purlJam

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# ROUND CROCHET BASKET
### 12" Diameter × 9" Tall | With Textured Sides & Two Handles

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## PATTERN OVERVIEW

This sturdy round basket is worked in continuous rounds from the bottom up. The circular base is built using the standard 6-increase-per-round rule to ensure it lies perfectly flat. A single back-loop-only (BLO) transition round creates a crisp 90° angle between the base and the sides. The sides are worked in a half double crochet rib stitch (alternating Front Post and Back Post half double crochet), which provides both striking texture and excellent structural rigidity. Two reinforced chain-space handles are integrated directly into the side rounds at mid-height and reinforced with a second pass.

**Finished Dimensions:**
- Diameter: approximately 12 inches (30.5 cm)
- Height: approximately 9 inches (23 cm)
- Handle opening: approximately 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) wide × 1 inch (2.5 cm) tall

**Difficulty:** Advanced

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## MATERIALS

| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| **Yarn** | Bulky weight (CYCA #6 / Super Bulky), 100% cotton or cotton-blend strongly recommended for rigidity. Approximately **350–400 yards (320–365 m)** total. |
| **Recommended Yarn** | Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton XL (Bulky), or Paintbox Simply DK Cotton (substitute with bulky), or any stiff cotton rope/cord rated bulky |
| **Hook** | US L-11 / 8 mm (primary) and US K-10.5 / 6.5 mm (for tighter base option — see note) |
| **Notions** | Stitch marker (locking style preferred), yarn needle, scissors |
| **Optional** | Fabric stiffener spray; heavy book for blocking base |

> **Yarn Note:** Cotton, jute, and T-shirt yarn are the best choices for baskets because they hold their shape. Avoid acrylic or wool alone — they are too stretchy and the basket will sag. A stiff cotton cord or rope yarn gives the best results.

> **Hook Size Note:** For maximum rigidity, use one hook size *smaller* than the yarn label recommends. This pattern is written for US L-11 / 8 mm. If your base is loose or floppy after Round 3, switch down to the K-10.5 / 6.5 mm hook.

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## GAUGE

**It is essential to check your gauge before beginning.** Basket dimensions depend entirely on accurate gauge.

- **Base (sc fabric):** 3.5 sc = 1 inch (2.5 cm); 3.5 rows = 1 inch (2.5 cm)
- **Sides (FPhdc/BPhdc rib fabric):** 3 hdc = 1 inch (2.5 cm); 2.5 rounds = 1 inch (2.5 cm)

**Gauge Swatch:** Work a flat sc square of 15 sts × 15 rows. Block lightly. Measure the center 4 inches. Adjust hook size as needed.

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## ABBREVIATIONS

| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| **BLO** | Back loop only |
| **BPhdc** | Back post half double crochet |
| **ch** | Chain |
| **FPhdc** | Front post half double crochet |
| **hdc** | Half double crochet |
| **inc** | Increase: 2 sc in the same stitch |
| **MR** | Magic ring (adjustable loop) |
| **rep** | Repeat |
| **rnd** | Round |
| **RS** | Right side |
| **sc** | Single crochet |
| **sk** | Skip |
| **sl st** | Slip stitch |
| **sm** | Stitch marker |
| **sp** | Space |
| **st(s)** | Stitch(es) |

### Special Stitches

**Front Post Half Double Crochet (FPhdc):** Yarn over, insert hook from front to back to front *around the post* (vertical bar) of the indicated stitch in the row below, yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through all 3 loops.

**Back Post Half Double Crochet (BPhdc):** Yarn over, insert hook from back to front to back *around the post* of the indicated stitch in the row below, yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through all 3 loops.

**HdcRib Stitch (used for all side rounds):** *FPhdc in next st, BPhdc in next st; rep from * to end of round. This 2-stitch repeat creates a vertical ribbed texture.

> **Pattern Note — Continuous Rounds:** This pattern is worked in continuous (spiral) rounds. Do NOT join at the end of each round and do NOT turn. Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round and move it up as you work. This prevents a visible "jog" in the fabric.

