I was lucky enough to receive several cones of Zpagetti yarn from the lovely Gwen at Hoooked, I’d been curious about it for a while and was delighted to give it a try. It’s made from fabric off cuts from the garment industry, so it’s a sustainable product that defers textiles from entering landfill.
I am in desperate need of places to store all my crafty bits and pieces, so making some baskets was the logical option.
These baskets work up quite quickly and if you make them in graduating sizes, they can nest into each other. I’ve included basic instructions and a video, but I do assume you have some experience with crochet.
You will need:
Zpagetti yarn in assorted colours
12mm Bamboo hook
stitch marker (optional)
Stitches used:
US terminology (UK in brackets)
Magic ring
chain ch
slip stitch sl
single crochet sc (double crochet dc)
I’ve included photos and a video on how to do a single crochet sc stitch
How to:
Making the base of the basket required you to crochet a flat circle. There are great instructions here which explains how to make a nice flat circle.
Here is how to do a single crochet stitch in both step by step and video form.
1. Here is the place you will insert the hook.
2. Insert the hook in the next stitch.
3. Pull through your yarn (also called yarn over)
4. You should have 2 loops on your hook now.
5. Yarn over again
6. Pull through both loops and your are done.
Watch the video to see how it all works (I was holding the camera with my chin so please forgive any blurry bits)
I started with a magic ring and used 6 sc in my first round, 12 in the second, 18 in the third etc.
The larger you make your circle, the larger the basket base will be.
Once you are happy with the size of the base, continue to crochet sc in a spiral but with no increases. The sides will start to curl up and build the walls of the basket. Use all one colour, or do as I have and changed colours half way up.
Continue to make as tall as desired.
To create the different sizes:
Small = 4 rounds base, 6 rounds side
Medium = 5 rounds base, 10 rounds side
Large = 6 rounds base, 9 rounds side (the dark pink yarn was chunkier than the blue so even with fewer rounds it was taller)
To finish, slip stitch and then weave your end in.
Working with the zpagetti yarn was quite easy but physically harder than normal yarn. Rather than using your wrists for leverage and control, I found it was easier to work from my elbow and shoulders.
Handy for storage…
…or as a hat!
The yarn works up very quickly and is suited for projects that will take some wear and tear. Because it has a lot of body, the sides of the baskets are very sturdy. I enjoyed working with Zpagetti yarn so much I even made a crocheted doiley mat with it. You may have already seen it if you follow me on Instagram. See my Doiley Mat.
Have you used recycled textile yarns in the past? I’d love to hear your experience with it.
This is not a sponsored post although I did receive product to review although I was under no obligation to do so. As always, projects and opinions are my own.
beautiful!!!
thank you, xxx Alessandra
These are devine!! What a lovely idea and environmentally friendly too! I may have a go at these when I’ve learnt how to crochet. In the mean time, perhaps I’ll try knitting some!
x
Jo
Look awesome. Zpagetti yarn has a neat finish
ooh and I just checked out your doiley mat. ” Wow ” beautiful.
These are really cute! I can’t crochet, but can knit quite well, I wonder how this yarn would be in knitting? I love working with strange yarns, and this one certainly sounds very fun and interesting! Thank-you for sharing!
Sarah xo
I was sent some knitting needles but I can only do the most basic of stitches. I did knit up a little sample dish cloth quite quickly. It’s very chunky and textural. Great for large scale stuff. Also quite stretchy.
what a great recycled product! love the tute too. might have to linkify!
evidence that i need to try my hand at crochet
They look fantastic
Lovely! You just convinced me to buy those crochet needles and zpagetty! (and when I read the other comments above, I’m not the only one convinced:))
I am going to try my hand at these baskets… with some homemade t-shirt yarn from old shirts I have lying around. Since I am from the states, I do not have the option to purchase this yarn, so I’ll make do =). I am hopeful my baskets will be as cute and functional as yours look to be!!
I’m sure they will turn out great! Would love to see a photo
Michelle, I’m also from the States and would love to try this yarn. I found that Lion Brand makes a version that we can buy here. Haven’t been able to find it in a LYS yet, but you can order it online: http://www.lionbrand.com/6030/InventoryPage/1694667/1.html
Good luck!
These baskets are great! I have a question: Once youare happy with the size of the base and begin with the side, don’t you sc in back loops only?
Good question. I sc in both loops and the sides still turned up, but if you want to give the base a cleaner edge you can just do in the back loops. It will leave a little ridge at the base.
Michelle L.
I have ordered t-shirt yarn stateside from Maine at a online store named ReStitch Yarn. I found them online at restitchyarn.com Check them out. The owner Polly is most helpful!
I want to learn crocheting so that I may make a set of these for my daughter or my crochet teacher will do them for me! Hope this helps!
Thanks for the tip Deebi.
Congrats on being on Craftgossip.com!
I crochet baskets too, but haven’t used this yarn. I’ll definately be running out to get some soon. Thanks so much!
Annabelle
I have been looking for some way of organising all my bits and bobs – this is perfect!
Just found you via Pinterest. Too cute!! I have colored hemp I’m going to use for a remote caddy. I may even make some in seasonal colors so I can swap them out! Great inspiration
Love the look of it! Gives me a few ideas. Where can I get some of this yarn?
There is a link in the post as to where the yarn is available in Australia. If you are overseas try googling Zpagetti yarn.
My daughter and I have never crocheted before but had a go after visiting your blog. I wanted to let you know that I have linked this post on my lasted post. Thanks for the inspiration.
Niccola and Ruby