avoid weaving in too many ends — though with only two colors, you will not have a huge number of ends regardless.
The handles are created by chaining across an opening at the top of the basket. This is easier than it sounds, and I will walk you through each step in detail.
The Full Pattern: Striped Granny Tote Basket with Handles
Step One — The Basket Base
Begin with your main color (MC).
Start with a magic ring (adjustable loop). If you prefer not to use a magic ring, chain 4 and join with a slip stitch to form a small ring.
Round 1: Chain 3 (counts as first dc throughout), work 11 dc into the ring. Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch-3. You will have 12 dc total. Pull the magic ring tight.
Round 2: Chain 3, dc in the same stitch, 2 dc in each stitch around. Join with sl st to top of ch-3. You will have 24 dc.
Round 3: Chain 3, dc in same stitch, dc in next stitch, 2 dc in next stitch, dc in next stitch — repeat from to around. Join with sl st. You will have 36 dc.
Round 4: Chain 3, dc in same stitch, dc in next 2 stitches, 2 dc in next stitch, dc in next 2 stitches — repeat around. Join with sl st. You will have 48 dc.
Round 5: Chain 3, dc in same stitch, dc in next 3 stitches, 2 dc in next stitch, dc in next 3 stitches — repeat around. Join with sl st. You will have 60 dc.
Round 6: Chain 3, dc in same stitch, dc in next 4 stitches, 2 dc in next stitch, dc in next 4 stitches — repeat around. Join with sl st. You will have 72 dc.
Your base should measure approximately 10–11 inches in diameter at this point. If you want a larger basket, continue adding rounds following the same increase pattern (add one more dc between increases each round). For a smaller basket, stop at Round 4 or 5.
Step Two — Transitioning to the Sides
To create the sharp corner that distinguishes the basket’s flat base from its upright sides, you will work one round through the back loop only (BLO). This creates a clean fold line.
Transition Round: Do not turn. Working in BLO only, chain 1, sc in each stitch around. Join with sl st to first sc. (72 sts)
This single round makes a huge difference in how the basket looks and holds its shape. It is one of my favorite little tricks for giving crochet baskets a professional, structured finish.
Step Three — The Striped Granny Sides
Now comes the fun part — building up those beautiful granny stitch sides with color stripes.
Rounds 1–3 (MC): Chain 4 (counts as dc + ch 1), skip 2 stitches, work a 3 dc cluster into next stitch, ch 1, skip 2 stitches — repeat around. Work your last cluster into the first skipped stitch if needed to close the round evenly. Join with sl st to 3rd ch of beginning ch-4. (24 clusters)
Fasten off MC at end of Round 3, leaving a 6-inch tail to weave in.
Rounds 4–5 (CC): Join CC with sl st into any ch-1 space. Chain 4 (counts as dc + ch 1), work 2 more dc into same ch-1 space (this completes your first cluster), ch 1, work 3 dc cluster into next ch-1 space, ch 1 — repeat around. Join with sl st. Work Round 5 the same way.
Fasten off CC.
Rounds 6–8 (MC): Join MC. Repeat granny cluster stitch as established for 3 rounds.
Fasten off MC.
Round 9 (CC): Join CC. Work one round of granny clusters.
Fasten off CC.
Rounds 10–12 (MC): Join MC. Work three rounds of granny clusters.
Do not fasten off. Continue to the handle round.
Step Four — Creating the Handles
The handles are worked by chaining over a section of stitches at the top of the basket, effectively creating a gap that forms each handle opening. You will make two handles positioned directly across from each other.
Handle Round:
Work across 8 clusters in the granny stitch pattern as established. At the 9th cluster position, instead of working into the ch-sp, chain 8, skip the next 4 clusters and their ch-spaces, then work the 14th cluster into the next ch-space as normal.
Continue working across the next 8 clusters normally. At the 23rd cluster position, chain 8 again, skip the next 4 clusters, and continue to the end of the round. Join with sl st.
Handle Reinforcement Round: Work all the way around, working sc evenly along the top of the basket. When you reach each chain-8 handle arch, work 10 sc evenly across the chain (do not work into the skipped spaces beneath). This reinforces each handle loop and gives it a finished, clean look.
Join with sl st. Fasten off and weave in all ends.
Finishing Your Basket
Once all your ends are woven in, give your basket a light blocking. For cotton yarn, you can simply dampen the basket with water, shape it with your hands, and let it air dry completely. This step is not strictly necessary, but it helps the basket relax into its final shape and makes the granny stitch texture look extra defined and beautiful.
If your basket needs extra structure (perhaps you used a softer yarn), you can stiffen it with a solution of one part white craft glue to one part water. Mix in a small bowl, apply it to the inside of the basket with a sponge, reshape, and let dry fully. This is optional and not needed with most cotton yarns.
Color Combination Ideas
One of the best things about this pattern is how dramatically different it can look with different color choices. Here are some of my favorite combinations I have used over the years.
A natural off-white main color with a terracotta stripe is one of the most popular combinations I have ever made — it sells out instantly at craft fairs and feels right at home in a boho or earthy-toned space. Navy and cream is a classic nautical look that works beautifully in bathrooms and beach houses. Sage green and warm white feels very fresh and Scandinavian. For a more playful nursery basket, try a soft yellow main color with a pale mint stripe.
Do not be afraid to try three or four colors by treating each group of rounds as a new color change. The pattern is flexible enough to accommodate as many color variations as you like.
How to Use Your Crochet Storage Tote Basket
This basket is genuinely one of the most useful things I keep in my home, and I have versions of it in almost every room. In the living room, a large version holds throw blankets and looks beautiful next to the sofa. In the bathroom, a smaller version corrals rolled towels or toiletry supplies. In a child’s bedroom, it is the perfect toy bin or book holder. In my craft room, I keep one exclusively for my current yarn project — hook, yarn, scissors, and pattern card all in one tidy place.
Because this pattern is worked in cotton, most baskets made with it are surface-washable or can even be laundered on a gentle cycle, making them practical as well as pretty.
Downloading the PDF Version
If you would like a printable version of this pattern to take with you to your favorite crochet spot, a PDF tutorial is available that includes the full written pattern, step-by-step photos, a stitch diagram, and a materials checklist. Having a printed copy on hand makes it easy to track your progress round by round without needing to scroll through your screen. The PDF is formatted to print cleanly on standard letter or A4 paper.
Final Thoughts
There is a reason the granny stitch has endured for generations — it is simple, rhythmic, endlessly customizable, and produces some of the most beautiful fabric in all of crochet. This Striped Granny Tote Basket takes that beloved stitch and turns it into something functional, modern, and genuinely impressive. Whether you are making it for yourself or as a handmade gift, this storage basket is the kind of project that makes people fall a little bit more in love with the craft.
I hope you enjoy making this pattern as much as I love sharing it. If you do make one, I would absolutely love to see your finished basket — tag your photos on social media and leave a comment below telling me what color combination you chose. Happy hooking!