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## INSTRUCTIONS

### PART 1: THE BASE
*Worked in single crochet, increasing 6 stitches every round.*

**Setup:** Using US L-11 / 8 mm hook, make a magic ring.

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**Round 1:** 6 sc in magic ring. Pull ring closed snugly. Place stitch marker in first st.
**Stitch count: 6**

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**Round 2:** Inc in every st around.
*(Inc, Inc, Inc, Inc, Inc, Inc)*
**Stitch count: 12**

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**Round 3:** *Sc in next st, inc in next st; rep from * around.
*(Sc, Inc) × 6*
**Stitch count: 18**

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**Round 4:** *Sc in next 2 sts, inc in next st; rep from * around.
*(Sc, Sc, Inc) × 6*
**Stitch count: 24**

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**Round 5:** *Sc in next 3 sts, inc in next st; rep from * around.
*(Sc × 3, Inc) × 6*
**Stitch count: 30**

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**Round 6:** *Sc in next 4 sts, inc in next st; rep from * around.
*(Sc × 4, Inc) × 6*
**Stitch count: 36**

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**Round 7:** *Sc in next 5 sts, inc in next st; rep from * around.
*(Sc × 5, Inc) × 6*
**Stitch count: 42**

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> **✅ BASE CHECK:** After Round 7, your base should measure approximately **12 inches (30.5 cm)** in diameter. Lay it flat on a table — it should lie completely flat without curling up at the edges or ruffling. If it curls up, you have too few stitches or your gauge is too tight; if it ruffles, your gauge is too loose. Adjust hook size accordingly and re-work if needed. **Do not proceed until the base lies flat.**

> **⚠️ IMPORTANT:** The base stitch count formula is 6 × round number. Round 7 = 6 × 7 = **42 stitches**. Count your stitches now.

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### PART 2: BASE-TO-SIDES TRANSITION (BLO PIVOT ROUND)

> **⚠️ CRITICAL — DO NOT SKIP THIS ROUND.** The following round is worked in the back loop only (BLO). This is the single most important structural element of the entire basket. Working into only the back loop leaves the front loop exposed and creates a sharp, defined 90° fold between the base and the sides. Skipping this round will cause the sides to flare outward instead of rising vertically.

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**Transition Round (BLO):** Working in the **back loop only** of every stitch, sc in each st around.
**Stitch count: 42**

The exposed front loops will form a neat ridge on the outside bottom edge of the basket — this is correct and intentional.

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### PART 3: THE SIDES
*All side rounds are worked in BOTH loops unless otherwise noted. No increases or decreases. The stitch count remains 42 on every single round.*

The sides use the **HdcRib Stitch** (alternating FPhdc and BPhdc) for texture and rigidity.

> **Texture Stitch Note:** Because 42 is an even number, the 2-stitch FPhdc/BPhdc repeat divides perfectly (42 ÷ 2 = 21 repeats). The rib columns will align vertically on every round, creating a clean, continuous ribbed texture up the full height of the basket.

> **Handle Placement Note:** The two handles are positioned directly opposite each other — at stitch 1 and stitch 22 (counting from your stitch marker). This places them exactly 180° apart. The handle openings are worked at **Side Round 11** (approximately mid-height, ≈ 4.5 inches from the base). Read through the handle instructions in Rounds 11–12 before you begin working the sides.

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**Side Round 1:** *FPhdc around post of next st, BPhdc around post of next st; rep from * around.
**Stitch count: 42**

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**Side Rounds 2–10:** Rep Side Round 1 (FPhdc, BPhdc alternating) around.
*(Work 9 more rounds of HdcRib Stitch.)*
**Stitch count: 42 each round**

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> **📏 HEIGHT CHECK:** After Side Round 10, measure the height of your basket sides from the BLO fold line. It should measure approximately **4 inches (10 cm)**. You are about to work the handle rounds.

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#### HANDLES — ROUND 11 (Handle Opening Round)

**Handle placement setup:** Count your stitches. Note the position of your stitch marker (stitch 1). Count forward 21 stitches to identify stitch 22 — this is the center point for the second handle. The two handles are centered at **stitch 1** and **stitch 22**.

