Crafting A T-Shirt Yarn Basket: A Beginner's Guide

how to make t shirt yarn basket

T-shirt yarn is a great way to create a sturdy and durable basket that can be used for storage or decoration. It is a thicker yarn than regular yarn, making it easier to create shapes and structure. By crocheting t-shirt yarn, you can make a basket that is both attractive and functional, with vibrant colours and an interesting texture. This guide will take you through the process of creating your own t-shirt yarn basket, including the materials needed and step-by-step instructions. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced crafter, this project is a fun and simple way to add a personal touch to your home décor.

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Choosing the right yarn

Type of Yarn

T-shirt yarn is an excellent choice for crochet baskets due to its sturdiness and durability. It is thicker than regular yarn, making it easier to work with and shape. T-shirt yarn is typically made from recycled fabric off-cuts, making it a sustainable and environmentally friendly option. This type of yarn is also machine washable, which is ideal for baskets that may need to be cleaned regularly.

Yarn Weight and Thickness

The weight and thickness of the yarn will impact the overall structure and appearance of your basket. For a sturdy basket that can stand on its own, choose a thicker yarn, such as super bulky weight #6 or super chunky yarn. This weight is perfect for creating a strong and durable basket that can hold its shape. Thinner yarns may result in a floppy or limp basket.

Yarn Colour and Pattern

T-shirt yarn comes in a variety of colours and patterns, allowing you to get creative with your basket design. You can choose a single colour or experiment with different colour combinations to create a unique look. Consider the purpose and placement of your basket when selecting colours. For example, if you plan to use it for storage in your living room, choose colours that complement your decor.

Yarn Quantity

Ensure you have sufficient yarn to complete your project. The amount of yarn required will depend on the size and number of baskets you intend to make. As a general guideline, one large skein of t-shirt yarn should be enough to make several small to medium-sized baskets. You can also mix and match colours by using different yarns for the base and sides of the basket.

Yarn Source

You can purchase t-shirt yarn from craft stores or online retailers. Alternatively, you can make your own t-shirt yarn by cutting strips of old t-shirts and stitching them together. This DIY option is cost-effective and allows you to customise the colour and thickness of your yarn.

Remember to consider the weight, thickness, colour, and quantity of the yarn when choosing the right yarn for your t-shirt yarn basket project. By selecting the appropriate yarn, you can ensure your basket is functional, durable, and aesthetically pleasing.

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Getting the right equipment

To make a t-shirt yarn basket, you will need the following equipment:

  • T-shirt yarn: This can be purchased or made from old t-shirts. The amount of yarn you need will depend on the size of your basket, but one large skein should be enough for several small baskets. You can also use regular yarn, but your basket will likely be smaller and less sturdy.
  • Crochet hook: The size of the crochet hook will depend on the thickness of your yarn. A 9mm or 10mm hook is typically recommended for t-shirt yarn, but you may need to adjust the size based on your yarn's thickness.
  • Stitch marker (optional): This is useful for marking the beginning of a row and keeping track of your stitches.
  • Scissors: To cut your yarn when needed.
  • Tapestry needle: To weave in the ends of the yarn and create a neat finish.
  • Other optional items: A magic ring or stitch marker for the centre of your basket, and a wooden base if you prefer not to crochet the base yourself.

It is also helpful to be familiar with basic crochet abbreviations and stitches, such as single crochet (sc) and slip stitch (sl st). If you are a beginner, you can find many free tutorials and videos online to guide you through the process.

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Crocheting the base

To crochet the base of your basket, you will need to create a flat circle. You can do this by crocheting a "magic ring" and then crocheting a number of single crochet (sc) stitches into the ring. The number of sc stitches you will need to crochet depends on the size of the basket you want to make. For example, if you want to make a small basket, you might start with 6 sc in your first round, 12 in the second, 18 in the third, and so on. If you want a larger basket, you can simply increase the number of sc stitches in each round.

Once you are happy with the size of the base, you can continue to crochet sc stitches in a spiral without any increases. This will create the walls of your basket. The sides will start to curl up on their own as you crochet. You can choose to use all one colour, or change colours halfway up for a fun effect.

