This hanging organizer has two oval baskets with filet-lace walls, hung one above the other from a wooden dowel. A band of four-petal flowers runs around each basket. Every flower is made of rounded block clusters around an open center, set in a light, airy mesh.
The design uses one color, a warm cream cotton, so it suits a bathroom or nursery shelf with a neutral, Scandinavian-style look. The yarn is sturdy enough to hold toilet rolls, soap bottles and small towels. The pattern uses US crochet terms throughout.
Each basket measures about 11.25 in (28.6 cm) long, 4 in (10.2 cm) deep and 6 in (15.2 cm) tall. Hung up, the organizer is about 25 in (63.5 cm) from dowel to bottom, and the hanger peak sits about 4.7 in (11.9 cm) above the dowel.
Construction is simple. You crochet an oval single-crochet base, turn up the wall with a back-loop round, and work the filet flower band in joined rounds. A solid rim with a crab-stitch edge finishes the top. You then make five slip-stitch cords and sew everything to the dowel.
Finished Size and Construction
- Basket size: 11.25 in × 4 in × 6 in (28.6 cm × 10.2 cm × 15.2 cm)
- Overall hanging length: about 25 in (63.5 cm) from dowel to bottom, about 30 in (76.2 cm) including the hanger
- Skill level: Intermediate (filet mesh worked in the round)
- Terminology: US
- Yarn weight: Worsted (#4) cotton
- Hook: 4.5 mm (US 7)
- Number of pieces: 2 baskets, 2 straps, 2 connectors, 1 hanger cord, 1 dowel
- Layout: two baskets stacked vertically under one dowel
- Wall circumference: 112 sts = 28 in (71.1 cm)
- Wall height before border: about 5.2 in (13.2 cm)
- Border (rim) depth: about 0.8 in (2.0 cm)
Materials
Use a smooth, firmly twisted worsted-weight cotton, or a cotton blend with very little stretch. Cotton keeps the mesh crisp and the walls upright. Acrylic will sag under weight.
- Cream: 175 g, about 275 m total
- Each basket uses about 70 g (110 m)
- The five cords use about 15 g (24 m)
These quantities include a margin of about 10–15% for gauge swatches and differences in tension.
Tools:
– 4.5 mm (US 7) crochet hook
– Wooden dowel, 14 in (35.6 cm) long and 5/8 in (1.6 cm) in diameter
– 4 locking stitch markers
– Tapestry needle
– Measuring tape
– Rust-proof pins
– A box or folded towels about 11 × 4 in for blocking
– Optional: fabric stiffener or spray starch
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- dc – double crochet
- BLO – back loop only
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- sp – space
- rnd(s) – round(s)
- rep – repeat
- OS (open square) – dc in next dc, ch 1, skip next st or sp. One square takes up 2 sts.
- BL (block) – dc in next dc, dc in next st or sp. One square takes up 2 sts.
- Crab st (reverse sc) – working left to right (right-handed), insert hook in the next st to the right, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
Mesh logic: Every square is 2 sts wide, a “post” dc plus a filler (either ch 1 or a dc). The post dc always goes into the previous round’s post dc. The filler goes into the previous round’s ch-1 sp or filler dc.
Gauge and Checkpoints
- Sc gauge: 16 sts × 18 rnds = 4 in (10.2 cm)
- Mesh gauge: 8 squares (16 sts) × 6 rnds = 4 in (10.2 cm)
- Cord gauge: 4 sl sts = 1 in (2.5 cm)
Make one complete basket before starting the second. A basket is a large swatch, and checking the first one keeps both identical.
Checkpoints:
1. After base Rnd 5: about 9 in × 2 in (22.9 cm × 5.1 cm).
2. After base Rnd 9: 11.25 in × 4 in (28.6 cm × 10.2 cm), lying flat.
3. After Rnd 11: the wall turns up cleanly. Circumference is 28 in (71.1 cm).
4. After Rnd 18: the mesh section is about 4.7 in (11.9 cm) tall.
5. After Rnd 22: total wall height is 6 in (15.2 cm).
If your piece is too big, go down to a 4 mm hook. If it is too small, go up to a 5 mm hook. If only the height is off, adjust your dc height: pull the first loop up less for shorter dc, or more for taller dc. Don’t change any stitch counts. The flower repeat depends on exactly 112 sts.
Basket Base (Make 2)
The base is an oval worked around both sides of a foundation chain. Each round has two straight sides of 29 sts and two curved ends. Only the ends get increases, 3 per end per round, which is +6 per round in total.
Ch 32.
Rnd 1: 3 sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 29 ch, 3 sc in last ch. Working in the free loops on the other side of the chain, sc in next 29 ch. Join with sl st to first sc. (64 sts: end 3, side 29, end 3, side 29)
Every following round starts with ch 1, which does not count as a st, and ends by joining with sl st to the first sc.
