Crochet Hen Egg Basket with Sunflower Motif – Free Pattern & Detailed Instructions

Introduction

If you love infusing your home décor with whimsical handmade touches, this cheerful crochet hen egg basket is a wonderful project to try. This pattern creates a delightful sculptural basket shaped like a hen with a fan-shaped decorative tail, intricate sunflower and daisy motifs around the base, and elegant ribbon accents at the neck. These baskets bring a burst of color—reds, yellows, purples, and greens—paired with classic neutrals, making them perfect as Easter centerpieces, kitchen organizers, or as conversation-starting gifts.

The basket’s textured and colorful appearance comes from its various motifs and clever shaping: a sturdy cylindrical base, decorative sunflower or daisy applique motifs, and a 3D chicken head and tail. The result is both functional and decorative, capable of neatly cradling eggs while brightening up your space. With a touch of vintage charm and modern color, this crochet piece is a joy to display and a pleasure to create.

Whether you’re looking to craft a special holiday feature or wish to make a playful basket for everyday storage, you’ll appreciate this pattern’s mix of structure and embellishment. Its modular construction and eye-catching details will keep crocheters engaged from start to finish.

Project Overview

This crochet hen egg basket is built from several joining elements: a round flat base formed in continuous rounds, vertical basket sides assembled from joined motifs (hexagons or fans) with applique sunflower/daisy details, and a crocheted hen head/neck attached to the side. The decorative scalloped tail is worked separately and affixed to the back. Ribbons and safety eyes add the final decorative touch. Each motif is joined as you go, making assembly smooth and secure.

Skill Level

Intermediate. This pattern uses a variety of stitches, motif joining, shaping, and small applique work. Confident beginners familiar with amigurumi techniques and motif joining can complete the project, but comfort with color changes and reading patterns is suggested.

Materials

Worsted weight cotton yarn (Category 4, approx. 100% cotton):

Color A (Base – ecru/cream): 120 g
Color B (Sunflower petals – yellow OR daisy petals – lavender): 30 g
Color C (Flower center – brown): 20 g
Color D (Leaves – green): 15 g
Color E (Tail and accents – red OR purple): 30 g
Color F (Beak – golden yellow): Scrap
Color G (Wattle – red for both): Scrap

Crochet hook size 3.0 mm or E/4 (use size to achieve gauge)
Yarn needle for sewing pieces and weaving in ends
Stitch markers
Small amount of fiberfill stuffing (for hen head and beak)
One pair of 10 mm safety eyes (or black embroidery thread for eyes)
Two small decorative ribbons (one for each basket)
Decorative pearl or bead for bow accent (optional)
Scissors

Finished Size

Each completed basket measures approximately 16 cm (6.3 inches) in diameter, 14 cm (5.5 inches) high at the basket rim, and about 22 cm (8.7 inches) high including the hen and tail. The basket circumference comfortably fits about 6-8 eggs. To adjust size, use a lighter or heavier yarn and adjust your hook size accordingly, but note that motif and head proportions may need slight tweaking for best fit.

Gauge

Gauge is not crucial, but for reference: 16 sc x 18 rows = 10 cm (4 inches) square, worked flat. The finished basket should feel sturdy but not stiff; a tighter gauge helps maintain shape. If your basket feels floppy, drop down a hook size. Significant gauge changes may alter the motif count required for a snug ring.

Stitches and Abbreviations

ch – chain
sl st – slip stitch
sc – single crochet
hdc – half double crochet
dc – double crochet
tr – treble crochet
inc – increase (2 sc in same st)
dec – decrease (single crochet 2 together)
MR – magic ring

Pattern Notes

Use US crochet terminology throughout.
Begin rounds with a ch 1 (does NOT count as a stitch unless specified).
Join rounds with a sl st to the first st. For seamless color changes, finish the last stitch of the round with the new color and fasten off the old color on the WS.
Right side (RS) is always facing out as you work most pieces. Mark the RS with a removable stitch marker if needed.
Sunflower/daisy motifs are joined to each other and the basket as you go; plan color changes before joining.
Stuff the hen’s head/neck firmly for upright shape before closing.
Safety eyes should be inserted before stuffing the head.
For even motif joining, block motifs lightly after finishing; steam or wet blocking helps keep sides and motifs crisp.

Crochet Pattern Instructions

Basket Base

With Color A, make a MR. Work 6 sc into ring, pull to tighten. (6 sts)
Round 2: 2 sc into each st around. (12)
Round 3: (sc in next st, inc) around. (18)
Round 4: (sc in next 2, inc) around. (24)
Round 5: (sc in next 3, inc) around. (30)
Round 6: (sc in next 4, inc) around. (36)
Round 7: (sc in next 5, inc) around. (42)
Round 8: (sc in next 6, inc) around. (48)
Round 9: (sc in next 7, inc) around. (54)
Round 10: (sc in each st around). (54)
Round 11: (sc in next 8, inc) around. (60)
Round 12: (sc in each st around). (60)
Round 13: (working in BLO) sc in each st around. This creates a crisp edge for the sides. Fasten off. (60)

Basket Sides and Motif Border

You need 8 motifs for the sides. Alternate sunflower and daisy as desired (see Decorative Appliqué Motifs below).
Join each motif to the base with Color A. Attach with sl st through motif and base edge st, working around the perimeter. Whipstitch any gaps between motifs.

