Crocheting with t-shirt yarn is a fun and sustainable way to create stylish and sturdy home items—especially crochet baskets! Whether you’re organizing craft supplies, storing toys, or adding a touch of handmade charm to your decor, a crochet basket made with upcycled or store-bought t-shirt yarn is both functional and fashionable. This guide outlines how to make your own using free patterns, with a focus on yarn choice, stitches, and shaping.
1. Choosing and Preparing T-Shirt Yarn
T-shirt yarn is a chunky, stretchy material made from recycled cotton or jersey knit fabric. You can buy it pre-made or create your own from old t-shirts. It’s perfect for baskets because it’s:
- Thick and durable
- Washable and soft
- Eco-friendly and affordable
To make your own: Cut old t-shirts into continuous strips (about 1–2 cm wide), stretch them gently, and roll them into balls. You’ll need about 100–150 yards for a medium basket.
2. Learning Basic Basket Stitches and Shapes
T-shirt yarn is easy to work with using large hooks (8–12 mm). Most crochet baskets use simple stitches like:
- Magic ring (for a tight base)
- Single crochet (sc) for tight, dense fabric
- Back loop only (BLO) to create ridges and structure
- Slip stitch for clean joins
The standard basket construction includes:
- A flat circle base (worked in rounds)
- Straight sides (achieved by stopping increases and working upward)
- Optional handles (made with chains and skipped stitches)
Free pattern idea:
“Simple Round Basket”
- Magic ring
- Rounds 1–4: Increase with single crochet to create a base
- Rounds 5–12: Sc in BLO to build up the sides
- Add chain-space handles if desired
- Finish with a slip stitch edge
3. Customizing Your Basket
The beauty of t-shirt yarn baskets is how easy they are to customize:
- Color: Mix and match colors for stripes or color blocks
- Size: Adjust base diameter and number of side rows
- Shape: Make round, oval, or square baskets
- Stiffness: For extra firmness, insert plastic canvas or use tighter tension
Free patterns often include different shapes (square or nesting baskets) and creative designs like braided handles, fringe, or labels. Look on sites like Ravelry, Yarnspirations, or Pinterest for inspiration.
Conclusion
Crocheting baskets with t-shirt yarn is a beginner-friendly project that combines functionality with creativity. By understanding the materials, mastering a few basic stitches, and exploring free patterns, you can create a variety of durable and beautiful baskets for any space. It’s a great way to upcycle old clothes, reduce waste, and add handmade charm to your home.
Pattern and tutorial by ReTwisst