This two-tier hanging organizer is made of two oval baskets stacked one above the other. Each basket has a firm single crochet base, a short solid band, an open diamond lattice and a solid rim. A wooden dowel runs along the top back edge of each basket. Crocheted cords wrapped around the dowel ends link the two baskets and form the hanging loop.
The sample uses one color, a deep cranberry red cotton, which looks good against white walls and wood accents. The solid bands give the baskets structure, and the lattice keeps them light and lets air move through. The top basket is a good size for soap bottles and brushes. The deeper bottom basket holds two standard toilet paper rolls.
All terms are US crochet terms. Each basket measures 10.5 in (26.7 cm) long and 4.5 in (11.4 cm) deep. The top basket stands 4 in (10.2 cm) tall and the bottom basket stands 5.5 in (14.0 cm) tall. When hung, the organizer is about 20.5 in (52.1 cm) from the top of the hanging loop to the bottom of the lower basket.
You crochet an oval base in rounds, then turn up the sides with a back-loop round. After that comes a solid band, then net-stitch lattice rounds, then a solid rim. Both baskets are made the same way; only the number of lattice rounds changes. Three slip stitch cords and two dowels complete the assembly.
Finished Size and Construction
- Finished size (hung): 12 in (30.5 cm) wide including dowel ends, 20.5 in (52.1 cm) tall
- Skill level: Easy-Intermediate
- Terminology: US crochet terms
- Yarn weight: Worsted (#4), cotton
- Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8)
- Number of pieces: 2 baskets, 3 cords, 2 dowels
- Layout: 1 column, 2 tiers (top basket above bottom basket)
- Base size (both baskets): 10.5 in x 4.5 in (26.7 cm x 11.4 cm)
- Height before rim: top 3.25 in (8.3 cm), bottom 4.75 in (12.1 cm)
- Rim depth: 0.75 in (1.9 cm), 3 rounds of single crochet
Materials
Yarn: Use a worsted weight 100% cotton or a cotton blend. Cotton holds its shape, copes well with damp bathroom air and gives the lattice crisp lines. Avoid very soft or splitty yarns, because the base needs to stay firm.
- Cranberry red: about 150 g, roughly 250 yd (229 m)
That covers both baskets: about 70 g for the top basket and 85 g for the bottom basket, with the cords included. The quantities include a margin of about 15% for gauge differences.
Tools:
- 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook
- 2 wooden dowels, each 12 in (30.5 cm) long and 0.5 in (1.3 cm) thick
- Wall hook or knob
- Tapestry needle
- 4 stitch markers
- Scissors and a measuring tape
- Optional: fabric stiffener or spray starch
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch – chain
- sc – single crochet
- sl st – slip stitch
- BLO – back loop only
- inc – 2 sc in the same stitch
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- sk – skip
- rnd – round
Special stitch: slip stitch cord. Chain to the stated length. Starting in the 2nd ch from the hook, sl st into the back bump of each ch to the end. This makes a round, rope-like cord that barely stretches.
Gauge and Checkpoints
Gauge: 14 sc and 16 rnds = 4 in (10.2 cm) in sc worked in the round.
Make the top basket first. It is the smaller of the two, so it works as a full-size gauge test, and you can adjust before you start the bottom basket.
Checkpoints:
- After Rnd 1: base measures 6.5 in (16.5 cm) long and 0.5 in (1.3 cm) wide.
- After Rnd 5: base measures 8.5 in (21.6 cm) long and 2.5 in (6.4 cm) wide.
- After Rnd 9: base measures 10.5 in (26.7 cm) long and 4.5 in (11.4 cm) wide.
- After the solid band: walls stand 1 in (2.5 cm) tall.
- Each lattice round adds about 0.75 in (1.9 cm).
If your base is too big, go down to a 4.5 mm hook. If it is too small, go up to a 5.5 mm hook. If the base cups upward, your gauge is too tight. If it ruffles, your gauge is too loose. Fix the gauge before you add the sides, because every side count depends on the base.
Basket Base (Make 2)
The base is an oval. Each round adds 3 stitches at each curved end, for 6 per round. The straight sides stay at 21 stitches.
Foundation: Ch 24.
Rnd 1: 3 sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 21 ch, 3 sc in last ch. Turn the work and crochet along the other side of the foundation chain: sc in next 21 ch, stopping before the first ch. Join with sl st to first sc. (48 sts: 3 per end, 21 per straight side)
From here on, ch 1 at the start of each round (does not count as a st) and join with sl st to the first sc. Every round begins at a curved end.
