Soft white yarn circles linked together form these cheerful little characters that hang perfectly across a fireplace mantel or along a holiday bookshelf. Each snowman has a distinct, handcrafted look that brings a touch of handmade warmth to your living room during the colder months. This project is accessible for beginners, as it relies primarily on basic increases and decreases to shape the heads and bodies. You will learn how to maintain consistent tension while working in the round, ensuring your garland pieces remain firm yet flexible enough to drape naturally when strung together on rustic twine.

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Why Crocheters Love It

This beginner-friendly project creates a structured, durable storage basket perfect for organizing yarn scraps, hooks, or small office supplies. The thick, sturdy base is achieved by working in continuous rounds, while the upright sides provide enough rigidity to keep the basket from collapsing when empty. It works up in under two hours, making it an excellent last-minute gift or a productive weekend project. The simple, repetitive single crochet stitch creates a dense, clean fabric that hides the fiberfill or internal contents effectively.

I managed to finish this basket during a single afternoon of watching television. It is the perfect size for keeping my current project’s yarn cakes from rolling off the couch.

— Sarah, hobbyist crocheter

Pattern Overview & Skill Level

Skill Level: Beginner
Approximate Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Construction: Continuous rounds with a flat circular base and vertical sides
Finished Dimensions: 6 inches in diameter by 4 inches tall

Materials & Supplies Needed

Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) cotton yarn. Cotton provides the necessary stiffness for a basket. You will need approximately 150 yards.
Hook Size: 4.5 mm (US 7) to keep stitches tight and the fabric firm.
Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving ends, stitch marker to keep track of the start of your rounds.
Yarn Substitutions: Acrylic yarn can be used, but the basket will be softer and may require extra stiffening or a smaller hook size to maintain shape.

Stitch Guide & Abbreviations (US Terms)

MR = magic ring
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
inc = increase (work 2 sc in the same stitch)
sl st = slip stitch
st/sts = stitch/stitches
BLO = back loop only: inserting the hook only under the back strand of the V-shaped top of the stitch to create a visible ridge.

Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions

Basket Base

Rnd 1: Start with a MR, work 6 sc into the ring. (6 sts)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12 sts)
Rnd 3: [Inc, 1 sc] repeat 6 times. (18 sts)
Rnd 4: [Inc, 2 sc] repeat 6 times. (24 sts)
Rnd 5: [Inc, 3 sc] repeat 6 times. (30 sts)
Rnd 6: [Inc, 4 sc] repeat 6 times. (36 sts)
Rnd 7: [Inc, 5 sc] repeat 6 times. (42 sts)

Basket Sides

Rnd 8: Work in BLO, 1 sc in each st around. (42 sts)
Rnd 9-18: Work 1 sc in each st around. (42 sts)
Rnd 19: Sl st in each st around for a decorative edge. (42 sts)
Finishing: Fasten off, leaving a 6-inch tail. Pull the tail through to the inside of the basket and weave it securely into the base stitches using your tapestry needle.

Care & Washing Instructions

Hand wash in cool water with a mild detergent to maintain the structure of the cotton fibers.
Lay the basket flat on a clean towel to dry, pressing it into its original circular shape while damp.
Avoid using a tumble dryer, as high heat can shrink cotton and cause the basket to lose its upright, rigid form.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Keep your tension tight throughout the entire project. If your stitches look loose, switch to a smaller hook size to ensure the basket walls stand up straight.
Always place a stitch marker in the first stitch of every round. Since you are working in continuous spirals, it is very easy to lose your place if you do not mark the start.
To weave in your ends invisibly, feed the yarn tail through the back loops of the stitches on the interior of the basket. Do this in two different directions to ensure the yarn does not pull out over time.
If you want to adjust the size, simply continue increasing the base until you reach your desired diameter, then stop increasing and work your rounds even. Note that larger baskets will require significantly more yarn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use wool instead of cotton for this basket?

Yes, you can use wool, but keep in mind that wool is softer than cotton. The basket will likely be slouchy rather than stiff. You may need to felt the basket or use a double strand of yarn to achieve the necessary structure.

Is this pattern suitable for someone who has never crocheted before?

Absolutely. This project uses only the single crochet stitch and works in simple rounds. It is an ideal way to practice maintaining consistent tension and working in the round without complex stitch patterns.

How do I make the basket taller?

To increase the height, simply add more rounds of single crochet after completing Rnd 18. Continue repeating the standard sc round until the basket reaches your preferred height, then finish with the final slip stitch round as instructed.

Can I sell the baskets I make from this pattern?

You are welcome to sell finished items made from this pattern. Please credit the design to this guide whenever possible. Do not sell or distribute the pattern itself, as the instructions are protected.

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These finished snowmen add a cheerful handmade touch to your holiday decor that feels cozy and personal. You might swap the traditional orange nose for a bright red button or use variegated yarn to give each character a unique sweater effect. If you share your completed garland on Instagram or Pinterest, tag your post so others can see your color choices and arrangement ideas. You can find more free patterns for seasonal home accessories on the blog whenever you feel like starting your next small project.