Row 2: Make 2 single crochet stitches into each stitch of the magic ring to increase. (12 SC stitches)
Row 3: single crochet stitches, increasing at every other stitch. (Do 1 single crochet into the first stitch. Then do 2 single crochet stitches into the second stitch, one single crochet into the third stitch, two single crochet stitches into the fourth, etc... ) (18 SC stitches).
Row 4: Use single crochet stitches to increase the size of the circle again, but this time add extra stitches on every third stitch. (Do 1 single crochet into the first stitch, 1 into the second stitch, and 2 single crochet stitches into the 3rd stitch. Continue that pattern until you've reached the end of the row.) (24 SC stitches)
Row 5: Continue as before, this time adding extra stitches for every fourth stitch. (30 SC stitches)
Rows 6, 7, 8, 9, 10: Do 1 single crochet stitch into each stitch until you reach the end of each row. There is no need to increase or add any extra stitches in these rows. (30 SC stitches in each row)
Rows 12, 13, 14: Decrease stitches every fourth stitch. To decrease stitches, you basically stitch two stitches together. (23, 18, 14 SC stitches)
Making the handle
Row 15: Begin the row by doing one single crochet stitch into every stitch of your previous row, but STOP when you've gotten halfway around.
Begin doing chain stitches for the handle of your basket. Make enough of them to reach the other side of the basket at the height that you want your handle to be. This will depend on the particular t-shirt yarn you are using and your preference for the height of the handle. I did around 20 chain stitches.
Once you've made the chain long enough, bring the end of your chain to the opposing point on the other side of your basket (where you began row 15).
Attach the chain to the other side by doing a single crochet stitch into a stitch there. (Ideally, stitch into the last stitch of row 14, the one right next to the first stitch of row 15.) Make sure the chain isn't twisted before attaching it.
To thicken the handle, stitch back up it. To do so, do single crochet stitches into each stitch of the previously made chain, making your way back to the other side.
Once you've reached the end of your chain, attach the end of the handle to the next stitch of the row (row 15) of your basket (following in the same direction as you were going before you stopped to make the handle).
Finish the row (row 15) by doing single crochet stitches into each stitch of row 14, until you reach the handle of your basket.
Once you've reached the other side, crochet a single stitch into the handle to help secure it in place.
Finishing the top edge
Finish the basket with one last row of single crochet stitches around the top edge. This will help reinforce the handle so it stands up better on its own.
When doing the final row, stitch into the back of the handles to go past them without seeing the stitches from the outside of the basket.
Finish off your yarn by working the free end into the stitches on the inside of your basket.
You're done!
Notes
Advice:To make it easier to see where the rows begin and end, you can mark the beginning of the row by placing a scrap of contrasting yarn under the needle when making your first stitch.