Crochet Plushy Watercolor Easter Basket

Create a charming Easter basket with a unique twist by crafting a crochet plushy watercolor design. This project combines the cozy texture of crochet with the delicate beauty of watercolor to make a one-of-a-kind basket that will stand out during the holiday season. Choose pastel yarn colors to give your basket a soft and inviting look, perfect for holding Easter eggs or other festive treats. The plushy texture of the crochet stitches will add a touch of whimsy to the design, making it a fun and creative project to work on.

Materials:

• L (8.0 mm) crochet hook
• 1 ball of Bernat Baby Blanket (I used the “Jelly Beans” colorway) *Note: I did not use the full ball of yarn.
• 2 buttons
• Tapestry Needle
• Scissors
• Tape Measure

Sizing:

• 22 inch circumference
• 7 inches across bottom of basket
• handle is 15 inches long

Instructions for Basket:

• Ch 4, join in the furthest ch from the hook to make a ring.
• Round 1: Ch 2, then work 11 hdc into the center of the ring. Join to close round with a sl st.
• Round 2: Ch 2, then work 2 hdc into each st around. Join to close round with a sl st.
• Round 3: Ch 2, then work a hdc into the first st. *Work 2 hdc into the next st, then a hdc into the next st. Repeat from * around. Join to close round with a sl st.
• Round 4: Ch 2, then work a hdc into the first st. *Work a hdc into the next st, a hdc into the next st, then two hdc into the next st. Repeat from * around. Join to close round with a sl st.
• Round 5: Ch 2, the work a bphdc (back post half double crochet) in each st around. Join to close round with a sl st. Note: if you are not familiar with the bphdc, check out the video, where I show it nice and slow!
• Rounds 6-10: Ch 2, the work a hdc in each st around. Join to close round with a sl st.

Instructions for Handle:

• Ch 6
• Row 1: Work a sc into the second ch from the hook. Work a sc in each ch across.
• Row 2: Ch 1 and turn. Work a sc in each st.
• Row 3: Ch 1 and turn. Work a sc in each of the first two stitches. Ch 1, skip the next stitch, then work a sc in each of the next two stitches.
• Row 4: Ch 1 and turn. Work a sc in each of the next two stitches, then work a sc in the ch 1 space, then work a sc in each of the next two stitches.
• Row 5-23: Ch 1 and turn. Work a sc in each st. Note: you can increase or decrease the number of these rows to change the size of your handle.
• Row 24: Ch 1 and turn. Work a sc in each of the first two stitches. Ch 1, skip the next stitch, then work a sc in each of the next two stitches.
• Row 25: Ch 1 and turn. Work a sc in each of the next two stitches, then work a sc in the ch 1 space, then work a sc in each of the next two stitches.
• Row 26: Ch 1 and turn. Work a sc in each st.

Assembly & Finishing:

• Weave in any ends that remain on basket and handle.
• Sew a button to either side of top part of basket using a matching piece of yarn.
• Alternatively you can tie a button on with a bow with a piece of scrap piece of matching ribbon for a fancier look (see photo above for example).
• Button the handle onto the basket and it is ready to fill up!