Create this adorable Crochet Bear Basket to add a touch of charm to any room. It's not only beautiful but also functional and versatile, making it perfect for storing toys, craft supplies, or other small items. Easy to customize, this crochet project suits all skill levels.
The Crochet Bear Basket is both durable and appealing. Made with milk cotton yarn, it combines strength and softness, ensuring long-lasting use. Ideal for organizing spaces, it’s a delightful addition to nurseries, kids' rooms, or craft areas.
Crochet Bear Basket
Crafting the Crochet Bear Basket is a rewarding experience for beginners and experienced crocheters alike. With step-by-step instructions, you can customize the basket's size and color, making it a wonderful canvas for your creative expressions.
Materials and Preparation
To make this adorable crochet bear basket, you’ll need:
- Yarn: Milk cotton yarn 5 ply (80% cotton, 20% acrylic); 125g ≈ 220m.
- Use 1 strand for smaller sections (head, ears, arms, etc.), and 2 strands for the basket base.
- Crochet Hook Sizes:
- 2.75mm hook for single-stranded sections.
- 4.0mm hook for double-stranded basket section.
- Additional Tools:
- Scissors
- Yarn needle for finishing
- 7mm safety eyes for detailing
- Craft wire (20-25cm) for arm structure
- Stitch marker (optional but recommended)
Abbreviations and Notes
Abbreviations Used:
- MR: Magic Ring
- SC: Single Crochet
- INC: Increase (2 SC in one stitch)
- DEC: Decrease (single crochet 2 stitches together)
- *** :* Repeat instructions inside the asterisks the specified number of times
- [ ]: Number of stitches per round
Important Notes:
- The pattern includes items worked in continuous rounds (do not join rounds unless stated). Use a stitch marker to track your rounds.
- Pay attention to the instructions for working in back loops only (for the base transition in Round 8).
- Using the correct hook sizes for different sections ensures proper proportions.
Gauge, Approximate Size, and Pattern Notes
- Gauge: Approx. 6 SC x 6 rows = 2.5 x 2.5 cm square using 2 strands of yarn and the 4.0mm hook.
- Finished Basket Dimensions: The basket measures approximately 12cm in diameter and 10cm in height. Bear head and arms add additional height for a total of ~16cm.
Special Techniques:
- Magic Ring: Essential for starting seamless projects in the round.
- A gauge swatch is recommended, especially for the basket base, to ensure it sits flat and retains structure.
Step-by-Step Pattern
Basket Base and Body
Hook Size: 4.0mm (double strands of yarn).
- Round 1: Make a Magic Ring (MR). Work 7 SC into the ring, slip stitch to join, and chain 1. [7]
- Round 2: Work 7 INC (2 SC in each stitch). Slip stitch to join, chain 1. [14]
- Round 3: (1 SC, 1 INC) repeat 7 times. Slip stitch to join, chain 1. [21]
- Round 4: (2 SC, 1 INC) repeat 7 times. Slip stitch to join, chain 1. [28]
- Round 5: (3 SC, 1 INC) repeat 7 times. Slip stitch to join, chain 1. [35]
- Round 6: (4 SC, 1 INC) repeat 7 times. Slip stitch to join, chain 1. [42]
- Round 7: (5 SC, 1 INC) repeat 7 times. Slip stitch to join, chain 1. [49]
Transition to Basket Walls (Back Loop Only)
- Round 8: Work 49 SC in back loops only, slip stitch to join, chain 1. [49]
- Rounds 9 – 14 (6 Rounds): Work 49 SC. Slip stitch to join at the end of each round. [49]
Change to White Yarn for the rim:
- Rounds 15 – 16 (2 Rounds): Work 49 SC in white yarn. Slip stitch to join. [49]
Fasten off and weave in ends. Basket section is now complete!
Bear Head
Hook Size: 2.75mm (single strand of yarn)
- Round 1: Make a Magic Ring (MR). Work 6 SC into the ring. [6]
- Round 2: 6 INC. [12]
- Round 3: (1 SC, 1 INC) repeat 6 times. [18]
- Round 4: (2 SC, 1 INC) repeat 6 times. [24]
- Round 5: (3 SC, 1 INC) repeat 6 times. [30]
- Round 6: (4 SC, 1 INC) repeat 6 times. [36]
- Rounds 7 – 15 (9 Rounds): Work 36 SC. [36]
Begin Decreasing:
- Round 16: (7 SC, 1 DEC) repeat 4 times. [32]
- Round 17: (2 SC, 1 DEC) repeat 8 times. [24]
- Round 18: (1 SC, 1 DEC) repeat 8 times. [16]
- Round 19: Work 8 DEC. [8]
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Attach 7mm safety eyes between Rounds 10 and 11, leaving 6 SC between the eyes.
Ears
Hook Size: 2.75mm
- Round 1: Make a Magic Ring (MR). Work 8 SC into the ring. [8]
- Round 2: 8 INC. [16]
- Rounds 3 – 6 (4 Rounds): Work 16 SC. [16]
Make 2 ears, and sew them to the head from Rounds 4–9, ensuring the ears are 6 SC apart from the eyes.
Arms
Hook Size: 2.75mm
Prepare 20–25cm of craft wire to add structure.
- Round 1: Make a Magic Ring (MR). Work 6 SC into the ring. [6]
- Round 2: 6 INC. [12]
- Rounds 3 – 39 (37 Rounds): Work 12 SC. [12]
- Round 40: Work 6 DEC. [6]
Make 2 arms, insert craft wire, and attach to the sides of the basket.
Legs
Hook Size: 2.75mm
- Round 1: Make a Magic Ring (MR). Work 6 SC into the ring. [6]
- Round 2: 6 INC. [12]
- Round 3: (3 INC, 3 SC) repeat 2 times. [18]
- Round 4: (1 SC, 1 INC) repeat 3 times, 3 SC, (1 SC, 1 INC) repeat 3 times, 3 SC. [24]
- Rounds 5 – 8 (4 Rounds): Work 24 SC. [24]
- Round 9: (1 SC, 1 DEC) repeat 3 times, 3 SC, (1 SC, 1 DEC) repeat 3 times, 3 SC. [18]
- Round 10: (3 DEC, 3 SC) repeat 2 times. [12]
- Round 11: Work 6 DEC. [6]
Make 2 legs and sew them to the base of the basket.
Bow
Hook Size: 4.0mm
- Chain 45, fasten off, and form into a bow shape by folding and sewing it into place on the bear.
Pattern Question:
Question: What type of yarn and crochet hook sizes are recommended for this project?
Answer: Use 5-ply milk cotton yarn (cotton 80% & acrylic 20%) and a 4.0mm hook for the basket. For tighter details, like the bear's head and limbs, switch to a 2.75mm hook.
Conclusion
The Crochet Bear Basket is an enjoyable and fulfilling project that brings both beauty and utility to your home. Its charm, combined with its practicality, makes it a must-try for crochet enthusiasts of all levels.
