The Harbor Check hanging basket is a set of three round crochet baskets hung one above the other on beige cords. Use it for fruit, root vegetables or herbs. Each basket has a solid beige base and a navy-and-beige checkerboard wall, with a raised beige rim at the top.
There are just two colors: a warm natural beige and a deep navy. The checks are worked in tapestry crochet, which keeps the colors crisp and makes both sides of the wall look tidy. The style is coastal and practical, strong enough to hold potatoes and apples and neat enough for a bright kitchen.
This pattern uses US crochet terms. The finished baskets measure 6.4 in (16.3 cm), 7.6 in (19.3 cm) and 8.9 in (22.6 cm) across, and each is 4 in (10.2 cm) tall. Every check is 1 in (2.5 cm) square.
Each basket starts as a flat single crochet circle. One back-loop round turns the wall up, nine rounds of tapestry crochet make the checks, and a two-round rim finishes the top. Three crocheted cords are then knotted through each rim to make the hanging tiers.
Finished Size and Construction
- Finished size: Small 6.4 in (16.3 cm), Medium 7.6 in (19.3 cm), Large 8.9 in (22.6 cm) diameter; all 4 in (10.2 cm) tall
- Skill level: Intermediate (tapestry crochet in joined rounds)
- Terminology: US
- Yarn weight: Bulky (#5) cotton or cotton blend
- Hook: 6 mm (J-10)
- Number of pieces: 3 baskets + 3 hanging cords
- Layout: Three tiers in one vertical column, smallest at the top
- Piece size: Base circles of 60, 72 and 84 stitches
- Size before border: Wall height 3.33 in (8.5 cm)
- Border depth: 0.67 in (1.7 cm), two rounds
Materials
Choose a firm bulky cotton or cotton-blend yarn with good stitch definition. Cotton keeps the basket’s shape when it’s full and doesn’t stretch the way acrylic does. Avoid fuzzy or very soft yarns, because the checks will blur and the walls will sag.
- Color A, Beige: 240 g / 340 m (bases, light checks, rims, cords)
- Color B, Navy: 120 g / 170 m (dark checks)
These quantities include a margin of about 20 percent for gauge differences and the carried strand in tapestry crochet.
Tools:
– 6 mm (J-10) crochet hook
– One 1.5 in (3.8 cm) metal or wooden ring
– 3 locking stitch markers
– Tapestry needle
– Scissors
– Measuring tape
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch – chain
- sc – single crochet
- sl st – slip stitch
- inc – 2 sc in the same stitch
- BLO – back loop only
- MR – magic ring
- rev sc – reverse single crochet
- st(s) – stitch(es)
Special stitch – tapestry sc: Work each sc over the color you’re not using. Lay that strand along the top of the previous round so it’s enclosed inside every stitch. To change color, work the last sc of the old color until 2 loops remain on the hook, then yarn over with the new color and pull through.
Reverse sc (crab stitch): Working from left to right, insert the hook in the next st to the right, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through both loops.
Gauge and Checkpoints
Gauge: 12 sc and 12 rounds = 4 in (10.2 cm). That’s 3 sts and 3 rounds per inch, so each check of 3 sts by 3 rounds is 1 in (2.5 cm) square.
Test one piece first. Make the Small base through Rnd 6 and measure it before going further.
Checkpoints:
– After base Rnd 6 (36 sts): 3.8 in (9.7 cm) across
– Small base, Rnd 10 (60 sts): 6.4 in (16.3 cm) across, 20 in (50.8 cm) around
– Medium base, Rnd 12 (72 sts): 7.6 in (19.3 cm) across, 24 in (61.0 cm) around
– Large base, Rnd 14 (84 sts): 8.9 in (22.6 cm) across, 28 in (71.1 cm) around
– After wall Rnd W4: 1.33 in (3.4 cm) of wall
– After wall Rnd W10: 3.33 in (8.5 cm) of wall
– After the rim: 4 in (10.2 cm) total height
If your circle is more than 1/4 in (0.6 cm) too large, change to a 5.5 mm hook. If it’s too small, change to a 6.5 mm hook. If the base cups upward, you’re working too tightly; if it ruffles, you’re working too loosely. Fix the base before you start the wall, because every later count depends on it.
Basket Base (Make 1 of Each Size)
Work in joined rounds with Color A. Join each round with a sl st to the first sc, then ch 1 (the ch 1 doesn’t count as a st). The even rounds start partway into a repeat so the increases are staggered and the circle stays round instead of turning hexagonal.
Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc in ring. Join. (6 sts)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. Join. (12 sts)
Rnd 3: (Sc in next st, inc) 6 times. Join. (18 sts)
Rnd 4: Sc in next st, inc, (sc in next 2 sts, inc) 5 times, sc in next st. Join. (24 sts)
Rnd 5: (Sc in next 3 sts, inc) 6 times. Join. (30 sts)
Rnd 6: Sc in next 2 sts, inc, (sc in next 4 sts, inc) 5 times, sc in next 2 sts. Join. (36 sts)
Rnd 7: (Sc in next 5 sts, inc) 6 times. Join. (42 sts)
Rnd 8: Sc in next 3 sts, inc, (sc in next 6 sts, inc) 5 times, sc in next 3 sts. Join. (48 sts)
Rnd 9: (Sc in next 7 sts, inc) 6 times. Join. (54 sts)
Rnd 10: Sc in next 4 sts, inc, (sc in next 8 sts, inc) 5 times, sc in next 4 sts. Join. (60 sts)
Small basket: Stop here, at 60 sts.
Rnd 11: (Sc in next 9 sts, inc) 6 times. Join. (66 sts)
Rnd 12: Sc in next 5 sts, inc, (sc in next 10 sts, inc) 5 times, sc in next 5 sts. Join. (72 sts)
Medium basket: Stop here, at 72 sts.
Rnd 13: (Sc in next 11 sts, inc) 6 times. Join. (78 sts)
Rnd 14: Sc in next 6 sts, inc, (sc in next 12 sts, inc) 5 times, sc in next 6 sts. Join. (84 sts)
Large basket: Stop here, at 84 sts.
Every round adds exactly 6 sts, so each round’s count is 6 times its round number.
Basket Wall
The wall’s stitch count never changes: 60 sts for the Small, 72 for the Medium and 84 for the Large. All three counts divide by 6, so the 3-st checks always come out even, with no partial block at the join.
Rnd W1 (conversion round): With Color A, ch 1, sc BLO in each st around. Join. (60/72/84 sts = 60/72/84 worked 1-per-st + 0 added.) The unused front loops make a neat ridge where the base turns up into the wall.
Join Color B now. Lay it along the top of Rnd W1 and carry it inside every stitch through Rnd W10.
Rnds W2–W4 (band 1): Ch 1, *3 tapestry sc in Color A, 3 tapestry sc in Color B; repeat from * around. Join. (60/72/84 sts; 10/12/14 checks of each color)
Rnds W5–W7 (band 2): Ch 1, *3 tapestry sc in Color B, 3 tapestry sc in Color A; repeat from * around. Join. (60/72/84 sts)
Rnds W8–W10 (band 3): Work as for Rnds W2–W4. (60/72/84 sts)
Each check is 3 sts wide and 3 rounds tall, so the checks come out square. Swapping the colors from one band to the next creates the checkerboard. At the end of each round, finish the joining sl st with the color that starts the next round so the first check starts clean.
Cut Color B at the end of Rnd W10, leaving a 6 in (15.2 cm) tail. The wall is now 3.33 in (8.5 cm) tall.
Work the rim on each basket (see the Border section) before you assemble the tiers.
Make All Pieces
Color A: 3 bases, Rnd W1 on every wall, the light checks, 3 rims and 3 cords.
Color B: the dark checks on all 3 baskets.
| Piece | Base rounds | Stitch count | Diameter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small basket | 10 | 60 | 6.4 in (16.3 cm) |
| Medium basket | 12 | 72 | 7.6 in (19.3 cm) |
| Large basket | 14 | 84 | 8.9 in (22.6 cm) |
Hanging cord (make 3): With Color A, ch 163. Sl st in the back bump of the 2nd ch from the hook and in each back bump across. (162 sl sts) Fasten off. Each cord should measure 54 in (137.2 cm). Let the cords hang for 10 minutes, then measure again. If one is longer or shorter than the others, add or remove chains.
Layout grid (top to bottom):
[ RING ]
/ | \
cord cord cord
[ SMALL – 60 sts ]
~12 in (30.5 cm)
[ MEDIUM – 72 sts ]
~12 in (30.5 cm)
[ LARGE – 84 sts ]
tails 7.5 in (19.1 cm)
Joining
To join the tiers, knot each of the three cords through each basket’s rim at three evenly spaced points.
Mark the rims. Place 3 markers evenly around rim Rnd R1 of each basket: every 20 sts on the Small, every 24 on the Medium and every 28 on the Large. The spacing is exact because 60 ÷ 3 = 20, 72 ÷ 3 = 24 and 84 ÷ 3 = 28.
