How to Crochet a Rag Basket Step by Step

Recreate a wooden basket with crocheted rags.

Crochet a basket made from recycled clothing and linens. This project requires knowledge of the basic crochet stitches, but is uncomplicated enough for a crochet novice to do. It also works up quickly. The fabric "rag" ends are not sewn together, but left loose for a rustic look. Cut up some green tissue paper for "grass" and fill the rag basket with a chocolate rabbit, colored eggs and marshmallow chicks for a homey gift from the Easter Bunny.

Things You'll Need

• Old cotton shirts
• Old cotton sheets and pillowcases
• Crochet hook, size K
• Scissors
• Ruler
• 24-gauge wire

Instructions

1. Cut the old shirts and linens into 1 1/2-inch wide strips that are as long as possible.

2. Wind the strips into balls.

3. Chain 11 and connect with a slipstitch into a circle. Chain 1 and single crochet 22 in the circle. Upon reaching the last 2 inches of each fabric strip, incorporate the next strip into the next single crochet stitch by grabbing the new strip with the crochet hook. Leave the fabric ends free for a rustic look.

4. Chain 1 for the second round and evenly add 4 single crochets to the round, increasing every fifth single crochet, for a total of 26 single crochets.

5. Chain 1 for the third round and evenly add 5 single crochets to the round, increasing every fifth single crochet, for a total of 31 single crochets.

6. Chain 1. Crochet the basket sides by single crocheting in the top of each of the previous rounds' single crochets with no increases. Repeat for four rounds or the basket height desired.

7. Create a basket handle by chaining 45 and attaching the chain to the opposite side of the basket with a slipstitch. Cut the wire to the handle length and weave the wire through the basket handle to keep it upright.

References

• All Crafts: Crochet and Knit
• Craft Yarn Council of America: Learn Single Crochet