The Astia Tote Basket
For quite some time I have been eager to do a sturdy, large crochet basket that I could use as a laundry bin or a tote for toy storage. I’m happy to say I’m thrilled with the way this Astia Tote Basket has turned out.
Not only does it have a wonderful minimalist appeal for me because of the simple stitch for the sides, but I love that it can also have a bit of rustic charm. And those handles! On top of its sheer aesthetic grace, it’s also such an easy crochet basket to make.
The basket measures 13″ in diameter and 10″ in height, making it a great tote or storage bin to add extra functionality to your home. I love the neutral grey but I also plan to make it in cream and maybe sage. What color would you make this large crochet basket in?
To give this easy crochet basket a little more bulk and sturdiness, I used 2 strands of 4wt yarn and a half double crochet in the 3rd loop in a spiral so I’m not kidding when I say it’s an easy project. Can you say Netflix binge-watching and mindless crochet? This one whips up fairly quickly, too, and only requires assembly by sewing on the handles.
For more adorbs basket projects, check out my patterns for the Chunky Spa Basket, the 1 Skein Nesting Basket Set and the Farmhouse Basket.
LET’S GET MAKING! Scroll down for the FREE pattern for this easly large crochet basket OR you can PURCHASE the Ad-Free, printable version from my Etsy store HERE
SUPPLY LIST:
5.5 mm hook
Any Category 4 ww yarn (Yarn Used: Caron One Pound in Medium Grey Mix)
Approx yardage: 600 yards / 550 metres
6 or so large sewing pins
Scissors Tapestry needle
STITCHES/ABBREVIATIONS:
YO – yarn over
CH – chain
ST – stitch
SL ST – slip stitch
SC – single crochet
SC3rdL – single crochet 3rd loop
HDC – half double crochet HDC3rdL – half double crochet in the 3rd loop
SIZES:
One Size
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS:
10” from bottom to top of basket, 14” from bottom to top of handle, 13” diameter
GAUGE:
Not Important
DIFFICULTY LEVEL:
Intermediate
PATTERN & SIZING NOTES:
– The stitch count is given in parentheses ( ) at the end of each row
– The basket is made holding 2 strands of yarn together for an chunky style
– The bottom and sides of this basket are worked in joined rounds where the CH 2 at the beginning of a round DOES count as a stitch
– The sides of this easy crochet basket are worked in a continuous spiral – The handles of this basket are crocheted separately and sewn on to the sides to add visual interest as well as a little more stability to the basket sides
INSTRUCTIONS:
BOTTOM OF BASKET (for 15 Joined Rounds):
Holding 2 strands of yarn together, CH 3 then SL ST to the first CH (the other 2 CH’s count as your first ST as we begin our circle)
ROUND 1: (8 ST)
HDC 7 more stitches in to the circle, SL ST to the top of the CH 2, CH 2
ROUND 2: (16 ST)
HDC 1 additional ST in to the same ST as your CH 2, then HDC 2 ST in each remaining ST in the round, SL ST to the top of the CH 2, CH 2
ROUND 3: (24 ST)
HDC 1 additional ST in to the same ST as your CH 2, then [HDC 1 ST, then HDC 2 in 1 ST] repeating [ to ] to the end of the round, SL ST to the top of the CH 2, CH 2
ROUND 4: (32 ST)
HDC 1 additional ST in to the same ST as your CH 2, then [HDC 2 ST, then HDC 2 in 1 ST,] repeating [ to ] to the end of the round, SL ST to the top of the CH 2, CH 2
ROUND 5: (40 ST) large crochet basket
HDC 1 additional ST in to the same ST as your CH 2, then [HDC 3 ST, then HDC 2 in 1 ST] repeating [ to ] to the end of the round, SL ST to the top of the CH 2, CH 2
ROUND 6: (48 ST)
