Crochet Hanging Basket: A Free Crochet Pattern

If you’ve been looking for a functional yet beautiful home décor project, a crochet hanging basket might be exactly what you need. These charming handmade baskets are perfect for holding trailing plants, storing small items in a bathroom or kitchen, or simply adding a bohemian touch to any room. The best part? You don’t need to spend a fortune at a boutique home goods store when you can make one yourself with just a few supplies and a bit of patience.

In this post, I’m sharing a complete free crochet pattern for a hanging basket that works up quickly, looks stunning in any space, and is sturdy enough to actually hold things. Whether you’re a beginner who has mastered the basics or an intermediate crocheter looking for a satisfying weekend project, this pattern is designed to be approachable without being boring.

Let’s dive in.

Why Crochet a Hanging Basket?

Before we get into the pattern itself, let me share why I think crochet hanging baskets are one of the most rewarding projects you can add to your queue.

First, they’re incredibly versatile. A finished crochet hanging basket can live in your kitchen holding small fruits or vegetables, hang in your bathroom to organize toiletries and rolled towels, or serve as a planter for a small pothos or trailing succulent. They work in nurseries, bedrooms, and covered porches. Wherever you put one, it adds warmth and texture that no store-bought basket can quite replicate.

Second, they’re made to last. When you use the right yarn — cotton or jute being the top choices — your handmade basket holds its shape and handles the weight of real objects. This isn’t delicate décor that has to sit behind glass. It’s functional art that earns its place in your home.

Third, they make wonderful gifts. A handmade crochet hanging basket paired with a small plant is one of the most thoughtful and personal gifts you can give for a housewarming, birthday, or holiday. People are genuinely touched when they receive something handmade, and a basket like this takes only a few hours to complete.

Finally, making your own lets you customize everything — the color, the length of the hanger, the size of the basket, and the type of yarn. You’re not limited to what’s on the shelf.

Materials You’ll Need

This pattern uses a straightforward materials list that you can find at most craft stores or online.

Yarn: Approximately 200–250 yards of worsted weight (size 4) cotton yarn. Cotton is ideal for baskets because it’s sturdy, holds its shape, and is easy to care for. Natural cotton in cream, off-white, or tan gives a classic macramé-inspired look, but any color works beautifully. You could also use a thicker cotton rope yarn if you want a chunkier result.

Hook: Size 5.0 mm (H/8) crochet hook. If you tend to crochet tightly, you may want to go up half a size to a 5.5 mm hook.

Ring or dowel: A 3-inch metal or wooden ring to anchor the top of the hanger. You can find these at craft stores in the macramé or floral sections. A wooden embroidery hoop (inner ring only) also works perfectly.

Scissors

Yarn needle for weaving in ends

Optional: A small plant pot or basket liner if you plan to use this as a planter. Some people like to crochet directly around a small pot, which gives even more structure.

Gauge and Sizing

Gauge: 14 sc x 16 rows = 4 inches in single crochet with worsted cotton yarn and a 5.0 mm hook.

Gauge isn’t critical for this project the way it is for garments, but keeping your tension consistent will help the basket hold its shape well.

Finished dimensions: The basket measures approximately 6 inches in diameter and 4 inches tall. The full hanging length from the ring to the bottom of the basket is approximately 18–20 inches. You can easily adjust the length of the hanging cords to suit your space.

Abbreviations Used in This Pattern

The pattern uses standard US crochet terminology.

ch – chain
sl st – slip stitch
sc – single crochet
dc – double crochet
hdc – half double crochet
st(s) – stitch(es)
MR – magic ring
inc – increase (two sc in the same stitch)
BLO – back loop only
sp – space
rep – repeat
rnd – round

Pattern Notes

This basket is worked in continuous rounds from the bottom up unless otherwise noted. Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round. The basket is worked in two sections: the base and the body, then the hanging cords are worked separately and attached to a ring at the top.

If you’re new to working in the round, this is a wonderful project to practice on. The continuous round method creates a seamless finish that looks very polished.

