Introduction
Infuse rustic charm and elegant detail into your home with this crochet lace-edged basket doily pattern, inspired by a chic storage solution. The finished basket is rectangular, with softly rounded corners, made even more inviting by a delicate crochet lace doily that lines its base and an ornate lace trim along the rim. To add a touch of grace, the basket features beautiful crochet flower appliqués and lush leaf motifs, giving it a handcrafted, vintage feel.
The basket combines natural texture with refined crochet artistry: thick jute or sisal rope is wrapped around a plastic container for sturdiness, while hand-crocheted lace elements soften the look. This piece is ideal as a cosmetics organizer, desk caddy, or gift basket. Accessible to adventurous beginners, it is an enjoyable way to blend crochet techniques with upcycling, resulting in a useful and visually captivating storage accessory that stands out in any room.
Project Overview
This project consists of three main crochet components: a flat round doily (used as a decorative basket mat), a long, scalloped lace edging worked in rows (to line the basket rim), and several floral and leaf appliqués. The basket itself is constructed from a rectangular plastic container, tightly wrapped in jute rope or thick yarn. Crochet components are made separately, then attached to the basket using glue or sewing for a secure finish.
Skill Level
Advanced Beginner to Intermediate. The pattern combines basic stitches, simple lacework, and floral appliqués. Some familiarity with working in the round, increasing/decreasing, and sewing crochet pieces to non-fabric surfaces is helpful.
Materials
- Yarn for Doily and Lace Trim: Sport or light worsted-weight cotton yarn in cream/off-white (approx. 100g for both sections)
- Yarn for Flowers and Leaves: Small scraps of worsted cotton or acrylic in burgundy, white, pale yellow, and green (10-20g each)
- Crochet Hook: 3.0 mm (US D/3) for lace, 3.5 mm (US E/4) for flowers/leaves
- Basket Base: One rectangular plastic container (approximately 20x13x10cm / 8x5x4 inches)
- Jute or Sisal Rope: 1 skein (approx. 15-20 meters/yards, 4-6mm thick)
- Hot Glue Gun (optional: strong fabric glue for more flexibility)
- Tapestry Needle and Scissors
- Stitch Markers
- Decorative pearl beads for embellishing flower clusters (optional)
Finished Size
The finished basket measures approximately 20 cm (8 inches) long, 13 cm (5 inches) wide, and 10 cm (4 inches) high. The crochet doily mat is about 25 cm (10 inches) in diameter, slightly larger than the basket footprint to allow for draping. The lace trim runs around the entire basket rim (approx. 66 cm or 26 inches in length). Adjust sizes by altering the number of motif rounds or the trim row count.
Gauge
For the doily: 8 dc and 4 rounds = 5 cm (2 in) in diameter when working in the round. Lace trim: 24 sts in pattern = 10 cm (4 in). Slight gauge variations will not significantly affect the fit, but larger or smaller stitches will affect the coverage and appearance.
Stitches and Abbreviations
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- hdc: half double crochet
- dc: double crochet
- tr: treble crochet
- MR: magic ring
- inc: increase (2 sts in same st)
- dec: decrease (combine 2 sts)
Pattern Notes
Chains at the start of each round or row count as the first stitch unless otherwise noted. All rounds for the doily begin with a ch and end with a sl st to the first st of the round. The lace trim is made in rows, then joined into a loop. Color changes for flowers are made by fastening off and joining with the new color. Use stitch markers to indicate the start of rounds, and when making flowers, mark the central petal for reference. Sew or glue the lace trim and flowers in place for a neat, secure finish. Right side (RS) faces up at all times for all visible portions; ensure all motifs have consistent orientation.
Crochet Pattern Instructions
Center Doily Mat (worked in rounds)
- With cream yarn and 3.0mm hook, MR, ch 3 (counts as dc), 11 dc in ring, join with sl st to first dc. (12 dc)
- Ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each dc around, join. (24 dc)
- Ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next dc, *2 dc in next dc, dc in next dc; repeat from * around, join. (36 dc)
- Ch 3, dc in same, dc in next 2 dc, *2 dc in next, dc in next 2; repeat, join. (48 dc)
- Ch 1, sc in each dc around, join. (48 sc)
- Ch 4 (counts as tr), tr in same st, skip next sc, *2 tr in next sc, skip next sc; repeat around, join. (48 tr in pairs)
- Ch 1, sc in space between tr pairs, ch 3, sc in next space; repeat around, join. (24 ch-3 loops)
- Ch 1, sc in same, sc in next ch-3 space, ch 4, sc in same space, sc in next ch-3 space, ch 4, sc in same space; repeat, join.
