Collapsible Cube Cover – Square Basket – DIY Storage

It is the middle of July and very hot “On My Side Of The Mountain” and making these Cube Covers will not heat you up. They are a lovely way to brighten up your home. It is so nice taking one of these to a Bridal or Baby Shower. No need to wrap it as it can be decorative enough to put on the gift table, full of goodies for the bride or baby. They make great gifts for that new graduate, and you can pack it full of things for their college dorm room. Don’t forget the child’s room or make a smaller cube cover to add to a shelf in the bath. I have added a guide to show you how to downsize your Cube Cover. I love making Collapsible Cube Covers and I am sharing this Free Crochet Pattern with you so you too can experience the joy.

Keep Scrolling to find the Free Crochet Pattern.

I was overjoyed when I found an easier way to make the base for these covers. This Free Crochet Pattern will also show you how to make the base so that you can add your favorite decorative stitch. There are so many options. You can add handles or a “Drop Over Lace”. You get to choose and customize your own Cube Cover. Some of my favorite custom covers were made for Baby Showers. I have added pictures at the end of this post.

Click to add this to your Ravelry Que

The Yellow and Gray below was my first try making the cube cover, but the lines weren’t very crisp. I worked on the pattern until I was happy with it, and I came up with several different options and designs.

You can view all of the Collapsible Cube Cover designs that are available in my Ravelry Store.

These covers offer so many options, but don’t worry, there are clear instructions and tutorials. I added charts to help you with the “Drop Over Lace” Options. Hey! If you want to keep up with what’s happening “On My Side Of The Mountain” sign up for my newsletter. It’s right there at the top.

Here is a link to the ebook that includes all four covers.

Wide Chevron Collapsible Cube Cover

Yarn Info

Worsted Weight yarn of your choice. The STIFF yarns work best with this design.
I used Red Heart Super Saver Approx. 500 yards of MC and 400 yards of CC.

Extra Supplies
The crocheted covers can slide down and you will need a method to hold it in place. I will give you three options. The glue gun is my favorite method.
Option 1: Glue Gun and glue sticks
Option 2: Velcro Dots/Strips
Option 3: Sewing Needle and Thread.

Hook:   L- 11/8mm
K-10.5/6.5mm
G-6/4.0mm

Stitch Guide
join w/ = join with
MC = Main Color
CC = Contrasting Color
SLP ST = Slip Stitch
CH = Chain
SC = Single Crochet
SC DEC = insert hook draw up loop, insert hook in nxt st, draw up loop, YO, pull through all loops on hook
HDC = Half Double Crochet
HDC DEC = YO, insert hook,YO, draw up loop, YO, insert hook in nxt st, YO, draw up loop, YO, draw through all loops on hook
DC = Double Crochet
DC DEC = YO, insert in nxt st, draw up loop; YO, draw thru 2 loops;YO, insert hook in nxt st, draw up loop, YO, draw thru 2; YO draw thru all three
TRB = Treble Crochet
BP HDC = Back Post Half Double Crochet
SP = Space
BLO = Back Loop Only
nxt = Next
*  * = Execute sequence between the stars, the number of times stated
x = Times; example Repeat 2 x or 2 times; 3 x or 3 times and so on
YO = Yarn Over Hook
Picot = SLP ST in 3^rd CH from hook, picot is made
DC Cluster = *YO insert hook in/under arch; YO draw up a loop; YO pull through 2 lps on hook* Repeat 2 x more, yo, pull through all 5 lps on hook, ch 1.*

Tutorial to make the Bottom/Base for the Cube Cover
Hold 2 strands of MC
This is a much simpler way to make the base/bottom for a collapsible storage cube of any size. Once the base or bottom is made, then proceeding to use a different stitch is a matter of simple math. This method makes designing a totally new Collapsible Cube Cover a fun process. The tutorial for making the bottom is below, and then the “Wide Striped Chevron” Cube Cover pattern follows.

Here is a simple guideline that I use to cover different sized boxes and cube covers

• Chain 18 = 8” square cube
• Chain 20 = 9” square cube
• Chain 22 = 10” square cube
• Chain 23 = 10.5” square cube

This pattern is written for a 10.5” square collapsible cube

Step 1: Make a base chain of CH 23

Step 2: HDC in 2^nd CH from hook and in each CH across; CH 1 and Turn (22 HDC)

Step 3: HDC in each st across; CH 1 and Turn (CH 1 does not count as a stitch) I repeated Step 3, 18x to make 19 rows.

You want the crocheted square to be ¼” smaller than the base, or an 1/8” smaller on each side. Turn your cube over to compare the size of your work against the bottom of the cube. The size is perfect if your work sits just inside the base. If it completely covers the bottom and the edges aren’t visible, start over and take out a Chain or two of the base chain.

Continue to execute Step 3 until your base is square and fits just inside the cube base, as pictured below. The base pictured below is 19 rows. Do not End off.

Step 4: SC around the entire base, with 3 SC in each corner. You will need 99 stitches to make the chevron pattern, and the pattern is written below. This is where you can tailor your Collapsible Cube Cover by crocheting the right amount of SC stitches around the base, to accommodate the stitch you want to use. Keeping the stitch count in the 95 to 105 range.

