The Tulip Tier holder is a three-basket organizer that hangs from a wooden dowel and keeps spare rolls in view. Each basket is a soft, flared tub in chunky denim-blue single crochet with a rolled rim. A coral tulip with two moss-green leaves decorates the front of each basket.
Two small tulips sit at the top of the straps, right where the straps wrap around the dowel. The look is cottage-style and calm, and the blue, coral, and green work well in a neutral bathroom.
This pattern uses US crochet terms. Each basket measures about 7 in (17.8 cm) across the rim, 5.3 in (13.5 cm) across the base face, and 4.3 in (10.9 cm) tall. The whole holder hangs about 19.7 in (50.0 cm) from the dowel to the bottom of the lowest basket.
Construction is simple. You crochet a flat rectangular base in rows, then work the sides upward in joined rounds, adding a few stitches as you go so the walls flare. A reverse single crochet rim finishes each basket. Then you make two flat straps, sew them to the back corners of the baskets, fold the strap tops over a dowel, and sew on the tulips and leaves.
Finished Size and Construction
- Basket size: 7 in (17.8 cm) rim face × 4.3 in (10.9 cm) tall
- Base: 5.0 × 4.6 in (12.7 × 11.7 cm)
- Basket height before rim: 4.0 in (10.2 cm)
- Rim depth: about 0.3 in (0.8 cm), 1 round
- Strap: 21.7 × 0.9 in (55.1 × 2.3 cm)
- Overall hanging length: about 19.7 in (50.0 cm)
- Skill level: Easy–Intermediate
- Terminology: US
- Yarn weight: Bulky (#5) for the baskets and straps; Worsted (#4) for the appliqués
- Hooks: 6.0 mm (J-10) and 4.5 mm (7)
- Number of pieces: 3 baskets, 2 straps, 5 tulips, 3 stems, 6 leaves, 4 mini leaves
- Layout: 3 baskets stacked vertically, 1 column
Materials
Choose a firm cotton or cotton-blend bulky yarn so the baskets keep their shape. Chainette-style cotton gives the rounded, rope-like texture shown. Worsted cotton works well for the appliqués because it holds crisp petal points.
- Denim blue, bulky (#5): 350 g (about 400 m)
- Coral, worsted (#4): 30 g (about 55 m)
- Moss green, worsted (#4): 20 g (about 36 m)
Tools:
- 6.0 mm (J-10) and 4.5 mm (7) crochet hooks
- 4 stitch markers
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors and a measuring tape
- Wooden dowel, 12 in (30.5 cm) long, 0.75 in (1.9 cm) diameter
- 2 wall hooks or 30 in (76.2 cm) of jute twine for hanging
- Rustproof pins for blocking
These quantities include about a 15% margin for swatching and weaving in ends.
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- tr – treble crochet
- BLO – back loop only
- rev sc – reverse single crochet
- st(s) – stitch(es)
Special stitch – Reverse single crochet (rev sc): Work from left to right (right-handed). Insert the hook into the next stitch to the right, yarn over, pull up a loop, then yarn over and pull through both loops. This makes a twisted, corded edge.
Gauge and Checkpoints
Basket gauge: 12 sc × 13 rows = 4 in (10.2 cm) with bulky yarn and the 6.0 mm hook.
Appliqué gauge: 16 sc × 18 rows = 4 in (10.2 cm) with worsted yarn and the 4.5 mm hook.
Make one full basket before starting the others. Check these measurements as you go:
- After base Row 15: 5.0 × 4.6 in (12.7 × 11.7 cm).
- After Rnd 1: 64 sts, perimeter 21.3 in (54.1 cm).
- After Rnd 14: 84 sts, rim circumference 28 in (71.1 cm), height above the base ridge 4.0 in (10.2 cm).
- After the rim: total height 4.3 in (10.9 cm).
If your base is too big, go down one hook size. If it is too small, go up one size. Do not add or remove stitches, because every later count depends on the 64-stitch edge. Make sure a standard roll, about 4.5 in (11.4 cm) across, stands upright on the finished base.
Basket (Make 3)
With bulky blue and the 6.0 mm hook.
Base
Foundation: Ch 16.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (15 sts)
Rows 2–15: Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch here or below), sc in each st across. Turn. (15 sts)
Checkpoint: 5.0 in (12.7 cm) wide × 4.6 in (11.7 cm) long.
Sides
Work in joined rounds. Join each round with a sl st to the first sc, then ch 1. Your join will sit at a back corner, where a strap will cover it later.
