Crocheted Easter Basket with Decorative Eggs and Animals

Materials:

• Worsted weight yarn in red, white, yellow, purple, green, and other colors for the eggs.
• Crochet hook size G/4.0 mm.
• Fiberfill stuffing.
• Tapestry needle.
• Scissors.

Gauge:

Exact gauge is not crucial for this project. Ensure your stitches are tight enough to hold stuffing securely.

Abbreviations:

• ch – chain
• sc – single crochet
• inc – increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
• dec – decrease (single crochet two stitches together)
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• * * – repeat instructions between asterisks

Instructions:

Basket:

1. Base: Use brown yarn. Round 1: Magic ring, 6 sc in the ring. (6 sts) Round 2: Inc around. (12 sts) Round 3: *sc, inc* around. (18 sts) Round 4: *2 sc, inc* around. (24 sts) Continue increasing in this pattern until you reach the desired base width.
2. Sides: Sc in each st around, without increasing, to create the height of the basket (approximately 10 rounds or desired height).
3. Finishing: Fasten off and weave in the ends.

Decorative Eggs:

Repeat the following pattern in various colors:

1. Magic ring, 6 sc in the ring. (6 sts)
2. Inc in each st around. (12 sts)
3. *Sc, inc* around. (18 sts)
4. *2 sc, inc* around. (24 sts)
5. Sc in each st for 5 rounds.
6. *2 sc, dec* around. (18 sts)
7. *Sc, dec* around. (12 sts)
8. Stuff the egg with fiberfill.
9. Dec around. (6 sts)
10. Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Sew the opening closed and weave in the ends.

Decorative Hen:

1. Magic ring, 6 sc in the ring. (6 sts)
2. Inc around. (12 sts)
3. *Sc, inc* around. (18 sts)
4. Continue in this pattern until the base is wide enough. (about 24 sts)
5. Sc around for 5 rounds.
6. Stuff lightly with fiberfill. Fasten off.
7. Add a red comb and beak using separate yarn pieces and sew them onto the top of the hen.

Finishing Touches:

• Assemble the basket by arranging the eggs and hen as desired.
• If desired, crochet flowers or other embellishments separately and sew onto the basket.