This hanging holder stacks three snug baskets in a vertical column, and each basket holds a spare roll. The baskets are worked in a soft dusty blue shell stitch that looks like rows of little fans. Each one is finished with a cream scalloped rim and a row of three cream stars across the front.
The palette is calm and suits a bathroom: dusty blue, cream, and the natural wood of the hanging ring. The style sits between cottage and coastal. It’s practical enough for daily use and pretty enough to leave on display.
The pattern uses US crochet terms. Each basket measures 5.25 in (13.3 cm) across and 4 in (10.2 cm) tall. The assembled holder is about 5.5 in (14.0 cm) wide and about 21 in (53.3 cm) long from the top of the ring to the bottom basket.
Construction is simple. Each basket is worked bottom-up in joined rounds: a flat single crochet base, one back-loop round to set the edge, then six rounds of shells. You add a cream rim to each basket, work two long straps lengthwise, and sew on the stars. Last, you whipstitch the straps to the sides of all three baskets and fold them over a wooden ring.
Finished Size and Construction
- Finished holder: about 5.5 in (14.0 cm) wide x 21 in (53.3 cm) long, including the ring
- Skill level: Easy-intermediate
- Terminology: US
- Yarn weight: Medium (#4) cotton
- Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8)
- Number of pieces: 3 baskets, 2 straps, 9 stars (14 pieces), plus 1 wooden ring
- Layout: 3 baskets stacked in 1 column, 1 in (2.5 cm) gap between baskets
- Basket size: 5.25 in (13.3 cm) diameter x 4 in (10.2 cm) tall
- Basket height before border: 3.25 in (8.3 cm)
- Border (rim) depth: 0.75 in (1.9 cm)
Materials
Use a smooth medium (#4) cotton or cotton blend with about 155 m per 100 g. Cotton holds the basket shape well and copes with bathroom humidity. Avoid fuzzy or very stretchy acrylics, because the shells will sag under the weight of a roll.
- Color A, dusty blue: 160 g (248 m), for bases, bodies, and straps
- Color B, cream: 40 g (62 m), for rims and stars
These quantities include a margin of about 25 percent to cover gauge differences and a test swatch.
Tools:
- 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook
- 1 wooden ring, 3 in (7.6 cm) outer diameter
- Tapestry needle
- 6 locking stitch markers
- Scissors and a tape measure
- Rust-proof pins for blocking
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- inc – 2 sc in the same stitch
- BLO – back loop only
- MR – magic ring
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- fsc – foundation single crochet
- [ ] – repeat the steps in brackets the number of times stated
Special stitch – Shell: 5 dc worked into the same stitch. In the shell rounds, the “center dc” of a shell is its 3rd dc.
Gauge and Checkpoints
Gauge: 16 sc and 18 rounds = 4 in (10.2 cm). In the shell rounds, 2 rounds = 1 in (2.5 cm) of height, and 1 shell repeat (6 sts) = 1.5 in (3.8 cm) around.
Make one complete basket before anything else. It is your real gauge test, and every later measurement depends on it.
Checkpoints:
- After Rnd 6 of the base: 36 sts, 2.9 in (7.4 cm) across.
- After Rnd 11: 66 sts, 5.25 in (13.3 cm) across, circumference 16.5 in (41.9 cm).
- After Rnd 18: the body is 3.25 in (8.3 cm) tall above the base.
- After Rnd 20 (rim): the basket is 4 in (10.2 cm) tall.
- Each strap: 20 in (50.8 cm) long x 1.1 in (2.8 cm) wide.
If your base is too big, go down 0.5 mm in hook size. If it’s too small, go up 0.5 mm. Don’t change the stitch counts, because the shell pattern needs exactly 66 sts. A base that ruffles is usually too loose, and one that cups is too tight.
Basket Base (make 3)
With Color A, work in joined rounds. Join each round with a sl st to the first st, then ch 1 (the ch 1 doesn’t count as a st).
Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: [Sc 1, inc] 6 times. (18)
Rnd 4: [Sc 1, inc, sc 1] 6 times. (24)
Rnd 5: [Sc 3, inc] 6 times. (30)
Rnd 6: [Sc 2, inc, sc 2] 6 times. (36)
Rnd 7: [Sc 5, inc] 6 times. (42)
Rnd 8: [Sc 3, inc, sc 3] 6 times. (48)
Rnd 9: [Sc 7, inc] 6 times. (54)
Rnd 10: [Sc 4, inc, sc 4] 6 times. (60)
Rnd 11: [Sc 9, inc] 6 times. (66)
The increases on the even rounds are staggered so the circle stays round instead of turning hexagonal. Check that the base lies flat and measures 5.25 in (13.3 cm) across.
