Free Crochet Laundry Basket Pattern for Beginners

This crochet laundry basket pattern makes a beautiful and functional addition to your home. It’s made from chunky cotton cord, giving it a sturdy yet stylish design that’s perfect for holding laundry or other items. You’ll quickly find it enjoyable to make, thanks to the straightforward stitches involved.

This pattern is suitable for anyone looking to add some homemade charm to their decor or learn new crochet techniques. By following along, you’ll improve your skills and create a practical piece for your home.

Why You'll Love This Laundry Basket

Functional and stylish – perfect for organizing laundry or storing toys.
Easy to customize – try different colors or stripes to match your decor.
Quick to crochet – you can finish it in about 4 hours, making it a great last-minute gift.
Sturdy construction – made with chunky cotton cord for added durability.

Is This Pattern Good for Beginners?

Yes! This pattern uses basic crochet stitches like single crochet, making it approachable for beginners. We’ll walk through each step together, so you’ll feel confident as you create your basket.

Crochet Abbreviations (US Terms)

ch – chain
sc – single crochet
st(s) – stitch(es)
sl st – slip stitch
dec – decrease (sc two stitches together)

Size and Gauge

Finished Size: Approximately 46 cm (18 in) in diameter and 51 cm (20 in) tall.
Gauge: 4 sc and 3 rows = 10 cm (4 in).

Make sure to check your gauge by crocheting a swatch of 12 sc over 10 rows. Adjust your hook size if necessary to match.

Step 1: Making the Base

The base is worked in rounds.

Foundation Round: Ch 4, join with sl st to form a ring. (0 sts)
Ch 1, work 8 sc into the ring. Join with sl st to the first sc. (8 sts)
Ch 1, 2 sc in each st around. Join. (16 sts)
Ch 1, *1 sc in next st, 2 sc in next st; repeat from * around. Join. (24 sts)
Ch 1, *1 sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st; repeat from * around. Join. (32 sts)
Ch 1, *1 sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st; repeat from * around. Join. (40 sts)
Ch 1, *1 sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st; repeat from * around. Join. (48 sts)
Ch 1, *1 sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st; repeat from * around. Join. (56 sts)

You should now have 56 stitches in your base.

Step 2: Crochet the Body

The body of the basket is worked in rounds. 9. Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join. (56 sts) 10. Repeat Row 9 until the body measures 51 cm (20 in) tall.

How to Finish the Basket

Do not fasten off. To create a reinforced top, ch 1, then sc in each st around for 2 additional rounds. Join with sl st and fasten off. Weave in all ends using a yarn needle.

Beginner Tips for a Neat Laundry Basket

Keep your yarn untangled – organize your workspace to avoid knots.
Maintain even tension – this helps your stitches look uniform.
Measure your rounds as you go – it’s good to check your height along the way.

Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

My basket is too small. – This may happen if the gauge is off. Check your gauge and adjust your hook size if necessary.
The stitches are uneven. – This can result from varied tension. Keep practicing consistent tension on your stitches.
I can’t get the rounds to join neatly. – Make sure you join with a slip stitch before starting the next round to keep your edges clean.

How to Care for Your Laundry Basket

For your chunky cotton cord basket, spot clean or hand wash in cold water. Air dry completely before storing to maintain its shape and durability.

FAQ

Can I customize the size?

Yes, you can adjust your starting foundation and how long you crochet the body to create a different size bag.

What if I can't find chunky cotton cord?

You can substitute with any bulky weight yarn, but be mindful of the gauge as it may affect the finished size.

How long will this take to make?

You can expect to finish this basket in about 4 hours total, with the base taking around 1 hour and the body taking about 3 hours.

Want a matching set? Check out our crochet purse patterns or see all our free crochet bag patterns.