Easter Basket

materials:

size "I" hook

2 - 12" chenille stems

1 - 12" chenille stem cut into 4 equal sections (approx. 3")

yarn for basket - < 3 1/2 oz.

contrasting color(s) of yarn to weave through basket (4 - 12" strands, 28 - 24" strands)

small amount of fiber-fil or cotton

small amount of Easter grass (or yarn separated into individual ply's)

special instructions:

rep = repeat

all joining at the end of rounds should be done with a slip stitch

sp(s) = space(s)

sl st = slip stitch, insert hook where indicated, yo, draw through both loops at once

sk = skip

treble crochet (tr) = yo, insert hook into next stitch, yo, draw up one loop, yo, (draw through 2 loops) 3 times

to work corner: (3 dc, ch1, 3 dc) in ch 1 sp

pattern:

basket:

ch 3, join to 3rd ch from hook to make ring

Rnd 1: ch 3, 2 dc in ch-3 ring, ch 1, (3 dc in ring, ch 1) 3 times, join to 3rd ch; 4 ch-1 sps

Rnd 2: ch 3, sk to ch-1 sp, (work corner) 3 times, (3 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch-1 sp, join to 3rd ch; 8 ch-1 sps

Rnd 3: sl st in neighboring sp, ch 3, 2 dc in same sp, (work corner, 3 dc in next space) 3 times, work corner, join to 3rd ch; 12 sps

Rnd 4: ch 3, sk to next space, 3 dc in sp, (work corner, {3 dc in next sp} twice) 3 times, work corner, 2 dc in next sp, join to 3rd ch

Rnd 5: sl st in neighboring sp, ch 3, 2 dc in same sp, 3 dc in next sp, (work corner, {3 dc in next sp} 3 times) 3 times, work corner, 3 dc in next sp, join to 3rd ch

Rnd 6: ch 3, sk to next sp, 3 dc in each sp (including ch-1 sps in corners) around to last sp, 2 dc in last sp, join to 3rd ch

Rnd 7: sl st in neighboring sp, ch 3, 2 dc in same sp, 3 dc in each sp around, join with sl st to 3rd ch

Rnds 8 - 11: rep Rnds. 6 & 7 twice

Rnd 12: rep Rnd 6

Rnd 13: ch, sc in each dc around, join to ch 1

finish off

weave 24" strands of contrasting yarn through basket in desired pattern (4 strands in each rnd)

use 3" piece of chenille stem in top of each basket corner to help keep shape

handle:

ch approx. 50

Row 1: tr in 4th ch from hook, tr across , ch 1, turn

Row 2: sl st across

finish off

weave 12" chenille stem through ch st

weave 2nd stem through sl st row

weave all 4 - 12" strands of contrasting color through tr row

use stem ends to fasten handle to basket

finishing:

place approx. 1/2" - 1" of Poly-fil in bottom of basket

cover with Easter grass or yarn separated into individual plies

fill with Easter eggs and a chocolate bunny or other Easter goodies