Crochet Santa and Snowman Christmas Baskets: Free Pattern and 11 Ideas

Choose a crochet Christmas basket by its personality: Santa, snowman, reindeer and other friends, or plain festive stripes and plaid. For the quickest option, start with Passionate Crafter's mini cups, described as taking an hour or less. The free Santa and snowman basket pattern in 2 sizes with charts is on this page, followed by 11 designer ideas. Pair your basket with crochet Christmas ornaments for a coordinated handmade holiday.

Before You Start: Yarn, Hook and Size

Firm walls start with the construction specified by the designer: Jo Edwards holds two strands together, while Ali Wholihan uses #6 super bulky yarn. A BLO round works only into the back loops to turn the corner from base to walls; Melissa Hassler's snowman uses that transition. Match the yarn and hook to the particular basket, then use its stated measurements to choose between a small gift container and roomier storage. Jo's basket measures about 5 in (13 cm) wide, while Ali's large plaid version measures about 10 in (25 cm) across and high. The table compares six of the patterns below; missing source details appear as “not given.”

Our Free Pattern: Santa and Snowman Basket in 2 Sizes

Materials

• #4 worsted acrylic or cotton held double throughout (2 strands together)
• J/10 (6 mm) hook
• Yarn needle, scissors, stitch marker; black and orange felt or yarn for face
• Estimate 1.5 yd of yarn per square inch of doubled sc fabric, total for both strands, rounded up per colour; includes buckle or scarf, excludes felt and small sewing tails.

Gauge

Design gauge: 12 sc and 13 rounds = 4 in (10 cm) in sc with yarn held double. Check your gauge.

Sizes

• Small: base about 5 in (13 cm) across, walls about 4 in (10 cm) tall; 48 sts. Yarn (yd): Santa: red 90, black 15, white 30, gold 3; Snowman: white 134, green or red 36
• Large: base about 7 in (18 cm) across, walls about 5 in (12.5 cm) tall; 66 sts. Yarn (yd): Santa: red 170, black 21, white 41, gold 3; Snowman: white 231, green or red 47

Abbreviations

US terms: ch = chain; sc = single crochet; sc BLO = single crochet in back loop only; sl st = slip stitch; st = stitch; sts = stitches; inc = 2 sc in the same stitch; FO = fasten off; rnd = round.

Base

Hold two strands together throughout. Join each round with a sl st in the first sc; ch 1 to begin the next round, and do not count ch 1 as a stitch. Make a magic ring and pull it tight.

• Small:
  1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring. (6 sts)
  2. Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12 sts)
  3. Rnd 3: *Sc in next st, inc; repeat from * for
     times in total. (18 sts)
  4. Rnd 4: Sc in next st, *inc, sc in next 2 sts; repeat from * for
     times in total, inc, sc in next st. (24 sts)
  5. Rnd 5: *Sc in next 3 sts, inc; repeat from * for
     times in total. (30 sts)
  6. Rnd 6: Sc in next 2 sts, *inc, sc in next 4 sts; repeat from * for
     times in total, inc, sc in next 2 sts. (36 sts)
  7. Rnd 7: *Sc in next 5 sts, inc; repeat from * for
     times in total. (42 sts)
  8. Rnd 8: Sc in next 3 sts, *inc, sc in next 6 sts; repeat from * for
     times in total, inc, sc in next 3 sts. (48 sts)
• Large:
  1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring. (6 sts)
  2. Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12 sts)
  3. Rnd 3: *Sc in next st, inc; repeat from * for
     times in total. (18 sts)
  4. Rnd 4: Sc in next st, *inc, sc in next 2 sts; repeat from * for
     times in total, inc, sc in next st. (24 sts)
  5. Rnd 5: *Sc in next 3 sts, inc; repeat from * for
     times in total. (30 sts)
  6. Rnd 6: Sc in next 2 sts, *inc, sc in next 4 sts; repeat from * for
     times in total, inc, sc in next 2 sts. (36 sts)
  7. Rnd 7: *Sc in next 5 sts, inc; repeat from * for
     times in total. (42 sts)
  8. Rnd 8: Sc in next 3 sts, *inc, sc in next 6 sts; repeat from * for
     times in total, inc, sc in next 3 sts. (48 sts)
  9. Rnd 9: *Sc in next 7 sts, inc; repeat from * for
     times in total. (54 sts)
  10. Rnd 10: Sc in next 4 sts, *inc, sc in next 8 sts; repeat from * for
      times in total, inc, sc in next 4 sts. (60 sts)
  11. Rnd 11: *Sc in next 9 sts, inc; repeat from * for
      times in total. (66 sts)

