Crochet Jack-O-Lantern Basket Pattern (Easy 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

• Round 1: MR, 6 sc in ring (6)
• Round 2: inc around (12)
• Round 3: (1 sc, inc) around (18)
• Round 4: (2 sc, inc) around (24)
• Round 5: (3 sc, inc) around (30)
• Round 6: (4 sc, inc) around (36)
• Round 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:

• Round 1: MR, 6 sc in ring (6)
• Rounds 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.

Need something to carry candy instead of display it? See the trick-or-treat bag. The candy corn makes a fun filler.