Cute crochet food is everywhere right now, and a plump purple dumpling sitting in its own bamboo steamer might be the cutest of the bunch. This free crochet dumpling basket pattern gives you the steamer: a round base and a snug lid, made with basic stitches and no sewing at all. The purple dumpling gives it a taro-bun look that stands out from the classic white ones.
It works up in an evening, so it suits beginners, gift makers, and anyone stocking a craft fair table.
Why You’ll Love This Pattern
- No sewing. The base, lid, and handle are made separately, so there’s nothing to stitch together.
- Beginner-friendly. You only need single crochet, increases, and working in the back loop.
- Endless uses. Make it as a toy, a photo prop, a fidget gift, or a mini decoration.
- Fast. Bulky yarn builds each piece in minutes.
Materials
- Bulky (weight 5) yarn in tan or light brown. Chenille velvet gives a soft, squishy look.
- 5 mm crochet hook
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors
- Stitch marker
- Optional: darker brown yarn for the bamboo slat details
- A crocheted dumpling or bao in purple yarn to place inside (lavender, taro, or ube shades all work). It’s made separately from the basket.
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- MR: magic ring
- sc: single crochet
- inc: increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
- BLO: back loop only
- sl st: slip stitch
- FO: fasten off
- ch: chain
Finished Size
The size depends on your yarn and tension. Bulky yarn with a 5 mm hook gives a compact basket. Thinner yarn makes a smaller set, and thicker yarn makes a bigger one.
Crochet Pattern
Work in continuous spiral rounds and mark your first stitch. Stitch counts are in parentheses.
Basket Base
- R1: 6 sc in MR (6)
- R2: inc in each stitch (12)
- R3: (sc, inc) × 6 (18)
- R4: (2 sc, inc) × 6 (24)
- R5: (3 sc, inc) × 6 (30)
- R6: sc in BLO around (30). This creates the crisp edge where the walls begin.
- R7–R11: sc around (30)
Sl st into the next stitch, FO, and weave in the end.
Lid
- R1: 6 sc in MR (6)
- R2: inc in each stitch (12)
- R3: (sc, inc) × 6 (18)
- R4: (2 sc, inc) × 6 (24)
- R5: (3 sc, inc) × 6 (30)
- R6: (4 sc, inc) × 6 (36)
- R7: sc in BLO around (36)
- R8–R9: sc around (36)
Sl st into the next stitch, FO, and weave in the end.
Lid Handle
- Join yarn to a stitch in R3 of the lid.
- Ch 10.
- Sl st into the stitch directly opposite, then FO and weave in the ends.
Optional: Bamboo Slats
With darker brown yarn and a tapestry needle, embroider straight vertical stitches around the base walls, evenly spaced, to imitate bamboo slats. Do the same on the lid’s side rows if you like.
Fitting Your Dumpling
Measure your dumpling before you start, and use any round crochet dumpling pattern you like. Make it in purple for a taro or ube bun look. If your lid feels loose, work the lid with a hook one size smaller. If it feels tight, go one size up.
Ideas for Using Your Crochet Dumpling Basket
- Gifts. Birthdays, housewarmings, and gifts for food lovers.
- Craft fairs and markets. No-sew food amigurumi sells well and works up quickly.
- Fidget toy. Put a little squishy filling inside the dumpling.
- Keychain or bag charm. Use a thinner yarn and add a clasp.
- Photo props. Great for announcements and playful flat-lay photos.
- Colorful sets. Make a few dumplings in purple, pink, and green to fill a whole steamer.
Tips for Best Results
- Keep your tension firm so the basket holds its shape.
- Use a stitch marker on every round. Spiral rounds are easy to lose track of.
- Stuffing is not needed for the basket, but a firmer yarn helps the walls stand up.
FAQ
Is this crochet dumpling basket pattern really free?
Yes, it’s free to read and use for personal projects.
Is it good for beginners?
Yes. It uses basic single crochet and increases, with no sewing.
Can I use cotton or acrylic instead of chenille?
Yes. The basket will come out smaller and less squishy, and you can adjust your hook size to get the fit you want.
Can I sell what I make?
Yes, you’re welcome to sell finished items made from this pattern. A link back to this page is always appreciated.
Save It for Later
Love this idea? Pin it to your crochet board so you can find it next time you want a quick, cute project!