Basket Body (make 3)
Continue with Color A without fastening off.
Rnd 12 (edge round): Ch 1, sc in BLO of each st around, join. (66)
This round turns the work upward and leaves a neat ridge where the base meets the side.
Rnd 13 (first shell round): Ch 1, sc in first st, [sk 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, sk 2 sts, sc in next st] 10 times, sk 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, sk 2 sts, join with sl st to first sc. (11 shells and 11 sc = 66 sts)
Rnds 14–18 (offset shell rounds): Sl st in next 3 sts to reach the center dc of the first shell. Ch 1, sc in same st, [sk 2 dc, 5 dc in next sc, sk 2 dc, sc in center dc of next shell] 10 times, sk 2 dc, 5 dc in next sc, join with sl st to first sc. (11 shells and 11 sc = 66 sts)
Each new shell sits in the sc between two shells of the round below, so the fans interlock in offset rows. After Rnd 18 the body has six rounds of shells and stands 3.25 in (8.3 cm) tall above the base. Fasten off Color A.
Work the cream rim (Rnds 19–20 in the Border section) on each basket now, while the basket is loose and easy to turn. The joining instructions assume the rim is already done.
Stars (make 9)
Use Color B. Leave a 10 in (25.4 cm) tail on each star for sewing.
Small star (make 6):
Rnd 1: 5 sc in MR, join. (5)
Rnd 2: [Ch 4, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch, hdc in next ch, sl st in next sc of Rnd 1] 5 times. (5 points)
Fasten off. Size: 1.25 in (3.2 cm) from point to point.
Large star (make 3):
Rnd 1: 5 sc in MR, join. (5)
Rnd 2: Ch 1, inc in each st around, join. (10)
Rnd 3: [Ch 4, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch, hdc in next ch, sk 1 sc, sl st in next sc] 5 times. (5 points)
Fasten off. Size: 1.75 in (4.4 cm) from point to point. The extra round gives the larger star its visible round center.
Straps (make 2)
Use Color A. The strap is worked lengthwise so the rows form fine ridges along its length.
Row 1: Fsc 80. (80)
Rows 2–5: Ch 1, turn, sc in BLO of each st across. (80)
Fasten off and leave a 12 in (30.5 cm) tail. Each strap measures 20 in (50.8 cm) x 1.1 in (2.8 cm). At 4 sts per inch, every 4 sts equals 1 in (2.5 cm) of strap.
Strap map (counting from the bottom end, st 1):
- Sts 1–14: sewn to Basket 3 (bottom), 3.5 in (8.9 cm)
- Sts 15–16: beside the Basket 3 scallops, not sewn, 0.5 in (1.3 cm)
- Sts 17–20: gap, 1 in (2.5 cm)
- Sts 21–34: sewn to Basket 2
- Sts 35–36: beside the Basket 2 scallops
- Sts 37–40: gap
- Sts 41–54: sewn to Basket 1 (top)
- Sts 55–56: beside the Basket 1 scallops
- Sts 57–74: rise to the ring, 4.5 in (11.4 cm)
- Sts 75–80: fold around the ring, 1.5 in (3.8 cm)
Check: 3 baskets x 16 sts + 2 gaps x 4 sts + 18 + 6 = 80 sts.
Make All Pieces
- Color A: 3 bases with bodies, 2 straps
- Color B: 3 rims, 6 small stars, 3 large stars
Layout:
( wooden ring )
/ \
Strap A Strap B
|A| [ Basket 1 ] |B|
|A| 1 in gap |B|
|A| [ Basket 2 ] |B|
|A| 1 in gap |B|
|A| [ Basket 3 ] |B|
Front of each basket: small LARGE small
Joining
Sew the stars first. On each basket, find the front center and pin a large star over Rnds 15–17. Pin a small star 2 in (5.1 cm) to each side, measured center to center along the surface. Whipstitch each star around its center and along each point with the cream tail. Catch only the outer layer of the shells.
Mark the strap positions. On Rnd 19 (the cream sc round) of each basket, place a marker in the stitch directly opposite the large star. Count 16 sts to each side of that back marker and mark those 2 sts. They sit 33 sts apart, which is exactly halfway around the 66-st round. These are the centers of the two straps. They sit on the sides of the basket and leave the starred front fully visible.
