Crochet Baskets

I have gotten obsessed with crocheting baskets.  I found this Macrame yarn on clearance at Hobby Lobby and made these two baskets.  

 Then I used hemp rope and yarn together to crochet this...

 I'm giving it to my daughter for her jewelry because it doesn't all fit in her jewelry box.

This is how you crochet rope and yarn together.  Its a little tricky because sometimes you lose one of the strands.

 I twisted it together like it was one strand and make sure you pull both strands through each time.

Here is my favorite basket pattern:

Chain 3
1- 7 hdc in 3rd chain from hook.  Join with a slip stitch.  (8 hdc)
2- Chain 2, 2 hdc in each stitch.  Join with a slip stitch.  (16 hdc)
3- Chain 2, hdc in same sitch, 1 hdc in next stitch (2 hdc in next stitch, 1 hdc in next stitch) Join.  (24 hdc)
4-  Chain 2, hdc in same stitch, 1 hdc in next 2 stitches.(2 hdc in one stitch, 1 in next 2 stitches).  Join (23 hdc)
5- Chain 2, hdc in same stitch, 1 hdc in next 3 stitches.  (2 hdc in one stitch, 1 in next 3 stitches).  Join (40 hdc)
6- Chain 2, hdc in same stitch, 1 hdc in next 4 stitches.  (2 hdc in one stitch, 1 in next 4 stitches).  Join (48 hdc)
7- Chain 2, hdc in same stitch, 1 hdc in next 5 stitches.  (2 hdc in one stitch, 1 in next 5 stitches).  Join (56 hdc)

At this point you can stop or keep going depending on what circumference you want for you basket.
Just keep increasing by 1 stitch.  So the next would be 2 in one stitch, 1 in the next 6, etc.

When you have achieved the right circumference continue as follows:

8- Chain 1, sc in the front loops only all the way around (this will create a ridge).
9- Chain 1, sc in both loops all the way around.
Continue doing this until you have the height you want.

To finish you can have choose between two different handles.  In my first two baskets I did the two side handles

16- Sc in next 13 stitches (might have to adjust based on circumference), ch 10, skip next 10 stitches, sc in next 26 stitches, chain 10, skip next 10 stitches, sc in next 13 stitches.  Join.

17- Sc in next 13 stitches, 12 sc in each chain.  Sc in next 26 stitches, 12 sc in chain, sc in next 13 stitches.  Join and finish off.

Weave in ends.

OR

Chain the desired length of handle and count until half way from the start of your chain.  Join with a slip stitch into the half way point.  Then I single crocheted in each chain to make it thicker.