Shell Stitch Easter Basket

This small basket is just the right size to fill with small items to give a friend or your Mom an Easter Gift! :) Plus it really is a lot of fun to make. :) There are other similar patterns I designed using some of the same techniques for the JPF Crochet Club such as a child's margarine tub purse and a Bathroom Drawstring bag.

Designed By Julie A. Bolduc

Materials Needed:
Dawn Sayelle Worsted Weight yarn in Dk Pink Rose and Light Blue.
one empty 8oz non dairy whipped topping container.
Dimensions are 3"high 6"diameter
¼" Paper Punch
14" of 25 gauge florist wire for handle.
Size H/8 5.00mm aluminum crochet hook Gauge: 7dc=2"
Finished Size:=3"x6" not including handle
Yarn Thickness:3mm Skill Level Intermediate

Instructions
Punch 32 holes evenly spaced around the rim of container. The best way to do this is to punch a hole on opposite sides first. Then punch holes centered between the two holes. Then repeat punching holes centered between the previous holes until you have 32 of them spaced about 3/8" apart. Set the container aside for now. Give your hands a rest. You will need it. Get yourself a coffee or something. Pat your pet. But give your hands a rest.

RND 1: Ch4, join w/slst to first ch to form ring. Ch3, dc in ring. Ch1. *2dc in ring. Ch1. Rep from * 6 times more. Join w/slst to top of ch3. You now have 8 ch1 sps.

RND 2: Ch3, dc in dc. 2dc in ch1 sp. *Dc in each of the next 2 dc. 2dc in next ch1 sp. Rep from * around. Join w/slst to top of ch3.

RND 3: Ch3, dc in next dc. Ch1. *Dc in each of the next 2 dc. Ch1. Rep from * around. Join w/slst to top of ch3.

RND 4: Sc between the first 2 dc. [3dc in next ch1 sp (shell [sh] made)]. *Sc in next sp between next 2 dc. Sh in next ch1 sp. Rep from * around. Join w/slst to first sc.

RND 5: Slst in next dc. Sc in next dc. Sh in next sc. *Sc in 2nd dc of next shell. Sh in next sc. Rep from * around. End with a slst to first sc.

RND 6: Ch3, 2d in same st as slst. Sc in 2nd dc of next sh. *3dc in next sc. Sc in 2nd dc of next sh. Rep from * around. Join w/slst to top of ch3.

RND 7-8: Rep rnds 5 & 6. At the end of rnd 6, drop pink but do not fasten off.

RND 9: Join Blue where you dropped the pink and rep rnd 5. Fasten off blue.

RND 10: Pick up pink and rep rnd 6.

Join to container in the following Way.

RND 11: Slst to the 2nd dc of next shell. Insert hook in same st and any hole in container and work a sc. You should now have the yarn on the inside of the container and the hook on the outside.

*Lengthen the lp on hook to be able to insert hook in next sc and next hole in container, draw up a lp and pull lp through lp on hook. Rep from * with next 2nd dc of sh and hole on container. Then slst through the next sc and hole. Work these slsts all the way around the rim. When you get to the first sc. Join w/slst to first sc. The work 2 sc in each hole around to cover rim. Fasten off and weave ends into work.

Insert each end of wire through opposite holes on rim of container and bend up the ends and twist around itself to form a handle. Make a chain with each color of 100 chs. Wrap the pink chain tightly around wire starting by tying it at base of wire on one side and working your way to the other side. After the wire is completely covered, secure the chain to the opposite side allowing the extra length to dangle on one side of the wire. You will be tying this end into a bow with the other color chain.

Repeat with the other chain, starting on the same side as the pink, but make sure to let the pink show through by wrapping it around in a spiral fashion. So you end up with a candy cane effect. Then secure the end the same way you did with the pink then tie the two ends into a bow. You may need to release some of the chains at the end to make them even. Then trim the yarn about ¼" from the end of the chains.

Fill the basket with easter grass and goodies.

Design written on Thursday, March 25, 1999. Copyright ©1999 by Julie A. Bolduc all rights reserved. f116007