Teardrop Basket Plant Hanger Free Crochet Patterns | Beautiful Hanging Planters
There is something quietly magical about a handmade plant hanger. The way the yarn wraps and knotts itself into something functional, the way a trailing pothos or a spiky cactus sits nestled inside a crocheted teardrop shape and catches the afternoon light — it transforms an ordinary corner of your home into something that feels intentional and alive. If you have been searching for a free crochet pattern for a teardrop basket plant hanger, you have come to exactly the right place.
This guide covers everything you need to know about crocheting beautiful teardrop-shaped hanging planters, from choosing the right materials to reading the pattern, understanding the stitches, and customizing your finished piece to suit your home. Whether you are a beginner picking up a hook for the first time or an experienced crocheter looking for a satisfying weekend project, these free patterns and tips are designed to get you from a skein of yarn to a stunning hanging display in just a few hours.
Why Teardrop-Shaped Plant Hangers Are So Popular
The teardrop or oval basket shape has become one of the most beloved silhouettes in modern boho home décor, and for very good reason. Unlike a flat macramé shelf or a simple knotted rope hanger, a crocheted teardrop basket actually cradles the pot. The rounded base supports the weight of the plant evenly, and the sides curve upward and then taper at the top, creating that characteristic teardrop outline that is both graceful and structurally sound.
Because crochet creates a fabric with natural stretch and give, it is also wonderfully forgiving. A pot that is slightly too large for a rigid holder will simply cause the crocheted yarn to expand a little. A pot that is slightly too small will sit loosely but can be secured with a simple knot. This adaptability makes crocheted hanging planters one of the most practical DIY décor choices you can make.
From a visual standpoint, the teardrop shape draws the eye upward, making ceilings feel higher and rooms feel more layered. When you hang a collection of teardrop planters at different heights — perhaps a cascading pothos in one, a trailing string of pearls in another, and a compact succulent in a third — the effect is lush, dynamic, and completely magazine-worthy.
Materials You Will Need
Before diving into the patterns themselves, let us talk about what you will need to gather. The good news is that crochet plant hangers are one of the most budget-friendly projects in the craft world. You do not need a large amount of yarn, and the tools list is short.
Yarn: For plant hangers, you want to choose a yarn that is strong, durable, and can handle a little moisture without deteriorating quickly. Cotton yarn is the gold standard here. It is sturdy, has minimal stretch, dries relatively fast after watering, and comes in a huge range of natural and dyed colors. Look for a medium-weight cotton yarn (labeled as worsted weight or size 4) for most teardrop hanger patterns. If you want a chunkier, more textured look, a bulky cotton or cotton-blend rope yarn works beautifully and crochets up faster.
Macramé cord can also be used with a crochet hook — the result has a slightly stiffer, more structured finish compared to soft yarn, and it lends itself especially well to neutral, earthy color palettes. For a softer, more pastel or colorful look, standard cotton yarn is your best bet.
Hook: A size 5mm (US H/8) or 6mm (US J/10) crochet hook works well for worsted-weight cotton. If you are using a chunky rope or bulky yarn, size up to a 9mm or 10mm hook. The larger the hook, the more open and airy the mesh of your basket will appear, which can be a beautiful effect and also lets you see your plants more clearly through the sides.
Other supplies: You will need a yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, a tape measure, a small pot or planter that fits the finished basket, a swivel ceiling hook, and approximately 3–4 meters of hanging cord or additional yarn to create the suspension cords at the top.
Understanding the Basic Structure of a Teardrop Hanger
Before you begin crocheting, it helps to understand the anatomy of the teardrop basket hanger so that the pattern steps make intuitive sense as you work through them.
The basket is worked in three sections. First, you crochet a flat oval or circular base. This is the bottom of the teardrop and it provides the platform on which your pot will sit. Second, you work up the sides of the basket, increasing gradually at first and then working even rounds to create the body — this is the wide, rounded midsection of the teardrop. Third, you decrease the stitches to create the tapered neck of the teardrop, and then transition into the hanging cords. The entire piece is worked in continuous rounds, which means there is no seaming involved and the construction is clean and seamless from the inside.
Free Pattern: Classic Teardrop Basket Plant Hanger
This pattern creates a basket that fits a standard 4-inch or 5-inch nursery pot. It works up in roughly two to three hours for an intermediate crocheter and slightly longer for a beginner.