Walls

After the base, work 1 corner round: sc BLO in each st around. Then work 13 (16) wall rounds for Small (Large): sc in each st around, joining and chaining 1 as before. No increases. The corner round is separate from the wall round count.

Santa version

Work base, corner and walls red, except belt wall rounds 4–5 (5–6) in black and final 4 wall rounds in white. Change colour on the last pull-through of the preceding round.

With gold doubled yarn, ch 5. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and each remaining ch (4 sc). Rows 2–3: ch 1, turn, sc in each st (4 sc). FO, leaving a sewing tail; sew centered over the belt.

Snowman version

Work all rounds white.

With green or red doubled yarn, ch 73 (94) for Small (Large). Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and each remaining ch: 72 (93) sc. Rows 2–3: ch 1, turn, sc in each st. FO; wrap and knot loosely around the outside.

Place on the front above the scarf: eyes at wall round 3 below the top edge, 6 sts apart; nose centered 2 rounds below eyes; embroider a smile 2 rounds below the nose, spanning 6 sts. Secure felt or yarn firmly.

Handles

Optional: replace the indicated wall round and the next with these instructions. The openings are opposite; work through each chain on the following round.

• Small, wall rnd 11: *Sc in next 18 sts, ch 6, skip next 6 sts; repeat from * once more (2 times in total). Next rnd: Sc in each st and each ch around. (48 sts including chains).
• Large, wall rnd 14: *Sc in next 27 sts, ch 6, skip next 6 sts; repeat from * once more (2 times in total). Next rnd: Sc in each st and each ch around. (66 sts including chains).

Finishing

FO, secure all pieces and weave in ends. Supervise young children around detachable decorations.

Checked round by round by our pattern checker; not yet tested in yarn — tell us if you spot a problem.

Step by Step in Photos

The first photo shows the flat red base circle, with the center and outer edge visible against a light wooden table.

The next view follows the walls as they rise above the base. The black belt band makes the Santa suit easy to recognize.

The finished Santa basket has its white top band and gold buckle in place. This view brings the base, walls and character details together.

Watch Jo Edwards of Jo to the World Creations crochet her Christmas basket in video. It accompanies her written design featured below and lets you see the base, the walls and the finishing in motion before you start.

Santa Baskets

Santa Suit Basket With a Fluffy White Rim

Jo Edwards's crochet Santa basket uses the familiar red suit, black belt and golden buckle, finished with a soft white rim. Two strands held together give the bottom and sides their thick fabric. At approximately 5 in (13 cm) wide and 3.5 in (9 cm) high, it is a compact choice for ornaments or candies. The designer rates it easy and includes both written instructions and a video. The fluffy trim is worked with a single strand, giving the top a different texture from the body.

You'll need: #4 worsted yarn: 100 yd (91 m) red, 24 yd (22 m) black and 3 yd (2.7 m) golden yellow; #5 bulky white yarn, 8 yd (7 m); K/10.5 (6.5 mm) and F/5 (3.75 mm) hooks.

