Sunny Meadow Easter Basket Free Crochet Pattern

Welcome, crochet lovers and Easter enthusiasts! Get ready to add a burst of springtime charm to your holiday decor with this delightful Sunny Meadow Easter Basket. This isn't just any basket; it's a beautiful, sturdy, and completely handmade creation that will hold your colorful eggs, spring blooms, or even small gifts for years to come. With its cheerful palette of sunny yellow, fresh mint, and creamy white, this basket is a true celebration of the season.

This free pattern is perfect for confident beginners and intermediate crocheters alike. It uses basic stitches and a simple, repetitive increase pattern to create a stunning shell-stitch texture that is both elegant and eye-catching. The braided handle adds a rustic, handmade touch that makes this basket truly special. Let's gather our supplies and get started on this joyful spring project!

Materials Needed

Before we dive into the stitches, let's make sure you have everything you need to create your own Sunny Meadow Easter Basket. Here is the complete list of materials:

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn in three colors:
  • Yarn A (Yellow): Sunny yellow for the main basket body
  • Yarn B (Mint): Fresh mint green for accent stripes
  • Yarn C (White): Creamy white for additional accent stripes
• Crochet Hook: 5.0 mm (H) crochet hook
• Other Tools: Yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors

Gauge: 14 single crochet (sc) x 16 rows = 4 x 4 inches. Be sure to check your gauge to ensure your basket comes out the right size!

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in continuous spirals, which means you will not join rounds with a slip stitch unless otherwise noted. Use a stitch marker to keep track of the beginning of each round. Let's begin!

Basket Base (Make 2 Pieces)

We will create two identical circular pieces for the base to give the basket a sturdy, double-thick bottom. Follow these rounds carefully.

Round 1: With Yarn A, make a magic ring. Work 6 single crochet (sc) into the ring. (6 stitches)

Round 2: Work 2 sc in each stitch around. (12 stitches)

Round 3: *Sc in the next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (18 stitches)

Round 4: *Sc in the next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (24 stitches)

Round 5: *Sc in the next 3 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (30 stitches)

Round 6: *Sc in the next 4 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (36 stitches)

Round 7: *Sc in the next 5 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (42 stitches)

Round 8: *Sc in the next 6 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (48 stitches)

Round 9: *Sc in the next 7 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (54 stitches)

Round 10: *Sc in the next 8 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (60 stitches)

Fasten off and weave in the end. Now, make a second identical base piece with Yarn A. Do not fasten off the second piece; we will use it to join the two bases together.

Joining the Base and Working the Sides

Now we will join the two base pieces and start building the walls of the basket.

Joining Round: Place the two base pieces with their wrong sides (the back of the work) together. With the working yarn from the second piece, insert your hook through a stitch on both layers. Work 1 sc through both layers around the entire edge, creating a total of 60 sc. Do not join; continue working in a spiral for the sides.

Round 1: Sc in each stitch around. (60 stitches)

Round 2: *Sc in the next 4 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (72 stitches)

Rounds 3-4: Sc in each stitch around. (72 stitches)

Round 5: Switch to Yarn B. Sc in each stitch around. (72 stitches)

Round 6: *Sc in the next 5 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (84 stitches)

Rounds 7-8: Sc in each stitch around. (84 stitches)

Round 9: Switch to Yarn C. Sc in each stitch around. (84 stitches)

Round 10: *Sc in the next 6 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (96 stitches)

Rounds 11-12: Sc in each stitch around. (96 stitches)

Round 13: Switch to Yarn A. Sc in each stitch around. (96 stitches)

Round 14: *Sc in the next 7 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (108 stitches)

Rounds 15-16: Sc in each stitch around. (108 stitches)

Round 17: Switch to Yarn B. Sc in each stitch around. (108 stitches)

Round 18: *Sc in the next 8 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (120 stitches)

Rounds 19-20: Sc in each stitch around. (120 stitches)

Round 21: Switch to Yarn C. Sc in each stitch around. (120 stitches)

Round 22: *Sc in the next 9 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (132 stitches)

Rounds 23-24: Sc in each stitch around. (132 stitches)

Round 25: Switch to Yarn A. Sc in each stitch around. (132 stitches)

Round 26: *Sc in the next 10 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (144 stitches)

Rounds 27-28: Sc in each stitch around. (144 stitches)

Round 29: Switch to Yarn B. Sc in each stitch around. (144 stitches)

Round 30: *Sc in the next 11 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (156 stitches)

Rounds 31-32: Sc in each stitch around. (156 stitches)

Round 33: Switch to Yarn C. Sc in each stitch around. (156 stitches)

Round 34: *Sc in the next 12 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (168 stitches)

Rounds 35-36: Sc in each stitch around. (168 stitches)

