Crochet baskets have become a popular trend in handmade home decor, offering both functionality and style. One of the most elegant and timeless designs is the Crochet Shell Basket, which uses the beautiful and classic shell stitch to create a textured, decorative look that’s perfect for any room.
Whether you’re storing yarn, organizing cosmetics, showcasing small towels in the bathroom, or simply adding a handmade touch to a shelf or desk, the shell stitch basket adds charm and softness to your space.
This article will walk you through everything you need to know about making your own crochet shell basket—from the inspiration and materials to the step-by-step instructions and customization ideas.
🌸 What is a Crochet Shell Basket?
A crochet shell basket is a soft or structured container worked in the round or oval shape using the shell stitch—a fan-shaped combination of double crochets that create a scalloped, layered texture. Shells can be tightly packed or spaced apart, depending on the desired look.
The result is a basket with a delicate, lace-like aesthetic that can be as firm or floppy as you like, depending on the materials and construction.
🧶 Why You’ll Love This Project
- ✨ Elegant Texture – The shell stitch creates a feminine, floral look.
- 🧺 Practical Use – Use it for organizing small items, yarn, toiletries, or even as a gift basket.
- 🧵 Great for Intermediate Beginners – Only uses basic stitches, with a pattern that’s easy to memorize.
- 🏡 Perfect Home Decor – Looks beautiful on shelves, desks, or bedside tables.
- 🛠️ Customizable – Adjust the size, shape, color, and handles to suit your needs.
📚 Skill Level
Beginner-Intermediate
If you know how to work in the round and use basic crochet stitches like double crochet and single crochet, you can make this basket.
🧵 Materials You’ll Need
🧶 Yarn:
- Worsted weight (Category 4) yarn
- For a sturdier basket, choose cotton or t-shirt yarn
- Approx. 150–200 grams for a medium-sized basket
🪝 Crochet Hook:
- Size H/8 (5.0 mm) or I/9 (5.5 mm), depending on your yarn and desired stiffness
🧰 Other Supplies:
- Scissors
- Yarn needle (for weaving in ends)
- Stitch markers (optional)
- Optional: Plastic canvas, interfacing, or basket lining for structure
🧵 Stitches & Techniques Used
You’ll only need a few core stitches for this basket:
- Chain (ch)
- Slip Stitch (sl st)
- Single Crochet (sc)
- Double Crochet (dc)
- Shell Stitch: Typically 5 dc in one stitch
- Working in the round
📐 Finished Size (Adjustable)
| Size | Diameter | Height |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 6″ | 4″ |
| Medium | 8″ | 6″ |
| Large | 10+” | 8–10″ |
To adjust, simply add more increase rounds at the base or more shell rows on the sides.
🧶 Crochet Shell Basket Pattern (Round Base)
🧭 Part 1: The Flat Base
You can make a round base using simple increases with double crochets.
Round 1: Start with a magic circle. Ch 2 (counts as dc), 11 dc into the circle. Join with sl st. (12 dc)
Round 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st around. Join. (24 dc)
Round 3: Ch 2, *1 dc in next st, 2 dc in next st*, repeat around. Join. (36 dc)
Round 4: Ch 2, *1 dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in next st*, repeat around. Join. (48 dc)
Round 5: Ch 2, *1 dc in next 3 sts, 2 dc in next st*, repeat around. Join. (60 dc)
Continue increasing until you reach your desired base diameter.
Tip: Use a stitch marker to keep track of your starting stitch each round.
🧺 Part 2: Basket Sides with Shell Stitch
Now that the base is done, start building the sides with the beautiful shell stitch.
Setup Round (Even Base for Shells)
Round 6: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join.
Shell Stitch Section
Round 7: Ch 1, sc in first st, *skip 2 sts, 5 dc in next st (shell), skip 2 sts, sc in next st*, repeat around. Join.
Round 8: Sl st into the 3rd dc of the first shell. Ch 1, sc in center of shell, *skip 2 dc, 5 dc in next sc (center of previous shell), skip 2 dc, sc in next dc (center of next shell)*, repeat around. Join.
Repeat Round 8 until the basket reaches your desired height (usually 6–8 rounds of shells).
Note: You are alternating shells and single crochets in the middle of each shell. This is the traditional way to build shell stitches in the round.
🧵 Part 3: Finishing Edge (Optional)
You can finish the basket with a row of single crochets, reverse single crochets (crab stitch), or even a scalloped edge.
Final Round: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join, fasten off, and weave in ends.
🪢 Optional: Add Handles
You can create simple side handles using chains or crochet straps.
Method 1: Chain Space Handles
On your final sc round:
Sc to desired position, ch 10–15 (depending on size), skip same number of sts, sc in next st to continue round.
Repeat on opposite side.
On the next round, sc in each stitch, including over the chains, to reinforce.
Method 2: Sew-On Handles
Make two small straps separately:
Row 1: Ch 25, sc in 2nd ch from hook and across (24 sc)
Row 2–4: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st. Fasten off.
Sew each end to opposite sides of the basket with yarn needle.
🪄 Customization Ideas
The shell stitch gives you a lot of room to personalize your basket:
- 🎨 Color Changes: Try changing colors every few rounds for a striped shell look.
- 🌸 Lace Basket: Use lighter weight yarn and a larger hook for a delicate, lacy shell basket.
- 🧵 Lined Basket: Sew a simple fabric liner to make it sturdier and add a professional finish.
- 🧵 Stiffer Structure: Hold two strands of yarn together, or insert plastic canvas between layers.
🧼 Care Instructions
- Cotton Yarn: Machine washable, reshape and air dry flat.
- Acrylic Yarn: Gentle wash, reshape while damp.
- Avoid stretching the basket too much; it’s meant for light to moderate storage.
💡 Creative Uses for Your Shell Basket
Here are some ways to use or gift your crochet shell basket:
- Yarn or craft organizer
- Jewelry or makeup holder
- Bathroom towel or cotton pad caddy
- Nursery storage for toys or socks
- Gift basket filled with spa or kitchen items
- Easter or holiday candy bowl
- Wedding or party favor holder
🧶 Final Thoughts
The Crochet Shell Basket is the perfect blend of beauty and function. With its scalloped texture, it adds a soft, romantic touch to any space—while still serving a practical purpose. Whether you’re a beginner looking to explore textured stitches or a seasoned crocheter who loves beautiful home projects, this basket is a must-try.
Best of all, it’s easily customizable, quick to complete, and makes a great handmade gift. Try different yarns, sizes, and colors to make a shell basket that’s uniquely yours.
Video tutorial:
