The Woven Willow Storage Basket: A Chunky Crochet Basket with Braided Handles

There's something deeply satisfying about creating a beautiful, functional piece for your home with your own two hands. The Woven Willow Storage Basket is the perfect project for crocheters who want to combine practicality with stunning texture. This chunky basket features a sturdy half-double crochet base, a gorgeous woven stitch body that creates a subtle grid-like pattern, and thick, rope-like braided handles in a contrasting color. Whether you're corralling yarn, storing toys, or draping a cozy blanket, this basket adds a warm, handmade touch to any room. Best of all, it's an approachable project that works up quickly with super bulky yarn—perfect for a weekend make.

In this comprehensive guide, I'll walk you through every step, from the magic ring foundation to the final braided handle. Even if you're new to crochet baskets, you'll find this pattern clear, detailed, and completely achievable. Let's gather our supplies and get started!

Materials Needed

Before we dive into the stitches, let's make sure you have everything you need. The beauty of this project is that it requires minimal supplies—just yarn, a hook, and a bit of patience.

Yarn

• Main Color: Super bulky weight yarn (size 6), approximately 250–300 yards. The sample uses a warm oatmeal tone, but any neutral or bold color works beautifully.
• Contrasting Color: Approximately 50 yards of the same weight yarn for the braided handles. The sample uses a rich terracotta, but you can choose any complementary shade.

Hook and Notions

• Crochet Hook: Size 9mm (M/N) or whatever size is needed to achieve gauge.
• Yarn needle for weaving in ends.
• Scissors for cutting yarn.
• Stitch markers (optional but helpful for keeping track of rounds).

Gauge

8 half double crochet stitches x 6 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in pattern stitch. Gauge is important for achieving the correct finished size, so take a moment to make a small swatch before starting. If your gauge is off, adjust your hook size accordingly—smaller hook for tighter stitches, larger hook for looser ones.

Finished Size

Approximately 12 inches wide (including handles) x 10 inches tall (excluding handles), with a base diameter of 8 inches. This is a generously sized basket, perfect for storing blankets, toys, or a large yarn stash.

Abbreviations and Special Stitches

Let's review the abbreviations and special stitches you'll need for this pattern. Don't worry—they're all beginner-friendly once you get the hang of them.

Abbreviations

• ch = chain
• sl st = slip stitch
• sc = single crochet
• hdc = half double crochet
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• rnd(s) = round(s)
• sk = skip
• sp = space
• BLO = back loop only

Special Stitches

• Woven Stitch (WS): *hdc in next st, ch 1, sk 1 st*; repeat from * to end of round. This creates a beautiful grid-like texture that gives the basket its woven appearance.
• Front Post Double Crochet (FPdc): Yarn over, insert hook from front to back around the post of the indicated stitch, yarn over, pull through, complete as a double crochet. (Note: While this stitch is listed in the pattern, it's not used in the main instructions—it's included for reference in case you want to experiment with variations.)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now for the fun part! We'll work this basket in three main sections: the base, the body, and the handles. Take your time, follow each round carefully, and you'll have a beautiful basket in no time.

Part 1: The Base (Worked in Continuous Spiral)

The base is worked in a continuous spiral, meaning you won't join rounds with a slip stitch—you'll just keep working around and around. This creates a seamless, sturdy foundation.

Rnd 1: Start with a magic ring. Ch 2 (this does not count as a hdc), then work 8 hdc into the ring. Pull the tail tight to close the ring. (8 sts)

Rnd 2: Work 2 hdc in each stitch around. (16 sts)

Rnd 3: *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next st*; repeat from * around. (24 sts)

Rnd 4: *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 2 sts*; repeat from * around. (32 sts)

Rnd 5: *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 3 sts*; repeat from * around. (40 sts)

Rnd 6: *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 4 sts*; repeat from * around. (48 sts)

Rnd 7: *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 5 sts*; repeat from * around. (56 sts)

Rnd 8: *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 6 sts*; repeat from * around. (64 sts)

Rnd 9: *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 7 sts*; repeat from * around. (72 sts)

Rnd 10: *2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 8 sts*; repeat from * around. (80 sts)

At the end of Rnd 10, slip stitch to the first stitch to join. Your base should measure approximately 8 inches in diameter. If it's significantly smaller or larger, you may need to adjust your gauge or add/subtract a round.

Part 2: The Body (Worked in Joined Rounds)

Now we'll switch to joined rounds, where each round is closed with a slip stitch. This creates a cleaner edge and helps the basket maintain its shape as it rises.