Rnd 1 (edge round): Ch 1, turn. 3 sc in first st, sc in next 13 sts, 3 sc in last st (corner). Working down the row ends, sc in each of the next 13 row ends. Working across the foundation ch, 3 sc in first ch, sc in next 13 ch, 3 sc in last ch. Sc in each of the next 13 row ends. Join. (64 sts)
Place a marker in the middle sc of each 3-sc corner. Between the markers there are 15 sts per side: 4 markers + (4 × 15) = 64.
Rnd 2: Sc in BLO of each st around. (64 sts) This makes a clean ridge where the base meets the wall. Keep the markers in the corner columns by moving each one up into the stitch directly above it.
Rnd 3: Sc in each st around. (64 sts)
Rnd 4 (increase): Sc in each st to marked st, 2 sc in marked st, move the marker to the second sc of the pair; repeat from * 3 more times, then sc in each remaining st. (68 sts)
Rnd 5: Sc in each st around. (68 sts)
Rnd 6: Repeat Rnd 4. (72 sts)
Rnd 7: Sc around. (72 sts)
Rnd 8: Repeat Rnd 4. (76 sts)
Rnd 9: Sc around. (76 sts)
Rnd 10: Repeat Rnd 4. (80 sts)
Rnd 11: Sc around. (80 sts)
Rnd 12: Repeat Rnd 4. (84 sts)
Rnds 13–14: Sc around. (84 sts)
Each increase round adds exactly 1 stitch per side. That stacks the increases at the four corners, which creates the flared, trapezoid shape you see from the front. Each face grows from 16 sts (5.3 in / 13.5 cm) at the base to 21 sts (7.0 in / 17.8 cm) at the top.
Checkpoint: 84 sts, 4.0 in (10.2 cm) of wall above the base ridge. Do not fasten off. Continue with the rim in the Border section below.
Tulip (Make 5)
With coral worsted and the 4.5 mm hook.
Foundation: Ch 4.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and next 2 ch. Turn. (3 sts)
Row 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in first st, sc in next st, 2 sc in last st. Turn. (5 sts)
Row 3: Ch 1, 2 sc in first st, sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in last st. Turn. (7 sts)
Row 4: Ch 1, 2 sc in first st, sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in last st. Turn. (9 sts)
Rows 5–6: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (9 sts)
Row 7 (petal row): Ch 1. Side petal: sc in next st, (hdc, dc, hdc) in next st, sc in next st. Center petal: sc in next st, (dc, tr, dc) in next st, sc in next st. Side petal: sc in next st, (hdc, dc, hdc) in next st, sc in last st. (15 sts: 3 petals × 5 sts)
Fasten off, leaving a 12 in (30.5 cm) tail. To outline the center petal, work a line of surface sl sts from each notch between petals down to Row 3.
Size: 2.25 in (5.7 cm) wide × 2.1 in (5.3 cm) tall.
For the two top tulips, which are a little shorter: work Rows 1–4, then work Row 7 as Row 5. (15 sts) Size: 2.25 in (5.7 cm) wide × 1.6 in (4.1 cm) tall. Make 3 full tulips and 2 top tulips.
Stem (Make 3)
With green: Ch 8. Sl st in back bump of 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. (7 sl sts) Length: 1.75 in (4.4 cm).
Leaf (Make 6)
With green: Ch 9.
Rnd 1: Sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch, hdc in next ch, dc in next 2 ch, hdc in next ch, sc in next ch, 3 sc in last ch. Working along the other side of the chain: sc in next ch, hdc in next ch, dc in next 2 ch, hdc in next ch, sc in next ch, sl st in last ch. (17 sts: 7 + 3 + 7)
The starting end forms the pointed tip, and the foundation chain shows as a center vein. Size: 2 in (5.1 cm) long × 0.9 in (2.3 cm) wide.
Mini Leaf (Make 4)
With green: Ch 6. Sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch, hdc in next ch, sc in next ch, 3 sc in last ch. Working along the other side: sc, hdc, sc, sl st. (11 sts: 4 + 3 + 4) Length: 1.25 in (3.2 cm).
Strap (Make 2)
With bulky blue and the 6.0 mm hook.
Foundation: Ch 66.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. Turn. (65 sts)
Rows 2–3: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (65 sts)
Fasten off. Checkpoint: 21.7 × 0.9 in (55.1 × 2.3 cm). At 3 sts per inch, each strap stitch equals 0.33 in (0.8 cm). That makes every section below easy to count.
