This tiny bat features a velvet-soft texture and wide, embroidered wings that make it a charming addition to any shelf. You can hold this little creature in your palm, as it stands only four inches tall when worked in standard acrylic yarn. It suits beginners who feel comfortable with basic single crochet and shaping through increases and decreases. Making this project offers a quiet, meditative break during a long afternoon. You will learn how to create the seamless transition from the body to the head while maintaining consistent tension to keep the stuffing securely tucked inside its round, huggable form.

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Why You’ll Love This Pattern

This beginner-friendly project creates a structured, durable crochet basket using the sturdy waistcoat stitch. Because it works up quickly with bulky yarn, you can complete a finished home decor piece in a single afternoon. The pattern relies on simple circular increases, making it an excellent choice for practice if you are new to working in continuous rounds. You will appreciate the rigid base and high sides that maintain their shape even when filled with heavy items like yarn cakes or spare accessories.

I finally finished my basket and was surprised by how much weight it could actually hold without bowing at the sides. It really transformed the look of my craft corner.

— Sarah, hobbyist maker

Pattern Overview & Skill Level

Skill Level: Beginner
Approximate Time: 2 to 3 hours
Construction: Working in continuous rounds with a flat base transition into vertical sides
Finished Dimensions: 8 inches diameter by 6 inches height

Materials & Supplies Needed

Yarn: Super Bulky (#6) cotton cord or t-shirt yarn, approximately 150 yards.
Hook Size: 8.0 mm (L-11).
Notions: Stitch marker to track the start of rounds, tapestry needle for weaving in ends.
Safe yarn substitutions: You may use two strands of worsted weight acrylic yarn held together as a substitute, though this will result in a softer texture and may require slightly more yardage.

Stitch Guide & Abbreviations (US Terms)

ch = chain
st/sts = stitch/stitches
sc = single crochet
inc = increase (work 2 sc into the same stitch)
sl st = slip stitch
Rnd = round
Waistcoat stitch: Insert hook into the center “V” of the single crochet stitch from the previous round instead of under the top loops.

Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions

Basket Base

Rnd 1: Start with a magic ring, work 6 sc into the ring. Place a stitch marker in the first stitch. (6 sts)
Rnd 2: Work 2 sc in each st around. (12 sts)
Rnd 3: 1 sc, inc repeat 6 times. (18 sts)
Rnd 4: 2 sc, inc repeat 6 times. (24 sts)
Rnd 5: 3 sc, inc repeat 6 times. (30 sts)
Rnd 6: 4 sc, inc repeat 6 times. (36 sts)
Rnd 7: 5 sc, inc repeat 6 times. (42 sts)

Basket Sides

Rnd 8: Work 1 sc in the back loop only (BLO) of every stitch around. This creates the sharp edge for the side of the basket. (42 sts)
Rnd 9-18: Work 1 waistcoat stitch in every st around. Ensure your tension is consistent to keep the basket walls even. (42 sts)
Rnd 19: Work 1 sl st in each st around to create a finished edge. Fasten off and weave in the ends securely. (42 sts)

Care & Washing Instructions

Hand wash your basket in cool water with a mild detergent to prevent the fibers from stretching or pilling.
Lay the basket flat on a clean towel to air dry, ensuring you reshape it while damp to maintain the circular base.
Do not bleach or iron, as high heat can compromise the integrity of the cotton cord or synthetic yarn fibers.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Maintain consistent tension throughout the sides, as the waistcoat stitch can become very tight if you pull your yarn aggressively. Use a stitch marker at the beginning of every round to avoid losing track of your count, especially when moving from the base to the vertical walls. When weaving in your ends, run the yarn through the thickest part of the base to ensure the tail does not poke through the interior. You can easily adjust the size of this project by adding more increase rounds to the base; however, keep in mind that larger baskets require significantly more yardage to ensure they remain structurally sound.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a smaller hook for a tighter weave?

Using a smaller hook will definitely create a firmer, more rigid fabric, but it will also make the waistcoat stitches significantly harder to work into. If you choose to size down, ensure you are comfortable with the extra resistance from the hook.

Is this pattern suitable for complete beginners?

Yes, the pattern uses basic single crochet stitches. The primary challenge is the waistcoat stitch, which just requires you to change the placement of your hook into the center of the stitch below.

How can I increase the height of the basket?

To make a taller basket, simply continue repeating the waistcoat stitch for additional rounds before completing the final slip stitch round. Remember to have extra yarn available if you plan to add more than two inches of height.

May I sell the baskets I make from this pattern?

You are welcome to sell finished items made from this pattern, provided you credit the design. Please do not redistribute or sell the digital pattern itself.

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Your finished bat looks wonderful perched on a desk or tucked into a festive seasonal display. You might consider using glow-in-the-dark yarn for the wings if you plan to give these as spooky party favors to friends. I love seeing the different faces everyone creates with thread, so please share a photo of your work on Instagram. You can find more free patterns for small stuffed toys and home accessories by browsing the full archive here on the blog.