Mark the cords. Measure each cord from one end and mark these points:
– 4 in (10.2 cm): where the cord folds over the ring
– 18 in (45.7 cm): Small basket knot
– 31.5 in (80.0 cm): Medium basket knot
– 45 in (114.3 cm): Large basket knot
Each overhand knot uses about 1.5 in (3.8 cm) of cord. That leaves about 12 in (30.5 cm) between rims and a 7.5 in (19.1 cm) tail below the Large basket.
Attach the cords. Tie an overhand knot at the 18 in (45.7 cm) mark on each cord. At one marker on the Small basket, pass the free end of a cord through the gap just below rim Rnd R1 from outside to inside. Bring it back out through the next gap, 1 st over, and slide the rim down until it rests on the knot. Repeat at the other two markers. Attach the Medium and Large baskets the same way at their marks.
Tension. Pull every knot equally tight. A loose knot will slip and tilt the basket, so tighten the three knots on each tier together, a little at a time.
Top. Fold the first 4 in (10.2 cm) of all three cords over the ring. Wrap Color A tightly 10 times around the doubled cords just below the ring, tie it off and hide the ends inside the wrap.
Size checkpoint. Hang the set. Each rim should be level within 1/4 in (0.6 cm), and the gaps between rims should match within 1/4 in (0.6 cm). Retie any knot that’s out of place.
Border
The border is the two-round beige rim on each basket. Work it right after Rnd W10, before joining.
Border gauge: Same as the body, 3 sts and 3 rounds per inch. The two rounds add 0.67 in (1.7 cm).
Rnd R1: With Color A only, ch 1, sc in each st around. Join. (60/72/84 sts)
Rnd R2: Ch 1, rev sc in each st around. Join. (60/72/84 sts) Fasten off and weave in all ends.
Why the math works: The rim is round, so there are no corners and no corner stitches to add. Both rim rounds are worked 1 st into each wall st, and the wall count equals the last base round: 60, 72 or 84. Because there are no increases, the rim keeps the same circumference as the wall and stays straight. Each count also divides evenly into 3 cord sections of 20, 24 or 28 sts. The reverse sc makes the raised, rope-like edge and keeps the top firmly round.
Final Blocking
- Weave in all ends, running each tail through stitches of its own color so it can’t show.
- Spray each basket lightly until it’s damp but not soaked.
- Fill each basket firmly with a towel or a straight-sided container.
- Press the base flat and push the wall straight up so the BLO ridge makes a crisp edge.
- Line up the checks so the columns stand vertical.
- Leave the baskets until they’re completely dry, at least 24 hours.
- Hang the cords with a light weight on the ends to straighten any twist.
Final Quality-Control Checklist
- Base counts are 60, 72 and 84 sts.
- Diameters are 6.4 in (16.3 cm), 7.6 in (19.3 cm) and 8.9 in (22.6 cm), within 1/4 in (0.6 cm).
- Each wall shows 3 bands of square checks, with the colors swapped from band to band.
- No navy shows through the beige checks, and no beige shows through the navy ones.
- Each basket is 4 in (10.2 cm) tall.
- All three cords measure 54 in (137.2 cm) before knotting.
- The cord markers are evenly spaced on every rim.
- All rims hang level, about 12 in (30.5 cm) apart.
Troubleshooting
The base ruffles. Your tension is loose or you added extra increases. Recount each round and go down a hook size.
The base cups. You’re working too tightly. Go up a hook size for the base only.
The checks slant. Tapestry sc naturally leans a little. Working yarn-under sc (hook under the yarn on the final pull-through) helps the columns stand straight.
The carried strand shows. Keep it along the top of the previous round and snug it every few stitches. Don’t pull so hard that the wall puckers.
There’s a jog at the join. Make sure you finish each joining sl st in the color that starts the next round.
A basket tilts when it’s full. One knot is loose or in the wrong place. Retie it at the marked point and check the spacing of the rim markers.
Care
Hand wash in cool water, roll the baskets in a towel to remove excess water and reshape them to dry flat. Empty the baskets before washing, and keep them out of strong direct sun so the navy doesn’t fade.
Final Notes
Each measurement builds on the one before it. A gauge of 3 sts and 3 rounds per inch makes 1 in (2.5 cm) checks. Base circles of 60, 72 and 84 sts give diameters of 6.4 in (16.3 cm), 7.6 in (19.3 cm) and 8.9 in (22.6 cm). Ten wall rounds make 3.33 in (8.5 cm), and two rim rounds add 0.67 in (1.7 cm), for a basket 4 in (10.2 cm) tall. Three 54 in (137.2 cm) cords knotted at the marked points space the tiers about 12 in (30.5 cm) apart. Check each of these as you go and the finished set will hang straight and level.
Happy crocheting!