A crochet plant hanger is a wonderful way to bring a handmade, bohemian touch to your home decor. It typically consists of a crocheted basket base (or simple sling) and long crocheted chains or strips for hanging.
Common Crochet Abbreviations (US Terms)
Most modern crochet patterns use standardised abbreviations.
Abbreviation | Stitch/Action |
ch | Chain |
st(s) | Stitch(es) |
sl st | |
sc | |
hdc | |
dc | |
tr | |
MR | |
inc | Increase (usually 2 stitches into one) |
dec | Decrease (working 2 stitches together) |
sk | Skip |
sp | Space (often referring to a chain space, e.g., ch-3 sp) |
Rnd | Round |
rep | Repeat |
FO | Fasten Off (cut yarn and pull through loop) |
( ) | Work instructions within parentheses into the same stitch or space. |
[ ] | Repeat instructions within brackets a specified number of times. |
Individual Design: Counting Stitches
Since the base of the hanger must securely hold your pot, the base is often worked in joined rounds to create a flat circle, followed by the main body (sides) and then the hanging straps.
1. Base (The Pot Bottom)
The base is typically a flat circle worked with increases in each round until it is slightly smaller than the diameter of the plant pot you intend to use.
Round (Example using DC) | Stitches | Instruction (Example) |
Rnd 1 | 12 | Start with MR, ch 3 (counts as dc), 11 dc in ring, sl st to top of beg ch-3. (12 sts) |
Rnd 2 | 24 | Ch 3, 1 dc in same st, 2 dc in each st around, sl st to top of beg ch-3. (24 sts) |
Rnd 3 | 36 | Ch 3, 1 dc in same st, *dc in next st, 2 dc in next st; rep from * to end, sl st. (36 sts) |
Rnd 4 | 48 | Ch 3, 1 dc in same st, *dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in next st; rep from * to end, sl st. (48 sts) |
Count Tip: The key to a flat circle is to increase the stitch count by the same amount in every round (e.g., always increasing by 12 stitches per round).
2. Body (The Sides/Basket)
Once the base is the desired diameter, the side is worked without increases to form the "basket" shape. A loose, open, or lacy stitch pattern (often using chain spaces) is common to reduce yarn usage and allow the hanger to conform to the pot shape.
Section | Instruction |
Straight Side Rounds | Work several rounds of sc, dc, or an established stitch pattern (e.g., V-stitch, mesh stitch) into the back loop only (BLO) for the first round to help the basket curve upwards. Do not increase the stitch count. |
Continue working rounds until the crocheted body reaches approximately the mid-point or 2/3 height of your plant pot. |
The straps are long chains that connect the body to a central hanging point. The number of straps is usually 3 or 4, spaced evenly around the top edge.
Step | Instruction |
Spacing | Mark the beginning of the strap chains at equal intervals around the last row of the body (e.g., in a 48 st round, mark every 12th st). |
Straps | At each marked point, ch 80 to 150 (depending on desired drop length). Sl st back into the next marked point, or a designated anchor point, to create a large loop. |
Count Tip: The total number of chain stitches determines the hanging length. Be sure to count and repeat the exact number for all straps to ensure the plant hangs straight.
Finishing Instructions
- Fasten Off (FO): After completing the final stitch (usually the last sl st of the last strap), cut the yarn, leaving an 8-10 inch tail. Pull the tail completely through the last loop on your hook to secure the knot.
- Weave in Ends: Thread the yarn tail onto a tapestry needle. Weave the tail through the wrong side (inside) of the basket base and sides, going with the direction of the stitches. Weave it in several directions over a few inches to ensure it is secure and won't unravel or show.
- Secure the Straps: Bring all the long chain straps together at the top. You can use a macrame ring or a wooden ring by slip-stitching the straps to the ring, or you can simply gather them and tie a large, tight knot. A tightly wrapped single crochet round around all gathered chains is another very secure option.
- Add a Tassel (Optional): Attach a decorative tassel to the very bottom centre of the basket for extra weight and a bohemian look.
Tips for a Successful Crochet Plant Hanger
- Yarn Choice is Critical: Use 100% Cotton, Macrame Cord, or T-Shirt Yarn (Tarn). These materials are heavy, sturdy, and have minimal stretch, which is essential for safely supporting the weight of a pot and soil. Acrylic and wool will stretch significantly over time, causing the plant to hang too low.
- Gauge for Strength: The stitches should be tight and dense, especially in the base, to prevent the pot from slipping through. Use a hook size that is smaller than what the yarn label recommends for a tighter fabric.
- The Pot Test: As you crochet the base, stop frequently and place your empty pot on top to check the size. The base should be slightly smaller than the pot's diameter so the pot sits snugly on the curve of the sides.
- Adjusting Length: You can easily change the length of the hanging by increasing or decreasing the number of chains in the strap sections.
- Reinforcement: If using a stretchy yarn like a cotton blend, consider holding two strands of yarn together throughout the project to double the strength and stability.
