The Jessie Stash Basket is made for the projects that never stay small. Its wide rectangular base holds yarn and works in progress, while a dense waistcoat-and-BLO texture gives the sides a tailored look. This HookElla showcase explains the verified construction and links you to Toni Lipsey’s original pattern.
A basket that earns its place beside the sofa
Every active project deserves a landing spot. Toni Lipsey’s Jessie Stash Basket gives yarn, notions, and a work in progress one generous home without sacrificing style. The rectangular shape uses floor and shelf space efficiently, while the integrated handles make it easy to move a blanket project from room to room.
Toni Lipsey / TL Yarn Crafts is credited for the original Jessie Stash Basket inspiration. The TL Yarn Crafts link and Ravelry listing remain as credit links; the HookElla construction below is written directly for this page.
Verified project specifications
The documented Jessie Stash Basket finishes at approximately 14 inches wide × 6 inches deep × 7 inches tall. It uses about 380–400 yards of super-bulky yarn held double and a 9 mm hook. The published sample uses Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick, but any yarn combination that meets the firm gauge can work.
The basket is worked bottom-up and in one piece. An oval made by crocheting on both sides of a foundation chain becomes the base. The walls then rise in continuous rounds, alternating waistcoat stitches and BLO single crochet. Two openings are created in the final side round, so no separate handles need to be sewn on.
Materials and special stitch
Gather:
- 380–400 yd super-bulky yarn, held two strands together;
- a 9.0 mm (M/N) crochet hook;
- locking stitch markers;
- yarn needle and scissors;
- measuring tape.
US abbreviations: ch chain, sc single crochet, hdc half double crochet, sl st slip stitch, st stitch, sk skip, BLO back loop only, wcs waistcoat stitch.
For a waistcoat stitch, insert the hook between the two vertical bars of the stitch post, from front to back, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, and draw through both loops. Work it firmly but do not yank the hook; a relaxed loop keeps the next round from becoming difficult.
Base construction
The oval base starts with a short chain rather than a magic circle. Work single crochet along one side of the chain, place several stitches in the end, then turn the work and crochet back along the underside. Mark the increase points at both rounded ends.
The first base round contains 36 stitches in the documented version. Each following increase round places three sc in the marked centre stitch at each end, moving the marker to the middle of those three stitches. This expands the two ends while keeping the long sides straight.
Continue until the base is approximately 14 inches wide and 6 inches deep. The final base round is worked in half double crochet at the end increases, which gives the bottom perimeter a little extra height before the walls begin.
The HookElla image accompanies the original construction sequence below.
Turning the base into walls
Work one round through the back loop and the third loop around the perimeter. This creates a crisp fold where the flat base turns upward. Keep the stitch count equal to the final base count and do not turn the work.
The side texture repeats:
- waistcoat stitch in the next stitch;
- sc through the BLO of the following stitch;
- repeat around the basket.
Continue the repeat for the documented side height of about 7 inches. The waistcoat stitches form the compact vertical columns visible in the mustard HookElla version, while the BLO stitches add fine horizontal ridges.
Count at the end of each round. Because the basket is worked in a spiral, place the beginning marker in the same location and move it as the round progresses.
Integrated handles
When the basket reaches its upper round, mark two opposite handle positions on the long sides. Work the texture repeat to the first mark, chain 9, skip 7 stitches, then resume the repeat. Make the second opening in the same way on the opposite side.
On the next round, work 13 sc into each chain space, continuing the waistcoat/BLO texture on the surrounding stitches. This fills the opening with a smooth, sturdy bridge. Add one final round around the rim and finish with a BLO slip stitch or needle join for a tidy edge.
Handle openings should measure about 4 inches and sit at matching heights. If your yarn is less dense, work one extra reinforcing round around each opening before fastening off.
Colour and yarn substitutions
The sample’s mustard shade is warm and versatile, but this basket also works in charcoal, oatmeal, denim, forest, terracotta, or a marled neutral. Since two strands are held together, combine a solid with a tonal or pair two close colours for a tweed-like effect.
If using two strands of worsted yarn, swatch with a smaller hook first. The goal is a firm basket fabric and a base that reaches the target dimensions—not a particular label. A loose fabric may need a smaller hook; a stiff fabric may need a larger one.
Finishing, blocking, and care
Weave the tails between the dense stitches, especially at the handle ends. Lightly steam or damp-block the empty basket over a box measuring approximately 14 × 6 inches. Let it cool or dry completely before filling it.
Store yarn, folded blankets, soft toys, notions, and current projects inside. Avoid sharp tools, wet laundry, or loads heavy enough to strain the handles. Follow the yarn label for washing and reshape the basket while damp.
Troubleshooting
- Base curls: check that the end increases are centred and that you are working both sides of the foundation chain.
- Base ripples: remove the last increase round and redistribute the three-stitch increases.
- Walls lean: the turning round may have missed a stitch; count the full perimeter before continuing.
- Waistcoat stitches feel tight: loosen the loop height and use a larger hook if needed.
- Handle openings differ: mark both sides before the handle round and count the skipped stitches carefully.
- Basket is floppy: use a firmer yarn, tighten the fabric slightly, or add a removable canvas liner.
Resizing guidance
To make a smaller basket, shorten the starting chain and stop the base increases earlier. To make a larger one, repeat the final increase round evenly at both ends before turning upward. Add side rounds for height, but remember that a taller basket may need a liner or stiff base to remain upright.
Keep the long sides straight and always resize both handle positions together. Measure the completed base before committing to the walls so the finished proportions stay rectangular rather than becoming a wide oval.
For another practical storage make, explore HookElla’s Chunky Ridge Storage Basket or browse the Blankets & Home collection.
The Jessie Stash Basket is a satisfying combination of quick chunky crochet and thoughtful structure. Match the oval base, learn the waistcoat stitch, and let the integrated handles turn your next work in progress into portable storage.
Helpful questions
Who designed the Jessie Stash Basket?
Toni Lipsey of TL Yarn Crafts is credited for the original Jessie Stash Basket inspiration. HookElla provides its own basket recipe and construction notes here.
What size is the finished basket?
The documented basket is approximately 14 inches wide, 6 inches deep, and 7 inches tall.
How much yarn and what hook are needed?
The source lists roughly 380–400 yards of super-bulky yarn held double with a 9 mm hook. The free tutorial lists four balls of Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick as the sample quantity.
What creates the dense basket texture?
The sides alternate waistcoat stitches with single crochet worked through the back loop. Together they make a compact fabric with subtle horizontal definition.
Are the handles sewn on?
No. Two chain openings are formed directly in the upper side round, then the following round works into the chain spaces to create integrated handles.
Can I use one strand of bulky yarn?
You can test a single strand, but it will produce a lighter fabric and a different size. Match the finished base measurements and use a hook that keeps the basket firm.