CH 1, 3 SC; 21 SC across the 1^st side; 3 SC in nxt corner; 22 SC evenly spaced across the 2^nd Side; 3 SC in corner st; 22 SC evenly spaced across the 3rd Side; 3 SC in corner st; 22 SC evenly spaced across the 4^th Side; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC; (99 SC)

You are finished with the base and will be making the sides of the basket next. Follow the pattern below.

Round 1: CH 1; BP HDC in joining ST, and in each st around; join w/SLP ST in 1^st HDC (99 HDC)

 

Gauge across is important: Two complete Chevrons = 7” 3 rows vertical = 2”

(Switching to a “K” hook is optional, but I highly recommend using a “K” hook.  If you crochet tight, please continue with an “L” hook. Your basket cover will be somewhat smaller than the base, so that it will fit snuggly around the collapsible box/bin, but if it is too small it will smash the box/bin, so close attention to your gauge is needed, and being careful not to pull tightly on the HDC DEC.)

Round 2: CH 1; HDC joining ST and in each st around; join w/SLP ST in 1^st HDC (99 HDC)

Round 3: CH 1; *SC in joining ST; HDC in nxt st; DC in nxt st (2x); TRB in nxt st; DC in nxt st (2x); HDC in nxt st; SC in nxt st;* Repeat between *  * around;  join w/SLP ST in 1^st SC (99 stitches)

Round 4 & 5: SLP ST in nxt st; CH 1, HDC in same st; HDC in nxt st (2x); 3 HDC in nxt ST; HDC in nxt st (3x); HDC DEC; *HDC in nxt ST (3x); 3 HDC in nxt ST; HDC in nxt St (3x); HDC DEC *
Repeat between *  * 9x; join w/slp st to beg. HDC (10 Chevrons)

Drop unused color to the back after the first SLP ST, letting it float until it is needed. No need to cut the yarn.
Round 6: SLP ST in nxt st, Drop MC; CH 1 with CC, HDC in same st; HDC in nxt ST (2x); 3 HDC in nxt st; HDC in nxt st (3x); HDC DEC, in a loose fashion over 3 stitches, skipping the middle stitch entirely; *HDC in nxt st (3x); 3 HDC in nxt st; HDC in nxt st (3x); HDC DEC, in a loose fashion over 3 stitches, skipping the middle stitch entirely; *  Repeat between *  * 9x; join w/slp st to beg. HDC (10 Chevrons)

Round 7 & 8: Repeat round 6 without the color change

Round 9: SLP ST in nxt st, Drop CC; CH 1 using MC, HDC in same st; HDC in nxt ST (2x); 3 HDC in nxt st; HDC in nxt st (3x); HDC DEC, in a loose fashion over 3 stitches, skipping the middle stitch entirely; *HDC in nxt st (3x); 3 HDC in nxt st; HDC DEC, in a loose fashion over 3 stitches, skipping the middle stitch entirely; *  Repeat between *  * 9x; join w/slp st to beg. HDC (10 Chevrons)

Round 10: Repeat Round 9 without the color change

Round 11: SLP ST in nxt st, Drop MC; CH 1 using CC, HDC in same st; HDC in nxt ST (2x); 3 HDC in nxt st; HDC in nxt st (3x); HDC DEC, in a loose fashion over 3 stitches, skipping the middle stitch entirely; *HDC in nxt st (3x); 3 HDC in nxt st; HDC in nxt st (3x); HDC DEC, in a loose fashion over 3 stitches, skipping the middle stitch entirely; *  Repeat between *  * 9x; join w/slp st to beg. HDC (10 Chevrons)

Round 12 & 13: Repeat Round 11 without the color change

Round 14: SLP ST in nxt st, Drop CC;  CH 1 using MC, HDC in same st; HDC in nxt ST (2x); 3 HDC in nxt st; HDC in nxt st (3x); HDC DEC, in a loose fashion over 3 stitches, skipping the middle stitch entirely; *HDC in nxt st (3x); 3 HDC in nxt st; HDC in nxt st (3x); HDC DEC, in a loose fashion over 3 stitches, skipping the middle stitch entirely; *  Repeat between *  * 9x; join w/slp st to beg. HDC (10 Chevrons)

Round 15: Repeat Round 14 without the color change

Round 16: SLP ST in nxt st; CH 2, DC in same st; DC in nxt st; HDC in nxt st;  SC in nxt st (2x); HDC in nxt st; DC in nxt st; DC DEC, in a loose fashion over 3 stitches, skipping the middle stitch entirely; *DC in nxt st (2x); HDC in nxt st; SC in nxt st (2x); HDC in nxt st; DC in nxt st; DC DEC, in a loose fashion over 3 stitches, skipping the middle stitch entirely; * Repeat between *  * around; join w/slp st to beg. SC
(88 stitches)

Round 17: CH 1, SC in joining st and in each st around, join w/SLP ST to beg. SC ( 88 stitches)

Round 18 & 19: Repeat Round 17. (You can add more height here if needed by repeating the SC rounds.)

