The sharp, clean angles of the zigzag stitch bring a modern texture to any project, transforming basic yarn into a visual delight. This rhythmic pattern feels satisfying under your hands as the peaks and valleys grow with every row, making it a favorite for those who enjoy steady, meditative work. Beginners appreciate how the simple counting keeps the process stress-free, while more experienced makers love how the dense, wavy fabric holds its shape without extra support. You will learn the fundamental chain and skip techniques that create this distinct movement, allowing you to incorporate this versatile design into blankets, pillows, or even scarves.

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Why You’ll Love This Pattern

This beginner-friendly project creates a structured, durable crochet storage basket using basic single crochet stitches worked in continuous rounds. The design relies on the weight of a chunky yarn to hold its shape, making it ideal for organizing craft supplies or desktop clutter. Because it is worked from the base upward, you can easily stop at any height to create a custom size for your specific storage needs. The repeating rounds provide a rhythmic, meditative pace that is perfect for honing consistent tension without complex counting.

I managed to finish this basket in just one afternoon and it fits perfectly on my shelf for holding all my loose crochet hooks and stitch markers.

— Sarah, hobbyist crafter

Pattern Overview & Skill Level

Skill Level: Beginner
Approximate Time: 2–3 hours
Construction: Working in continuous rounds starting from a flat circular base, then transitioning to upward walls without joining.
Finished Dimensions: 8 inches in diameter and 6 inches in height.

Materials & Supplies Needed

Yarn: Super Bulky weight (#6), cotton or polyester cord, approximately 200 yards.
Hook Size: 8.0 mm / L-11.
Notions: Stitch marker to track the start of rounds, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors.
Yarn Substitutions: You may use two strands of Worsted weight (#4) yarn held together as a substitute for Super Bulky yarn. This will create a slightly softer texture and may require adjusting your tension to maintain the base’s flatness.

Stitch Guide & Abbreviations (US Terms)

MR = magic ring
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
inc = increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
dec = decrease (invisible sc2tog: insert hook into front loops of next two stitches, yarn over, pull through both, yarn over and pull through two loops)
sl st = slip stitch
st(s) = stitch(es)
BLO = back loop only (insert hook under the back loop of the stitch instead of both loops)

Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions

Base

Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR (6 sts).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around (12 sts).
Rnd 3: [1 sc, inc] repeat 6 times (18 sts).
Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] repeat 6 times (24 sts).
Rnd 5: [3 sc, inc] repeat 6 times (30 sts).
Rnd 6: [4 sc, inc] repeat 6 times (36 sts).
Rnd 7: [5 sc, inc] repeat 6 times (42 sts).

Basket Walls

Rnd 8: Sc in BLO of every stitch around (42 sts).
Rnds 9–18: Sc in both loops of every stitch around (42 sts).
Rnd 19: Sl st in each st around to create a clean, sturdy top edge. Fasten off yarn.

Assembly & Finishing

Cut the yarn leaving a 6-inch tail. Use the tapestry needle to weave the end through the final slip stitches to create an invisible join, then secure the tail on the inside of the basket by pulling it through the underside of several stitches. Trim any excess yarn flush with the basket wall.

Care & Washing Instructions

Hand wash in cold water using a gentle soap to preserve the structural integrity of the stitches.
Lay the basket flat on a clean towel to air dry, reshaping it into a perfect circle while damp.
Do not tumble dry or iron, as high heat can shrink synthetic fibers or soften the structure of cotton cord.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Maintain tight tension throughout the base to prevent gaps where small items might slip through.
Always place a stitch marker in the first stitch of every round to keep track of your location; the continuous spiral method makes it easy to lose count.
If you find your base is “cupping” or curling like a bowl during the first seven rounds, your tension is too tight; switch to a larger hook or increase your stitch count slightly.
You can make the basket larger by continuing the increase sequence (e.g., Rnd 8: [6 sc, inc] 6 times) before beginning the walls, but remember this will require additional yardage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use acrylic yarn for this pattern?

Yes, acrylic works well, but because it is softer than cotton cord, the basket walls may be less rigid. If you use acrylic, consider holding two strands together for extra thickness.

How do I adjust the height of the basket?

To make the basket taller, simply add more rounds of single crochet (Rnd 9 through Rnd 20+) before you reach the final slip stitch round. Each extra round adds approximately 0.5 inches of height.

Is this pattern suitable for complete beginners?

Yes, this is an excellent project for beginners because it only uses the single crochet stitch and teaches you how to transition from a flat circle to a vertical wall using the BLO technique.

May I sell the baskets I make from this pattern?

You are welcome to sell finished items made from this pattern as long as you credit the design. Please do not redistribute the pattern text or photos.

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Your finished piece displays a sharp, consistent texture that proves how rewarding simple repetition can be for any maker. If you want to change the visual impact of the pattern, try alternating between two contrasting colors every two rows to make the points pop against each other. Tag your finished project on Instagram or Pinterest so other crafters can see your unique color choices in action. Head back to the main blog page to discover more free patterns for your next afternoon project.