5 Hanging Baskets Free Knitting Pattern: Beautiful Designs You Can Make Today

If you love adding handmade touches to your home, few projects are as satisfying as knitted hanging baskets. They are practical, beautiful, and endlessly customizable. Whether you want to display trailing houseplants, store small items on a shelf, or add a bohemian touch to your living room, a knitted hanging basket is the perfect project. The best part? You do not need to spend a fortune on patterns. There are wonderful free knitting patterns available that produce stunning results, and in this post, we are sharing five of them, complete with guidance to help you knit each one with confidence.

These patterns range from beginner-friendly to intermediate, so no matter where you are on your knitting journey, there is something here for you. Grab your yarn, your needles, and a cup of tea, and let us get started.

Why Knit Your Own Hanging Baskets?

Before we dive into the patterns themselves, it is worth taking a moment to appreciate why hand-knitting your own hanging baskets is such a rewarding hobby choice.

First, there is the cost. Knitted hanging baskets made from natural cotton or jute are surprisingly expensive to buy ready-made. When you knit your own, you are paying only for the yarn and the time, and for many knitters, the time is the best part.

Second, there is the creative freedom. Store-bought baskets come in a limited range of colors and sizes. When you knit your own, you choose the yarn weight, the color, the texture, and the dimensions. You can make something perfectly sized for a specific plant or shelf, and you can match it exactly to your décor.

Third, knitting hanging baskets is a wonderful way to practice new techniques. Many of these patterns introduce skills like working in the round, increasing and decreasing stitches, adding decorative elements like fringe or pompoms, and finishing with sturdy hanging cords. These are skills that transfer beautifully to other knitting projects.

Finally, handmade items carry a warmth and intention that mass-produced goods simply cannot replicate. Giving a knitted hanging basket as a gift, or displaying one you made yourself, is something genuinely meaningful.

What You Will Need Before You Begin

Most hanging basket patterns call for similar materials, so gathering these before you start will make every project go more smoothly.

Yarn choices matter a great deal for this type of project. Cotton is the most popular choice because it is sturdy, washable, and holds its shape well. Look for 100% cotton yarn in a worsted weight or bulky weight for the best results. Jute twine and macramé cord are also popular options, particularly for baskets meant to hold plants, since they are naturally strong and resistant to moisture. If you prefer a softer look, try a cotton-acrylic blend, which offers durability with a slightly softer drape.

For needles, most worsted weight patterns call for US size 7 (4.5mm) to US size 10 (6mm) needles. If your pattern is worked in the round, you will want either double-pointed needles or a circular needle. Macramé-style patterns knitted with thicker cord may call for larger needles in the US size 10.5 to 13 range.

You will also need a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, a ruler or measuring tape, and in most cases some kind of hanging hardware. This might be a simple length of rope, a metal ring, wooden dowels, or even driftwood, depending on the aesthetic you are going for.

Some patterns also call for stitch markers, a crochet hook for adding fringe, and a plant pot or basket liner if you intend to use the finished piece for actual plants.

Pattern 1: The Simple Starter Hanging Planter

This is the ideal pattern for knitters who are new to three-dimensional projects or who have never knitted a basket before. It is worked flat, stitched together at the sides, and then finished with a simple knotted hanging cord.

Materials needed: 150 yards of worsted weight cotton yarn in your chosen color, US size 8 (5mm) straight needles, tapestry needle, and approximately 3 yards of matching or contrasting cord for hanging.

Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Gauge is not critical for this pattern, but a tighter gauge will produce a sturdier basket.

Instructions: Cast on 30 stitches. Work in stockinette stitch (knit one row, purl one row) for 40 rows. This forms the bottom panel of your basket. Next, work in a 2×2 rib pattern (knit 2, purl 2) for 30 more rows. This forms the sides of the basket. Bind off loosely in pattern. Fold the piece in half with right sides together and seam the two short ends together using mattress stitch. Turn right side out. Use your tapestry needle and a length of yarn to run a gathering stitch around the bottom opening, pull tight, and secure. For the hanging cord, cut four lengths of cord each measuring 30 inches. Thread all four through the top edge of the basket evenly spaced, then knot them together at the top. You can add beads or fringe to the ends for a decorative touch.

This pattern produces a basket approximately 5 inches wide and 5 inches tall, suitable for a small succulent or trailing ivy plant.