Gauge: 14 stitches and 16 rows = 4 inches in single crochet with worsted-weight cotton and a 5mm hook. Gauge is not critical for this project, but consistent tension throughout will give you a neater finish.
Abbreviations used: ch = chain, sc = single crochet, inc = increase (2 sc in the same stitch), sl st = slip stitch, st = stitch, MR = magic ring.
Base:
Begin with a magic ring (or chain 4 and join with a slip stitch to form a ring if you find the magic ring technique difficult).
Round 1: Work 6 sc into the ring. Do not join; continue in a spiral. Place a stitch marker in the first stitch so you can track the beginning of each round. (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)
At the end of Round 6, you should have a flat circle approximately 3.5 inches in diameter. If you want a larger base for a bigger pot, continue in this pattern by adding one more sc before each inc in each subsequent round until you reach the desired diameter.
Sides:
Round 7: Working in the back loop only of each stitch, sc in each st around. (36 sts) — This round creates a clean, defined edge where the base meets the sides of the basket.
Rounds 8–12: Sc in each st around. (36 sts each round)
Round 13: [Sc 5, inc] repeat around. (42 sts)
Rounds 14–18: Sc in each st around. (42 sts each round)
Round 19: [Sc 6, inc] repeat around. (48 sts)
Rounds 20–24: Sc in each st around. (48 sts each round)
At this point your basket should be wide enough and deep enough to hold your pot comfortably. Try placing your pot inside — the sides should come roughly three-quarters of the way up. If you need a deeper basket, work more even rounds before moving on.
Tapering the neck:
Round 25: [Sc 6, sc2tog] repeat around. (42 sts) — sc2tog means insert hook into next st, pull up a loop, insert hook into following st, pull up a loop, yarn over and draw through all three loops (a single decrease).
Round 26: [Sc 5, sc2tog] repeat around. (36 sts)
Round 27: [Sc 4, sc2tog] repeat around. (30 sts)
Round 28: [Sc 3, sc2tog] repeat around. (24 sts)
Sl st into the next stitch, fasten off, and leave a long tail for finishing.
Creating the hanging cords:
Cut four lengths of yarn or cord, each measuring approximately 1.2 meters (about 4 feet). Fold each length in half and attach them evenly around the neck of the basket using a lark’s head knot — fold the cord in half, insert the loop through a stitch at the neck, pull the two loose ends through the loop and tighten. Space the four cords evenly around the 24 stitches at the neck opening so that the basket hangs level.
Gather all eight loose cord ends together (four pairs from the four lark’s head knots) and tie them together in a simple overhand knot approximately 30 centimeters above the basket. Trim the ends evenly if desired and attach to a swivel hook for hanging.
Free Pattern Variation: Open-Mesh Teardrop Hanger
If you prefer a more decorative, lacy appearance — perfect for showcasing colorful pots or plants with dramatic trailing stems — try this open-mesh variation. It uses the same basic teardrop shape but replaces the solid single crochet fabric with a simple mesh stitch.
Mesh stitch note: The mesh is worked by alternating chain spaces with single crochet stitches. Work [sc 1, ch 2, skip 2 sts] around instead of continuous sc rounds. On the next round, work [sc into the sc of the previous round, ch 2] to continue the mesh pattern.
For the base, work the solid single crochet rounds through Round 6 as described in the classic pattern — this gives the basket a stable, non-stretchy floor. Once you begin the sides in Round 7, switch to the mesh stitch. This will cause the sides to be more flexible and slightly more open, which is ideal for smaller, lighter pots.
Work the sides in mesh for approximately 10–14 rounds, then switch back to solid single crochet for 3 rounds before working the decrease rounds to taper the neck. The solid crochet at the top of the body and neck area will help the basket hold its shape and support the weight of the pot.
Tips for Getting Beautiful Results
Blocking: Cotton yarn responds extremely well to blocking. Once you have finished your basket, dampen it thoroughly with water, shape it around your pot or a similarly sized bowl, and allow it to dry completely in the sun if possible. You will be amazed at how much more professional and polished the finished piece looks after blocking.
Tension: Try to maintain consistent tension throughout. Plant hangers do not need to be worked tightly — in fact, a medium tension gives the basket a pleasant amount of structure while still being gentle on the yarn. If your tension tends to be tight, consider going up half a hook size.