Follow Round 20 if adding handles. Do not execute Round 20 if adding a Drop Over Lace Option.

Round 20: CH 1, SLP ST in joining st; *CH 1, SLP ST in nxt st* Repeat between *  * around;
join with SLP ST to beg. st; end off, weave in and secure ends. Instruction for the handles is at the end of the pattern.

Drop Over Lace Edge     Please use “G” hook for next step

Option 1: Picot Edge

Option 2: SC edge


If using stiff yarn, Option 1 can look sloppy. Option 2 is a smooth treatment if using the stiffer yarn.

Use one strand only

Option 1: Picot Edge

Round 1: CH1 and turn, so that the inside of the basket is facing you; SC in BLO of joining st; *CH 4; skip  st; SC in BLO of nxt ST;* Repeat between *  * around; CH 4; skp st;  join w/SLP ST in beginning SC.
(44 CH 4 arches)

Round 2: SLP ST to 2^nd CH of arch; CH 1 SC in/under arch; * DC Cluster in/under nxt arch, CH 4, DC Cluster in/under same arch; SC in/under nxt arch; * Repeat between *  * around join w/SLP ST to beg. SC (22 Cluster sequences, 22 SC)

Round 3: CH 1, SC in joining st; * CH 2;  DC Cluster in/under nxt arch, CH 5, Picot, CH 2, DC Cluster in/under same arch;  CH 2, SC in SC of previous Round; * Repeat between *  * around joining w/SLP ST to beg. SC; End off, weave in and secure all ends. (22 Cluster sequences, 22 SC)

Option 2: SC edge  Use one strand only

Round 1: CH1 and turn, so that the inside of the basket is facing you; SC in BLO of joining st; *CH 4; skip  st; SC in BLO of nxt ST;* Repeat between *  * around; CH 4; skp st;  join w/SLP ST in beginning SC.
(44 CH 4 arches)

Round 2: SLP ST to 2^nd CH of arch; CH 1 SC in/under arch; * DC Cluster in/under nxt arch, CH 4, DC Cluster in/under same arch; SC in/under nxt arch; * Repeat between *  * around join w/SLP ST to beg. SC (22 Cluster sequences, 22 SC)

Round 3: CH 1, SC in joining st; * CH 2;  DC Cluster in/under nxt arch, CH 4, DC Cluster in/under same arch;  CH 2, SC in SC of previous Round; * Repeat between *  * around joining w/SLP ST to beg. SC; (22 Cluster sequences, 22 SC)

Round 4: CH 1, SC in joining st; *SC in CH 2 space; 3 SC in/under CH 4 arch, CH 2, 3 more SC in/under same arch; SC in CH 2 space; SC in nxt st; * Repeat between *  * around joining w/SLP ST to beg. SC; End off, weave in and secure all ends.

 

Handle Instructions

When you make the handles, the first step is to make 3, Chain arches that will become the cording for the handles. I did not have the basket turned correctly in the picture above, please follow how I have written the pattern.

To position handles evenly, place a marker 3” in from the left and right outside corner. Do this for the opposite side of the basket.

Use “K” hook  Use one strand only
Row 1: Turn the basket so the inside is facing you. Join w/SLP ST at marker, CH 23; SLP ST in the opposite marked ST.

Row 2: Turn, CH 23 a second time, going back to the beginning of the first Cording CH arch and SLP ST in first ST beside your beginning Cording CH arch

Row 3: Turn, CH 23 a third time; go back to the beginning of the 2^nd Cording CH arch and SLP ST in first ST, beside your 2^nd Cording CH arch.

You now have three Cording arches.

Turn, by now the outside of the basket should be facing you, and proceed to SC 30 x, around all three Cording CH arches, shoving them along the Cording CH arches so that they are evenly spaced, and you have good coverage, and there aren’t any Cording CH arches poking through. You can add as many SC stitches around the Cording CH arches as you would like. End off,  secure and weave in ends.

Repeat Handle Instructions to make the second handle.

SECURING THE COVER TO THE COLLAPSIBLE CUBE

Option 1: Glue Gun and Glue Sticks

The covers are heavy, and will slide down the sides of the collapsible cubes. I think the easiest way is use a hot glue gun. Put the cover on the cube, and apply the hot glue along the top edge. You can see in the picture that the cover is in place, and my finger is pointing to the top edge Put your hot glue on this edge.


I am pulling the edge back just a little to show you the glue on this front side. As you can see the right side still needs to be glued. This is so easy to do, but be careful as the glue easily seeps to the front when pressing the cover into place.


This glue treatment will hold your cover in place! I have two other options to keep your cover in place. If you would like to see the Velcro option or how to sew the cover on, click here to get the instructions.

I would love to see what you create using this crochet pattern. Please come on over and join my Crochet Group on Facebook. Come on by and drop a picture or two of what you are creating or have created.

Here are a few cube covers that I designed for that special baby/bride to be!

There is a walking Moose on opposite sides and a walking Bear on the other two sides. I made this for a woodland themed nursery.

The yellow and gray basket below fits an 8″ cube. It was for a new bride at her shower and the colors match her bathroom. I customized it to coordinate with “Victorian Heirloom” crochet patterns.