Free pattern by Jo Edwards, Jo to the World Creations

Oval Santa Basket With Fur Trim

Kris's oval basket has a red body, a wide black belt and white faux fur around the opening. Black and gold felt supply the buckle. Kris first made it as a toilet paper cover, and the page also suggests it for candy and gifts. That gives this Santa a more practical role than a miniature treat cup. The page describes the project as easy and fast, and recommends stiff #4 worsted yarn for the sides.

You'll need: #4 worsted Red Heart Super Saver, about 250 yd (229 m) red and 150 yd (137 m) black; 1 ball white Boutique Fur; L/11 (8 mm) and K/10.5 (6.5 mm) hooks; black and gold felt.

Free pattern by Kris, Krissys Over The Mountain Crochet

Santa Basket With a Crocheted Yellow Buckle

Amy Lehman's version gives Santa's belt a crocheted yellow buckle. The red basket is worked in the round, with a black stripe around the body and a white top edge. The page lists a finished measurement of 6.5 × 4.5 in (17 × 11 cm), without labeling the two dimensions. Its written pattern, with photos, covers the body and the separate buckle. The designer suggests using the finished basket for holiday treats, small gifts or Christmas table decoration.

You'll need: Red, black, white and yellow yarn; H/8 (5 mm) and G/6 (4 mm) hooks.

Free pattern by Amy Lehman, Amy's DIY Frugal Life

Snowman Baskets

Snowman Storage Basket With a Hat Lid

This crochet snowman basket turns its hat into extra storage. A white oval body sits beneath a black brim, with a small red-and-black stovepipe container above it. Kris suggests coffee pods in the main basket and sugar packets in the hat; the body also accommodates two double toilet paper rolls. Button details, an orange nose and optional snowflakes finish the character. Craft foam supports the removable lid. It is the option here for anyone drawn to a snowman with separate compartments and decorative finishing.

You'll need: #4 worsted Red Heart Super Saver, about 400 yd (366 m) white, 200 yd (183 m) black, 100 yd (91 m) red and a little orange; L/11 (8 mm), K/10.5 (6.5 mm) and G (4 mm) hooks; buttons and craft foam.

Free pattern by Kris, Krissys Over The Mountain Crochet

Snowman Mini Treat Cup With a Red Scarf

Nezhlya's snowman mini cup belongs to a collection of small Christmas baskets described as taking an hour or less. Its white body carries an orange carrot nose, dark eyes and a red chain scarf. The designer offers waistcoat stitch or regular sc for the basket, with a crab-stitch finish at the opening. The nose is made separately and sewn in place. Candy and small gifts are suggested fillings, making this a useful starting point for a quick crochet gift basket for Christmas.

You'll need: #4 worsted/aran yarn in white, with small amounts of red and orange; J/10 (6 mm) hook. The page lists 12 mm eyes and a crocheted-eye alternative.

Free pattern by Nezhlya (NJ), Passionate Crafter

Smiling Snowman Basket With a Black Rim

Melissa Hassler's snowman keeps the opening clear with a narrow black rim above a white basket body. Separate crocheted eyes have little white highlights, while an orange nose and embroidered smile form the face. The advanced beginner pattern is worked from the bottom up in joined sc rounds. Its finished size is approximately 7 in (18 cm) in diameter and 5 in (13 cm) tall. The designer suggests wrapped treats, small gifts or a place among Christmas and winter decorations.

You'll need: #4 worsted yarn in white, black and orange; I/9 (5.5 mm) hook for the basket and H/8 (5 mm) for the eyes and nose; yarn needle.

Free pattern by Melissa Hassler, Lovable Loops

Reindeer, Elves and Other Friends

Chunky Reindeer Basket With Embroidered Eyes

Elisa Sartori's reindeer combines Fisherman, Barley and Fossil shades with a small red nose and embroidered black eyes. The colorwork body builds the face into the basket, while ears and antlers are crocheted separately and attached around the top. Approximately 8 in (20 cm) tall, this beginner design uses chunky Wool-Ease Thick & Quick for the main pieces. Elisa presents it as holiday decor for a child's room and a way to organize small belongings. The free page includes the basket and each finishing piece.