Sew the straps. Lay Strap A along one side of Basket 3, right side out, with st 1 at the base ridge (Rnd 12) and st 14 at the top of Rnd 19. Whipstitch both long edges of the strap (the fsc edge and the Row 5 edge) to the basket, one whipstitch per strap stitch, so 14 stitches per edge. Those 14 sts span 8 basket rounds (Rnds 12–19), which works out to about 2 whipstitches per shell round. Repeat with Strap B on the opposite side. Then continue up to Baskets 2 and 1, following the strap map.
Tension. Pull each whipstitch snug but not tight. Sewing too tightly shortens the strap and puckers the shells. After each basket, check that the gap between baskets is still 1 in (2.5 cm).
Attach the ring. Pass sts 75–80 of each strap through the ring from front to back. Fold them down behind the strap and whipstitch the row-ends and both edges in place. Set the two straps side by side on the ring.
Size checkpoint: When it hangs, the holder measures about 21 in (53.3 cm) from the top of the ring to the base of the bottom basket. Each basket is 4 in (10.2 cm) tall, with 1 in (2.5 cm) between baskets.
Border: Cream Scalloped Rim
Work the rim on each basket after Rnd 18 and before joining.
Border gauge: 16 sc = 4 in (10.2 cm); one scallop (6 sts) = 1.5 in (3.8 cm).
Rnd 19: Join Color B with a sl st in the center dc of any shell. Ch 1, sc in same st and in each st around, join. (66 sts worked 1 per existing st + 0 added = 66)
Rnd 20: Ch 1, sc in first st, [sk 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, sk 2 sts, sc in next st] 10 times, sk 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, sk 2 sts, join with sl st to first sc. (11 scallops and 11 sc = 66 sts)
Fasten off and weave in the ends.
Why the math works: Each basket is one closed round, so there are no corners or sides to balance. The rim keeps the body’s 66 sts, and 66 divides evenly by the 6-st scallop repeat into 11 scallops. Because the count never changes, the rim matches the 16.5 in (41.9 cm) circumference exactly and doesn’t flare or pull in. Rnd 19 adds 0.25 in (0.6 cm) and Rnd 20 adds 0.5 in (1.3 cm). That makes a 0.75 in (1.9 cm) rim on a 3.25 in (8.3 cm) body, for 4 in (10.2 cm) in total.
Final Blocking
- Weave in all ends securely, running each tail through at least 2 in (5.1 cm) of stitches.
- Mist the holder lightly with water until it’s damp, not soaked.
- Slip a toilet roll, or a jar about 5 in (12.7 cm) across, into each basket to set the round shape.
- Lay the holder flat. Pin the scallops so each one stands up evenly.
- Pin the straps straight between the baskets and gently ease them to 20 in (50.8 cm).
- Pat each star flat and open out its points.
- Let everything dry completely, about 24 hours, before hanging.
Final Quality-Control Checklist
- Each base lies flat and measures 5.25 in (13.3 cm) across.
- Each body has six shell rounds with 11 shells per round.
- Each rim has 11 even cream scallops.
- Each basket is 4 in (10.2 cm) tall.
- Each basket front has a large star centered between 2 small stars.
- The straps sit 33 sts apart on every basket.
- The gaps between baskets are 1 in (2.5 cm) on both sides.
- The ring folds are sewn firmly, and the holder hangs straight, not tilted.
- There are no loose ends or visible knots.
Troubleshooting
Base is cupping: Your tension is tight. Go up a hook size or relax your grip.
Base is ruffling: Your tension is loose, or you doubled an increase. Recount each round.
Shells lean or drift: This is normal in joined rounds. Always start each round with the sl sts to the center dc so each shell lands on the sc below.
Shell count is off: Count the sc in the round; there should be 11. If one is missing, you skipped a shell.
Basket is too loose for the roll: Use a smaller hook for the body only and keep the count at 66 sts.
Holder hangs crooked: The straps were sewn at different heights. Compare both straps against the strap map and resew.
Care
Hand wash in cool water with mild soap, press the water out in a towel, and dry flat with a roll inside each basket. If you can, remove the wooden ring before washing; otherwise keep it dry.
Final Notes
The measurements build on each other in a short chain. A 66-st base measures 5.25 in (13.3 cm) across. The same 66 sts form 11 shells around a 16.5 in (41.9 cm) body that rises to 3.25 in (8.3 cm). A 0.75 in (1.9 cm) rim brings each basket to 4 in (10.2 cm). Three baskets, two 1 in (2.5 cm) gaps, and 80-st straps give a holder about 21 in (53.3 cm) long. Check each measurement as you go, and the finished holder will hang straight and hold its rolls neatly.
Happy crocheting!