Crochet Basket with Handles

Instructions

Tap a section when you finish it.

1. 1BaseHolding the ends of two balls together, ch 37. Row 1: 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook and 1 sc in each remaining ch (36 sc). Turn. Rows 2-26: Ch 1 (does not count as a st), 1 sc in each st (36). Turn. The base should be a firm rectangle about 30 x 20 cm.
2. 2Around the baseRound 1: Without turning, work sc all around the edge: 1 sc in each of the 36 sts of the last row (long side), 24 sc evenly spaced along the 26 row ends of the short side, 36 sc along the other side of the foundation chain (long side), and 24 sc along the other short side. Join with sl st to the first sc (120 sc). Place a marker at the start of the round.
3. 3Turning up the wallsRound 2: Ch 1, 1 sc BLO in each st (120). Join with sl st. This round creates a sharp fold between base and walls. Every round from now on starts with ch 1 and ends with a sl st join.
4. 4WallsRounds 3-13: 1 sc in each st (120). Keep the tension firm; double-stranded cotton worked tightly lets the basket stand on its own. Check each round follows the 36 + 24 + 36 + 24 layout and always starts at the same corner.
5. 5Handle openingsRound 14: 36 sc (long side), 7 sc, ch 10, skip 10 sts, 7 sc (short side), 36 sc (long side), 7 sc, ch 10, skip 10 sts, 7 sc (120 sts). Round 15: 1 sc in each sc and 1 sc in each ch (120 sc). The openings sit right in the middle of the short sides.
6. 6RimRounds 16-19: 1 sc in each st (120). Round 20: Ch 1, work 1 reverse single crochet (crab stitch) in each st, moving left to right (120). Join with sl st.
7. 7FinishingCut the yarn and weave the ends through the stitches on the inside of the wall. Dampen the basket and let it dry with books or a box inside to hold the rectangular shape; the corners become crisper.