You'll need: #6 super bulky Wool-Ease Thick & Quick, 1 ball each Fisherman, Barley and Fossil; #4 worsted black and red accents; M/N (9 mm) and J/10 (6 mm) hooks.

Free pattern by Elisa Sartori, Elisa's Crochet

Reindeer Mini Cup With a Red Nose

The Passionate Crafter reindeer cup is a small brown basket with ears, dark brown antlers and a round red nose. Its body uses two strands together for thicker, sturdier walls, and the face pieces are attached separately. The page describes these cups as quick projects taking an hour or less, with candy and small gifts as suggested contents. A penguin version shares the same source page. Choose the reindeer for the brown-and-red character shown here.

You'll need: #4 worsted/aran yarn in brown and dark brown, plus a small amount of red; J/10 (6 mm) hook. The source lists 12 mm eyes or crocheted alternatives.

Free pattern by Nezhlya (NJ) and Tidzhen (TJ), Passionate Crafter

Plain Festive Baskets

Holiday Stripes Baskets in Red and Off-White

DROPS Design's Holiday Stripes baskets have red bases, red rims and alternating red-and-off-white stripes that lean gently around the sides. Both sizes use two strands of cotton throughout. The small basket measures about 5⅛ in (13 cm) across and 2⅜ in (6 cm) high; the large measures 8 in (20 cm) across and 4 in (10 cm) high. Written explanations accompany the diagrams, and reverse sc finishes the rim. Choose this design for festive colorwork with an open top and a simple striped silhouette.

You'll need: DROPS Paris cotton, worsted/aran (#4 equivalent), held double; 7.1 oz (200 g) red and 3.5 oz (100 g) off-white for the set; J/10 (6 mm) hook. The source uses DROPS yarn group C.

Free pattern by DROPS Design, Garnstudio

Buffalo Plaid Basket With Optional Handles

Ali Wholihan's plaid basket comes in 7 × 7 in (18 × 18 cm) and 10 × 10 in (25 × 25 cm) sizes. One photographed version combines Black, Claret and Cranberry; another uses Fisherman, Grey and Black. The advanced beginner pattern uses a hdc base and extended sc colorwork walls. Choose leather handles or the included crocheted Romanian-cord option. The designer suggests storing yarn and small belongings, holding plant pots, giving the basket as a gift or bringing it into seasonal decorating.

You'll need: #6 super bulky yarn in three colors: small, 43/21/7 yd (40/20/6.5 m); large, 106/53/32 yd (97/49/30 m), in A/B/C order; L/11 (8 mm) hook. Crocheted handles add 6 yd (5.5 m).

Free pattern by Ali Wholihan, The Turtle Trunk

Christmas Basket Jane With a Folded Rim

Ieva Linkeviciute's Christmas basket Jane combines red and white stripes with a textured two-single-crochet stitch. The sides fold inward, creating a small double-wall container. Its diameter is about 3.9 in (10 cm), with a folded height of 1.6 in (4 cm), or 3.1 in (8 cm) before folding. The designer uses smooth lyocell yarn and says thin mercerized cotton also works well. Detailed photos accompany the joined-round written pattern, and the basket belongs to a matching Jane collection with a coaster and drawstring bag.

You'll need: Thin red and white Tencel lyocell yarn, supplied at 1.8 oz (50 g) per 154 yd (141 m); 2 mm hook.

Free pattern by Ieva Linkeviciute, Nordic Hook

Fill It and Gift It

Fill the mini character cups with candy or small gifts, as Passionate Crafter suggests. Jo Edwards also recommends ornaments and candies in her Santa basket, or filling and wrapping the basket as a handmade present. For a free Christmas basket crochet pattern that suits your gift, match the designer's intended contents to the container you want to make.

Next step: Add Santa's crochet picture holder, make a granny square Christmas tree, or explore more snowman crafts for Christmas and winter.