HDC 1 additional ST in to the same ST as your CH 2, then [HDC 4 ST, then HDC 2 in 1 ST] repeating [ to ] to the end of the round, SL ST to the top of the CH 2, CH 2
ROUND 7: (56 ST)
HDC 1 additional ST in to the same ST as your CH 2, then [HDC 5 ST, then HDC 2 in 1 ST] repeating [ to ] to the end of the round, SL ST to the top of the CH 2, CH 2
ROUND 8: (64 ST)
HDC 1 additional ST in to the same ST as your CH 2, then [HDC 6 ST, then HDC 2 in 1 ST] repeating [ to ] to the end of the round, SL ST to the top of the CH 2, CH 2
ROUND 9: (72 ST)
HDC 1 additional ST in to the same ST as your CH 2, then [HDC 7 ST, then HDC 2 in 1 ST] repeating [ to ] to the end of the round, SL ST to the top of the CH 2, CH 2
ROUND 10: (80 ST)
HDC 1 additional ST in to the same ST as your CH 2, then [HDC 8 ST, then HDC 2 in 1 ST] repeating [ to ] to the end of the round, SL ST to the top of the CH 2, CH 2
ROUND 11: (88 ST)
HDC 1 additional ST in to the same ST as your CH 2, then [HDC 9 ST, then HDC 2 in 1 ST] repeating [ to ] to the end of the round, SL ST to the top of the CH 2, CH 2
ROUND 12: (96 ST)
HDC 1 additional ST in to the same ST as your CH 2, then [HDC 10 ST, then HDC 2 in 1 ST] repeating [ to ] to the end of the round, SL ST to the top of the CH 2, CH 2
ROUND 13: (104 ST)
HDC 1 additional ST in to the same ST as your CH 2, then [HDC 11 ST, then HDC 2 in 1 ST] repeating [ to ] to the end of the round, SL ST to the top of the CH 2, CH 2
ROUND 14: (112 ST)
HDC 1 additional ST in to the same ST as your CH 2, then [HDC 12 ST, then HDC 2 in 1 ST] repeating [ to ] to the end of the round, SL ST to the top of the CH 2, CH 2
ROUND 15: (120 ST)
HDC 1 additional ST in to the same ST as your CH 2, then [HDC 13 ST, then HDC 2 in 1 ST] repeating [ to ] to the end of the round, SL ST to the top of the CH 2, CH 2
BODY OF BASKET (for 26 Rounds):
* from here on we will work in a spiral instead of joined rounds
* use a stitch marker to mark the 1st ST in your round
* 25 of these rounds will be HDC3rdL, the last round is SL ST
ROUND 1: (120 ST)
HDC3rdL of each ST around, you will be back to your CH 2 at the beginning, DO NOT CH again, work all stitches in a spiral
ROUND 2: (120 ST)
HDC in to that CH and HDC3rdL of each remaining ST in the round
ROUND 3 to 25: (120 ST + 8 added stitches)
HDC3rdL in each ST in the round, at the end of Round 25, add 8 additional ST’s as such: 4 x HDC3rdL, 4 SC3rdL so that we have moved the first ST in your round to line up with where the spiral began at the bottom of the basket (these will be covered with 1 of the sewn-on handles, so they won’t be seen)
ROUND 26: (120 ST)
SL ST in each ST in the round
Tie off and weave in ends (or leave to the end and weave all in when handles are secured if you like)
HANDLES x 2:
CH 70 + 1 to turn
ROW 1 to 4: (70 ST)
SC in each ST in the row, CH 1 and turn
ASSEMBLY:
– Take the first handle and line it up over top of where your rounds begin at the bottom of the basket and end at the top, so that the handle hides these portions
– Run the handle up, curve and run it back down the left side of with a 3.5” space between the handles, pin all to secure/pin
– Measure 12 ¼” from the side of each handle and secure/pin the other handle on the other side of the basket.
– Measure out 2 lengths of yarn approx. 4’ in length to sew on each handle
– Starting at the bottom of each handle, sew up, across the top, down the other side and across the bottom in a rectangle – sew in between each handle stitch and this hides the sewn stitches quite well. Do this with both handles.
– Tie off all ends and weave in all ends
Voila, a large crochet tote basket that will be a versatile addition to your home!
