The Cundy Hanging Basket Free Crochet Patterns
If you’ve been searching for a beautiful, functional, and budget-friendly way to display your favorite plants, the Cundy Hanging Basket crochet pattern might be exactly what you’ve been looking for. This charming project combines the timeless art of crochet with practical home décor, giving you a stunning handmade piece that looks gorgeous on any porch, balcony, or indoor space. Whether you’re a seasoned crocheter or someone who’s just getting comfortable with the basics, the Cundy Hanging Basket pattern offers a rewarding experience from the very first stitch to the final hanging knot.
In this post, we’re going to walk through everything you need to know about the Cundy Hanging Basket free crochet pattern, including the materials you’ll need, the stitches involved, tips for customizing your basket, and some helpful advice for beginners and experienced crafters alike. By the end, you’ll feel confident enough to pick up your hook and start creating this gorgeous piece for yourself, as a gift, or to sell at your next craft fair.
What Is the Cundy Hanging Basket?
The Cundy Hanging Basket is a crocheted plant holder designed to cradle a pot or a small container while hanging from a hook, ceiling beam, or bracket. The design typically features an open, lacy mesh structure that allows light to filter through, making it ideal for displaying flowering plants, succulents, herbs, or trailing greenery. The pattern takes its name from its creator and has grown in popularity among the crochet and fiber arts community because of its elegant simplicity and how well it photographs — which is always a bonus if you love sharing your projects online.
What makes this pattern particularly appealing is that it’s offered for free, making it accessible to everyone. You don’t need to invest in expensive software or paid patterns to get started. All you need is a bit of yarn, a crochet hook, and some patience, and you’ll have a functional piece of home décor that looks like it came straight from a boutique shop.
Materials You Will Need
Before diving into the pattern itself, let’s gather your supplies. Having everything ready before you start will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Yarn: For hanging baskets, you want a yarn that has some durability and structure. Cotton yarn is the most popular choice for this type of project because it holds its shape well, is resistant to moisture, and comes in an enormous range of colors. A medium weight (worsted weight or DK weight) cotton yarn works beautifully for this pattern. You can also experiment with jute twine for a more rustic, natural look, or macramé cord if you prefer a thicker, boho-inspired result.
Crochet Hook: The hook size you choose will depend on the yarn you select. For worsted weight cotton, a 5mm (H/8) hook is a great starting point. For DK weight yarn, try a 4mm (G/6) hook. Always check your yarn label for the recommended hook size, though with a basket pattern, going slightly looser than the recommendation can actually work in your favor by creating a more flexible, open fabric.
A Pot or Liner: You’ll want to have the pot or container you intend to use nearby so you can test the fit as you work. A standard 4-inch or 6-inch nursery pot fits well with most hanging basket patterns of this type.
Scissors and a Yarn Needle: You’ll need scissors to cut your yarn at the end and a tapestry or yarn needle to weave in your ends cleanly.
A Swivel Hook or S-hook: For hanging your finished basket, a simple metal swivel hook from the hardware store works perfectly. This also prevents the basket from twisting as your plant shifts toward the light.
Stitch Markers (optional but helpful): If you’re working in rounds, stitch markers help you keep track of where each round begins and ends.
Stitches and Skills Used
The Cundy Hanging Basket uses a combination of basic and intermediate crochet stitches. If you’re comfortable with the following techniques, you’re ready to tackle this pattern:
Chain (ch): The foundation of nearly every crochet project. You’ll use chains throughout this pattern, especially to create the hanging cords and decorative mesh sections.
Slip Stitch (sl st): Used to join rounds and move across stitches without adding height.
Single Crochet (sc): A short, tight stitch used in the base and rim of the basket to give it structure.
Half Double Crochet (hdc): Slightly taller than a single crochet, the hdc adds a bit of flexibility and drape to the sides of the basket.
Double Crochet (dc): The primary stitch used in the mesh body of the basket. Double crochet stitches create that open, airy look that allows you to see the pot inside.
Chain Spaces (ch sp): Working chains between stitches creates the lacy mesh effect that makes hanging baskets look so elegant.