- Rnd 2: Inc in each of next 3 sts, sc in next 21 sts; repeat from * once. (54 sts: 6 per end)
- Rnd 3: (Sc in next st, inc) 3 times, sc in next 21 sts; repeat from * once. (60 sts: 9 per end)
- Rnd 4: (Sc in next 2 sts, inc) 3 times, sc in next 21 sts; repeat from * once. (66 sts: 12 per end)
- Rnd 5: (Sc in next 3 sts, inc) 3 times, sc in next 21 sts; repeat from * once. (72 sts: 15 per end)
- Rnd 6: (Sc in next 4 sts, inc) 3 times, sc in next 21 sts; repeat from * once. (78 sts: 18 per end)
- Rnd 7: (Sc in next 5 sts, inc) 3 times, sc in next 21 sts; repeat from * once. (84 sts: 21 per end)
- Rnd 8: (Sc in next 6 sts, inc) 3 times, sc in next 21 sts; repeat from * once. (90 sts: 24 per end)
- Rnd 9: (Sc in next 7 sts, inc) 3 times, sc in next 21 sts; repeat from * once. (96 sts: 27 per end)
Count check: 27 + 21 + 27 + 21 = 96. The base should lie flat at 10.5 in x 4.5 in (26.7 cm x 11.4 cm).
Basket Sides
Rnd 10 (turning round): Sc in BLO of each st around. (96 sts) The unused front loops form a neat ridge, and the sides start to rise.
Rnds 11–13: Sc in each st around. (96 sts each round)
The solid band is now 4 rounds, about 1 in (2.5 cm) tall.
Lattice Rounds
The lattice is a net stitch. Each ch-5 loop spans 4 stitches of the round below. Each sc sits in the center of a loop from the previous round, so the strands cross into diamonds.
Rnd 14: Ch 1, sc in first st, ch 5, sk 3 sts, sc in next st; repeat from * 22 more times, ch 5, sk last 3 sts, join with sl st to first sc. (24 ch-5 loops)
Check: 24 repeats x 4 sts = 96 sts used, so the round closes evenly.
Sl st in next 3 ch to reach the center of the first loop.
Rnd 15: Ch 1, sc in same loop, ch 5, sc in next ch-5 loop; repeat from * 22 more times, ch 5, join with sl st to first sc. (24 loops) Sl st in next 3 ch.
Top basket: Work Rnd 15 once more as Rnd 16, but leave out the final “sl st in next 3 ch.” You now have 3 lattice rounds, about 2.25 in (5.7 cm). Height before rim: 3.25 in (8.3 cm).
Bottom basket: Repeat Rnd 15 three more times (Rnds 16–18), leaving out the final sl sts on Rnd 18. You now have 5 lattice rounds, about 3.75 in (9.5 cm). Height before rim: 4.75 in (12.1 cm).
Place markers in the 1st, 7th, 13th and 19th loops of the last lattice round. They divide the round into four quarters of 6 loops each.
Make All Pieces
All pieces use cranberry red.
| Piece | Quantity | Instructions | Finished size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top basket | 1 | 3 lattice rounds | 4 in (10.2 cm) tall |
| Bottom basket | 1 | 5 lattice rounds | 5.5 in (14.0 cm) tall |
| Cord A (hanger) | 1 | Ch 112, slip stitch cord | 28 in (71.1 cm) |
| Cords B and C (sides) | 2 | Ch 72, slip stitch cord | 18 in (45.7 cm) each |
Leave a 10 in (25.4 cm) tail at each end of every cord. Measure the cords instead of relying on the chain count, and add or remove chains as needed.
Layout:
/\ Cord A (hanger loop)
/ \
o============o Dowel 1
| TOP | Top basket, 4 in (10.2 cm)
|____________|
B C Cords B and C, 8 in (20.3 cm) drop
o============o Dowel 2
| BOTTOM | Bottom basket, 5.5 in (14.0 cm)
|____________|
Border (Rim)
Work the rim on each basket right after its last lattice round.
Border gauge: 14 sc = 4 in (10.2 cm); 3 rounds = 0.75 in (1.9 cm).