Round 37: Switch to Yarn A. Sc in each stitch around. (168 stitches)

Round 38: *Sc in the next 13 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (180 stitches)

Rounds 39-40: Sc in each stitch around. (180 stitches)

Round 41: Switch to Yarn B. Sc in each stitch around. (180 stitches)

Round 42: *Sc in the next 14 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (192 stitches)

Rounds 43-44: Sc in each stitch around. (192 stitches)

Round 45: Switch to Yarn C. Sc in each stitch around. (192 stitches)

Round 46: *Sc in the next 15 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (204 stitches)

Rounds 47-48: Sc in each stitch around. (204 stitches)

Round 49: Switch to Yarn A. Sc in each stitch around. (204 stitches)

Round 50: *Sc in the next 16 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (216 stitches)

Rounds 51-52: Sc in each stitch around. (216 stitches)

Round 53: Switch to Yarn B. Sc in each stitch around. (216 stitches)

Round 54: *Sc in the next 17 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (228 stitches)

Rounds 55-56: Sc in each stitch around. (228 stitches)

Round 57: Switch to Yarn C. Sc in each stitch around. (228 stitches)

Round 58: *Sc in the next 18 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (240 stitches)

Rounds 59-60: Sc in each stitch around. (240 stitches)

Round 61: Switch to Yarn A. Sc in each stitch around. (240 stitches)

Round 62: *Sc in the next 19 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (252 stitches)

Rounds 63-64: Sc in each stitch around. (252 stitches)

Round 65: Switch to Yarn B. Sc in each stitch around. (252 stitches)

Round 66: *Sc in the next 20 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (264 stitches)

Rounds 67-68: Sc in each stitch around. (264 stitches)

Round 69: Switch to Yarn C. Sc in each stitch around. (264 stitches)

Round 70: *Sc in the next 21 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (276 stitches)

Rounds 71-72: Sc in each stitch around. (276 stitches)

Round 73: Switch to Yarn A. Sc in each stitch around. (276 stitches)

Round 74: *Sc in the next 22 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (288 stitches)

Rounds 75-76: Sc in each stitch around. (288 stitches)

Round 77: Switch to Yarn B. Sc in each stitch around. (288 stitches)

Round 78: *Sc in the next 23 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (300 stitches)

Rounds 79-80: Sc in each stitch around. (300 stitches)

Round 81: Switch to Yarn C. Sc in each stitch around. (300 stitches)

Round 82: *Sc in the next 24 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (312 stitches)

Rounds 83-84: Sc in each stitch around. (312 stitches)

Round 85: Switch to Yarn A. Sc in each stitch around. (312 stitches)

Round 86: *Sc in the next 25 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (324 stitches)

Rounds 87-88: Sc in each stitch around. (324 stitches)

Round 89: Switch to Yarn B. Sc in each stitch around. (324 stitches)

Round 90: *Sc in the next 26 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (336 stitches)

Rounds 91-92: Sc in each stitch around. (336 stitches)

Round 93: Switch to Yarn C. Sc in each stitch around. (336 stitches)

Round 94: *Sc in the next 27 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (348 stitches)

Rounds 95-96: Sc in each stitch around. (348 stitches)

Round 97: Switch to Yarn A. Sc in each stitch around. (348 stitches)

Round 98: *Sc in the next 28 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (360 stitches)

Rounds 99-100: Sc in each stitch around. (360 stitches)

Fasten off and weave in all ends securely.

Creating the Braided Handle

The braided handle is what gives this basket its charming, rustic look. It's easier than it looks!

Handle Strips (Make 2): With Yarn A, chain 120. Work 1 sc in the second chain from the hook and in each chain across. Fasten off. Repeat to make a second identical strip.

Braiding: Take the two crocheted handle strips and one long strand of Yarn B (cut to the same length as the strips, approximately 120 inches). Hold all three pieces together at one end and braid them tightly, just like you would braid hair. Secure the other end with a stitch marker or a scrap piece of yarn to keep the braid from unraveling.

Attaching the Handle: Sew the ends of the braid securely to the inside of the basket on opposite sides, positioning them about 2 inches down from the top edge. Use a yarn needle and matching yarn to stitch through the braid and into the basket wall several times to ensure it is very secure.

Finishing Touches

Your Sunny Meadow Easter Basket is almost complete! Here are the final steps:

• Weave in Ends: Carefully weave in all remaining yarn ends using your yarn needle.
• Optional Additions: For an extra special touch, you can add a fabric lining to the inside of the basket or tie a decorative ribbon around the top edge.

And there you have it! A beautiful, handmade Sunny Meadow Easter Basket that is ready to be filled with all your springtime treasures. This pattern is a wonderful way to celebrate the season and create a piece that will be cherished for years. Happy crocheting, and have a wonderful Easter!