Designed by Ally of The Turtle Trunk, the Brecken Basket is the perfect beginner-friendly crochet project to bring both function and flair to your space. Whether you're looking to store yarn, organize clutter, or add a handmade touch to your home decor, this sturdy and stylish basket delivers.
Using two strands of bulky weight yarn, the design offers incredible structure while keeping the stitch pattern simple and clean. With its fun color-blocked stripes and built-in handles, this basket is both beautiful and practical — and works up quickly with minimal shaping!
Contents
Supplies
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Yarn: Bulky weight yarn (weight 5), 3 colors
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Example: Lion Brand Hue + Me in Salt (white), Werewolf (black), and Saffron (orange)
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Yardage: ~1.5 skeins of Color A, <1 skein of Colors B & C
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Crochet Hook: 8 mm (L)
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Other: Yarn needle, scissors
Note: You can substitute with one strand of Super Bulky (6) yarn, but sizing and stiffness may vary.
Abbreviations (U.S. Terms)
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ch | Chain |
| st(s) | Stitch(es) |
| sl st | Slip stitch |
| hdc | Half double crochet |
| hdc 3rd loop | Hdc in the third loop only |
Pattern Instructions
Color Key
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Color A: Base color (e.g., Salt)
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Color B: Stripe color (e.g., Werewolf)
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Color C: Top band (e.g., Saffron)
Base: Rounds 1–7
With Color A, holding 2 strands of yarn together:
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Make a Magic Circle, ch 1.
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Round 1: Work 8 hdc into the circle. Join to first hdc with sl st. Ch 1. (8 sts)
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Round 2: 2 hdc in each st around. Join, ch 1. (16 sts)
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Round 3: 1 hdc in next st, 2 hdc in next st. Rep around. Join, ch 1. (24 sts)
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Round 4: 1 hdc in next 2 sts, 2 hdc in next st. Rep around. Join, ch 1. (32 sts)
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Round 5: 1 hdc in next 3 sts, 2 hdc in next st. Rep around. Join, ch 1. (40 sts)
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Round 6: 1 hdc in next 4 sts, 2 hdc in next st. Rep around. Join, ch 1. (48 sts)
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Round 7: 1 hdc in next 5 sts, 2 hdc in next st. Rep around. Join, ch 1. (56 sts)
Walls: Rounds 8–17
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Round 8: Hdc in third loop only in each st around. Join, ch 1. (56 sts)
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Round 9: Hdc in both loops in each st around. Join and change to Color B on final pull-through. Ch 1.
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Round 10–11: With Color B, hdc in each st around. Change to Color A at end of Round 11.
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Round 12–13: With Color A, hdc around. Change to Color B.
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Round 14–15: With Color B, hdc around. Change to Color A.
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Round 16–17: With Color A, hdc around. Change to Color C at end of Round 17.
Top Band and Handles: Rounds 18–22
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Rounds 18–19: With Color C, hdc in each st around. Join, ch 1.
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Round 20 (Handles):
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Hdc in first 11 sts
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Ch 7, skip 7 sts, hdc in next st
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Hdc in next 21 sts
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Ch 7, skip 7 sts, hdc in next st
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Hdc in remaining 10 sts. Join, ch 1.
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Round 21:
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Hdc in first 11 sts
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Hdc 7 times around the handle loop (not through chains)
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Hdc in next 21 sts
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Hdc 7 times around second handle loop
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Hdc in final 10 sts. Join, ch 1.
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Round 22 (Final Edge):
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Slip stitch loosely in the third loop only around. Join and fasten off.
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Finishing
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Weave in all ends.
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Block if desired.
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Optional: Stiffen the basket with a fabric stiffener spray if you want even more structure.
Conclusion
Congratulations on completing your Brecken Basket! Whether it’s storing yarn, organizing craft supplies, or holding a cozy plant, this handmade basket adds rustic charm and function to any space. This versatile, beginner-friendly pattern from The Turtle Trunk is sure to become a go-to project, and with endless color options, every basket you make can have its own personality.
