Crochet Jack-O-Lantern Basket Pattern (Easy Halloween Candy Bowl)

This sturdy little basket doubles as seasonal decor and a functional candy bowl — worked in a dense stitch so it holds its rounded shape without needing any stiffening.

Materials

• Orange worsted weight cotton yarn (about 100g)
• Small amount of black yarn for the face
• Small amount of green or brown yarn for the stem
• 4.0mm crochet hook
• Yarn needle

Abbreviations

• MR — magic ring
• sc — single crochet
• inc — increase
• dec — decrease
• st(s) — stitch(es)

Base

1. MR, 6 sc in ring (6)
2. inc around (12)
3. (1 sc, inc) around (18)
4. (2 sc, inc) around (24)
5. (3 sc, inc) around (30)
6. (4 sc, inc) around (36)
7. (5 sc, inc) around (42)

Continue increasing in this pattern until the base measures approximately 6-7 inches across.

Sides

Once the base reaches your desired width, stop increasing and work even rounds of sc for 8-10 rounds to build the basket walls straight up.

Face

Using black yarn, embroider or surface-stitch a simple jack-o-lantern face onto the front of the basket — triangle eyes, a triangle nose, and a jagged zigzag smile — positioned in the upper-middle portion of the sides.

Rim

Work 2 rounds of sc around the top opening, working through the back loop only on the first round to create a defined rim edge that helps the basket hold its shape.

Handle (optional)

Chain a length for a handle (approximately 20-24 sts), sc back across for a sturdier strap, and sew both ends to opposite sides of the rim if you'd like a carry handle.

Stem

With brown or green yarn:

1. MR, 6 sc in ring (6) 2-5. sc around (6) — 4 rounds

Fasten off, leaving a tail. Lightly stuff and sew to the center of a small flattened circle attached at the base, or simply sew directly to the rim as a decorative topper if not using a handle.

Finishing

Weave in all ends. Fill with candy, small toys, or use as general seasonal storage.

Tip: work the entire piece in a tight gauge (go down half a hook size from the yarn label's suggestion) — a dense fabric is essential for the basket to hold its shape when filled.