For each handle: you will skip 4 stitches and replace them with 4 chains. This creates a horizontal opening that will become the handle loop.

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**Side Round 11 (Handle Round):**

Work as follows:

1. **First handle opening:**
   - FPhdc in st 1 *(this is Handle 1 center — it becomes the first stitch of the handle sequence)*
   - BPhdc in st 2
   - **Sk next 4 sts** (sts 3, 4, 5, 6), **ch 4** *(the chain sits over the skipped stitches and forms the handle loop)*
   - FPhdc in st 7 *(resume HdcRib pattern)*

2. **Work HdcRib (FPhdc, BPhdc alternating) across sts 7–21** — 15 sts in HdcRib pattern *(maintain established rib alignment)*

3. **Second handle opening:**
   - FPhdc in st 22 *(this is Handle 2 center)*
   - BPhdc in st 23
   - **Sk next 4 sts** (sts 24, 25, 26, 27), **ch 4**
   - FPhdc in st 28 *(resume HdcRib pattern)*

4. **Work HdcRib across sts 28–42** — 15 sts in HdcRib pattern

**Stitch count this round:** 34 actual hdc sts + 4 ch (handle 1) + 4 ch (handle 2) = **42 equivalent sts** ✅

> **Math Check:** 42 total − 4 skipped (handle 1) − 4 skipped (handle 2) = 34 worked sts. 34 hdc + 4 ch + 4 ch = 42. ✅

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**Side Round 12 (Handle Reinforcement Round):**

This round closes the handle loops and reinforces them by working stitches **into** the chain spaces.

1. Work HdcRib in pattern to the first ch-4 space.
2. **Work 4 hdc into the ch-4 space** *(insert hook under both strands of the chain arch, work 4 hdc evenly spaced across the 4-chain span — these replace the skipped stitches and maintain the 42-stitch count)*
3. Work HdcRib in pattern to the second ch-4 space.
4. **Work 4 hdc into the ch-4 space**
5. Continue HdcRib to end of round.

> **Maintain Rib Alignment:** When working the 4 hdc into each chain space, continue the FPhdc/BPhdc rib pattern as established. The 4 hdc worked into the chain space should begin with the same stitch type (Front Post or Back Post) that the pattern calls for at that position, to keep the vertical rib columns aligned.

**Stitch count: 42** ✅

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> **📏 HANDLE CHECK:** Each handle opening should measure approximately **1.5 inches (3.8 cm)** wide and **1 inch (2.5 cm)** tall (the height of one hdc round). The handles should be firm and even. The opening is large enough for an adult hand — if you prefer a larger handle, skip 5 stitches and ch 5 instead (adjusting to maintain 42 total sts). If you want extra reinforcement, slip stitch around the handle arch on Round 12 before working the hdc into the chain space.

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**Side Rounds 13–22:** Rep Side Round 1 (HdcRib pattern: FPhdc, BPhdc alternating) around.
*(Work 10 more rounds of HdcRib Stitch.)*
**Stitch count: 42 each round**

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> **📏 FINAL HEIGHT CHECK:** After Side Round 22, the total side height from the BLO fold line should measure approximately **8.75–9 inches (22–23 cm)**. If you need extra height, work 1–2 additional rounds of HdcRib before proceeding to the finishing round. Each additional round adds approximately 0.4 inches (1 cm).

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### PART 4: FINISHING EDGE

The top edge is finished with a round of **Reverse Single Crochet** (also called Crab Stitch), which creates a polished, cord-like edge that resists unraveling and gives the basket a professional look.

> **What is Reverse Single Crochet?** It is worked exactly like regular single crochet, but you move to the RIGHT instead of the left (if right-handed), so you are working *backward* around the basket. This creates a twisted, rope-like stitch. It feels awkward at first — this is normal. Work slowly.

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**Finishing Round (Reverse sc / Crab Stitch):**
Do NOT turn your work. Working from left to right (opposite your normal direction):
Insert hook in the stitch to your RIGHT, yarn over, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through both loops. Move one stitch to the right and repeat around.

Work 1 reverse sc in each st around.
**Stitch count: 42**

Sl st to first reverse sc to close. Fasten off, leaving a 6-inch tail. Weave in tail invisibly on the inside of the basket.

