The Clucky Blossom Basket: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Springtime Egg Holder
Introducing the Clucky Blossom Basket
Welcome to a delightful spring crochet project that combines the charm of amigurumi with the functionality of a basket. The Clucky Blossom Basket is a textured, plump hen-shaped egg holder that’s perfect for presenting Easter eggs or storing small treasures. With its soft, earthy colors and cozy handmade aesthetic, this basket becomes an heirloom piece you’ll cherish for seasons to come. The textured shell, created with back-loop-only stitches, adds a ribbed, rustic feel, while the bright golden yellow comb, beak, and wattles bring cheerful personality. Whether you’re a seasoned crocheter or a beginner looking for a rewarding project, this pattern is designed to be clear, detailed, and easy to follow. Let’s get started!
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following supplies. All measurements are approximate, and consistency in tension is key for a polished finish.
- Yarn: Worsted weight (Category 4) cotton yarn in three colors:
- Color A: Cream/ivory for the body (approx. 60g)
- Color B: Terracotta or warm brown for the shell (approx. 70g)
- Color C: Golden yellow for the beak, comb, and wattles (approx. 20g)
- Hook: 3.5mm (E) crochet hook
- Gauge: 4 sc and 4 rows = 1 inch in single crochet (not critical for this project, but consistency is important for even sizing)
- Other: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, stuffing (polyester fiberfill), black embroidery floss or 8mm safety eyes (optional), scissors
Step-by-Step Instructions
This pattern is worked in continuous rounds (spiral) unless otherwise stated. Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round to keep track of your progress. All instructions are written in standard crochet abbreviations.
Abbreviations
- MR: magic ring
- sc: single crochet
- inc: increase (2 sc in same stitch)
- dec: decrease (sc 2 together)
- sl st: slip stitch
- ch: chain
- dc: double crochet
- BLO: back loop only
Body (Color A)
The body forms the base of the chicken. Work in continuous rounds, stuffing firmly as you go.
- MR, 6 sc (6)
- inc x6 (12)
- (sc, inc) x6 (18)
- (2 sc, inc) x6 (24)
- (3 sc, inc) x6 (30)
- (4 sc, inc) x6 (36)
- (5 sc, inc) x6 (42)
- Rounds 8-15: sc around (42) – 8 rounds total. This creates the height of the body.
- Round 16: (5 sc, dec) x6 (36)
- Round 17: (4 sc, dec) x6 (30)
- Round 18: (3 sc, dec) x6 (24)
- Round 19: (2 sc, dec) x6 (18)
- Round 20: sc around (18)
- Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 12 inches) for sewing. Stuff the body firmly, shaping it into a plump, rounded form. Do not overstuff; it should be firm but not hard.
Shell (Color B)
The shell is worked in back loop only (BLO) for a textured, ribbed effect. It will sit over the body like a cap.
- MR, 6 sc (6)
- inc x6 (12)
- (sc, inc) x6 (18)
- (2 sc, inc) x6 (24)
- (3 sc, inc) x6 (30)
- (4 sc, inc) x6 (36)
- (5 sc, inc) x6 (42)
- Rounds 8-12: sc around (42) – 5 rounds. Remember to work in BLO for all stitches in these rounds.
- Round 13: (5 sc, dec) x6 (36)
- Round 14: (4 sc, dec) x6 (30)
- Round 15: (3 sc, dec) x6 (24)
- Round 16: (2 sc, dec) x6 (18)
- Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 12 inches). Do not stuff the shell. Place the shell over the body, aligning the edges (the opening of the shell should match the top opening of the body). Using the tail, sew the shell to the body by stitching through both layers around the edge. Weave in the end securely.
Basket Rim (Color A)
The rim creates a sturdy opening for the basket and joins the body and shell together.
- Attach Color A yarn to the top edge of the body (where the shell meets the body). You’ll be working through both layers (body and shell) to join them.
- Round 1: sc around the entire opening, working through both layers. You should have 18 sc (matching the last round of the body and shell).
- Round 2: ch 1, turn. sc in each stitch around (18).
- Round 3: ch 1, turn. sc in each stitch around (18).
- Round 4: ch 1, turn. (sc, ch 1, skip 1) repeat around – this creates a scalloped edge. Sl st to first sc. Fasten off and weave in the end.
Handle (Color A)
The handle is a simple chain that adds functionality and charm.
- Ch 25.
- Starting from the 2nd ch from the hook, sc in each ch across (24).
- Fasten off, leaving tails (about 6 inches each).
- Sew each end of the handle to opposite sides of the basket rim. Position the handle so it arches over the opening. Weave in ends securely.
Comb (Color C)
The comb sits on top of the shell, adding a classic chicken detail.
- MR, 3 sc (3)
- inc x3 (6)
- (sc, inc) x3 (9)
- sc around (9)
- (2 sc, inc) x3 (12)
- sc around (12)
- Fasten off, leaving a tail (about 8 inches). Sew the comb to the top center of the shell. Position it so it stands upright. Weave in the end.
Beak (Color C)
The beak is a small, pointed piece that gives the chicken its face.
- MR, 4 sc (4)
- sc around (4)
- inc x4 (8)
- Fasten off, leaving a tail (about 6 inches). Sew the beak to the front of the body, centered below the comb. Position it about 2-3 rounds down from the rim. Weave in the end.
Wattles (Color C)
Make two wattles, which hang below the beak on each side.
- MR, 3 sc (3)
- inc x3 (6)
- Fasten off, leaving a tail (about 6 inches each). Sew one wattle on each side of the beak, slightly below it. Weave in ends.
Eyes
Add eyes to bring the chicken to life. If using safety eyes, attach them before stuffing the body (during the body assembly). If using embroidery floss, add them now.
- Using black embroidery floss or 8mm safety eyes, attach eyes above the beak, about 3 stitches apart. Position them so they are centered and symmetrical. If using embroidery floss, stitch a small French knot or a few straight stitches to form a dot. Secure and weave in ends.
Tail Feathers (Color B)
Make three tail feathers that fan out from the back of the shell.
- MR, 6 sc (6)
- inc x6 (12)
- Rounds 3-4: sc around (12)
- Round 5: (2 sc, dec) x3 (9)
- Round 6: sc around (9)
- Fasten off, leaving a tail (about 8 inches each). Repeat to make three total.
- Sew the tail feathers to the back of the shell, spacing them evenly (one in the center, one on each side). Position them so they fan outward. Weave in ends.
Finishing
Complete your Clucky Blossom Basket with these final touches.
- Weave in all remaining ends using a tapestry needle. Trim any excess yarn.
- Optionally, add a small bow or flower at the base of the handle for extra charm. Use a contrasting color or a scrap of ribbon.
- Gently shape the basket by hand, ensuring the shell sits evenly over the body and the handle arches smoothly.
- Your basket is now ready to hold Easter eggs, small toys, or trinkets. Enjoy your handmade creation!