Sunflower/Daisy Motif (Make 8 total – alternate yellow for sunflower, lavender for daisy)

With Color C (brown), MR, ch 1, and work 8 sc into ring, sl st to first sc (8).
Round 2: ch 1, 2 sc in each st around (16), sl st to join.
Round 3: ch 1, (sc in next, inc) around (24), sl st to join.
Change to petal color (Color B for sunflower, E for daisy). Work petals as follows: *ch 3, skip 1 st, sc in next* repeat around (12 ch-3 loops).
In each loop, (sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc) to form a petal. Repeat in each loop for 12 petals.
Fasten off, weave in ends.
Add 2 leaves (Color D) per motif. Leaf: ch 5, sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc, dc, tr in last ch, fasten off. Attach to back of flower with tails.

Joining Motifs

With Color A, join motifs into a circular band by whipstitching or crocheting through outer edges (pick through two petal backs on each). Attach this ring to the BLO round at the basket base rim, working around as evenly as possible. Stitch or secure to prevent gaps. Block the basket if desired for crisp shape.

Basket Top Edging and Scallop

With Color A, join with sc at any motif seam, (sc, ch 2, sc) in same st, skip 1, repeat around. (Creates dainty open edge.)

Optional Basket Bottom Edging

To match the tail/theme, use Color E. Join with sc to BLO of bottom round. *Sc in next st, skip 1, 5 dc in next, skip 1, sc in next.* Repeat for a scalloped effect. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Hen Head and Neck (Make 1 per basket)

With Color A, MR, 6 sc into ring. (6)
Round 2: 2 sc in each st (12)
Round 3: (sc in next, inc) around (18)
Round 4: (sc in next 2, inc) around (24)
Rounds 5–8: sc in each st around (24 per round)
Round 9: (sc in next 2, dec) around (18)
Round 10: sc in each st (18)
Rounds 11–15: sc in each st (18) – stuff lightly as you go, insert safety eyes between rounds 7–8, about 6 sts apart.
Round 16: (sc in next, dec) around (12)
Round 17: (dec) around (6)
Fasten off, close hole, shape neck slightly longer/narrower as needed by pinching and shaping while stuffing. You can add extra rounds for a longer neck.

Beak

With Color F, ch 4, sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc, dc. Fasten off. Sew to face below eyes, stuff lightly before closing.

Wattle (Red)

With Color G, ch 7, sc in each ch across (6), turn, ch 3, sl st down to base. Shape into a fold and sew under beak.

Crest/Comb

With Color E (red or purple), ch 12, in 2nd ch from hook, (sc, hdc, dc, tr) in each ch, ch 1, turn and work back down in mirror image to reinforce. Fasten off. Attach on top of head.

Decorative Tail Fan

With Color E (red/purple), ch 22, turn. Row 1: sc in each ch (21).
Row 2: ch 1, (sc, hdc, dc in next 3 sts, tr in next 5 sts, dc in 3, hdc in 2, sc in 2), repeat 5 times across to create 5 shell segments (work last repeat to end of row).
Row 3: With Color A, work a round of sc evenly across the raw edge for a neat finish.
Pinch bottom edge to form a fan and sew to the back of the basket, just behind the hen’s head. Shape is adjustable for extra fan effect.

Neck Bow and Details

Attach a ribbon bow just below the beak/wattle and secure with a small pearl bead or button.

Assembly and Finishing

After completing your motifs and main basket structure, seam the motif ring to the base and join motif sides. Ensure all joins are secure for structural integrity. Attach the hen’s head and neck to the side of the basket, with the fan tail sewn to the basket’s outer back rim, directly behind the head for balance and upright support. Weave in all ends securely on the wrong side, neatening internal threads. Insert safety eyes (or embroider eyes if preferred). Gently stuff the head and shape the neck as you attach. Affix floral motifs as needed and sew or glue decorative bows at the hen’s neck. Steam block gently for crisp edges and motifs, but avoid flattening 3D elements.

Test basket strength by placing eggs or small items. If basket sags, a felt circle can be glued inside the base for reinforcement. Optionally, add a cardboard (covered in fabric) liner for additional support if using the basket for heavy items.

Customization Ideas

Change flower motif colors to match seasons—red and green for Christmas, blue and white for winter, pink and yellow for spring.
Use different flower centers (buttons, small pom-poms) for a varied look.
Swap hen’s tail color for your favorite palette or make a rainbow fan.
Experiment with sparkly or variegated yarn for added texture.
Use as a candy basket, breadbasket, or even a fun plant pot cover besides its function as an egg basket.
Add small accessories (mini eggs, chicks) as playful additions inside.

Troubleshooting

Curling: If your base begins to curl up, you may be increasing too quickly; add a round of plain sc to help flatten.
Uneven Edges: Block each section lightly and ensure your stitch counts match. Stretch motifs gently before joining for best fit.
Piece Too Large/Small: Check your gauge. Adjust hook size as needed and alter base or motif rounds to fit the side ring correctly.
Loose Color Changes: Secure each fasten off by weaving tails into neighboring stitches along motif backs rather than cutting short.
Uneven Tension: Practice making a motif or base first. Slightly tight or loose stitches can make rims wobbly; aim for an even, sturdy fabric throughout.
Motif Placement: Use locking stitch markers to pre-position motifs around the base for the most symmetrical look.

Care Instructions

Hand wash gently in cool water with mild soap. Squeeze out excess water carefully; reshape the basket and motifs while damp. Allow to air dry flat, propping 3D elements in place for best shape. Do not bleach or machine dry. Store baskets away from prolonged direct sunlight to prevent colors from fading.

Final Notes

As you complete your basket, regularly count stitches to maintain shape and structure, especially at joins and edges. Adjust tension during assembly for especially crisp motif petals and even basket sides. Refer to the photo for placement inspiration and color ideas, and enjoy making this charming addition to your home or as a heartfelt handmade gift!