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each of next 3 sts, sc in next 29, 2 sc in each of next 3 sts, sc in next 29. (70 sts; each end 6)
Rnd 3: (sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) 3 times, sc in next 29, (sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) 3 times, sc in next 29. (76 sts; each end 9)
Rnd 4: (sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st) 3 times, sc in next 29, rep the bracket 3 times, sc in next 29. (82 sts; each end 12)
Rnd 5: (sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st) 3 times, sc in next 29, rep the bracket 3 times, sc in next 29. (88 sts; each end 15)
Checkpoint: about 9 in × 2 in (22.9 cm × 5.1 cm).
Rnd 6: Work as Rnd 5 with sc in next 4 sts in each bracket. (94 sts; each end 18)
Rnd 7: Sc in next 5 sts in each bracket. (100 sts; each end 21)
Rnd 8: Sc in next 6 sts in each bracket. (106 sts; each end 24)
Rnd 9: (sc in next 7 sts, 2 sc in next st) 3 times, sc in next 29, rep the bracket 3 times, sc in next 29. (112 sts; each end 27)
Checkpoint: 11.25 in × 4 in (28.6 cm × 10.2 cm). The base should be flat and not cupped.
Mark st 14 (the center of the first end) and st 70 (the center of the second end). The straps attach at these points later.
Basket Walls
Rnd 10: Ch 1, sc in BLO of each st around, join. (112 sts) This makes the fold line where the wall turns up.
Rnd 11: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join. (112 sts)
The bottom solid band is now about 0.5 in (1.3 cm) tall.
Rnd 12 (all open): Ch 4 (counts as dc + ch 1), skip next st, dc in next st, ch 1, skip next st; rep from * around. Join with sl st to 3rd ch of beg ch-4. (56 squares = 56 dc + 56 ch-1 sps = 112 sts)*
Flower Band
Each repeat is 8 squares (16 sts): a 5-square flower followed by 3 open spacer squares. There are 7 repeats around (7 × 16 = 112). The rounds are worked right side out and are not turned.
Chart key: B = block, O = open square. Rnds 13–17:
Rnd 17: O B O B O | O O O
Rnd 16: B B O B B | O O O
Rnd 15: O O O O O | O O O
Rnd 14: B B O B B | O O O
Rnd 13: O B O B O | O O O
Each petal is three blocks in an L shape with its outer corner left open. This rounds off the petal, and the four petals frame the open center square in Rnd 15.
Rnd 13: Ch 4 (counts as first OS), skip next sp, BL, OS, BL, OS 4 times. OS, BL, OS, BL, OS 4 times; rep from * 5 more times. Join to 3rd ch of beg ch-4. (56 squares: 14 blocks, 42 open)*
Rnd 14: Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in next st (first BL made), BL, OS, BL twice, OS 3 times. BL twice, OS, BL twice, OS 3 times; rep from * 5 more times. Join to top of beg ch-3. (56 squares: 28 blocks, 28 open)*
Rnd 15: Ch 4, skip next st, OS around, working each OS into the previous round’s dc. Join. (56 open squares)
Rnd 16: Rep Rnd 14. (56 squares: 28 blocks, 28 open)
Rnd 17: Rep Rnd 13. (56 squares: 14 blocks, 42 open)
Rnd 18 (all open): Rep Rnd 15. (56 open squares)
Checkpoint: the mesh section (Rnds 12–18) measures about 4.7 in (11.9 cm) tall, and the wall so far is about 5.2 in (13.2 cm).
Make All Pieces
Quantities (all Cream):
– Baskets: 2, made exactly as above
– Straps: 2. Ch 41, sl st in back bump of 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. (40 sl sts = 10 in / 25.4 cm)
– Connectors: 2. Ch 33, sl st in back bump as above. (32 sl sts = 8 in / 20.3 cm)
– Hanger cord: 1. Ch 73, sl st in back bump as above. (72 sl sts = 18 in / 45.7 cm)
Leave a 10 in (25.4 cm) tail at both ends of each cord for sewing.
Layout:
/\ hanger cord
===== dowel 14 in =====
| | straps (7 in visible)
[ Basket 1 (top) ]
| | connectors (6 in visible)
[ Basket 2 (bottom) ]
Joining
All the joins are sewn with the cord tails. Work them after the rims are finished (see Border below) and the baskets are blocked.
Straps to upper basket: Line up one end of a strap with marked st 14 on the inside of the wall. Lay 1 in (2.5 cm) of cord flat down the inside of the rim. Whipstitch it on, one sl st of the cord to each round of the rim and to the matching wall st. Repeat at st 70. Each strap now has 9 in (22.9 cm) free.
