Base: magic ring, 6 sc. [6]. Round 2: increase every stitch. [12]. Round 3: (sc, increase) 6 times. [18]. Round 4: (2 sc, increase) 6 times. [24]. Round 5: (3 sc, increase) 6 times. [30]. Round 6: (4 sc, increase) 6 times. [36]. The base is a flat circle approximately 7 cm across.

Sides: round 7: BLO sc around (this creates a sharp right-angle turn at the base of the walls, which is exactly what you want). Rounds 8 to 14: sc around in both loops. [36]. The basket should stand upright and hold its shape at this point.

Rim: round 15: (4 sc, increase) 6 times. [42]. Round 16: (5 sc, increase) 6 times. [48]. Round 17: sc around. [48]. Slip stitch to join and fasten off. The rim flares slightly outward, the classic cauldron silhouette.

Flames (make 3): with orange yarn, chain 8. Row 1: sc in 2nd chain from hook, sc 3, hdc 2, dc in last. [7 stitches]. Row 2: chain 1, turn, skip 1, dc 2, hdc 2, sc 2. Fasten off, leaving a 15 cm tail. Pinch the flame at the base to give it a point. Sew one flame to the outside of the basket at the base of the rim, spacing the three flames equally around the circumference.