Turn your leftover yarn into something beautiful and practical! This Scrap Yarn Basket is perfect for organizing your craft supplies, storing crochet projects, or adding a splash of color to any room. Using only scrap yarns, this project is eco-friendly, fun, and perfect for using up bits of yarn you already have.
🧵 Materials Needed
- Yarn: Any leftover yarn (mix of worsted, bulky, or similar thickness)
- Crochet Hook: 6 mm (J) or appropriate size for your yarn
- Tapestry Needle: For sewing in ends
- Scissors
- Optional: Fabric stiffener for a firmer basket
🧶 Abbreviations (US Terms)
- CH – Chain
- SL ST – Slip Stitch
- SC – Single Crochet
- DC – Double Crochet
- INC – Increase (2 stitches in same stitch)
- ST – Stitch
🪣 Step 1: Crochet the Base
- Using your first color, create a magic ring.
- Round 1: CH 2 (counts as first DC), work 11 DC into ring, join with SL ST. (12 DC)
- Round 2: CH 2, 2 DC in each stitch around. Join. (24 DC)
- Round 3: CH 2, 1 DC in next stitch, 2 DC in next, repeat around. (36 DC)
- Round 4: Continue increasing evenly until your base reaches your desired size — about 8–10 inches for a medium basket.
Use different yarn colors in each round for a patchwork effect.
🎨 Step 2: Build the Sides
- Once the base is large enough, stop increasing.
- Round 1 of sides: CH 2, DC in each stitch around (no increases). Join with SL ST.
- Continue working in DC rounds, changing yarn color every round or two for a colorful scrap effect.
- Work until the basket reaches your preferred height (about 10–12 inches).
🧺 Step 3: Add Handles
You can create two simple handles or a folded top edge.
Option A: Built-in Handles
- On your last round, CH 2, DC 10, then CH 10 (skip 10 stitches for the handle space).
- Continue DC around, repeat handle spacing on the opposite side.
- Next round: DC in every DC and DC 10 across each CH space to form the handle top.
Option B: Separate Straps
- Chain a separate handle length (about 30 CH).
- Attach both ends to the top of the basket with SC.
💡 Step 4: Finishing Touches
- Fasten off and weave in all ends neatly.
- If you want a stiffer basket, apply fabric stiffener or line it with fabric.
🌸 Optional Variation: Granny Style Bag (like in the photo)
Want to make it portable? Follow the same scrap-granny pattern but join two semicircle panels and crochet around their edges. Add built-in handles by skipping stitches at the top, then SC around the handle openings for a neat finish.
🪄 Tips
- Combine contrasting and neutral colors for a boho look.
- Use thicker yarn for sturdier results.
- Add a fabric lining for shape retention.
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