Continue crocheting until you have reached your desired height, then finish by slip stitching and weaving in the end.

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Crocheting the walls

Now that you have made the base of your basket, it's time to start building the walls. The walls will be created by crocheting in a spiral with no increases. This technique will cause the sides to curl up and form the basket's walls. You can choose to use all one colour or change colours halfway up, depending on your preference.

To begin, insert your hook into the next stitch and pull through your yarn. You should now have two loops on your hook. Yarn over again and pull through both loops to complete the single crochet stitch. Repeat this process all the way around, continuing to work in a spiral.

The number of rounds you crochet will determine the height of your basket. For a taller basket, simply add more rounds. As you crochet, the sides of the basket will start to curl up and build the walls.

If you want to create straight corners for your basket, work a waistcoat stitch until you reach the corner. Then, start the next waistcoat stitch, but don't finish it off. Insert your hook into the next stitch and begin another waistcoat stitch, but don't finish it off either. You should now have three loops on your hook. Remove the third loop from the hook and hold it with your fingers. Finish the first waistcoat stitch, then insert the hook into the loop that was removed and finish the second waistcoat stitch. Continue this process until you reach the next corner, then repeat the same steps.

To add handles to your basket, simply chain a certain number of stitches and skip the same number of stitches before continuing to single crochet around. For example, you can chain 15 stitches, skip 6 stitches, and then continue single crocheting under the handle. On the next round, you can single crochet in each stitch, including the chains that form the handle.

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Adding handles

Planning the Handles

Before you start crocheting the handles, decide on the placement and size of the handles. Determine where you want the handles to be located on the basket and how long you want them to be. You can measure the desired length of the handles with a ruler or tape measure. Mark the placement of the handles on the basket to guide you during the crocheting process.

Crocheting the Handles

Once you have planned the handle placement and size, you can start crocheting the handles directly onto the basket. Here's a general guide, but you can adjust the specific stitches and techniques based on your basket pattern:

  • Chain Stitch: Begin by chaining a number of stitches that corresponds to the desired length of your handle. For example, if you want a 10-stitch handle, chain 10.
  • Skip Stitches: After creating the chain for the first handle, skip a few stitches on the basket to create the space between the handle and the basket body. The number of stitches you skip will depend on the desired distance between the handle and the basket.
  • Slip Stitch: Join the handle to the basket by slip stitching into the next stitch on the basket. This will create a secure connection between the handle and the basket body.
  • Fasten Off: After joining the handle, cut the yarn and fasten off, creating a separate strand for the first handle.
  • Join Yarn: To create the second handle, join the yarn on the opposite side of the basket, mirroring the placement of the first handle.
  • Chain Stitch: Repeat the process by chaining the desired number of stitches for the second handle.
  • Skip Stitches and Slip Stitch: Just like the first handle, skip a few stitches and then slip stitch to join the second handle to the basket.
  • Fasten Off: Cut the yarn and fasten off to complete the second handle.

Finishing Touches

Once you have crocheted the handles, you can add any finishing touches, such as reinforcing the handles for added strength or weaving in the ends to create a neat and tidy appearance. You can also add decorations or embellishments to the handles if desired.

Remember to consider the weight that the handles will need to support. If you plan to carry heavier items in your basket, you may want to make the handles thicker or reinforce them with a stronger material.

Frequently asked questions

T-shirt yarn is the best option as it makes the basket sturdy and durable. It is also thicker than regular yarn, making it easier to create shapes and structure.

This depends on the thickness of your yarn. A 9mm or 10mm hook is a good starting point, but you may need to go smaller or larger depending on the yarn.

Yes, you can add handles to your basket by chaining stitches and skipping stitches in the desired round. You can find specific instructions and patterns online.

To make the base of your basket, you will need to crochet a flat circle using a magic ring and increasing stitches in each round. You can find specific instructions and patterns online.

Yes, you can make your own t-shirt yarn by cutting strips of fabric from old t-shirts and stitching them together.

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