- For a wider mat, continue by working more ch-loop rounds, increasing as needed to maintain flatness.
Lace Trim for Basket Rim (worked in rows, then joined)
- With cream yarn and 3.0 mm hook, ch 142 (or length to fit snugly around the top rim of the basket), do not twist chain.
- Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each across. (140 sc)
- Row 2: Ch 1, *skip next st, (dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc) in next st, skip next st, sc in next; repeat from * across. (Pattern forms shell arches)
- Row 3: Ch 4 (counts as tr), *sc in center dc of shell, ch 4, tr in next sc; repeat to end. Finish off and weave in ends.
- Bring short ends together and sew/seam for a continuous loop before attaching to basket.
Main Basket Construction (Not crocheted, assembly required)
- Take plastic container, clean and dry. Using hot glue, fix one end of jute rope to the base.
- Wrap rope tightly around base in spiral, gluing every few inches. Continue up sides, making sure rope rows are even and touching.
- At rim, finish rope neatly, secure with glue. Let set completely before attaching crochet pieces.
Flower and Leaf Appliqués (make as many as desired)
Rose Flower (Burgundy or cream, 3.5 mm hook)
- With chosen flower color, ch 21. Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each across. (20 sc)
- Row 2: Ch 2, turn. In same st, (dc, ch 1, dc), *skip 1 st, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next; repeat to end.
- Roll strip up tightly, sewing base as you go to form rose shape. Secure and finish off.
Simple Leaf (Green, 3.5 mm hook)
- Ch 10, sc in 2nd ch, hdc, dc, tr, tr, dc, hdc, sc, sl st in last, working back up other side of chain (opposite side), repeat: sc, hdc, dc, tr, tr, dc, hdc, sc. Finish off, shape as desired.
Small Daisy
- With white or cream, MR, 6 sc in ring, join, switch to yellow for center if desired.
- Ch 4, sl st in next sc, repeat around for 6 petals.
Assembly and Finishing
Once all pieces are complete and the basket is fully wrapped and glue set, arrange the doily mat on your table or shelf where the finished basket will sit. Place the basket on the doily. Slip the lace trim loop over the top rim of the basket, fastening discreetly with tiny dabs of hot glue or invisible sewing thread to prevent sagging or shifting. Play with the positioning so the scallops are perfectly even all around.
Arrange the crochet flowers and leaves in a pleasing cluster on one wide face of the basket. Use glue or sew to secure each motif individually, layering for a natural, dimensional effect. Attach pearl beads or similar embellishments for added elegance. Weave in and trim any stray ends, and double-check all glued areas are firmly secured.
Customization Ideas
Personalize your basket by choosing colors to match your décor: soft neutrals for a classic look, bold brights for a modern twist, or variegated yarns for a unique flair. You can try thicker rope, chunky yarn, or even use fabric strips for the wrapped base. Swap the rectangular basket for an oval or round container if preferred. The doily mat can serve as a standalone accent on tables, and the flower appliqués make charming brooches or gift toppers.
Troubleshooting
- Bowl Curling: If your doily mat doesn’t lay flat, block it by pinning dampened fabric to shape and letting it dry. Adjust increases for future attempts.
- Uneven Edges: Keep tension uniform—loose tension can lead to wobbly lace trim.
- Wrong Size: If your doily or lace trim are too large or small, adjust hook size and/or yarn weight, or recalculate stitch counts before final assembly.
- Loose Color Changes: When switching flower yarn colors, always fasten off and weave in ends securely for a crisp, clean look.
- Tight Basket Covering: Spiral your rope evenly and use enough glue to keep rows aligned, avoiding bumps or gaps.
Care Instructions
If made in cotton, spot clean the crochet portions gently with cool water and mild detergent. Avoid soaking the basket, especially if using hot glue. Dust with a dry cloth as needed. Lay the doily flat to dry after cleaning or reshaping.
Final Notes
Enjoy making your unique storage basket with its crochet lace doily and elegant floral touches! Take time to check your stitch counts and tension to match the example photos, adjusting as needed for your yarn and container choice. Use the finished piece as a visual guide; even small variations will make your own version special and beautiful.