The Free Crochet Pattern: Crochet Hanging Basket

Part One: The Basket

Round 1: Starting with a magic ring, ch 1, work 6 sc into the ring, pull the tail to close. (6 sts)

Round 2: Inc in each st around. (12 sts)

Round 3: Sc 1, inc repeat around. (18 sts)

Round 4: Sc 2, inc repeat around. (24 sts)

Round 5: Sc 3, inc repeat around. (30 sts)

Round 6: Sc 4, inc repeat around. (36 sts)

Round 7: Sc 5, inc repeat around. (42 sts)

Round 8: Sc 6, inc repeat around. (48 sts)

You now have a flat circle that forms the base of your basket. It should measure approximately 5.5 to 6 inches across at this point.

Round 9 (turning round): Working in BLO (back loops only), sc in each st around. (48 sts)

Working in the back loops only in this round creates a defined edge and causes the sides of the basket to begin rising upward instead of continuing flat. This is a key step, so don’t skip it!

Rounds 10–14: Sc in each st around through both loops. (48 sts each round)

These five rounds create the straight walls of the basket. If you’d like a taller basket, simply add more rounds here before moving on.

Round 15 (optional texture round): Dc 2 in the same st, skip 1 st, sl st in next st repeat around.

This creates a simple shell-like texture along the top edge of the basket that adds a lovely decorative detail. It’s completely optional — if you prefer clean, straight sides, simply work one more round of sc instead.

Round 16: Sl st in each st around. Fasten off and weave in the tail end from your magic ring and any other ends. Set the basket aside.

Part Two: The Hanging Cords

This is where the project becomes truly fun. The hanging cords connect the basket to the ring and create that beautiful suspended effect.

You’ll be crocheting four separate cords and attaching them evenly around the basket’s top edge and to your ring.

Cord 1:

Using a slip knot, attach your yarn to the ring. Ch 55 (or adjust this number depending on how long you want your hanger to be — more chains equal a longer drop). Do not turn.

Now you’ll work back along the chain to create a flat, sturdy cord. Sl st in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across. (54 sl sts)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail of at least 8 inches for attaching to the basket.

Repeat this process three more times to create four cords total, spacing them evenly around the ring as you attach each one. If your ring has a natural top point (like a macramé ring with a hook), attach the first cord at the top and space the remaining three evenly around.

Attaching the Cords to the Basket

Count around the top edge of your basket and mark four evenly-spaced attachment points. With 48 stitches around the basket, this means you’ll attach one cord every 12 stitches.

Using the long tail from each cord and your yarn needle, sew each cord securely to one of the marked attachment points on the top edge of the basket. You’ll want to weave through multiple stitches and back again to make sure each cord is very secure before trimming the tails.

Once all four cords are attached, gather them together at the top and make sure the basket hangs level. If one side dips lower than the others, you can gently tug the corresponding cord to adjust the attachment point slightly, or you can add or remove a few chains from the next cord you make.

Optional Knot Detail

For a more polished, macramé-inspired look, you can tie a simple overhand knot in each cord a few inches below the ring. Gather all four cords together and tie them in one large overhand knot, then let them fan out down to the basket. This creates a beautiful gathered look and adds extra security.

Another lovely option is to tie the four cords in pairs: cords 1 and 2 together in a knot, and cords 3 and 4 together in a knot, at the midpoint between the ring and the basket. This creates a cradle-like effect that looks sophisticated and holds the basket very securely.

Finishing Touches

Once your basket is assembled and the cords are attached, give the whole thing a gentle tug in all directions to make sure everything is secure. Weave in any remaining yarn ends.

If you want to block the basket so it holds its shape better, lightly mist it with water, shape it by hand, and allow it to dry completely. Cotton yarn responds beautifully to wet blocking and the finished shape will be noticeably more defined.

For plant use, place a small saucer or a plastic liner inside the basket before adding your plant. This protects the yarn from constant moisture, which can eventually weaken even the sturdiest cotton fibers.

