Are you looking for a project that is as practical as it is beautiful? Whether you’re organizing your skincare, storing craft supplies, or looking for the perfect handmade gift, this Modern Textured Storage Box is the answer.
Using chunky T-shirt yarn and a few clever stitch variations, we’ll create a basket with straight, sturdy walls and a “knit-look” texture that looks much more complex than it actually is!
Project Overview
- Skill Level: Easy / Adventurous Beginner
- Time to Complete: 1–2 hours
- Finished Size: Approx. 7″ x 7″ x 4″ (18cm x 18cm x 10cm) — easily adjustable!
Materials Needed
- Yarn: 1 Roll of Premium T-Shirt Yarn (Approx. 100–120 yards). Look for a cotton/spandex blend for the best “stitch definition.”
- Hook: 10mm (N/P) Crochet Hook. If your tension is loose, drop down to a 9mm hook to ensure the walls are stiff.
- Notions: * Large-eye tapestry needle
- Stitch marker
- Optional: 2 small leather strips and rivets for high-end handles.
Stitches & Abbreviations (US Terms)
- Ch: Chain
- Sl St: Slip Stitch
- Sc: Single Crochet
- CSC (Center Single Crochet / Waistcoat Stitch): Instead of inserting the hook under the top two loops, insert it through the “V” of the stitch itself. This creates a sturdy, knit-like fabric.
- BLO: Back Loops Only
- St(s): Stitch(es)
The Pattern
Phase 1: The Sturdy Square Base
We want a flat, rigid base so the basket doesn’t wobble.
- Round 1: Start with a Magic Ring. Sc 8 into the ring. Join with a Sl St to the first Sc. (8 sts)
- Round 2: Ch 1. In the first stitch, work [1 Sc, Ch 2, 1 Sc] — this creates your first corner. Sc in the next stitch. Repeat [1 Sc, Ch 2, 1 Sc] in next st, Sc in next st three more times. Join with Sl St. (12 sts + 4 corner spaces)
- Round 3: Ch 1. Sc in each st until you reach the Ch-2 space. In the Ch-2 space, work [1 Sc, Ch 2, 1 Sc]. Repeat around. Join with Sl St.
- Round 4: Repeat Round 3 until your base reaches your desired width (usually 4-5 rounds for a medium box).
- Tip: For a very sturdy base, use the CSC (Center Single Crochet) for these rounds.
Phase 2: Building the Walls
This transition round is the secret to a sharp, 90-degree corner.
- Transition Round: Ch 1. Sc in the BLO of every stitch around. Do not increase in the corners anymore—simply work 1 Sc into each Sc and 2 Sc into each Ch-2 corner space. Join with a Sl St. This creates a “ridge” that acts as the fold for your walls.
- Wall Round 1 (The Texture): Ch 1. We will now use the CSC (Waistcoat Stitch). Insert your hook into the center “V” of the stitch below. Work 1 CSC in every stitch around. Do not join; we will work in a continuous spiral for a seamless look.
- Wall Rounds 2 – Height: Continue working 1 CSC in every stitch. Because T-shirt yarn is heavy, the CSC will stack perfectly to create thick, upright walls that won’t flop over. Continue until the basket is about 1/2 inch shorter than your desired final height.
Phase 3: The Professional Finish
- Final Round (The Rim): To give the top a clean, “store-bought” edge, work one round of Slip Stitches loosely around the entire top.
- The Invisible Join: Cut your yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Use your tapestry needle to mimic a stitch over the last Sl St to make the join completely invisible. Weave in your ends securely on the inside of the basket.
Customization & Selling Tips
1. The “Make & Sell” Strategy 💰
If you are making these to sell (as suggested in the video!), focus on Sets. A “Nesting Set” of three (Small, Medium, Large) is a high-value item for craft fairs.
- Pricing Tip: T-shirt yarn can be pricey. Calculate your “Cost per Yard” and ensure you are charging at least 3x the material cost plus your hourly rate.
2. Add some “Bling”
The difference between a basic basket and a “WOW” basket is the finishing. Add a small wooden “Handmade” tag or attach faux-leather handles with brass rivets to double the perceived value.
3. Care Instructions
Since this is made of T-shirt yarn (usually cotton/polyester), it is likely machine washable! Include a small “Care Card” with your basket: Machine wash cold on gentle cycle, reshape while damp, and air dry.
Happy Crocheting! If you enjoyed this pattern, don’t forget to bookmark this page and share your finished boxes on social media! 🧶✨
Video tutorial:
