The Nautilus Nest Basket: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Spiraling, Shell-Textured Easter Basket

Introduction: A Spiraling Easter Treasure

Move over, plain woven baskets! This crochet pattern creates a stunning, three-dimensional basket with a continuous spiral shell motif, perfect for holding dyed eggs or spring treats. The unique construction mimics the elegant chambers of a nautilus, making it a conversation-starting centerpiece for your Easter brunch. Whether you're a seasoned crocheter or a confident beginner, this project will add a touch of whimsy and texture to your spring decor.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. The gauge is not critical for this project, but consistent tension ensures a sturdy basket.

• Yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton (worsted weight, 100% mercerized cotton) in 'Ecru' (Color A, 1 skein) and 'Seafoam' (Color B, 1 skein). Approximately 200 yards total.
• Hook: Size G/6 (4.0 mm) crochet hook
• Other: Stitch marker, yarn needle for weaving ends, scissors

Gauge: 16 sc x 18 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet. Gauge is not critical for this project, but consistent tension ensures a sturdy basket.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Notes & Abbreviations

Notes: The basket is worked in a continuous spiral from the center outward, using a unique shell stitch pattern. Do not join rounds unless specified. Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round.

Abbreviations:

• ch = chain
• sc = single crochet
• hdc = half double crochet
• dc = double crochet
• sl st = slip stitch
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• rnd = round

Special Stitch - Shell Stitch (Shell): Work 5 dc in the same stitch.

Base (worked in Color A)

Start with a magic ring. If you're not familiar with this technique, you can ch 4 and sl st to form a ring, but a magic ring gives a tighter center.

• Rnd 1: Make a magic ring, ch 1, work 6 sc into the ring. Pull tight. (6 sts)
• Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st around. (12 sts)
• Rnd 3: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (18 sts)
• Rnd 4: *Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (24 sts)
• Rnd 5: *Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (30 sts)
• Rnd 6: *Sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (36 sts)
• Rnd 7: *Sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (42 sts)
• Rnd 8: *Sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (48 sts)
• Rnd 9: *Sc in next 7 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (54 sts)
• Rnd 10: *Sc in next 8 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (60 sts)
• Rnd 11: *Sc in next 9 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (66 sts)
• Rnd 12: *Sc in next 10 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (72 sts)

Fasten off Color A. Weave in the end on the wrong side (the inside of the basket).

Sides (Spiral Shell Pattern)

Now we'll build the shell texture. Keep your stitch marker in place to track the start of each round.

• Rnd 13: Join Color B with a sl st in any st. Ch 1, sc in same st. *Skip 2 sts, Shell in next st, skip 2 sts, sc in next st* repeat around. End with a sl st in the first sc. (12 shells, 12 sc)
• Rnd 14: Ch 1, sc in same st. *Ch 2, sc in the center dc of the next shell (the 3rd dc)* repeat around. End with sl st in first sc. (12 ch-2 spaces)
• Rnd 15: Sl st into the first ch-2 space. Ch 1, sc in same space. *Skip next sc, Shell in next ch-2 space, sc in next ch-2 space* repeat around. End with sl st in first sc. (12 shells, 12 sc)
• Rnd 16: Ch 1, sc in same st. *Ch 2, sc in the center dc of the next shell* repeat around. End with sl st in first sc. (12 ch-2 spaces)
• Rnds 17-20: Repeat Rnds 15-16 two more times. You will have a total of 4 shell rounds.
• Rnd 21: Repeat Rnd 15.

Fasten off Color B. Weave in the end.

Edging (Color A)

This creates a neat, scalloped finish.

• Rnd 22: Join Color A with a sl st in any sc. Ch 1, sc in same st. *Sc in next ch-2 space, sc in next sc* repeat around. End with sl st in first sc. (72 sts)
• Rnd 23: Ch 1, sc in same st. *Ch 3, skip 2 sts, sc in next st* repeat around. End with sl st in first sc. (24 ch-3 loops)
• Rnd 24: Sl st into first ch-3 loop. Ch 1, (sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc) in each ch-3 loop around. End with sl st in first sc. (24 small scallops)

Fasten off. Weave in all ends.

Handle (optional)

If you'd like a handle for carrying or hanging, follow these steps.

• Make a chain of 60 sts with Color A.
• Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (59 sc)
• Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 12 inches).
• Sew each end of the handle to the inside of the basket, opposite each other. Weave in the ends securely.

Your Nautilus Nest Basket is complete! Fill it with dyed eggs, spring flowers, or small treats for a beautiful Easter display.