Pine Tree Table Basket Free Crochet Pattern
Introduction
This Pine Tree Table Basket is a sweet, beginner-friendly project that brings a little winter woodland charm to your table. It's a squat, flat-bottomed basket worked in deep forest green, with three cream cross-stitch bands near the rim that look just like snowy pine branches. At about 6 inches across and 3 inches tall, it's the perfect size for holding keys, candy, small ornaments, or a little candle. The smooth single-crochet fabric works up quickly and feels sturdy and neat, so it's a lovely gift or a cozy addition to your own holiday decor.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (4) acrylic yarn — approximately 150 yards forest green (Color A) and 20 yards cream (Color B)
- Hook: 5.5 mm (I-9) crochet hook
- Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors
- Finished size: Approximately 6 inches in diameter and 3 inches tall
Abbreviations
- MR — magic ring: an adjustable loop you crochet into to start a circle
- sc — single crochet
- inc — increase: work 2 single crochet into the same stitch
- st(s) — stitch(es)
- rnd — round
- blo — back loop only: work into the loop farthest from you
- flo — front loop only: work into the loop closest to you
- cross-stitch — a decorative cream stitch worked over the surface of 2 stitches (see Tips)
Gauge
12 stitches and 12 rounds = 4 inches in single crochet. To check, crochet a small flat swatch and measure a 4-inch section; adjust your hook size if needed to match.
Tips Before You Start
- Work the base in a continuous spiral without joining rounds, and use a stitch marker to keep track of the first stitch of each round.
- The cross-stitch is a surface embellishment worked with Color B over the top of 2 stitches; keep the cream yarn on the wrong side between motifs and carry it loosely so the basket doesn't pucker.
- Rounds 13–16 are worked in the back loops only — this creates the crisp ridge where the flat base turns up into the sides, so don't skip it.
- Keep your tension even and fairly firm so the basket holds its shape and stands up on its own.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Base (Color A)
Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc into the ring (6 sts)
Rnd 2: inc in each st around (12 sts)
Rnd 3: [sc, inc] x6 (18 sts)
Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] x6 (24 sts)
Rnd 5: [3 sc, inc] x6 (30 sts)
Rnd 6: [4 sc, inc] x6 (36 sts)
Rnd 7: [5 sc, inc] x6 (42 sts)
Rnd 8: [6 sc, inc] x6 (48 sts)
Rnd 9: [7 sc, inc] x6 (54 sts)
Rnd 10: [8 sc, inc] x6 (60 sts)
Rnd 11: [9 sc, inc] x6 (66 sts)
Rnd 12: [10 sc, inc] x6 (72 sts)
Sides (Color A)
Rnds 13–16: sc in blo around (72 sts)
Rnds 17–18: sc in both loops around (72 sts)
Cross-Stitch Band 1
Rnd 19: sc around (72 sts)
Rnd 20: [5 sc, cross-stitch over next 2 sts] x10, sc 2 (72 sts)
Rnd 21: sc around (72 sts)
Cross-Stitch Band 2
Rnd 22: sc around (72 sts)
Rnd 23: [5 sc, cross-stitch over next 2 sts] x10, sc 2 (72 sts)
Rnd 24: sc around (72 sts)
Cross-Stitch Band 3
Rnd 25: sc around (72 sts)
Rnd 26: [5 sc, cross-stitch over next 2 sts] x10, sc 2 (72 sts)
Rnd 27: sc around (72 sts)
Rim (Color A)
Rnd 28: sc in flo around (72 sts)
Rnd 29: sc around (72 sts)
Fasten off.
Assembly and Finishing
This basket is worked as one piece, so there's no seaming. Weave in all ends on the wrong side, threading the cream tails behind the cross-stitch bands so they don't show. Gently shape the basket with your hands, pressing the base flat and easing the sides upright. Block lightly by misting with water and letting it air-dry over a small bowl or jar to hold the cylindrical shape; avoid heavy steaming so the acrylic keeps its structure.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the cream for white or silver to change the look, or use red for a berry-accented version.
- Add a fourth cross-stitch band or space the bands closer together for a taller, denser pattern.
- Work the final round in a contrasting color for a simple striped rim, or add a small crocheted loop at the top edge to hang the basket.
