The Whispering Willow Storage Nest: A Textured Crochet Basket Free Pattern

Introducing the Whispering Willow Storage Nest

This isn't your average crochet basket; it's a sculptural, organic form that brings a touch of wild, woodland elegance to any room. Crafted with a unique combination of linked stitches and a subtle, hand-dyed color shift, the Whispering Willow Storage Nest is the perfect home for your yarn, remotes, or treasures. Whether you're a seasoned crocheter or a beginner looking for a rewarding project, this free pattern will guide you through creating a stunning, textured basket that adds warmth and charm to your home decor.

Materials Needed

To create your own Whispering Willow Storage Nest, gather the following materials:

• Yarn: Super Bulky weight (#6) cotton or cotton-blend yarn. Approximately 250-300 yards. The sample shown uses a natural cream transitioning to a soft sage green, but feel free to choose any color combination that inspires you.
• Hook: US Size N/P (10 mm) crochet hook, or size needed to obtain gauge.
• Other: Stitch marker, yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors.

Gauge: 8 stitches and 6 rows in linked half double crochet (LHDC) = 4 inches (10 cm). Exact gauge is not critical, but consistency is important for the shape of your basket.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This basket is worked from the bottom up in a continuous spiral. Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round. Do not join rounds unless specified.

Special Stitches

Before you begin, familiarize yourself with these two special stitches:

• Linked Half Double Crochet (LHDC): Insert hook into the horizontal bar just below the top loop of the previous stitch (the 'link'), yarn over, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), insert hook into the next stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through all 3 loops.
• Linked Single Crochet (LSC): Insert hook into the 'link' of the previous stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), insert hook into the next stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through all 3 loops.

BOTTOM (Worked in a Flat Circle)

Work the following rounds to create the base of your basket:

• Round 1: Make a magic ring, chain 2 (does not count as a stitch), work 8 LHDC into the ring. Pull ring tight. (8 stitches)
• Round 2: Work 2 LHDC in each stitch around. (16 stitches)
• Round 3: *LHDC in next stitch, 2 LHDC in next stitch; repeat from * around. (24 stitches)
• Round 4: *LHDC in next 2 stitches, 2 LHDC in next stitch; repeat from * around. (32 stitches)
• Round 5: *LHDC in next 3 stitches, 2 LHDC in next stitch; repeat from * around. (40 stitches)
• Round 6: *LHDC in next 4 stitches, 2 LHDC in next stitch; repeat from * around. (48 stitches)

SIDES (Worked Upward)

Now you'll begin building the walls of the basket:

• Round 7: Working in the back loop only, LHDC in each stitch around. (48 stitches) This creates a distinct ridge at the base.
• Rounds 8-12: LHDC in each stitch around. (48 stitches) Continue working in the round without increasing.
• Round 13: LSC in each stitch around. (48 stitches) This tightens the stitch and begins to shape the rim.
• Round 14: *LSC in next 2 stitches, LSC2tog (using the LSC method, work 2 together); repeat from * around. (36 stitches)
• Round 15: LSC in each stitch around. (36 stitches)

RIM (Creates a Rolled Edge)

Finish your basket with a neat, rolled edge:

• Round 16: Slip stitch in each stitch around. (36 slip stitches) Do not fasten off.
• Round 17: Turn the basket so the inside is facing you. Working from the inside, slip stitch in each stitch around, but insert the hook from the outside to the inside (reverse slip stitch). This creates a neat, rolled edge. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Your Whispering Willow Storage Nest is complete! Gently shape it with your hands to achieve the organic, slightly irregular form that makes it so charming. Enjoy your new handmade home decor piece.