Magic Ring (or adjustable ring): The base of the basket typically starts with a magic ring, which allows you to close the center tightly with no hole. If you’re not comfortable with the magic ring technique yet, you can alternatively chain 4 and join with a slip stitch to form a ring.
If any of these stitches are unfamiliar, a quick search on YouTube will turn up dozens of clear, beginner-friendly tutorials. Getting comfortable with these basics before starting the pattern will save you time and frustration.
The Cundy Hanging Basket Free Crochet Pattern
Here is a straightforward version of the Cundy Hanging Basket pattern. This size is designed to fit a 4-inch nursery pot. Feel free to adjust the stitch counts to accommodate a larger or smaller pot.
Gauge: Approximately 14 dc x 8 rows = 4 inches in double crochet with worsted weight cotton yarn. Gauge is not critical for this project, but it’s helpful to know your baseline.
Finished Size: Approximately 4 inches in diameter at the base, 5 inches tall in the body, with hanging cords reaching about 12 inches.
Base
Start with a magic ring.
Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), work 11 dc into the ring. Join with sl st to top of ch-3. (12 dc)
Round 2: Ch 3, dc in same stitch, 2 dc in each stitch around. Join with sl st to top of ch-3. (24 dc)
Round 3: Ch 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 to top of ch-3. (36 dc)
Round 4: Ch 3, dc in same stitch, dc in next 2 stitches. 2 dc in next stitch, dc in next 2 stitches. Repeat from to around. Join with sl st to top of ch-3. (48 dc)
At this point, try placing your pot on top of the base. The base should sit just beneath it without buckling. If it seems too small, add one more increase round following the same pattern. If it’s too large, go back and remove the last round.
Sides
Round 5: Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, working into the back loop only. Join with sl st to first sc. (48 sc)
Working into the back loop only in this round creates a sharp, defined fold between the base and the sides, giving your basket a clean, structured look.
Round 6: Ch 4 (counts as dc + ch 1), skip next stitch, dc in next stitch, ch 1, skip next stitch. Repeat from to around. Join with sl st to 3rd ch of ch-4. (24 dc, 24 ch-1 spaces)
Round 7: Sl st into next ch-1 space, ch 4 (counts as dc + ch 1), dc in next ch-1 space, ch 1. Repeat from to around. Join with sl st to 3rd ch of ch-4. (24 dc, 24 ch-1 spaces)
Rounds 8–10: Repeat Round 7 three more times.
Round 11: Ch 3, dc in each ch-1 space and each dc around. Join with sl st to top of ch-3. (48 dc)
Round 12: Ch 1, sc in each stitch around. Join with sl st to first sc. (48 sc)
This final round of single crochet creates a solid, tidy rim for your basket.
Hanging Cords
To make the hanging cords, you’ll work three equally spaced attachment points around the rim of the basket.
Find the point directly across from your starting tail. Count 16 stitches in either direction and mark those two points — these, along with your starting point, divide the basket rim into three equal sections of 16 stitches each.
At each marked stitch, attach your yarn and chain approximately 50 stitches (or to your desired cord length). Slip stitch back down the chain to reinforce it, then fasten off.
Gather the three cords at the top and tie them together in a secure overhand knot. Thread them through a swivel hook or tie them around an S-hook. Adjust the knot placement to ensure the basket hangs level.
If you prefer a more decorative cord, you can work a simple twisted cord by cutting several long strands of yarn, folding them in half, and twisting them tightly before folding again. This gives you a thick, rope-like cord that adds to the overall look.
Tips for Customizing Your Cundy Hanging Basket
One of the most delightful things about free crochet patterns is how endlessly customizable they are. Here are some ideas to make your Cundy Hanging Basket truly your own.
Color Play: Rather than sticking to a single solid color, try striping your basket by changing yarn colors at the beginning of each round. A white-and-green combination looks fresh and botanical, while a terracotta-and-cream pairing feels warm and earthy. A rainbow stripe gives the basket a cheerful, bohemian personality.
Texture Additions: You can add extra visual interest by incorporating bobble stitches, shell stitches, or puff stitches into the sides of the basket. Even just one round of shells before the final rim can take the design from simple to showstopping.