Pattern 2: The Textured Diamond Basket

This pattern introduces a simple but visually striking diamond texture created through alternating knit and purl stitches. It is worked in the round and produces a beautifully structured basket with a professional finish.

Materials needed: 200 yards of worsted weight cotton in a natural or neutral shade, US size 7 (4.5mm) circular needle or set of double-pointed needles, stitch marker, tapestry needle, and a wooden ring or metal hoop approximately 5 inches in diameter for the hanging structure.

Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch.

Instructions: Begin by casting on 8 stitches onto double-pointed needles and joining to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Place a stitch marker. Round 1: Knit all stitches. Round 2: Knit into the front and back of every stitch (16 stitches). Round 3: Knit all stitches. Round 4: Repeat round 2 (32 stitches). Continue increasing in this manner every other round until you have 64 stitches on your needles. This forms the circular base of your basket. Next, work the diamond texture pattern as follows. Round 1: Knit 4, purl 4, repeat to end. Rounds 2 and 3: Repeat round 1. Round 4: Purl 4, knit 4, repeat to end. Rounds 5 and 6: Repeat round 4. Continue alternating these two sequences for 5 inches of height. Bind off loosely. Sew or lace the top edge of the basket to your wooden or metal hoop, distributing the stitches evenly around the ring. Attach three evenly spaced lengths of macramé cord to the ring and knot them together at the top for hanging.

The diamond texture in this pattern catches light beautifully, making it especially attractive when hanging near a window.

Pattern 3: The Boho Fringe Hanging Basket

If you love the bohemian aesthetic, this is the pattern for you. It combines a simple knitted shell with an abundance of fringe along the bottom and the sides, creating a lush, textural look that feels right at home with trailing plants or dried flowers.

Materials needed: 250 yards of chunky weight cotton or a cotton-jute blend, US size 10 (6mm) needles, crochet hook for attaching fringe, tapestry needle, and a length of rope or leather cord for hanging.

Gauge: 14 stitches and 18 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch.

Instructions for the basket body: Cast on 40 stitches. Work 8 rows of garter stitch (knit every row). Next, work in stockinette stitch for 20 rows. Work another 8 rows of garter stitch. Bind off loosely. With right sides together, seam the two short ends to form a tube. Gather and close the bottom as described in Pattern 1.

For the fringe: Cut yarn into 10-inch lengths. Fold each piece in half. Using your crochet hook, pull the folded loop through a stitch at the bottom edge of the basket, then pull the loose ends through the loop and tug gently to secure. Attach fringe every two stitches along the bottom edge. You can also add shorter lengths of fringe along the side seam for added texture. Trim the fringe to your desired length, or leave it uneven for a more relaxed look.

For hanging: Cut six lengths of rope each measuring 24 inches. Thread these through the top edge of the basket at even intervals. Gather all six lengths together and knot them 8 inches above the basket opening, then again at the very top to form a hanging loop.

This basket looks spectacular filled with dried pampas grass or a full, trailing pothos plant.

Pattern 4: The Structured Market Basket with Handles

Not all hanging baskets are meant for walls. This pattern creates a tote-style basket with strong knitted handles that can be hung over a doorknob, the back of a chair, or a hook on the wall. It is also sturdy enough to carry items like yarn, knitting supplies, or fresh vegetables from the garden.

Materials needed: 300 yards of bulky weight cotton or recycled cotton yarn, US size 10.5 (6.5mm) needles, tapestry needle, and optional: a basket insert or cardboard circle to reinforce the base.

Gauge: 13 stitches and 18 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch.

Instructions for the base: Cast on 20 stitches. Knit in garter stitch for 40 rows to form a rectangular base panel. Pick up and knit stitches around all four edges of this base panel. You should have approximately 80 stitches total. Join to work in the round, placing a stitch marker at the start.

For the sides: Work in seed stitch (knit 1, purl 1 on odd rounds; purl 1, knit 1 on even rounds) for 8 rounds. This gives the sides a lovely textured finish. Work in stockinette stitch for 20 rounds. Work 4 more rounds of seed stitch. Do not bind off yet.

