🧺 How to Make a Crochet Shell Basket

Sure! Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to make a Crochet Shell Basket. This basket uses the beautiful shell stitch to create texture and sturdiness — perfect for storage, gifts, or decor.

🧺 How to Make a Crochet Shell Basket

Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate

🧶 Supplies You’ll Need:

Yarn
- Choose a sturdy yarn (cotton or t-shirt yarn is ideal)
- Weight: Worsted (Medium 4) or Bulky (5-6)
Crochet Hook
- Size: 5.0 mm (H-8) or suitable for your yarn
- Use a smaller hook if you want a tighter, sturdier basket.
Scissors
Yarn Needle (for weaving in ends)
Stitch Markers (optional but helpful)

📏 Approximate Finished Size:

You can customize your basket, but this tutorial creates a basket about 6-8 inches in diameter and 4-6 inches tall.

🧵 Crochet Stitches & Abbreviations:

ch – chain
sl st – slip stitch
sc – single crochet
dc – double crochet
shell – 5 dc in one stitch
st(s) – stitch(es)

✅ Step-by-Step Instructions

🔁 STEP 1: Crochet the Base (in rounds)

Start with a magic ring (or chain 4 and sl st to form a ring).

Round 1:

Ch 2 (does not count as a stitch), make 10 dc into the ring
Join with sl st to the first dc (10 sts)

Round 2:

Ch 2, 2 dc in each st around (20 sts)
Join with sl st

Round 3:

Ch 2, (1 dc in next st, 2 dc in next st) repeat around (30 sts)
Join with sl st

Round 4:

Ch 2, (1 dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in next st) repeat (40 sts)
Join with sl st

➡️ Continue increasing until the base reaches your desired diameter (use the formula: each round adds 10 dc).

🧱 STEP 2: Form the Sides

To create upright sides, you need to stop increasing and begin working up.

Round X (Next Round After Desired Base):

Ch 1, sc in back loop only of each st around
This creates a crease for turning the base upward
Join with sl st

🐚 STEP 3: Add the Shell Stitch Pattern

Now start the shell pattern.

Round 1 (Shell Pattern Start):

Ch 1, skip 2 sts, shell (5 dc) in next st, skip 2 sts, sc in next st
Repeat from * to * around
Join with sl st into the first sc or dc

Round 2:

Sl st into the 3rd dc of the first shell (center), ch 1
sc in center of shell, shell in next sc repeat around
Join with sl st

➡️ Repeat Round 2 until your basket reaches desired height

✂️ STEP 4: Final Round and Finishing

Final Round (Optional Border):

You can end with a round of sc in each st around for a clean edge
Or use reverse sc (crab stitch) for a decorative finish

Fasten Off:

Cut yarn, leaving a tail
Use a yarn needle to weave in the end securely

🧺 STEP 5: Optional Additions

Add Handles: Leave two spaces of 5-6 stitches on opposite sides in your final round, skip them, and chain the same number to form handles
Reinforce Sides: Use stiffener (fabric stiffener spray) or crochet two layers together

📝 Tips for Success:

Use tight stitches to make the basket sturdy
Block your basket to shape it if needed
Try two strands of yarn together for a thicker result

🧶 Example Shell Pattern Visualization:

Round 1:
[sc, skip 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, skip 2 sts] repeat

Round 2:
[5 dc in sc, sc in center dc of shell] repeat

Watch tutorial:

🧺 How to Make a Crochet Shell Basket