Whispering Willow Gnome Basket Free Pattern – Crochet a Cozy Forest Keeper

Bring a touch of woodland magic into your home with this charming Whispering Willow Gnome Basket! This delightful project combines the whimsy of a forest spirit with the practicality of a storage basket, making it perfect for holding yarn, trinkets, or treasures. Crocheted in soft, earthy tones with a textured beard and a pointed hat, this gnome basket adds a cozy, rustic charm to any room. Whether you're a seasoned crocheter or a curious beginner, this pattern is designed to be approachable and rewarding. Let's pick up our hooks and create a little forest keeper together!

Materials Needed

Before we begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth and enjoyable crocheting experience:

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton or acrylic yarn in forest green (main color), cream (beard), and warm brown (nose and details). Approximately 200g total.
• Crochet Hook: 5.0 mm crochet hook (US H-8).
• Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends and sewing pieces together.
• Stitch Marker: To keep track of your rounds.
• Scissors: For cutting yarn.
• Optional: Black yarn or safety eyes for the gnome's eyes, and a small amount of fiberfill for the nose.

Gauge

16 single crochet (sc) x 18 rows = 4 x 4 inches (10 x 10 cm) in single crochet. Gauge is important for achieving the correct size, but this project is forgiving. If your tension is slightly off, the basket will still be adorable!

Abbreviations

• ch = chain
• sc = single crochet
• inc = increase (2 sc in same stitch)
• dec = decrease (sc 2 together)
• sl st = slip stitch
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• Rnd = round

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions carefully, and you'll have your very own Whispering Willow Gnome Basket in no time. Remember to work in continuous rounds (spiral) unless otherwise stated, and use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round.

Basket Body (Make in Forest Green)

The basket is worked from the bottom up, starting with a magic ring and increasing to form a flat circle, then working even to create the sides, and finally decreasing to close the top.

1. Rnd 1: Magic ring, 6 sc in ring. (6 sts)
2. Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12 sts)
3. Rnd 3: *Sc in next st, inc* repeat around. (18 sts)
4. Rnd 4: *Sc in next 2 sts, inc* repeat around. (24 sts)
5. Rnd 5: *Sc in next 3 sts, inc* repeat around. (30 sts)
6. Rnd 6: *Sc in next 4 sts, inc* repeat around. (36 sts)
7. Rnd 7: *Sc in next 5 sts, inc* repeat around. (42 sts)
8. Rnd 8: *Sc in next 6 sts, inc* repeat around. (48 sts)
9. Rnd 9: *Sc in next 7 sts, inc* repeat around. (54 sts)
10. Rnd 10: *Sc in next 8 sts, inc* repeat around. (60 sts)
11. Rnd 11: *Sc in next 9 sts, inc* repeat around. (66 sts)
12. Rnd 12: *Sc in next 10 sts, inc* repeat around. (72 sts)
13. Rnd 13-20: Sc in each st around. (72 sts) – This forms the sides of the basket. Work these rounds without increasing to create the vertical walls.
14. Rnd 21: *Sc in next 10 sts, dec* repeat around. (66 sts)
15. Rnd 22: *Sc in next 9 sts, dec* repeat around. (60 sts)
16. Rnd 23: *Sc in next 8 sts, dec* repeat around. (54 sts)
17. Rnd 24: *Sc in next 7 sts, dec* repeat around. (48 sts)
18. Rnd 25: *Sc in next 6 sts, dec* repeat around. (42 sts)
19. Rnd 26: *Sc in next 5 sts, dec* repeat around. (36 sts)
20. Rnd 27: *Sc in next 4 sts, dec* repeat around. (30 sts)
21. Rnd 28: *Sc in next 3 sts, dec* repeat around. (24 sts)
22. Rnd 29: *Sc in next 2 sts, dec* repeat around. (18 sts)
23. Rnd 30: *Sc in next st, dec* repeat around. (12 sts)
24. Rnd 31: Dec around. (6 sts)
25. Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread the tail through a tapestry needle and weave it through the front loops of the remaining 6 stitches. Pull tight to close the opening completely. Weave in the end securely.

Gnome Face (Attached to Front of Basket)

Now we'll bring our gnome to life by creating his nose, beard, and eyes. These are worked separately and then attached to the front of the basket.

Nose (Make in Warm Brown)

1. Rnd 1: Magic ring, 6 sc in ring. (6 sts)
2. Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12 sts)
3. Rnd 3-4: Sc in each st around. (12 sts)
4. Rnd 5: Dec around. (6 sts)
5. Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Stuff the nose lightly with fiberfill. Sew the nose onto the front center of the basket, about 2 inches up from the bottom. Use the tail to secure it firmly.

Beard (Make in Cream)

The beard is worked directly onto the front of the basket, starting just below the nose. It's created in rows, and then we'll add fringe for a fluffy effect.

1. Attach the cream yarn just below the nose on the front of the basket.
2. Row 1: Ch 1, sc in same st, sc in next 11 sts. (12 sts) – Work across the front of the basket, about 4 inches wide.
3. Row 2-5: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. (12 sts)
4. Row 6: Ch 1, turn, dec, sc in next 8 sts, dec. (10 sts)
5. Row 7: Ch 1, turn, dec, sc in next 6 sts, dec. (8 sts)
6. Row 8: Ch 1, turn, dec, sc in next 4 sts, dec. (6 sts)
7. Row 9: Ch 1, turn, dec, sc in next 2 sts, dec. (4 sts)
8. Row 10: Ch 1, turn, dec twice. (2 sts)
9. Fasten off and weave in the end.

To create the fluffy beard: Cut several 4-inch lengths of cream yarn. Fold each piece in half, and use a crochet hook to pull the folded loop through the edge stitches of the beard. Then, pull the yarn ends through the loop and tighten to create a fringe. Repeat this all around the edge of the beard and trim to your desired length.

Eyes

Using black yarn or safety eyes, attach two small buttons or embroider simple eyes above the nose, about 1 inch apart. If embroidering, use a tapestry needle and black yarn to make small French knots or satin stitches.

Hat (Make in Forest Green)

The hat is worked in the round, starting from the base and tapering to a point. It will be sewn onto the top of the basket, covering the opening.

1. Rnd 1: Magic ring, 6 sc in ring. (6 sts)
2. Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12 sts)
3. Rnd 3: *Sc in next st, inc* repeat around. (18 sts)
4. Rnd 4: *Sc in next 2 sts, inc* repeat around. (24 sts)
5. Rnd 5: *Sc in next 3 sts, inc* repeat around. (30 sts)
6. Rnd 6-10: Sc in each st around. (30 sts) – Work these rounds even to create the height of the hat.
7. Rnd 11: *Sc in next 3 sts, dec* repeat around. (24 sts)
8. Rnd 12: Sc in each st around. (24 sts)
9. Rnd 13: *Sc in next 2 sts, dec* repeat around. (18 sts)
10. Rnd 14: Sc in each st around. (18 sts)
11. Rnd 15: *Sc in next st, dec* repeat around. (12 sts)
12. Rnd 16: Sc in each st around. (12 sts)
13. Rnd 17: Dec around. (6 sts)
14. Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Gather the top stitches and pull tight to close the point. Sew the hat onto the top of the basket, covering the opening. Position the point so it leans slightly to one side for a whimsical look. Add a small pom-pom in cream at the tip if desired.

Finishing Touches

Weave in all ends securely with your tapestry needle. Optionally, add a small loop of yarn at the top of the hat for hanging. Your Whispering Willow Gnome Basket is now complete! Use it as a decorative storage container for yarn, trinkets, or as a unique gift bag. Enjoy your cozy forest keeper!