- Time needed
- 6 hrs
- Made this
- 0 crocheters
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Hook size
- 5.5 mm
- Finished size
- Approx. 8 in (20 cm) wide and 6.75 in (17 cm) tall without handle; about 14 in (36 cm) with handle
On this page
- Skill level
Intermediate
Comfortable with shaping, joining and reading counts.
- Time
6 hrs
An average pace, including assembly.
- Use
Christmas Centerpiece
Approx. 8 in (20 cm) wide and 6.75 in (17 cm) tall without handle; about 14 in (36 cm) with handle
Why you'll love it
- Bulky yarn and a small hook make a firm basket that stands on its own.
- The twisted handle looks just like a candy cane and keeps its arch thanks to the wire inside.
- The eyelet round lets you thread the gold cord neatly and tie a real bow.
- The poinsettia, jingle bells, and scalloped rim make it instantly festive.
- It is a quick project that makes a memorable handmade gift filled with treats.
Materials needed
Tools
- 5.5 mm (US I-9) crochet hook for the basket and handle
- 4.0 mm (US G-6) crochet hook for the poinsettia
- Large-eye tapestry needle
- Scissors
- Stitch marker
- Two pieces of 3 mm (1/8 in) aluminum craft wire, each about 20 in (51 cm) long
- 40 in (1 m) of 2-3 mm gold metallic cord
- Two 15 mm gold jingle bells
- Seven 6 mm gold beads and gold or red sewing thread
- Optional: a 6 in (15 cm) circle of plastic canvas or stiff cardboard for the base
Gauge & finished measurements
Gauge: 12 sc and 13 rounds = 4 in (10 cm) in bulky yarn with a 5.5 mm hook. Base gauge: Rounds 1-10 measure about 6.5 in (16.5 cm) across. A firm, dense fabric is more important than exact gauge.
Row counter
Row 0
Tap the circle after each row
The pattern
Base
Body
Scalloped Rim
Ribbon Stripe
Candy Cane Handle (make 1 red and 1 white)
Poinsettia
Assembly
- 1
Weave in the basket ends. If you want a very firm bottom, place the plastic canvas or cardboard circle inside the base.
- 2
Ribbon stripe: center the stripe vertically on the front of the basket, from Round 12 up to Round 25. Sew it in place around all edges with the white tail.
- 3
Gold bow: starting at the front, weave the gold cord in and out of the 15 eyelets in Round 26 so both ends come out above the top of the stripe. Gently pull to cinch the neck and tie a bow. Tie or sew a jingle bell to each cord end.
- 4
Poinsettia: sew the petals and leaves together, then sew the seven gold beads in a small cluster at the center with sewing thread. Sew the finished poinsettia over the knot of the bow.
- 5
Handle: hold the red and white tubes side by side and twist them around each other about 5 times along their length. Tack them together with white yarn every inch or so to hold the twist.
- 6
Bend the twisted handle into an arch. Place one end inside the basket at the left side and the other at the right side, with the ribbon stripe centered at the front.
- 7
Sew each handle end firmly to the inside of the basket across Rounds 22-27, stitching through the red body as well as the base of the rim. Weave in all ends.
- 8
Shape the scallops so they fold slightly outward, and fill the basket with treats or decorations.
Important notes
- Tip: This is an original pattern inspired by the photo. Hidden construction details, yarn weight, and dimensions are interpreted from the image, and the pattern has not been physically test-crocheted.
- Tip: Abbreviations (US terms): ch = chain, sc = single crochet, hdc = half double crochet, dc = double crochet, sl st = slip stitch, MR = magic ring, BLO = back loop only, dec = decrease (single crochet two stitches together).
- Tip: Rounds 1-27 and the handle tubes are worked in continuous rounds with a stitch marker. The rim rounds are joined.
- Tip: The ch 1 and ch 2 at the start of joined rounds and rows do not count as stitches.
- Tip: Line the basket with a napkin or cellophane before filling it with unwrapped food.
- Tip: Safety: the wire, beads, and jingle bells are small or sharp parts. This basket is a decoration and is not suitable for young children or pets.
Pattern FAQ
Will the basket stand up on its own?
Yes, if you crochet tightly. Bulky yarn with a 5.5 mm hook makes a dense fabric. If yours feels soft, go down to a 5.0 mm hook, add the plastic canvas base, or lightly spray the inside with fabric stiffener.
Can I make the handle without wire?
You can stuff the tubes firmly with fiberfill instead, but the handle will droop over time. Wire or a length of flexible plastic tubing keeps the arch upright.
How do I make a bigger basket?
Continue the base increases for 2 more rounds (72 sc), then add 12 stitches to every body round count, and work 2-3 extra plain rounds in Rounds 15-22. Make the handle tubes about 4 in (10 cm) longer.
Can I use a different yarn?
Any bulky acrylic works well. Cotton is heavier and less springy, so the basket will be firmer but the handle may need stronger wire. Chunky chenille yarns are soft but do not hold their shape as well.
How do I clean it?
Because of the wire and beads, spot clean the basket with a damp cloth and mild soap, then let it air dry. Do not put it in the washing machine.
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Candy Cane Christmas Basket Crochet Pattern, © 2026 Mandy’s Crochet Studio. Source: https://mandyshealthylife.com/patterns/candy-cane-christmas-basket-crochet-pattern/. Please do not redistribute this pattern.
