Moroccan Basket Crochet Showcase

A sturdy basket with a Moroccan tile rhythm

Tamara Kelly’s Moroccan Basket is the kind of project that looks intricate while growing quickly. Chunky yarn gives it a useful, substantial scale, and the Moroccan Tile Stitch creates the repeating raised-and-recessed texture seen through the outer layer. Inside, a plain double-crochet liner turns the basket from a loose decorative container into a more supportive piece of home storage.

Tamara Kelly / Moogly is credited for the original Moroccan Basket inspiration. The Moogly link and Ravelry listing remain as credit links; the complete HookElla liner, tile-texture, handle, and joining recipe appears below.

Verified project details

The documented basket measures approximately 8 inches in diameter by 7 inches tall. Tamara lists about 350 yards of Lion Brand Heartland Thick & Quick, a 6.5 mm (K) hook, and a gauge of three rounds per 4 inches across. The sample uses two colours: a contrasting liner and a patterned outer layer.

The source describes the design as double layered. The liner is made first as a simple double-crochet bowl. The outer basket is then worked from its own circular base, textured with Moroccan Tile Stitch, and joined to the liner near the top. Two handle openings are built into the finishing rounds rather than sewn on afterward.

Materials and planning

For a close interpretation, prepare:

• approximately 350 yd super-bulky #6 yarn;
• one main colour for the textured outside and one contrast for the liner;
• a 6.5 mm (K) crochet hook;
• stitch markers, yarn needle, scissors, and measuring tape.

The named Heartland Thick & Quick is 100% acrylic, which makes the original basket practical for everyday use. If you choose wool, cotton, or a different acrylic, swatch first. The liner and outer layer need compatible circumferences so they can meet without folds.

Why the double layer matters

The outer Moroccan Tile Stitch is the star visually, but it is not expected to carry the entire structure alone. A second crocheted bowl inside:

• blocks gaps between chunky texture stitches;
• helps the basket stand upright;
• protects small items from catching in the stitch pattern;
• gives the top edge and handles a stronger foundation.

Work the liner to the same base diameter as the outside and keep its side height slightly shorter until the layers are inserted. That small amount of ease lets the liner sit inside without pushing the outer wall outward.

Construction overview

1. Crochet the liner first

The liner begins with a magic circle and a sequence of double-crochet increase rounds. The increases widen the base evenly to approximately 8 inches. Once the circle is flat, continue with even double-crochet rounds to form a shallow bowl about 6–7 inches high.

Finish the liner and turn it so its right side will face into the basket. Keep it nearby while crocheting the outer layer so you can compare height as you work.

2. Build the textured outer basket

The outer layer begins with the same style of round double-crochet base. After the base reaches the target diameter, a setup round establishes the repeating Moroccan Tile Stitch spaces. The stitch alternates the working colour and the contrast colour across successive rounds, creating the small V-and-tile shapes that show through the grey fabric in the HookElla image.

The textured rounds are worked in the round, with the active colour moved to the front or back as the repeat requires. Keep the yarn strands untangled and check the first repeat before continuing around. If the tile pattern drifts, stop at the end of the round and correct it there rather than carrying an offset into every later round.

This HookElla image accompanies the original construction sequence below.

3. Insert and secure the liner

When the outer wall reaches its joining round, place the finished liner inside with wrong sides together. Match the stitch count and top edge, then crochet through the corresponding stitches of both layers. Work evenly around so the liner is caught without pleats.

This joining round is where the basket gains its characteristic stability. If the liner seems taller, ease it inside rather than stretching the outer layer; if it is shorter, add an even round before joining.

4. Form the integrated handles

The final construction rounds include two opposite handle openings. The source creates each opening by chaining across a group of stitches, skipping those stitches, then working into the next stitch. A later round works single crochet over the chain space to create a smooth, reinforced handhold.

Keep both openings aligned across the centre of the basket. Count the stitches on each side before beginning the handle round and reinforce the first and last stitches around each opening with firm tension.

Colour ideas

The original palette uses a dark patterned outside with a light liner, but the stitch works in many combinations:

• charcoal outside with oatmeal liner;
• denim with cream;
• forest green with natural;
• terracotta with pale blush;
• heather grey with warm ivory.

Choose colours with enough contrast for the Moroccan Tile Stitch to remain visible. Two close shades can produce a softer woven effect, while a high-contrast pair makes each tile pop.

Gauge, fit, and substitutions

Match the source gauge of three rounds per 4 inches across with the 6.5 mm hook and chosen super-bulky yarn. The stitch count matters because both layers must finish at the same circumference.

• If the base is smaller than 8 inches, use a larger hook or add one increase round to both layers.
• If it ripples, the increase spacing is too generous; remove the last round and redistribute the increases.
• If the outer wall is too short for the liner, add even rounds before joining.
• If the handles stretch, tighten the joining round and add a second reinforcing round over each chain opening.

Avoid changing only one layer. Any substitution that changes gauge must be applied to the liner and textured outer together.

Finishing and care

Weave every colour tail between the two layers where possible. Lightly steam from a distance or damp-block the basket over a bowl that matches the finished diameter. Do not stretch the handle openings while wet.

The acrylic yarn named in the source is practical for spot cleaning. Follow your substitute yarn label, empty the basket before washing, and reshape it while damp. Store lightweight items such as yarn, rolled cloths, toys, or accessories; very heavy contents can distort the handles and double-layer join.

FAQ

The HookElla sequence above is intended to be worked directly from this page: make both bowls to the same circumference, build the tile texture in alternating rounds, join the layers, and reinforce the two handles before use.

For another useful home project, see HookElla’s Chunky Ridge Storage Basket or browse the Blankets & Home collection.

The Moroccan Basket succeeds because every part has a job: the tile stitch supplies character, the liner supplies structure, and the integrated handles make the finished piece practical. Choose two strong colours, check your gauge, and let Tamara Kelly’s free pattern guide the technical rounds.