Rim Rnd 1 (conversion round): Ch 1, work 4 sc in each ch-5 loop around. Join. (24 loops x 4 sc = 96 sts; 24 sts per marked quarter)
Rim Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join. (96 sts; 24 per quarter)
Rim Rnd 3: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join. (96 sts; 24 per quarter) Fasten off and weave in ends.
Why the math works: The base finishes at 96 stitches, and Rnd 14 uses them in 24 groups of 4. The rim puts back exactly 4 sc per loop, so it also has 96 stitches and the same circumference as the base. That keeps the walls vertical. Each ch-5 loop is a little longer than the 4 stitches it spans. This adds just enough ease for the lattice to open into diamonds without pulling in.
Joining (Assembly)
Insert the dowels. Choose one long side of each basket as the back. Weave a dowel in and out of the lattice openings directly below the rim along the back, passing through the outermost opening at each end. Center the dowel so 0.75 in (1.9 cm) sticks out past each end. The back flattens slightly against the dowel, so the basket hangs flush against the wall.
Tack the rim. Whipstitch the back rim to the dowel every 6 stitches, which gives 4 tacks across the 24 back stitches. Pull the yarn snug but not so tight that the rim puckers.
Attach cords B and C. Wrap one end of Cord B 3 times around the left end of Dowel 1, tight against the basket. Sew the tail through all the wraps twice. Measure an 8 in (20.3 cm) drop and wrap the other end around the left end of Dowel 2 the same way. Repeat on the right side with Cord C.
Attach the hanger. Wrap each end of Cord A 3 times over the side-cord wraps on Dowel 1 and sew it down. The top of the loop should sit about 7 in (17.8 cm) above the dowel.
Tension advice: Keep all wraps snug and even. Loose wraps slide off the dowel, and uneven wraps make the baskets hang crooked.
Size checkpoint: The dowels should hang level and 8 in (20.3 cm) apart. There should be a 4 in (10.2 cm) gap between the bottom of the top basket and Dowel 2. Total height is about 20.5 in (52.1 cm).
Final Blocking
- Remove the dowels.
- Spray each basket until damp, or soak it and press out the water in a towel.
- Stuff each basket firmly with rolled towels so the walls stand straight and the base sits flat.
- Gently pull the lattice upward so the diamonds open evenly.
- Optional: apply fabric stiffener to the walls for extra firmness.
- Let the baskets dry completely, at least 24 hours.
- Put the dowels back in, hang the organizer and straighten the cord wraps.
Final Quality-Control Checklist
- Base has 96 sts and lies flat at 10.5 in x 4.5 in (26.7 cm x 11.4 cm).
- Every lattice round has 24 loops.
- Each rim round has 96 sts, 24 per marked quarter.
- Top basket is 4 in (10.2 cm) tall; bottom basket is 5.5 in (14.0 cm) tall.
- Dowels stick out 0.75 in (1.9 cm) at each end.
- Each cord end is wrapped 3 times around its dowel and sewn securely.
- Dowels hang level and 8 in (20.3 cm) apart.
- All ends are woven in.
Troubleshooting
Base curls into a bowl: You have too few increases or your gauge is tight. Recheck the counts or go up a hook size.
Base ruffles: Your gauge is loose or you have extra increases. Go down a hook size and recount each round.
Lattice spirals: You skipped the sl sts into the loop centers. Sl st over 3 ch at the end of every lattice round except the last.
Rim flares or pulls in: Rim Rnd 1 must have exactly 4 sc per loop, 96 in total.
Basket tips forward when loaded: Add more tacks between the rim and the dowel, and put heavy items toward the back.
Organizer hangs crooked: Measure both side cords between the dowels and rewrap the longer one.
Care
Remove the dowels and hand wash the baskets in cool water with mild soap. Reshape, dry flat over a stuffed towel, then put the dowels back in.
Final Notes
A gauge of 14 sc = 4 in (10.2 cm) gives a 96-stitch base of 10.5 in x 4.5 in (26.7 cm x 11.4 cm). Those 96 stitches become 24 lattice loops, and the rim turns them back into 96 stitches, so the walls stay straight. Three lattice rounds make a 4 in (10.2 cm) top basket, and five make a 5.5 in (14.0 cm) bottom basket. With 12 in (30.5 cm) dowels and 8 in (20.3 cm) cord drops, the finished organizer is 20.5 in (52.1 cm) tall. Check each measurement as you go, and the baskets will hang straight and level.
Happy crocheting!