Row 1: Fsc 80. (80)
Rows 2–5: Ch 1, turn, sc in BLO of each st across. (80)
Fasten off and leave a 12 in (30.5 cm) tail. Each strap measures 20 in (50.8 cm) x 1.1 in (2.8 cm). At 4 sts per inch, every 4 sts equals 1 in (2.5 cm) of strap.
Strap map (counting from the bottom end, st 1):
- Sts 1–14: sewn to Basket 3 (bottom), 3.5 in (8.9 cm)
- Sts 15–16: beside the Basket 3 scallops, not sewn, 0.5 in (1.3 cm)
- Sts 17–20: gap, 1 in (2.5 cm)
- Sts 21–34: sewn to Basket 2
- Sts 35–36: beside the Basket 2 scallops
- Sts 37–40: gap
- Sts 41–54: sewn to Basket 1 (top)
- Sts 55–56: beside the Basket 1 scallops
- Sts 57–74: rise to the ring, 4.5 in (11.4 cm)
- Sts 75–80: fold around the ring, 1.5 in (3.8 cm)
Check: 3 baskets x 16 sts + 2 gaps x 4 sts + 18 + 6 = 80 sts.
Make All Pieces
- Color A: 3 bases with bodies, 2 straps
- Color B: 3 rims, 6 small stars, 3 large stars
Layout:
Joining
Sew the stars first. On each basket, find the front center and pin a large star over Rnds 15–17. Pin a small star 2 in (5.1 cm) to each side, measured center to center along the surface. Whipstitch each star around its center and along each point with the cream tail. Catch only the outer layer of the shells.
Mark the strap positions. On Rnd 19 (the cream sc round) of each basket, place a marker in the stitch directly opposite the large star. Count 16 sts to each side of that back marker and mark those 2 sts. They sit 33 sts apart, which is exactly halfway around the 66-st round. These are the centers of the two straps. They sit on the sides of the basket and leave the starred front fully visible.
Sew the straps. Lay Strap A along one side of Basket 3, right side out, with st 1 at the base ridge (Rnd 12) and st 14 at the top of Rnd 19. Whipstitch both long edges of the strap (the fsc edge and the Row 5 edge) to the basket, one whipstitch per strap stitch, so 14 stitches per edge. Those 14 sts span 8 basket rounds (Rnds 12–19), which works out to about 2 whipstitches per shell round. Repeat with Strap B on the opposite side. Then continue up to Baskets 2 and 1, following the strap map.
Tension. Pull each whipstitch snug but not tight. Sewing too tightly shortens the strap and puckers the shells. After each basket, check that the gap between baskets is still 1 in (2.5 cm).
Attach the ring. Pass sts 75–80 of each strap through the ring from front to back. Fold them down behind the strap and whipstitch the row-ends and both edges in place. Set the two straps side by side on the ring.
Size checkpoint: When it hangs, the holder measures about 21 in (53.3 cm) from the top of the ring to the base of the bottom basket. Each basket is 4 in (10.2 cm) tall, with 1 in (2.5 cm) between baskets.
Border: Cream Scalloped Rim
Work the rim on each basket after Rnd 18 and before joining.
Border gauge: 16 sc = 4 in (10.2 cm); one scallop (6 sts) = 1.5 in (3.8 cm).
Rnd 19: Join Color B with a sl st in the center dc of any shell. Ch 1, sc in same st and in each st around, join. (66 sts worked 1 per existing st + 0 added = 66)
Rnd 20:Ch 1, sc in first st, 10 times, sk 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, sk 2 sts, join with sl st to first sc. (11 scallops and 11 sc = 66 sts)
Fasten off and weave in the ends.
Why the math works: Each basket is one closed round, so there are no corners or sides to balance. The rim keeps the body’s 66 sts, and 66 divides evenly by the 6-st scallop repeat into 11 scallops. Because the count never changes, the rim matches the 16.5 in (41.9 cm) circumference exactly and doesn’t flare or pull in. Rnd 19 adds 0.25 in (0.6 cm) and Rnd 20 adds 0.5 in (1.3 cm). That makes a 0.75 in (1.9 cm) rim on a 3.25 in (8.3 cm) body, for 4 in (10.2 cm) in total.
Final Blocking
- Weave in all ends securely, running each tail through at least 2 in (5.1 cm) of stitches.
- Mist the holder lightly with water until it’s damp, not soaked.
- Slip a toilet roll, or a jar about 5 in (12.7 cm) across, into each basket to set the round shape.
- Lay the holder flat. Pin the scallops so each one stands up evenly.
- Pin the straps straight between the baskets and gently ease them to 20 in (50.8 cm).
- Pat each star flat and open out its points.
- Let everything dry completely, about 24 hours, before hanging.
Final Quality-Control Checklist
- Each base lies flat and measures 5.25 in (13.3 cm) across.
- Each body has six shell rounds with 11 shells per round.
- Each rim has 11 even cream scallops.
- Each basket is 4 in (10.2 cm) tall.
- Each basket front has a large star centered between 2 small stars.
- The straps sit 33 sts apart on every basket.
- The gaps between baskets are 1 in (2.5 cm) on both sides.
- The ring folds are sewn firmly, and the holder hangs straight, not tilted.
- There are no loose ends or visible knots.
Troubleshooting
Base is cupping: Your tension is tight. Go up a hook size or relax your grip.
Base is ruffling: Your tension is loose, or you doubled an increase. Recount each round.
Shells lean or drift: This is normal in joined rounds. Always start each round with the sl sts to the center dc so each shell lands on the sc below.
Shell count is off: Count the sc in the round; there should be 11. If one is missing, you skipped a shell.
Basket is too loose for the roll: Use a smaller hook for the body only and keep the count at 66 sts.
Holder hangs crooked: The straps were sewn at different heights. Compare both straps against the strap map and resew.
Care
Hand wash in cool water with mild soap, press the water out in a towel, and dry flat with a roll inside each basket. If you can, remove the wooden ring before washing; otherwise keep it dry.
Final Notes
The measurements build on each other in a short chain. A 66-st base measures 5.25 in (13.3 cm) across. The same 66 sts form 11 shells around a 16.5 in (41.9 cm) body that rises to 3.25 in (8.3 cm). A 0.75 in (1.9 cm) rim brings each basket to 4 in (10.2 cm). Three baskets, two 1 in (2.5 cm) gaps, and 80-st straps give a holder about 21 in (53.3 cm) long. Check each measurement as you go, and the finished holder will hang straight and hold its rolls neatly.
Happy crocheting!
