If you are looking for Valentine’s crafts that can last beyond the holidays and help with home organization, take a look at these cute crochet baskets (free patterns). You’ll learn the easy Puff Heart crochet stitch, which is a V-stitch formed by two puff stitches.
Not only can you clean your yarn stash, but you’ll also crochet a set of useful baskets for Valentine’s Day gifts, home decor, or office organization.
Materials
- Caron Simply Soft (we used leftover yarn from this blanket – less than 1 skein)
- Crochet Hook 4.25 mm
- tapestry needle
- crafting scissors
Heart Stitch Crochet Basket (Medium) FREE PATTERN
This crochet pattern is so easy and quick that you’d want to use up the whole stash of your leftover yarn. Most importantly, you can crochet these baskets in any Valentine’s Day color: pink (all shades), red, or white.
In this sample, we are using leftover Caron Simply Soft yarn from this blanket. But feel free to use any yarn you have in your stash with a corresponding crochet hook.
Abbreviations
- CH – chain
- CH SP – chain space
- SC – single crochet
- HDC – half double crochet
- SL ST – slip stitch
- FLO – front loop only
- PHS – puff heart stitch
Firstly, we’ll start with the bottom of the basket. It is a simple circle made using basic crochet stitches.
Round 1
Make a magic circle, CH2 (represents the first HDC), work 11 HDC into the magic circle, finish with a SL ST (12 ST).
Round 2
CH2, HDC into the same ST, 2 HDC into each ST, finish with a SL ST (24 ST).
Round 3
CH2 (represents first HDC), *2 HDC into the next ST, HDC into next ST*, repeat between ** all around, and finish with a SL ST (36 ST).
As a result, we have created the BOTTOM of the small basket. Next, we will start crocheting the sides of the basket. Before making a row of HEART PUFF STITCHES, we’ll make a foundation row of single crochet. We’ll crochet into FLO (front loops only) to start forming the sides of the basket.
Round 4 (SC foundation row)
CH1, SC into FLO (front loop only) all around, and finish with a SL ST (36 ST).
Special Stitch
Let’s go over the PUFF HEART CROCHET stitch (or puff V-stitch), step-by-step. Furthermore, it is the stitch you’ll use for the body of these crochet baskets (small and medium).
Firstly, CH 2. Next, *YO, insert your hook into the same ST and pull up the loop the same size as CH2*. Repeat ** 2 more times – 7 LOOPS on the hook. YO and pull through all the loops. CH 1 to close the loop and tighten the first puff.
Next, *YO, insert your hook into the same ST and pull up the loop the same size as the first puff*. Repeat ** 2 more times – 7 LOOPS on the hook. YO and pull through all the loops. CH 1 to close the loop and tighten the second puff.
Rejoice, as you have finished the PUFF HEART STITCH (PHS)! As illustrated, it is a V-stitch formed by two puff stitches and looks like a cute little heart.
Now, we are going back to crocheting the sides of the basket. Each row will have 12 PHS. Moreover, you can make the sides of your basket as tall (or short) as you want. For example, our baskets have 4 rows of Puff Heart Stitches (PHS).
Round 5 (PHS row)
CH2, *make first PHS (see special instructions above), skip 2 STs, 1 PHS*. Repeat all around. SL ST into the starting CH2. SL ST into the middle of the first PHS. Note, you always want to start the next row from the center of PHS for a clean look. (12 PHS)
Rounds 6,7,8 (PHS rows)
Repeat row 5. (12 PHS in each row).
Round 9 (SC finishing row)
CH1, SC all around, finish with an invisible join. Lastly, tighten the magic ring and weave in 2 yarn tails.
An invisible join is a finishing technique used when you are working in the round (as in this basket) and need to create an invisible connection between the first and the last stitch. After making the last stitch, cut the yarn, pull it through the last stitch, and insert the yarn in the tapestry needle.
Next, insert the needle under both loops of the second stitch of the round, then return it to the center of the last stitch made. Then, pull it not too snug to mimic a “V” similar to the stitches that form on the top. Lastly, hide the tail using the needle.
Finishing Size of the Medium Crochet Basket
The finishing size of the medium basket is: 3″ (diameter) x 2.25″ (height).
Heart Stitch Crochet Basket (Small) – FREE PATTERN
For a small basket, you will make a smaller circle by omitting the last round. For a larger basket, you’ll add another round to create a larger foundation circle. As a result, you’ll have this adorable set of three nesting baskets.
Round 1
Make a magic circle, CH2 (represents the first HDC), work 11 HDC into the magic circle, finish with a SL ST (12 ST).
Round 2
CH2, HDC into the same ST, 2 HDC into the next 2 ST, finish with a SL ST (24 ST).
Round 3 (SC foundation row)
CH1, SC into FLO (front loop only) all around, and finish with a SL ST (24 ST).
Round 4 (PHS row)
CH2, *make first PHS (see special instructions above), skip 2 STs, crochet PHS*. Repeat all around. SL ST into the starting CH2. SL ST into the middle of the first PHS. Note, you always want to start the next row from the center of PHS for a clean look. (8 PHS)
Rounds 5,6,7 (PHS rows)
Repeat row 4. (8 PHS in each row).
Round 8 (SC finishing row)
CH1, SC all around, finish with an invisible join, weave in 2 yarn tails.
Finishing Size of the Small Crochet Basket
The finishing size of the medium basket is: 2″ (diameter) x 2″ (height).
Heart Stitch Crochet Basket (Large) – FREE PATTERN
Round 1
Make a magic circle, CH2 (represents the first HDC), work 11 HDC into the magic circle, finish with a SL ST (12 ST).
Round 2
CH2, HDC into the same ST, 2 HDC into each ST, finish with a SL ST (24 ST).
Round 3
CH2, *2 HDC into the next ST, HDC into next ST*, repeat between ** all around, and finish with a SL ST (36 ST).
Round 4
CH2 (represents first HDC), *2 HDC into the next ST, HDC into next 2 ST*, repeat between ** all around, and finish with a SL ST (48 ST).
Round 5 (SC foundation row)
CH1, SC into FLO (front loop only) all around, and finish with a SL ST (48 ST).
Round 6 (PHS row)
CH2, *make first PHS (see special instructions above), skip 2 STs, crochet PHS*. Repeat all around. SL ST into the starting CH2. SL ST into the middle of the first PHS. Note, you always want to start the next row from the center of PHS for a clean look. (16 PHS)
Rounds 7,8,9 (PHS rows)
Repeat row 6. (16 PHS in each row).
Round 10 (SC finishing row)
CH1, SC all around, finish with an invisible join, weave in yarn tails.
Finishing Size of the Large Crochet Basket
The finishing size of the medium basket is: 3.75″ (diameter) x 2.5″ (height).
In Conclusion
In conclusion, nesting crochet baskets are not only a practical and functional way to organize your home, but they can also serve as a unique handmade decorative piece.
Through creating these baskets, you have also learned the importance of patience and attention to detail, as well as the satisfaction that comes with the process and result. Now that you’ve mastered this stitch, check out a FREE PATTERN for a BOHO SHAWL that uses the same puff stitch.
If you are interested in learning more crochet stitches and crafting beautiful pieces for your home, check out these patterns:
- Hygge Crochet Chunky Blanket (free pattern)
- Easy Chunky Blanket – free crochet pattern
- Easy Crochet Baby Blanket (White Waves)
As the saying goes, “a home is where the heart is,” and with nesting crochet baskets, you can add a touch of warmth, love, and character to your home.
