Rnds 23–27 all begin with a mesh, so start each one with ch 4 (counts as the first mesh). Work each dc into the dc or ch-1 space directly below so the squares stack in neat columns. Join to the 3rd ch of the beginning ch-4.
Rnd 23 (trunks): (Mesh 3, block 1, mesh 3) 6 times. (6 blocks, 36 mesh, 84 sts)
Rnd 24 (wide branches): (Mesh 1, block 5, mesh 1) 6 times. (30 blocks, 12 mesh, 84 sts)
Rnd 25 (middle branches): (Mesh 2, block 3, mesh 2) 6 times. (18 blocks, 24 mesh, 84 sts)
Rnd 26 (treetops): (Mesh 3, block 1, mesh 3) 6 times. (6 blocks, 36 mesh, 84 sts)
Rnd 27: Mesh 42 times. (42 mesh, 84 sts)
You now have six solid cream trees on an open grid. Each tree has a trunk, a wide branch row, a narrower branch row and a single-block top.
Checkpoint: the filet band is 2 3/4 in (7.0 cm) tall, and the total side height is 4 3/4 in (12.1 cm).
Do not fasten off. The rim continues in Color B (see Border below).
Snowflake Appliqués (make 9)
With Color B:
Rnd 1: Magic ring, ch 1, 6 sc in ring, sl st to first sc. (6 sts)
Rnd 2: Ch 4, sl st in 3rd ch from hook (this makes the picot tip), sl st in next ch, sl st in next sc. Repeat from * 5 more times. The last sl st lands in the first sc. (6 arms)
Fasten off, leaving a 10 in (25.4 cm) tail. Each snowflake is about 1 1/4 in (3.2 cm) across.
Straps
With Color A. Each strap is 4 sts wide, about 1 in (2.5 cm).
Hanger strap (make 2): Ch 5. Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn. (4 sts) Rows 2–32: Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn. (4 sts each row) Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Length: about 7 in (17.8 cm).
Connector strap (make 4): Work as for the hanger strap through Row 18. (4 sts each row) Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Length: 4 in (10.2 cm).
Make All Pieces
- Color A: 3 bases and lower bodies, 2 hanger straps, 4 connector straps
- Color B: 3 filet bands and rims, 9 snowflakes
Layout grid (front view):
Placing the snowflakes: On each basket, turn it so the column of round joins is at the back. Whatever faces you is the front. Sew 3 snowflakes across Rnds 16–20: one at the center front and one 2 1/4 in (5.7 cm) to each side, measured center to center. Use the tail to whipstitch down all six arm tips and the center ring.
Joining
Whipstitch every join with Color A through both layers.
Marking the sides: On each basket, work along Rnd 28 (the first rim round, below). Count 21 sts to the left of center front and place a marker, then count 21 sts to the right and place another. The markers are 42 sts apart, directly opposite each other. The straps go here.
Stitch-to-stitch logic: The straps and the sc body have the same gauge, so 1 strap row matches 1 sc round. The 4 strap sts match 4 basket sts. Center each strap over its marker, with 2 sts on each side.
Connectors: For each pair of baskets, sew strap Rows 13–18 flat to the outside of the upper basket over Rnds 14–19 (6 rows onto 6 rounds). Then sew strap Rows 1–6 to the outside of the lower basket over Rnds 26–28, just under the rim. This leaves 6 rows, about 1 1/3 in (3.4 cm), of strap showing between the tiers.
Hangers: Fold Rows 1–4 of a hanger strap around the wooden ring and sew them down onto Rows 5–8. Sew Rows 27–32 to the outside of the top basket over Rnds 26–28 at one marker. Repeat with the second strap on the other side. This leaves 18 rows, 4 in (10.2 cm), of hanger showing on each side.
Tension: Sew firmly, but space your whipstitches the same as the stitches. Pulling hard puckers the filet band.