Straps to dowel: Wrap the top 2 in (5.1 cm) of each strap around the dowel and sew the cord back onto itself. That leaves 7 in (17.8 cm) visible. The two straps should be 11.25 in (28.6 cm) apart, matching the basket length.
Connectors: Sew one end of each connector to the inside of the lower basket’s rim at sts 14 and 70, with a 1 in (2.5 cm) overlap. Sew the other end, also with a 1 in (2.5 cm) overlap, to the outside of the upper basket at the same end-center sts, across Rnds 10–12. That leaves a 6 in (15.2 cm) gap.
Hanger: Tie each end of the hanger cord around the dowel, 0.5 in (1.3 cm) from the tip, with a double knot. Use 1 in (2.5 cm) of cord per knot and sew the tail back along the cord. The peak should sit about 4.7 in (11.9 cm) above the dowel.
Tension: Make the whipstitches firm but don’t pull them tight enough to pucker the rim. The cord should lie flat against the wall.
Size checkpoint: Hang the organizer empty. The dowel-to-bottom length should be 7 + 6 + 6 + 6 = 25 in (63.5 cm), and both baskets should hang level.
Border (Rim)
Border gauge: 16 sc = 4 in (10.2 cm), 4 rnds ≈ 0.8 in (2.0 cm).
Rnd 19 (conversion): Ch 1, sc in each dc and in each ch-1 sp around. Join. (56 sts worked 1 per dc + 56 sts worked 1 per sp = 112 sts)
Rnds 20–21: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join. (112 sts)
Rnd 22: Ch 1, crab st in each st around. Join and fasten off. (112 crab sts)
Per-side counts (every border round):
– First end: 27
– First long side: 29
– Second end: 27
– Second long side: 29
– Total: 27 + 29 + 27 + 29 = 112
Why the math works: The rim is worked straight up from the base, so every side keeps the base’s Rnd 9 counts. The 112 sts divide into 56 two-stitch squares, which is exactly 7 flower repeats of 16 sts. Converting the mesh back to sc (1 st per dc and 1 per sp) returns the same 112. No rounds add or remove stitches, so the rim does not flare or pull in.
Final Blocking
- Soak both baskets in cool water for 10 minutes. Press out the water gently; don’t wring.
- Roll each basket in a towel to remove excess moisture.
- Fit each basket over a box or a firm bundle of towels, about 11 × 4 in (27.9 × 10.2 cm) at the base.
- Push the base flat. Square the mesh by lining up the post dcs vertically.
- Pin the rim so it is level at 6 in (15.2 cm) all around.
- Optional: spray with starch or brush on diluted fabric stiffener for firmer walls.
- Dry completely, usually 24–48 hours, before sewing on the cords.
Final Quality-Control Checklist
- [ ] Each base measures 11.25 × 4 in (28.6 × 10.2 cm) and lies flat
- [ ] Every round has 112 sts or 56 squares
- [ ] All 7 flowers on each basket are complete and their columns line up
- [ ] Rims are level at 6 in (15.2 cm)
- [ ] Straps sit at end-center sts 14 and 70
- [ ] The visible strap drop is 7 in (17.8 cm) and the connector gap is 6 in (15.2 cm)
- [ ] Both baskets hang level and the dowel is horizontal
- [ ] All tails are woven in on the inside
Troubleshooting
The base cups upward. Your sc is too tight on the curves. Use a hook one size larger for the base only.
The base ruffles. The ends are too loose. Go down a hook size, or check that each round has exactly +6 sts.
Flowers slant to one side. Each round’s post dc must go into the previous round’s post dc. Also check that every round is joined to the top of its beginning chain.
The squares look stretched or tall. Loosen your ch-1, or use a shorter dc.
The repeat doesn’t fit. Count the squares in Rnd 12. There must be exactly 56.
The basket tilts. The two straps are different lengths. Re-sew the dowel wraps until both visible drops are 7 in (17.8 cm).
The rim flares. Your crab stitch is too loose. Work Rnd 22 with a 4 mm hook.
Care
Hand wash in cool water, press out the water in a towel, and reshape the baskets over a box to dry flat. Remove the dowel before washing and re-stiffen the baskets if needed.
Final Notes
Each measurement leads to the next. The 112-st base gives a 28 in (71.1 cm) wall. That holds exactly 56 squares, or 7 flower repeats. Seven mesh rounds make the 4.7 in (11.9 cm) flower band, and with the 0.5 in (1.3 cm) bottom band and the 0.8 in (2.0 cm) rim, each basket is 6 in (15.2 cm) tall. Add the 7 in (17.8 cm) straps and 6 in (15.2 cm) connectors and you get the 25 in (63.5 cm) organizer.
Check the gauge on the first basket, keep every count exact, and the second basket will match it.
Happy crocheting!