Free Pattern: Pot Belly Basket

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Pot Belly Basket Crochet Pattern

The pattern is available for free below.

FREE for a limited time, as part of the “International Crochet Month Blog Hop”, the ad free, downloadable pdf is free until March 31, 2026.
Click HERE to download the pattern: https://snappy-tots.com/document/pot-belly-basket-2/

Materials

• Yarn: 200 yards worsted weight yarn
  Sample: Red Heart Super Saver Heather Gray, Ombre Jazzy
• Crochet Hook: I (5.5mm)
• Miscellaneous: yarn needle

Measurements

• Finished Measurements: Base – 8.5” x 3.5”; 7” tall
• Gauge: not needed for this project.

Tips – please take a second to read this section

• The first stitch of each row is worked into the same stitch as the turning chain unless noted.
• Numbers at the beginning of each line may refer to steps and not indicate number of rows.
• Stitch count remains the same unless noted at end of row/round.
• If you have any questions about this pattern please contact [email protected].
• Finger shape the pieces for a smooth edge (see tips on last page)
• Reminder: sc 3 = sc one st in each of the next 3 sts; 3sc in next st = work 3sc sts in the next (one) st

1. With an I hook and worsted weight yarn (Sample: Gray), ch 11, sc in 2^nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (10sts)

2. Ch 1, turn, sc in same st and in each st to end of row.

3. Ch 1, turn, 2sc in same st, sc 8, 2sc in last st. (12sts)

4. Ch 1, turn, sc in same st and in each st to end of row.

5. Repeat the previous row for an additional 15 rows.

6. Ch 1, turn, sc2tog, sc 8, sc2tog. (10sts)

7. Ch 1, turn, sc in same st and in each st to end of row. Finish off and weave in end.

• Repeat steps 1-7 to create a second base. Note: For the sample I did one base in gray and one in pink so the inside of my basket would have a pink base. Just for fun. 

8. Stack the bases on top of each other. This step is worked into both pieces at the same time to join the edges. 

Starting at the right corner of one of the long edges, ch 1, 2sc in the same st, sc  28 sts evenly along the  edge, leaving room for one more st. 2sc in next st.

Working across the short edge, 2sc in the first st, sc in each st until 1 st remains, 2sc in the last st.

Working across the next long edge, 2sc in the next spot, sc 28 sts evenly along the edge, leaving room for one more st. 2sc in the next spot. 

Working across the next short edge, 2sc in the first st, sc in each st until 1 st remains, 2sc in the last st.

Sl st in first st to join. (88 sts)

9. Work in BLO for this round. Work sts a little more snug than usual for this step to help turn the sides. Ch 1, sc in same st and in each st to end of round, sl st to join. (st count remains the same)

10. Ch 1, *hdc in each st until 2 sts remain before the corner, hdc2tog, hdc2tog at corner*, repeat to end of round, ending the last side after just one hdc2tog. Sl st to join. (80 sts)

11. Ch 1, *hdc in each st to corner hdc2tog at corner*, repeat to end of round, sl st to join. (76 sts)

Note: From this point on, when working regular hdc sts, work the sts between the posts of the previous round instead of in the stitch. This is similar to working in the st as usual, but slightly lower. 

It creates a more solid fabric.

12-13. Ch 1, hdc between the posts to end of round, sl st to join. 

14. Ch 1, *hdc between the posts until 1 st remains, hdc2tog at corner*, repeat to end of round, sl st to join. (72 sts)

Variation Option: The following stitch combination creates two very different looks. As written, the ridgy look (photo below left)  will be on the outside/right side of the piece. If you would prefer the other look with very straight-edged, solid stripes (photo below right) you will want to ch 1, and turn to work from the inside of the basket until the solid pink top section.

15. Finish off the current yarn and change to a contrasting color for the next stripe (Sample: Ombre Pink). Ch 1, BPHDC around each post to end of round, sl st to join. 

16. Ch 1, hdc between the posts to end of round, sl st to join. 

17. Finish off the current yarn and change back to the original color (Sample: Heather Gray). Ch 1, BPHDC around each post to end of round, sl st to join. 

18. Ch 1, hdc between the posts to end of round, sl st to join. 

19. Finish off the current yarn and change to the contrasting color (Sample: Ombre Pink). Ch 1, BPHDC around each post to end of round, sl st to join. 

20-22. Ch 1, hdc between the posts to end of round, sl st to join. 

23. Ch 1, *hdc between the posts until 1 st remains, hdc2tog at corner*, repeat to end of round, sl st to join. (68 sts)

24-25. Ch 1, hdc between the posts to end of round, sl st to join. 

26. Ch 1, sc in each st to end of round, sl st to join. 

27. Repeat for an additional 5 rounds.

28. Sl st in each st to end of round. Finish off and weave in ends. 

Handle

1. With an I hook and worsted weight yarn (Sample: Ombre Pink), ch 55, sc in 2^nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (54sts)

2-3. Ch 1, turn, sc in the same st and in each st to end of row. 

4. This step is worked around the outer edge of the handle. Sl st in each st around the outer edge, making sure to not work the sts too snug. Finish off, leaving a long tail for sewing. 

Lay the bag on a flat surface and flatten with the base centered. Find the middle of the front and back and place a marker. Place the ends of the handle on the inside of the bag, overlapping the bottom 2” of each end. Pin in place. 

With a yarn needle, use the yarn tail to sew one end to the bag. Repeat for the opposite end with a yarn needle and matching yarn.