Looking for a sturdy yet soft, stylish way to store towels, laundry, or blankets? The Soft Grid Laundry Basket features calming cream and soft blue-gray horizontal stripes, a firm textured “grid” stitch, and convenient built-in side handles. It holds its shape beautifully while remaining flexible and home-friendly.
Description
The basket is worked from the bottom up in continuous rounds using a dense, structured stitch that creates a firm cylindrical form with a distinctive soft grid texture. Horizontal bands of cream/off-white and muted blue-gray add visual interest and a modern, calm look. Two reinforced side handles are built into the upper section. The overall appearance is clean, practical, and perfect for bathrooms, bedrooms, or living spaces.
Suitable for confident beginners who know basic stitches, simple color changes, and working in the round.
Finished Size (approximate)
- Diameter: 38–42 cm / 15–16.5 in
- Height: 40–45 cm / 16–18 in (not including handles)
- Handles: integrated, approximately 9–11 cm / 3.5–4.5 in deep
Measure your intended contents and adjust stitch count and height as needed. The dense fabric helps the basket stand upright.
Materials
- Worsted-weight, aran-weight, or bulky cotton (or cotton-blend) yarn
- Color A: Cream / off-white / natural
- Color B: Soft blue-gray / slate / dusty blue
- 5.5–7.0 mm crochet hook (choose size that gives firm, dense fabric)
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
- Stitch markers
- Measuring tape
Optional: plastic canvas or cardboard circle for extra bottom stiffness; fabric liner.
Abbreviations (US terms)
- ch – chain
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- fpdc – front post double crochet
- bpdc – back post double crochet
- sl st – slip stitch
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- inc – increase (2 stitches in same stitch)
- MR – magic ring
Pattern Notes
- The body is worked in continuous rounds for a seamless look. Use a stitch marker and move it up each round.
- Maintain firm tension so the basket holds its shape.
- Cotton yarn is ideal for structure, durability, and easy care.
- Color changes are made at the beginning of a round.
- The soft grid texture is created with alternating front-post and back-post stitches.
Complete Crochet Instructions
1. Base
With Color A (cream), make a magic ring.
Round 1: 8 sc in MR. Place marker. (8)
Round 2: 2 sc in each st around. (16)
Round 3: 1 sc, 2 sc in next st; repeat around. (24)
Round 4: 2 sc, 2 sc in next st; repeat around. (32)
Round 5: 3 sc, 2 sc in next st; repeat around. (40)
Round 6: 4 sc, 2 sc in next st; repeat around. (48)
Round 7: 5 sc, 2 sc in next st; repeat around. (56)
Round 8: 6 sc, 2 sc in next st; repeat around. (64)
Round 9: 7 sc, 2 sc in next st; repeat around. (72)
Round 10: 8 sc, 2 sc in next st; repeat around. (80)
Continue increasing evenly (adding one more plain stitch between increases each round) until the base measures approximately 38–42 cm / 15–16.5 in across (usually 88–104 stitches depending on your yarn and tension).
Work 2–3 rounds of plain sc without increases to create a firm base edge.
2. Sides (Soft Grid Texture)
Begin the textured pattern.
Grid stitch (repeat every round):
*fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st; repeat from * around.
(Alternatively, work groups of 2–3 fpdc followed by 2–3 bpdc for a more pronounced grid.)
Work even in the grid stitch, changing colors to form the horizontal stripes shown in the photo:
Suggested stripe sequence:
- 6–8 rounds Color A (cream)
- 4–5 rounds Color B (blue-gray)
- 4–5 rounds Color A
- 4–5 rounds Color B
- 4–5 rounds Color A
- Continue alternating bands of Color A and Color B until the basket reaches the height just below the handles (approximately 32–36 cm / 12.5–14 in from the base).
Keep tension consistent so the sides remain firm and upright.
3. Handles
When the sides are the correct height, create two opposite handle openings on the next round:
Work the grid stitch until you reach the first handle position.
Chain 14–18 (or the width needed for a comfortable hand opening), skip the same number of stitches, then continue the grid stitch across to the opposite side.
Repeat for the second handle.
On the following 3–4 rounds, work into the chain spaces (using sc or continuing the grid texture) so the handles become solid and strong. Reinforce the top of each handle opening if desired by working an extra round of sc around the edges.
4. Top Edge
Work 2–3 final rounds of single crochet or half double crochet in Color A (or matching the last stripe color) for a neat, sturdy rim.
Slip stitch to finish. Fasten off and weave in all ends securely.
5. Finishing
Weave in any remaining ends.
If extra bottom support is needed, place a cut circle of plastic canvas, heavy cardboard, or thin wood inside the base.
Optional: add a fabric liner for a polished interior.
Tips and Variations
Color Ideas
- Classic cream + soft blue-gray (as shown)
- Natural + sage green
- Cream + terracotta
- Soft gray + white
- Solid cream for a minimalist look
Make It Fit Different Needs
- Measure the space or items you want to store and adjust the final base stitch count and total height.
- Make a shorter version for a bathroom counter or a taller one for blankets and throws.
Extra Features
- Add a second smaller basket as a nested set.
- Work a simple circular lid with a handle.
- Include internal dividers for sorting laundry.
Strengthen the Basket
Use cotton or cotton-blend yarn and a slightly smaller hook for denser fabric. Holding two strands of worsted-weight yarn together also increases firmness.
FAQs
Is this pattern beginner-friendly?
Yes for confident beginners. The base uses standard circular increases. The sides use a repeating post-stitch texture and simple color changes. The handles are straightforward chain openings.
Will it hold its shape?
Yes — the dense grid texture and firm tension help it stand upright. Cotton yarn and an optional base insert improve structure further.
Can I wash it?
Yes. Cotton or acrylic yarn can be hand washed gently or machine washed on a gentle cycle. Reshape and air dry. Remove any rigid base insert before washing.
My basket is too floppy / too stiff.
If too floppy, go down a hook size, use denser yarn, or add a base insert. If too stiff or small, go up a hook size or increase the final base stitch count.
Conclusion
The Soft Grid Laundry Basket is a practical, handsome project designed for everyday home storage. The structured grid texture, calm cream-and-blue-gray stripes, and built-in handles make it both functional and stylish for towels, laundry, or blankets.
Grab your favorite neutrals and soft accent colors and enjoy stitching up this useful, structured basket!
Happy crocheting!
The directions for the Laundry basket does not say how much yarn is needed. Can you provide this information?