Color: Neutral colors — natural cream, soft white, warm beige, terracotta, sage green — tend to photograph beautifully and complement most plants. That said, do not be afraid of a bold pop of color. A deep teal or burnt orange hanger can be a statement piece in a neutral room. You can also work the base in one color and switch to a complementary color for the body and neck.
Mixing sizes: Crochet several planters in different sizes and hang them at varying heights for a gallery-wall effect with plants. A trio of planters with 3-inch, 5-inch, and 7-inch pots creates a beautifully balanced visual arrangement.
Best Plants for Teardrop Crochet Hangers
Not every plant thrives in a hanging situation. For the best results — and the most dramatic visual impact — consider these popular choices.
Pothos are the classic hanging plant choice for a reason. They are nearly indestructible, trail beautifully, tolerate a wide range of light conditions, and look stunning cascading down from a teardrop hanger. String of pearls and string of hearts are two other trailing succulents that create spectacular visual effects when hung. The spherical or heart-shaped leaves catch the light and sway gently in any breeze.
Spider plants, with their cheerful arching leaves and baby plantlets, are also a wonderful choice. Air plants (tillandsias) need no soil at all and can sit directly inside the crocheted basket without a pot, which is a beautiful minimalist look.
For those who prefer potted herbs in their kitchen, a small pot of trailing thyme, rosemary, or mint in a teardrop hanger near a sunny window is both decorative and practical.
Caring for Your Crocheted Hanger
Cotton yarn can be hand-washed gently if it becomes dusty or dirty. Fill a basin with cool water and a small amount of mild soap, submerge the hanger, swish gently, rinse well, and press out excess water without wringing. Reshape and allow to dry flat or hang to dry — avoid placing it in a tumble dryer, as the heat can cause cotton to shrink and distort.
Check the hanging cords periodically for any signs of wear, especially if you have hung a particularly heavy pot. If any cord shows fraying or weakness, replace it before it fails. A pot falling from a crocheted hanger is both a mess and a sad loss of a plant you have cared for.
If you notice mold or mildew on the yarn — which can happen in very humid conditions or if water from the drainage holes regularly soaks the basket — remove the pot, hand wash the hanger thoroughly, and allow it to dry in the sun. UV light naturally helps inhibit mold growth. Choosing a pot with a saucer that catches drainage water is a simple preventative measure.
Making Crochet Plant Hangers as Gifts
Handmade teardrop plant hangers make extraordinarily thoughtful gifts. They are quick enough to make in an afternoon or evening, they are useful and decorative, and they feel genuinely personal in a way that a store-bought item simply cannot match. A hanger paired with a small pothos or a succulent cutting, wrapped in kraft paper and tied with twine, is a beautiful housewarming gift, birthday present, or thank-you gesture.
Consider personalizing a gift hanger by incorporating the recipient’s favorite color, or by using a variegated yarn that moves through a palette you know they love. You can also incorporate simple embellishments — wooden beads threaded onto the hanging cords before the final knot, a short fringe of cut yarn at the neck, or a length of metallic thread woven through the mesh for a subtle shimmer.
If you love the idea of turning this craft into a small side business, crocheted plant hangers sell beautifully on handmade marketplaces. A set of three matching hangers in coordinating colors or sizes is a particularly popular listing format.
Final Thoughts
A teardrop basket plant hanger is one of those rare crochet projects that is genuinely greater than the sum of its parts. It uses only a handful of stitches, requires no advanced techniques, and comes together quickly — yet the finished result looks effortlessly stylish, hand-crafted in the best possible sense, and completely at home in any modern interior. The free patterns shared in this guide give you two distinct approaches: a solid, structured classic basket and an open, airy mesh version, both built on the same teardrop shape that has made hanging planters such an enduring trend in home décor.
Whether you hang your finished planter in a sun-drenched kitchen window, a cozy bedroom corner, or a bright living room that badly needs a touch of green, you will find that the combination of a beautiful handmade hanger and a thriving plant creates something that consistently draws admiring comments. There is a quiet satisfaction in pointing to something on your wall or ceiling and saying that you made it — and with these free patterns, that satisfaction is only a few hours of stitching away. Grab your hook, pick your favorite cotton yarn, and get started.