Make All Pieces
- Blue: 3 baskets, 2 straps
- Coral: 3 full tulips, 2 top tulips
- Green: 3 stems, 6 leaves, 4 mini leaves
Layout along each strap, counted from the top end (strap stitches):
Sts 1–12 | dowel loop (folded) 4.0 in / 10.2 cm
Sts 13–18 | hanging gap 2.0 in / 5.1 cm
Sts 19–31 | [ TOP BASKET ] 4.3 in / 10.9 cm
Sts 32–35 | gap 1.3 in / 3.3 cm
Sts 36–48 | [ MIDDLE BASKET ] 4.3 in / 10.9 cm
Sts 49–52 | gap 1.3 in / 3.3 cm
Sts 53–65 | [ BOTTOM BASKET ] 4.3 in / 10.9 cm
Check: 12 + 6 + 13 + 4 + 13 + 4 + 13 = 65 sts.
Joining
Appliqués first. Sewing the flowers onto each basket before you attach the straps is easier. Center a full tulip on the front face, with the top petal tip 0.75 in (1.9 cm) below the rim. Sew the stem below it, then add a leaf on each side of the stem, angled up and outward. Whipstitch around each edge with the matching yarn tail, catching only the outer loops so the stitches stay hidden.
Straps to baskets. Turn each basket so the round joins are at the back-left corner. Lay a strap vertically over each back corner column, with the strap’s long center line on the marked corner stitches.
Working from the base ridge (Rnd 2) up to the rim (Rnd 15), whipstitch both long edges of the strap to the basket wall. Match 13 strap stitches to 14 basket rounds, easing in the extra round across the middle of the section. Use the strap sections shown in the layout grid. Sew the top basket first so the gaps stay exact.
Tension. Pull each stitch snug but not tight. Pulling too hard will gather the strap and shorten the gaps.
Dowel loops. Fold strap sts 1–12 over the dowel toward the back and sew the strap end (st 1) to the back of sts 13–15. Sew one top tulip to the front of each loop, with a mini leaf tucked under each side.
Checkpoint: Each gap between baskets is 1.3 in (3.3 cm). Hanging from the dowel, the holder measures about 19.7 in (50.0 cm) overall. The straps sit 7 in (17.8 cm) apart at the rims.
Border
The border is the rim round on each basket, worked right after Rnd 14.
Border gauge: 3 rev sc per inch (2.5 cm), the same as the body.
Rnd 15: Ch 1. Rev sc in each st around. Join. (84 sts: 21 per face, with each corner column counted once.)
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Why the math works: Rnd 14 has 84 sts, 20 between markers plus 4 marked corners. That is 21 per face, or 7.0 in (17.8 cm). Working the rim 1 stitch per stitch keeps the 28 in (71.1 cm) circumference. The rim won’t ruffle or pull in, and it adds about 0.3 in (0.8 cm) of height. This brings the basket from 4.0 in (10.2 cm) to 4.3 in (10.9 cm), which matches the 13-stitch strap section.
Final Blocking
- Lightly dampen each basket with a spray bottle.
- Stuff it firmly with a towel shaped to fit, or slip a toilet roll inside.
- Press the corners square and the walls flared, then check the 7 in (17.8 cm) rim width.
- Pin the tulips and leaves flat on a blocking mat and open the petal points.
- Let everything dry completely, at least 24 hours.
- Pin the straps straight at 21.7 in (55.1 cm) if they curl.
Final Quality-Control Checklist
- Each basket has 84 sts at the rim and a clear BLO ridge at the base.
- All three baskets measure 4.3 in (10.9 cm) tall.
- Tulips are centered, with the petal tips 0.75 in (1.9 cm) below the rim.
- Both straps have 65 sts and the same section counts.
- The gaps are an even 1.3 in (3.3 cm).
- Round seams are hidden under the back-left strap.
- All ends are woven in at least 2 in (5.1 cm).
- The holder hangs straight without tilting forward.
Troubleshooting
- Basket cups inward: Your tension tightened in the later rounds. Go up one hook size for Rnds 3–14.
- Walls flare too much: You may have worked extra increases. Recount at Rnds 4–12.
- Corners drift sideways: Move the markers up every round.
- Roll won’t fit: Your base is under 5.0 in (12.7 cm). Redo it with a larger hook.
- Petals curl: Block them flat and pin each point.
- Holder tips forward: Sew the straps down along their full basket section, not just at the rim.
Care
Hand wash in cool water and lay flat to dry, reshaping each basket over a roll. Don’t hang the holder until it is completely dry.
Final Notes
The measurement chain is short and reliable:
- A 5.0 × 4.6 in (12.7 × 11.7 cm) base gives 64 edge stitches.
- Five increase rounds bring each basket to 84 stitches, or 7.0 in (17.8 cm) per face.
- A 1-stitch-per-stitch rim gives a total height of 4.3 in (10.9 cm), which matches 13 strap stitches.
- Two 65-stitch straps put it all together at about 19.7 in (50.0 cm) long.
Check each link before moving on, and the finished holder will hang straight and even. Happy crocheting!