Size checkpoint: Hang the holder. It should be about 24 in (61.0 cm) long and hang straight, with all three baskets centered under the ring.
Tip: Finish the rims (below) before you sew anything, so the straps tuck neatly behind the scallops.
Border (Scalloped Rim)
The rim is each basket’s border. Work it right after Rnd 27, still in Color B.
Border gauge: The rim rounds use the same gauge as the body, 16 sc = 4 in (10.2 cm). Each 6-st scallop is 1 1/2 in (3.8 cm) wide, and 14 scallops x 1 1/2 in = 21 in (53.3 cm), which matches the circumference.
Rnd 28: Ch 1, sc in each dc and in each ch-1 space around, sl st to first sc. (84 sts worked 1 per existing st + 0 added = 84 sts) Seen from the front, each half of the basket has 42 sts.
Rnd 29: Sc in next st, sk 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, sk 2 sts. Repeat from * 13 more times. Sl st to the first sc. (14 scallops: 14 sc + 70 dc = 84 sts, 7 scallops per half)
Fasten off and weave in the ends.
Why the math works: Each scallop uses exactly 6 sts (1 + 2 + 1 + 2), and 84 / 6 = 14 with nothing left over. The rim adds no stitches, so it stays at the same 21 in (53.3 cm) circumference without ruffling or pulling in. It does add 3/4 in (1.9 cm) of height: 4 3/4 in + 3/4 in = 5 1/2 in (14.0 cm).
Final Blocking
- Weave in all ends. Run cream tails through cream sts and burgundy tails through burgundy sts.
- Mist each basket lightly until it is damp, not soaked.
- Fill each basket with a rolled towel, or with a roll wrapped in a plastic bag, so it holds its rounded shape.
- Press each base flat on a table. Straighten the filet grid so the columns run straight up.
- Pin the scallops so each one fans out evenly.
- Lay the straps flat and pin them straight.
- Let everything dry completely, about 24 hours, before you hang it.
Final Quality-Control Checklist
- Each base lies flat and measures 5 1/4 in (13.3 cm).
- Each basket has 84 sts in every round from Rnd 14 through Rnd 29.
- All 18 trees (six per basket) have straight columns and complete trunks and tops.
- Each rim has 14 even scallops.
- Each basket has 3 snowflakes centered on the front, with all arms sewn down.
- The straps sit directly opposite each other and hang straight.
- The ring is fully enclosed, and no strap seams show from the front.
- The finished holder is about 24 in (61.0 cm) long.
Troubleshooting
- The base cups or ruffles: Recheck your counts. Cupping means too few increases, and ruffling means too many. You can also switch hook size for the base only.
- The filet columns slant: Put each dc into the st directly below, and make every join in the same spot.
- The trees look lopsided: Count the 7 squares in each repeat. One extra mesh shifts every tree after it.
- The rim ruffles: Check that Rnd 28 has exactly 84 sts. If you skipped ch-1 spaces, the scallops will be crowded.
- The holder tilts: The strap markers are not directly opposite each other. Recount so there are 42 sts between them, then sew the straps again.
- The snowflakes curl: Block them flat before you sew them on.
Care
Hand wash in cool water and lay flat to dry, reshaping the baskets over a rolled towel. Keep the wooden ring dry.
Final Notes
Here is how the measurements build. The 72-st base measures 5 1/4 in (13.3 cm). Increasing to 84 sts gives a 21 in (53.3 cm) circumference and a basket 6 3/4 in (17.1 cm) across. The sides are 2 in (5.1 cm) of sc plus 2 3/4 in (7.0 cm) of filet, for a total of 4 3/4 in (12.1 cm). The 84-st rim divides into 14 scallops and adds 3/4 in (1.9 cm), so each basket is 5 1/2 in (14.0 cm) tall. Three baskets joined by straps make a holder about 24 in (61.0 cm) long.
Measure at each checkpoint as you go, and all three tiers will match.
Happy crocheting!
