Pull a loop of yarn up through any hole, chain one, and work single crochet into each hole all the way round, then join with a slip stitch. That round is your foundation: from there you crochet the walls straight up in rounds without increasing, because the base already sets the size. Some patterns start with a round of slip stitches in the holes instead. Check that your hook passes easily through the holes of a base like the Round Bag Base – 20 cm Diameter.

Usually one or two single crochet per hole, depending on the thickness of your yarn and the stitch count your pattern needs. Count the holes and subtract that number from your target; the difference is how many holes get two stitches. Spread those evenly, with extras at the corners and around the curved ends so the edge lies flat. Thick cord often needs only one stitch per hole. A square base like the Square Bag Base – 15 x 15 cm (Lavender) needs extra stitches at each corner.

Choose by the finished bag, since the walls rise straight up from the edge of the base. At VILRITA the smaller bases, such as the Rectangular Bag Base – 16 x 10 cm (Blue) or the Round Bag Base – 17 cm Diameter, suit small handbags and pouches; 20–25 cm rounds suit bucket bags and small baskets; and the Round Bag Base – 35 cm Diameter suits large totes and floor baskets. Rectangular bases give a tote shape, round ones a bucket shape.

Use a sturdy yarn with little stretch, so the walls stand up and don't sag when the bag is full: braided cotton cord, polyester macrame cord, paper raffia and T-shirt yarn all work well. Very soft or fluffy yarns tend to slump against a rigid base. Make sure your yarn and hook pass comfortably through the holes, and pick a colour that suits the base, for example cream, lilac or deep purple with the Rectangular Bag Base – 19 x 14 cm (Lavender).

Yes, a base works for anything that needs a firm, flat bottom: storage baskets, yarn baskets, laundry bins and crochet or macrame covers for plant pots. Measure the pot or the shelf space and choose a base the same size or slightly larger. Large rounds like the Round Bag Base – 30 cm Diameter suit floor baskets and big pot covers, while the Square Bag Bottom - 15 x 15 cm, Grey makes a neat basket for a desk or bathroom shelf.

These PU leather bases only need wiping with a damp cloth; don't soak them or put them in the washing machine, as heat and long soaking can damage the surface. If the crocheted part needs freshening, hand wash the bag gently in cool water, keeping the base as dry as you can, and let it dry in its natural shape. Test dark or bright yarn for colour bleeding first. The same care applies to every size, from the Round Bag Base – 17 cm Diameter to the 35 cm base.