For the handles: Bind off the first 20 stitches. Work back and forth on the next 10 stitches in seed stitch for 30 rows to form the first handle. Bind off these 10 stitches. Skip the next 20 stitches (bind them off) and work the final 10 stitches in seed stitch for 30 rows for the second handle. Bind off. Sew each handle end to the bound-off edge of its corresponding side, forming two strong loops.

If you want to make this basket truly waterproof for plants, insert a thin plastic liner before placing any soil or pots inside.

Pattern 5: The Cascading Scallop Hanging Planter

This is perhaps the most elegant of our five patterns. It features a delicate scalloped edge at the top and bottom of the basket, giving it a vintage, heirloom feel. It is an intermediate-level pattern that rewards careful knitting with a truly beautiful finished object.

Materials needed: 220 yards of DK weight cotton in white, cream, or a soft pastel, US size 6 (4mm) circular needle, stitch markers, tapestry needle, and two wooden hoops, one 4 inches in diameter and one 8 inches in diameter, plus approximately 4 yards of satin ribbon or fine macramé cord.

Gauge: 22 stitches and 30 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch.

Instructions for the scalloped edge: Cast on 80 stitches onto your circular needle. Join to work in the round. Rounds 1 and 2: Knit all stitches. Round 3 (scallop round): Knit 2 together 3 times, then knit into the front and back of the next stitch 6 times, then knit 2 together 3 times; repeat from around. Round 4: Knit all stitches. Work rounds 3 and 4 twice more to create a flowing scalloped edge. Then work in stockinette stitch for 4 inches of straight sides. Work the scallop sequence again at the bottom of the basket, then bind off loosely.

Close the bottom of the basket by threading the tail of yarn through the remaining stitches and pulling gently to gather. Lace the top edge to the smaller wooden hoop and the bottom edge to the larger one, using the ribbon or cord threaded through the knitted fabric. The smaller hoop sits at the top (the opening) and the larger hoop at the bottom (the base), giving the basket a graceful flared silhouette. Attach three lengths of ribbon to the top hoop, evenly spaced, and tie them together at the top for hanging.

This planter looks especially beautiful with a single white orchid or a trailing string of pearls plant.

Tips for Making Your Knitted Hanging Baskets Last

A knitted hanging basket is only as good as its finishing, and taking a little extra care at the end of a project will ensure that your basket lasts for years rather than months.

Block your finished pieces by wetting them thoroughly, shaping them gently, and allowing them to dry completely before hanging them. This sets the stitches and gives the basket a much more polished appearance.

Weave in your ends securely, ideally on the inside of the basket where they will not be seen. Go back through the same path at least twice to prevent any slipping over time.

If your basket will hold a living plant, always use a waterproof liner or a drip tray inside the knitted shell. Constant moisture will degrade even natural fiber yarns over time, and a liner protects both the basket and your floor or wall.

Wash your baskets gently when they need cleaning. Most cotton yarn is machine washable on a gentle cycle in cool water, but hand washing is always the safest option. Lay flat to dry rather than hanging, to avoid stretching the shape.

Choose your hanging location carefully. Avoid areas with very strong direct sunlight, which can fade yarn over time, and be mindful of the weight of whatever you place inside. A heavy ceramic pot needs a very secure anchor point and a basket knitted in a sturdier fiber.

Customizing These Patterns to Make Them Your Own

One of the great joys of working from free knitting patterns is that they are a starting point, not a rigid prescription. Each of these five patterns can be customized in countless ways.

Try adding stripes by alternating two colors every few rounds. Experiment with different stitch patterns in the body of the basket, such as a simple cable or a lace eyelet row. Add embellishments like wooden beads threaded onto the hanging cords, dried flowers tucked into the knitted fabric, or small hand-embroidered details on the outside of the basket. Change the yarn weight to make a miniature version or a dramatically oversized one. The possibilities are truly endless, and each small change makes the finished piece uniquely yours.

A Final Word

Knitting hanging baskets is one of those projects that manages to be both relaxing and productive at the same time. The repetitive rhythm of the stitches is meditative and calming, and when you finish, you have something genuinely beautiful and useful to show for your time. These five free patterns cover a range of styles, techniques, and skill levels, so there is no reason not to try at least one this weekend. Cast on, enjoy the process, and do not be surprised if one basket quickly becomes five, and then ten. Once you start knitting for your home, it is very difficult to stop.

Happy knitting!