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### PART 5: FINISHING & BLOCKING

**Weave in all ends** securely on the wrong side (inside) of the basket using a yarn needle. Weave each tail in at least 3 directions to prevent it from pulling through with use.

**Handle Reinforcement (Optional but Recommended for Heavy Use):**
Thread your yarn needle with a length of yarn and use a whip stitch or running stitch to reinforce the join points where the handle chain meets the basket sides. Work 3–4 passes of reinforcement stitching at each of the 4 attachment points (2 attachment points per handle × 2 handles). This significantly increases the weight capacity of the handles.

**Blocking the Base:**
Fill a sink or bowl with cool water and submerge the basket. Gently squeeze (do not wring) to saturate the yarn. Remove and press out excess water with a towel. Shape the basket with your hands:
- Press the base flat on a hard surface
- Straighten the sides so they are perfectly vertical
- Place a heavy book or flat weight inside the basket on the base for 30 minutes
- Allow to air dry completely (12–24 hours) before use

**Fabric Stiffener (Optional):**
For maximum rigidity — especially useful if using a softer cotton yarn — spray the inside and outside of the dry basket with commercial fabric stiffener spray. Reshape while wet and allow to dry fully on a flat surface.

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## SCHEMATIC & STITCH COUNT SUMMARY

```
TOP EDGE  ────────────────────────── Reverse sc, 42 sts
          Side Rnds 13–22            HdcRib, 42 sts × 10 rnds
          Side Rnd 12                Handle reinforcement, 42 sts  ← ~4.5" from top
          Side Rnd 11                Handle openings (ch 4), 42 eq. sts
          Side Rnds 1–10             HdcRib, 42 sts × 10 rnds
TRANSITION ─────────────────────────  BLO sc, 42 sts  ← CRITICAL FOLD LINE
BASE      Rnd 7                      42 sts (~12" diameter)
          Rnd 6                      36 sts
          Rnd 5                      30 sts
          Rnd 4                      24 sts
          Rnd 3                      18 sts
          Rnd 2                      12 sts
BOTTOM    Rnd 1                       6 sts  ← Magic Ring
```

**Total rounds:** 7 (base) + 1 (BLO) + 22 (sides) + 1 (edge) = **31 rounds**

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## QUICK REFERENCE — STITCH COUNTS

| Round | Section | Stitch Count |
|---|---|---|
| Base Rnd 1 | Magic ring | 6 |
| Base Rnd 2 | Inc every st | 12 |
| Base Rnd 3 | (Sc, Inc) × 6 | 18 |
| Base Rnd 4 | (Sc × 2, Inc) × 6 | 24 |
| Base Rnd 5 | (Sc × 3, Inc) × 6 | 30 |
| Base Rnd 6 | (Sc × 4, Inc) × 6 | 36 |
| Base Rnd 7 | (Sc × 5, Inc) × 6 | **42** |
| Transition | BLO sc | 42 |
| Side Rnds 1–10 | HdcRib | 42 |
| Side Rnd 11 | Handle openings | 42 (equiv.) |
| Side Rnd 12 | Handle reinforcement | 42 |
| Side Rnds 13–22 | HdcRib | 42 |
| Finishing Rnd | Reverse sc | 42 |

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## TROUBLESHOOTING

| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Base is curling up at edges | Hook too small OR missed increases | Check gauge; verify 6 incs per round |
| Base is ruffling/floppy | Hook too large OR extra stitches | Reduce hook size; recount stitches |
| Sides flare outward | BLO round was skipped | Frog sides, work BLO transition round |
| Rib pattern is misaligned | Lost count of FPhdc/BPhdc sequence | Place a marker at the start of each 2-st repeat section |
| Handles are uneven | Not centered at st 1 and st 22 | Measure and mark handle positions with stitch markers before Round 11 |
| Basket won't hold shape | Yarn too soft | Use fabric stiffener spray; consider a cotton rope yarn |

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*Pattern designed for advanced crocheters. All stitch counts have been verified. Finished dimensions are approximate and may vary with individual gauge.*