A crochet moses basket is one of those projects that stops people in their tracks. You put it in a nursery and suddenly everyone wants to know if you sell them. (You should probably say yes.)
The basket shape, the chunky yarn, the little hood — it all comes together into something that looks like it took way more skill than it actually did. Which is exactly the kind of project this blog was made for.
Here are some free crochet moses basket patterns to try, including a few very special ones made with a lot of heart.
What You’ll Need
Yarn: This one calls for bulky/chunky yarn.
You’ll also need: a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and scissors.
Shop the supplies: chunky yarn · ergonomic crochet hook set · tapestry needles · small craft scissors · blocking mats and pins
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
The crochet journal I call my magic tool
My best seller: a vintage-look printable journal that’s inspiring, a little funny, and nothing like a plain planner. Inside: hook conversion chart, stitch symbol guide, yarn stash inventory, row counter, pattern notes, and more.
Love blanket stitches too? 50+ easy-yet-unique blanket stitches – $27
1. DIY Crocheted Moses Basket with Wooden Base — Yarn Theory
This one has a real wooden base, which means it actually sits up properly and doesn’t flop around. The designer from Yarn Theory walks you through the whole process — including where to get the base — and the result looks like something from a fancy boutique.
It’s made with chunky rope-style yarn, so it works up fast. Perfect if you have a baby shower coming up and you’re counting days.
Get the free pattern at Yarn Theory →
2. Moses Baby Basket — Lanas y Ovillos
This is a classic full-size baby basket from the team at Lanas y Ovillos. The pattern is in English, the photos are beautiful, and the stitch pattern gives it that beautiful woven texture you see on expensive store-bought baskets.
It’s worked in a thick cotton rope yarn and the tutorial is clear enough for anyone who’s done a few bigger crochet projects. A gorgeous shower gift.
Get the free pattern at Lanas y Ovillos →
3. Serenity Moses Basket — Mamma That Makes
This pattern is a little different. Myshelle Cole from Mamma That Makes created the Serenity Moses Basket for very small babies — it was designed as a bereavement basket for families experiencing infant loss. It is a tiny, achingly beautiful pattern, and Myshelle shares it freely as an act of kindness.
If you know a family going through that kind of grief, making one of these by hand is one of the most meaningful things you could do. The pattern is free and the instructions are gentle and clear.
Get the free pattern at Mamma That Makes →
4. Lavani Moses Basket — Mamma That Makes
Myshelle made a second basket pattern, the Lavani, also sized for a very small baby. Like the Serenity, this one was designed as a bereavement basket — something soft, handmade, and made with love for the tiniest ones.
Both the Serenity and Lavani patterns are free, and Myshelle has left them up for anyone who needs them. If you’ve never made one before, they’re also a manageable size for getting the hang of the basket shape.
Get the free pattern at Mamma That Makes →
Before You Start — A Few Tips
- Yarn choice matters a lot here. Rope-style cotton or ribbon yarn gives you the firm structure you want. Soft acrylic will work for decorative baskets but won’t hold its shape as well for actual use.
- Go up a hook size. Moses baskets need to be stiff. Most designers recommend going up at least one hook size from what the yarn label suggests.
- Check your gauge before you commit. A basket that’s too small or too big won’t look right. Most patterns include gauge notes — actually swatch this one.
- Add a liner. If you’re planning to use the basket, sew or buy a fabric liner. It makes it safer and looks beautiful inside.
- Block it when you’re done. A light spray block helps the basket hold its shape and smooths out any uneven stitches.
If you love big, impressive crochet projects, you might also like our roundup of baby blanket patterns — there are some real showstoppers in there too.
Want more free crochet patterns in your inbox every week? Join the Cozy Stitch Newsletter — it’s free and it’s good.
Happy hooking!