Rnd 1: Ch 2 (counts as hdc), hdc in each stitch around, sl st to top of ch-2. (80 sts)

Rnd 2: Ch 2, hdc in each stitch around, sl st to top of ch-2. (80 sts)

These first two rounds create a solid foundation for the woven pattern. The basket should begin to turn upward naturally.

Rnd 3: Ch 2, *hdc in next st, ch 1, sk 1 st*; repeat from * around, ending with hdc in last st, sl st to top of ch-2. (40 hdc, 40 ch-1 sps)

Rnd 4: Ch 2, *hdc in next st, ch 1, sk the ch-1 sp*; repeat from * around, ending with hdc in last st, sl st to top of ch-2. (40 hdc, 40 ch-1 sps)

Rnds 5–14: Repeat Rnd 4. This creates the woven texture. At the end of Rnd 14, do not fasten off.

As you work these rounds, you'll notice the beautiful grid pattern emerging. The ch-1 spaces create small holes that give the basket its airy, woven look while still maintaining structure. Keep your tension consistent—not too tight, not too loose—for the best result.

Part 3: Handle Openings and Edging

Now we'll create the openings for the braided handles. This is where the basket really starts to take shape.

Rnd 15 (Handle Openings): Ch 2, hdc in next 15 sts (working over ch-1 sps as if they were sts), ch 12, sk 12 sts (this creates the first handle opening), hdc in next 16 sts, ch 12, sk 12 sts, hdc in next 16 sts, sl st to top of ch-2. (64 hdc, 24 ch)

Let's break this down: You're working around the basket, creating two gaps where the handles will go. The ch-12 spaces will become the handle openings. Don't worry if it looks a bit loose right now—the edging round will firm it up.

Rnd 16 (Handle Edging): Ch 2, hdc in each hdc around, and work 12 hdc into each ch-12 space (work 1 hdc in each ch). Sl st to top of ch-2. (88 sts)

This round reinforces the handle openings and brings the stitch count back up. The openings should now be neat, defined gaps on opposite sides of the basket.

Part 4: Top Rim

The top rim adds a clean, finished edge to your basket. It's simple but essential for a professional look.

Rnd 17: Ch 2, hdc in each st around, sl st to top of ch-2. (88 sts)

Rnd 18: Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to first sc. Fasten off and weave in ends.

The single crochet final round creates a neat, sturdy edge that won't stretch out of shape. Take a moment to admire your work—the basket body is complete!

Part 5: Braided Handles (Make 2)

Now for the finishing touch—the beautiful braided handles that give this basket its rustic charm.

Step 1: Cut 6 strands of contrasting color yarn, each 60 inches long. Hold them together and fold in half.

Step 2: Insert the folded loop through the handle opening from front to back, then pull the loose ends through the loop and tighten. You now have 12 strands attached to the basket.

Step 3: Divide the 12 strands into 3 groups of 4 strands each.

Step 4: Braid these three groups together tightly, about 8 inches long. Keep the tension even as you braid for a uniform, rope-like appearance.

Step 5: Tie a secure knot at the end of the braid.

Step 6: Repeat for the second handle on the opposite side.

Step 7: Trim the ends evenly, leaving a small tassel below each knot for a decorative touch.

Finishing Touches

Weave in all loose ends with your yarn needle, being careful to hide them within the stitches so they're invisible from the outside. If desired, gently steam block the basket to shape it—this helps it stand upright and gives it a polished look. Simply hold a steam iron a few inches above the basket and let the steam relax the fibers, then shape with your hands and allow to dry completely.

Your Woven Willow Storage Basket is now complete! It should stand upright on its own, with sturdy braided handles and a beautiful woven texture that adds warmth to any space.

Tips for Success

• Keep your tension consistent. This is the most important factor in creating a basket that holds its shape. If you tend to crochet tightly, consider going up a hook size; if loosely, go down.
• Use stitch markers at the beginning of each round to keep track of where you are, especially during the continuous spiral base.
• Don't rush the braids. Take your time to braid evenly and tightly—this ensures the handles are sturdy enough to carry the basket when full.
• Experiment with colors. While oatmeal and terracotta are gorgeous together, this pattern works beautifully in any color combination. Try a neutral base with a bold handle, or go monochromatic for a modern look.

I hope you enjoy making this basket as much as I enjoyed sharing it with you. It's a project that rewards patience with a beautiful, functional piece you'll be proud to display. Happy crocheting!