Whimsical Woodland Gnome Basket Free Pattern – Crochet a Cozy Storage Tote with Braided Handle

Bring a touch of woodland magic into your home with this charming gnome basket! Combining rustic texture with a playful pointed hat lid, this crochet project is perfect for storing yarn, toys, or treasures. Worked in earthy moss green and berry red tones, this basket adds a handcrafted, cozy feel to any room. Whether you're a seasoned crocheter or a curious beginner, this pattern is designed to be approachable and rewarding. Let's dive in and create something truly whimsical!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Having everything ready will make your crochet session smooth and enjoyable.

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton or acrylic yarn in three colors:
  • Moss Green (MC) – for the basket body
  • Cream (CC1) – for the braided handle
  • Berry Red (CC2) – for the gnome hat lid
  • Small amount of Brown – for the nose
• Hook: 5.0 mm crochet hook (or size needed to obtain gauge)
• Gauge: 16 sc x 18 rows = 4 x 4 inches in single crochet
• Other: Tapestry needle, scissors, stitch marker (optional), stuffing for the nose

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions carefully. The pattern uses standard US crochet terms. Work in continuous rounds unless otherwise noted – this means you will not join at the end of each round, but rather work in a spiral. Use a stitch marker to keep track of your rounds.

Basket Base (worked in continuous rounds)

Start with the Moss Green (MC) yarn. This creates a flat, sturdy circle that forms the bottom of your basket.

1. Round 1: Make a magic ring, work 6 sc into ring. (6)
2. Round 2: 2 sc in each st around. (12)
3. Round 3: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (18)
4. Round 4: *Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (24)
5. Round 5: *Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (30)
6. Round 6: *Sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (36)
7. Round 7: *Sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (42)
8. Round 8: *Sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (48)
9. Round 9: *Sc in next 7 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (54)
10. Round 10: *Sc in next 8 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (60)
11. Round 11: *Sc in next 9 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (66)
12. Round 12: *Sc in next 10 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (72)

Your base should now be a flat circle. If it's curling, your tension may be too tight – try loosening up slightly.

Basket Walls

Now we'll build the height of the basket. The back-loop-only row creates a crisp, defined edge where the base meets the walls.

13. Round 13-14: Sc in each st around. (72)
14. Round 15: Working in back loops only, sc in each st around. (72) – This creates a crisp base edge.
15. Round 16-30: Sc in each st around. (72) – Continue for 15 rounds to form the basket height. Your basket should be about 5-6 inches tall.

Now we'll shape the top of the basket by decreasing. This gives the basket its cozy, tapered silhouette.

31. Round 31: *Sc in next 10 sts, sc2tog* repeat around. (66)
32. Round 32: *Sc in next 9 sts, sc2tog* repeat around. (60)
33. Round 33: *Sc in next 8 sts, sc2tog* repeat around. (54)
34. Round 34: *Sc in next 7 sts, sc2tog* repeat around. (48)
35. Round 35: *Sc in next 6 sts, sc2tog* repeat around. (42)
36. Round 36: *Sc in next 5 sts, sc2tog* repeat around. (36)
37. Round 37: *Sc in next 4 sts, sc2tog* repeat around. (30)
38. Round 38: *Sc in next 3 sts, sc2tog* repeat around. (24)
39. Round 39: *Sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog* repeat around. (18)
40. Round 40: *Sc in next st, sc2tog* repeat around. (12)
41. Round 41: Sc2tog around. (6)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread the tail through a tapestry needle, weave it through the front loops of the remaining 6 stitches, and pull tight to close the top. Weave in the end securely.

Gnome Hat Lid (worked in continuous rounds)

Switch to Berry Red (CC2) yarn. This piece forms the iconic pointed gnome hat that serves as the basket's lid.

1. Round 1: Make a magic ring, work 6 sc into ring. (6)
2. Round 2: 2 sc in each st around. (12)
3. Round 3: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (18)
4. Round 4: *Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (24)
5. Round 5: *Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (30)
6. Round 6: *Sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (36)
7. Round 7: *Sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (42)
8. Round 8: *Sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (48)
9. Round 9: *Sc in next 7 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (54)
10. Round 10: *Sc in next 8 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (60)
11. Round 11: *Sc in next 9 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (66)
12. Round 12: *Sc in next 10 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (72)
13. Round 13-15: Sc in each st around. (72) – This creates the straight brim of the hat.

Now we'll shape the point of the hat by decreasing.

16. Round 16: *Sc in next 10 sts, sc2tog* repeat around. (66)
17. Round 17: *Sc in next 9 sts, sc2tog* repeat around. (60)
18. Round 18: *Sc in next 8 sts, sc2tog* repeat around. (54)
19. Round 19: *Sc in next 7 sts, sc2tog* repeat around. (48)
20. Round 20: *Sc in next 6 sts, sc2tog* repeat around. (42)
21. Round 21: *Sc in next 5 sts, sc2tog* repeat around. (36)
22. Round 22: *Sc in next 4 sts, sc2tog* repeat around. (30)
23. Round 23: *Sc in next 3 sts, sc2tog* repeat around. (24)
24. Round 24: *Sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog* repeat around. (18)
25. Round 25: *Sc in next st, sc2tog* repeat around. (12)
26. Round 26: Sc2tog around. (6)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Weave the tail through the front loops of the remaining stitches and pull tight. Important: Do not close completely – leave a small opening at the tip to attach the nose later.

Gnome Nose

Using the Brown yarn, create a small oval nose for your gnome.

1. Round 1: Make a magic ring, work 6 sc into ring. (6)
2. Round 2: 2 sc in each st around. (12)
3. Round 3: Sc in each st around. (12)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Stuff the nose lightly with a small amount of fiberfill. Sew the nose onto the hat lid at the center front, just above the brim. Position it so it sits prominently on the hat, giving your gnome character.

Braided Handle

This rustic handle adds both function and charm. It's made by braiding strands of yarn together.

1. Cut 6 strands of Moss Green (MC) and 6 strands of Cream (CC1), each 60 inches long.
2. Group them into 3 bundles of 4 strands each (2 MC + 2 CC1 per bundle).
3. Braid the three bundles together tightly, keeping the tension even for a neat result.
4. Tie a secure knot at each end of the braid to prevent unraveling.
5. Sew the ends of the braid securely to the inside of the basket walls, opposite each other, about 2 inches down from the top edge. Use a tapestry needle and matching yarn to stitch through the braid and into the basket fabric several times for strength.

Assembly

Now it's time to bring all the pieces together.

1. Place the hat lid on top of the basket, aligning the edges. The hat should sit snugly over the basket opening.
2. Using Cream (CC1) yarn, slip stitch the lid to the basket around the entire circumference. Alternatively, you can sew it with a tapestry needle and matching yarn for a more invisible seam.
3. Ensure the nose is centered at the front of the basket. Adjust if necessary before completing the seam.
4. Weave in all loose ends with your tapestry needle to give your basket a clean, professional finish.

Congratulations! You've just created a beautiful Whimsical Woodland Gnome Basket. This charming piece is perfect for storing your crafting supplies, displaying faux plants, or gifting to a loved one. The earthy colors and playful design make it a standout addition to any room. Happy crocheting!