Yarn Suggestions and Substitutions

The best yarns for crochet hanging baskets are those that have some structure and don’t stretch excessively. Here are a few that work especially well.

Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton is a longtime favorite in the crochet community for good reason. It’s mercerized, which gives it a slight sheen and a lot of body, and it comes in a wide range of colors. It also washes very well, which matters if your basket is going somewhere like a kitchen or bathroom.

Paintbox Yarns Simply Cotton Worsted is another excellent choice, particularly if you’re working with a budget. It’s smooth, consistent, and available in a beautiful range of modern colors.

Cascade Ultra Pima is a step up in quality and drape. If you want a basket that looks particularly polished and refined, this yarn delivers.

If you want a more natural, rustic look, consider working with a jute twine or macramé cord instead of traditional yarn. You’ll need to adjust your hook size accordingly — most jute cord works well with a 4.0 or 4.5 mm hook — and the texture will be rougher, but the result has an earthy, organic quality that looks stunning with succulents and air plants.

Customization Ideas

One of the greatest joys of making your own crochet hanging basket is that you can make it entirely your own. Here are some ideas to spark your creativity.

Add fringe. Cut lengths of yarn twice the length you want the fringe to be, fold each piece in half, and use a crochet hook to attach them through the stitches along the bottom of the basket. Trim to an even length for a clean boho look.

Try a different stitch for the body. The body of the basket in this pattern uses simple single crochet, which creates a tight, sturdy fabric. But you could substitute half double crochet for a slightly more open texture, or work a row of mesh stitches for a lacier look. Keep in mind that more open stitches mean less support for whatever you’re storing.

Make it multicolor. Switch yarn colors at any round to create stripes. Changing at Round 9 (the turning round) so the base is one color and the walls are another is a classic look that always turns out beautifully.

Adjust the size. To make a larger basket, simply continue increasing in the base section for one or two more rounds before working Round 9. To make a smaller basket (perfect for air plants or a single trailing vine), stop increasing at Round 5 or 6.

Make a set. Three hanging baskets at staggered heights on the same wall, planted with trailing pothos or ivy, creates a stunning living wall display that genuinely transforms a room.

Caring for Your Crochet Hanging Basket

Cotton crochet baskets are quite easy to care for. If yours gets dusty, shake it out gently or use a soft brush to remove debris. For deeper cleaning, hand wash in cool water with a small amount of gentle dish soap or wool wash. Rinse thoroughly, gently squeeze out excess water (never wring), and reshape while damp. Allow to air dry completely before rehanging or refilling.

If you’ve used the basket as a planter, remove the plant and liner first, clean as above, and allow everything to dry thoroughly before reassembling. This prevents mold and keeps your basket looking fresh for years.

A Few Tips for Success

If this is your first time working in the round, the magic ring can feel awkward at first. Practice it a few times with scrap yarn before starting your basket. Once it clicks, you’ll use it constantly.

If your basket base is curling or cupping rather than lying flat, you may be crocheting too tightly. Try going up a hook size for the base rounds.

If the sides of your basket flare outward rather than rising straight up, make sure you worked Round 9 in the back loops only. That structural round is what forces the fabric to turn upward.

Keep your tension consistent throughout the basket walls. Inconsistent tension is the most common reason a basket ends up looking uneven, and the fix is simply to slow down and stay mindful of your stitches.

Final Thoughts

A crochet hanging basket is one of those projects that punches far above its weight. The finished result looks complex and intentional, but the construction is genuinely accessible to anyone who can single crochet in the round and work a basic chain cord. You’ll likely finish your first one and immediately want to make more — different sizes, different colors, different hanging lengths — because they’re so satisfying to work up and so gratifying to display.

Whether you make this for yourself, for a friend, or as a gift, I hope you love the process as much as the finished piece. If you make a crochet hanging basket using this pattern, I’d love to see it. Share your finished project and tag me — there’s nothing more inspiring than seeing how different makers bring the same pattern to life in completely unique ways.

Happy crocheting!