Dune Drift Basket Free Pattern – A Crocheted Waffle Stitch Storage Tote

Bring the serene beauty of desert sands into your home with this textured waffle stitch basket. Perfect for storing yarn, toys, or blankets, this thick, squishy fabric in earthy tones makes a cozy, modern addition to any room. The deeply textured waffle pattern resembles a honeycomb, creating a visually stunning and functional storage solution that's as beautiful as it is practical.

Whether you're a seasoned crocheter looking for a quick weekend project or a beginner ready to tackle your first home decor piece, this pattern is designed to be approachable and rewarding. The super bulky yarn works up fast, and the repetitive stitch pattern is meditative once you get into the rhythm. Let's dive in and create this boho-chic storage basket together!

Materials Needed

Before we begin, gather the following supplies. This project uses super bulky yarn, which makes it work up quickly and gives the basket its sturdy, structured feel.

• Yarn: Super Bulky (Weight 6) – 2 skeins of Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in "Sand" (Color A) and 1 skein in "Oatmeal" (Color B), or similar super bulky yarn in your preferred colors.
• Crochet Hook: Size N/P (10 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge.
• Stitch Markers: To mark the beginning of each round.
• Yarn Needle: For weaving in ends.
• Scissors: For cutting yarn.

Gauge: 4 waffle stitches x 4 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in pattern. Always check your gauge to ensure your basket turns out the correct size. If your gauge is off, adjust your hook size accordingly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Pattern Notes

• Worked in continuous rounds (do not join unless stated). Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round.
• The waffle stitch is created by alternating front post double crochet (fpdc) and double crochet (dc) stitches.
• Ch 2 at the beginning of rounds counts as a double crochet unless otherwise stated.

Base (Worked in Spiral)

The base of your basket is worked in a continuous spiral, increasing each round to create a flat, circular bottom. This will be approximately 10 inches in diameter when complete.

Round 1: With Color A, make a magic ring. Ch 2 (counts as dc), then work 11 dc into the ring. Pull the tail to close the ring tightly. (12 dc total)

Round 2: Work 2 dc in each stitch around. (24 dc)

Round 3: *2 dc in next st, dc in next st* – repeat from * to * around. (36 dc)

Round 4: *2 dc in next st, dc in next 2 sts* – repeat from * to * around. (48 dc)

Round 5: *2 dc in next st, dc in next 3 sts* – repeat from * to * around. (60 dc)

Round 6: *2 dc in next st, dc in next 4 sts* – repeat from * to * around. (72 dc)

Your base should now measure about 10 inches in diameter. If it's slightly larger or smaller, that's okay – just make sure it's flat and not ruffling or cupping.

Sides (Waffle Stitch Pattern)

Now we'll create the beautiful waffle texture that gives this basket its name. The waffle stitch is created by alternating front post double crochet and regular double crochet stitches. This creates a thick, squishy fabric with deep texture.

Round 7: Ch 2 (counts as dc). *Fpdc around the post of the next dc, dc in next st* – repeat from * to * around. Sl st to the top of the ch-2 to join. (72 sts)

Round 8: Ch 2 (counts as dc). Dc in next st. *Fpdc around the post of the next st, dc in next st* – repeat from * to * around. Sl st to the top of the ch-2 to join. (72 sts)

Rounds 9-16: Repeat Rounds 7 and 8 alternately. This means you'll work Round 7, then Round 8, then Round 7 again, and so on. At the end of Round 16, fasten off Color A.

Pro tip: The waffle stitch creates a fabric that's reversible, but the front post stitches will be more prominent on one side. Decide which side you want facing out and be consistent with your stitch placement.

Top Border

Now we'll add the beautiful contrasting border in Color B (Oatmeal). This creates a lovely scalloped edge that finishes the basket beautifully.

Round 17: Join Color B with a sl st to any stitch. Ch 1, sc in the same st and in each st around. Sl st to the first sc to join. (72 sc)

Round 18: Ch 1, sc in the same st. *Ch 2, skip 2 sts, sc in next st* – repeat from * to * around. Sl st to the first sc to join. (24 ch-2 spaces)

Round 19: Ch 1, sc in the same st. *3 sc in next ch-2 space, sc in next sc* – repeat from * to * around. Sl st to the first sc to join. (96 sc)

Fasten off and weave in all ends securely using your yarn needle.

Finishing Touches

You have two beautiful options for finishing your basket:

• Rolled Edge: Fold the top border down to the outside of the basket for a soft, rolled edge that shows off the contrasting color.
• Clean Finish: Leave the border standing up for a clean, structured look that emphasizes the waffle texture.

Whichever you choose, gently shape your basket with your hands, and it's ready to display! This basket is perfect for storing yarn, toys, blankets, or any items you want to keep organized in style.

We'd love to see your finished Dune Drift Basket! Share your creation on social media with the hashtag #DuneDriftBasket and tag us so we can admire your handiwork. Happy crocheting!