Pattern and Images by Leslie Nieto, Copyright 2011 The Mud Place

Easter Egg Cozy Miniature Basket

This petite basket with woven detailing will be treasured by young children and parents. It will make a delightful addition to your spring décor or Easter festivities. These would make great inexpensive party favor solutions for baby showers, egg hunts or even handmade weddings. They are quick and easy to make. These little vessels are handy for many storage uses in the home and office, so they will be used over and over. Best of all, they can be made from just some of your scrap pieces of yarn!    

1.  Ch 4. Sl st in first chain to form ring.
2. 8 sc through center hole of ring. Sl st in 1^st sc. Ch 1, turn. (8 st) 
3. *2 Sc in next st. 1 Sc in next st* repeat from * around. Sl st in 1^st st, ch 1, turn. (12 st) 
4. Repeat row 3 (18 st) 
5. Repeat row 3 (27 st) 

Sides

1.  Sc in back loop of each st around, ch 1, turn (27 st)    
2.  Sc in each st around, ch 2, turn. (27 st)    
3. HDC in next 26 st. Join with sl st to top of ch 2. Ch 2, turn. (27 st)
4. HDC in next 26 st. Join with sl st to top of ch 2. Ch 3 turn. (27 st)    

1. Sl st in next st. Turn
2. Sc in first sc space, ch 1. Turn
3. *Sc in st, ch 1 turn* repeat from * 8 times. Sc in st
4. Join handle with other side of basket with a sl st in 13^th st from other basket handle. Ch 3
5. With outside of basket facing, join handle and basket rim with sl st in next sc on basket rim    

Finishing:   Sl st around entire rim and both sides of handle. Weave in ends.      

With first accent color, thread yarn needle with a double strand of yarn. Weave both strands through posts of the top row of HDC’s fasten and trim. With second accent color doubled and threaded in yarn needle, weave strands through posts on bottom row of HDC’s, fasten and trim. Weave in any loose ends. Sew buttons onto basket handle ends.      

Filling: The photos may give you some ideas for filling the baskets, though any small holiday or occasion themed candies or treats would work. Try pastel candy coated almonds, wrapped hard candies, or home baked cookies or chocolates. I used some chocolate covered malted milk balls in one photo, and a large hardboiled egg in another. These would also fit jumbo eggs. The filler I used is made from some shredded craft paper confetti. For a fancy party favor, add craft gift tags and secure with satin ribbon or raffia bows.