Fringe: After completing the basket, cut short lengths of yarn and attach them to the rim using a lark’s head knot for a boho fringe effect. This works especially well in natural jute or cream cotton.
Beads: If you’re working with a smooth cotton yarn, you can pre-thread wooden beads onto your yarn and incorporate them into the chain stitches of your hanging cords for a decorative detail that catches the light.
Size Adjustments: To make a larger basket for a 6-inch or 8-inch pot, simply continue adding increase rounds to the base (adding 12 stitches per increase round) and add extra rows to the sides. The mesh pattern repeats easily, so scaling up is straightforward.
Lining: If you plan to plant directly into your basket (without a separate pot), consider crocheting a tighter base and sides using single crochet throughout, then lining the inside with burlap or a piece of plastic sheeting before adding your potting mix. This keeps the moisture from breaking down the yarn too quickly.
Caring for Your Crocheted Hanging Basket
Cotton yarn is wonderfully practical when it comes to maintenance. Most cotton hanging baskets can be hand-washed gently in cool water with a mild dish soap or wool wash, then laid flat or hung to dry in a shaded area. Avoid soaking the basket for extended periods if it has a pot inside, as prolonged moisture can lead to mildew.
If you’re using your basket outdoors, bring it inside during heavy rain or frost if possible. While cotton is fairly resilient, extended exposure to the elements will wear down the fibers over time. Spraying your finished basket with a fabric protector spray can also help extend its life if it lives on a covered porch.
Every season or two, give your basket a good inspection. Look for any stretched or worn areas, and don’t hesitate to reinforce weak spots with a yarn needle and matching thread before they become holes.
Why Crochet Hanging Baskets Make Such Great Gifts and Craft Fair Items
If you’re a maker who sells your work or gives handmade gifts, crochet hanging baskets are a wonderful item to have in your repertoire. They’re relatively quick to complete once you’ve practiced the pattern a few times — an experienced crocheter can finish one in just a few hours. They also photograph beautifully, which makes them excellent for online shops and social media.
Because they’re functional as well as decorative, hanging baskets appeal to a wide audience. Plant lovers, home decorators, people who appreciate handmade goods, and anyone setting up a new home are all potential customers or grateful recipients. Pairing a finished basket with a small succulent or air plant creates a ready-to-gift package that feels thoughtful and complete.
Pricing your work fairly means factoring in the cost of your materials, the time you’ve invested, and the value of a handmade item. Don’t underprice yourself — a well-made crocheted hanging basket is a unique, artisanal product, and people who appreciate handcraft are willing to pay accordingly.
Joining the Crochet Hanging Basket Community
Once you’ve completed your first Cundy Hanging Basket, you’ll likely want to make more — it happens to almost everyone who tries this pattern. The crochet community online is wonderfully warm and supportive, and there are countless groups on Facebook, forums on Ravelry, and communities on Instagram and Pinterest where crafters share their finished projects, troubleshoot tricky spots in patterns, and cheer each other on.
Sharing your finished basket with a photo and tagging the pattern creator is a lovely way to show appreciation for their work, especially since the pattern is offered for free. It also helps other crafters discover the pattern and gives you a record of your own creative journey.
Whether you hang your Cundy Basket in a sunny kitchen window trailing with ivy, display it on your front porch with a cheerful petunia, or gift it to a friend with a hand-planted succulent arrangement inside, the result is something made with intention and care — and that always shows.
Final Thoughts
The Cundy Hanging Basket free crochet pattern is one of those projects that sits perfectly at the intersection of beauty and function. It’s approachable enough for crafters who are still building their skills, interesting enough to keep experienced hookers engaged, and versatile enough to adapt to almost any aesthetic you love. Because it’s free, there’s no barrier to diving in and giving it a try, and with just a skein or two of cotton yarn, you can create something that genuinely enhances your living space.
So grab your hook, pick your favorite color of cotton yarn, and find yourself a cozy spot to sit. Your first Cundy Hanging Basket is waiting to be made — and your plants are going to look absolutely stunning in it.
