8 FREE KNITTED BASKET PATTERNS FOR YOUR HOME
Introduction
Knitted baskets are a delight: practical for storage, soft on the hands, and easy to customize with color and texture. A handmade basket can organize a closet, corrals yarn and magazines, or serve as a stylish yarn-wrapped plant holder. The beauty of knitting is that you can adjust size and stiffness to match what you need, and you can tailor the look to your décor—rustic farmhouse, bright modern, or minimalist chic.
In this post, you’ll find eight free knitted basket patterns you can start today. Each pattern is designed to be accessible for keen beginners but enjoyable for intermediate knitters as well. I’ve included guidance on materials, gauge, and finishing so you can pick a project that fits the yarn already in your stash. Whether you want a sturdy boxy storage basket, a round smooth carrier, a felted showpiece, or a plant pot cozy with a removable liner, there’s something here for every home.
Before you begin, a quick note on materials and techniques:
– Weight matters for basket stiffness. Bulky or worsted weight yarns give you crisp, sturdy fabric; cottons are great for a smoother, crisper finish.
– A sturdy foundation helps the basket hold its shape. In many patterns, garter stitch (knit every row) is used to reduce curling and to create a firmer texture.
– I-cord handles or simple sewn-in fabric handles are easy to add if you want portability.
– If you’d like a truly firm basket, consider felting a bulky knit after construction. Felted baskets shrink and become rock-solid.
What you’ll need in general
– A selection of yarns in worsted, bulky, or cotton weights (each pattern lists specifics)
– Knitting needles in the appropriate size for your yarn (often US 7–11 / 4.5–8 mm)
– A circular needle or set of double-pointed needles for any pattern that requires knitting in the round
– A blunt tapestry needle for finishing and weaving in ends
– Scissors, a measuring tape, and a small amount of fabric or craft lining if you want extra durability
– Optional: a fabric liner, heat-and-bond, or fusible interfacing for a more finished interior
Pattern 1: Simple Square Basket with I-Cord Handles
Overview: A sturdy boxy basket that sits flat on a shelf or in a cubby. It’s a great starter project to learn how to knit a base and then build up the sides.
Materials
– Bulky weight yarn: 2–3 skeins (about 300–350 yards total, depending on desired height)
– US size 9–10 (5.5–6 mm) knitting needles or a 16″ circular with a 5–inch gauge
– Optional: a few yards of fabric for lining
– Stitch marker, blunt tapestry needle
Gauge and size
– Aim for a square base about 8 inches across. The height will be about 8–9 inches, depending on your yarn and tension.
What you’ll knit
– Base: Cast on 28 stitches. Work every row (garter stitch) until the piece measures about 8 inches from cast-on edge. Bind off loosely.
– Side stitches: With the same yarn and needles, pick up stitches evenly around the square base edge to create the sides. Join to knit in the round, or work in the round by using a circular needle. Work garter stitch (knit every round) until the basket is about 8–9 inches tall.
– Top edge and handles: Bind off loosely. To add handles, cast on 8 stitches and knit an I-cord about 12–14 inches long; thread the cord through the top edge of the basket at opposite sides and secure on the inside with a knot or by stitching down. Tie off ends neatly.
Finishing
– Weave in all ends. If you’d like a neater interior, seam a fabric liner to the outer edge or simply tuck in the liner and let the yarn show on the top edge.
– Optional: felt the basket lightly in a gentle cycle if your yarn is machine-washable and you want extra stiffness.
Tips
– If your base seems to wobble, add a light felting wash or stiffen the base with a short lining to keep it flat.
– This pattern is a great canvas for color blocks or subtle stripes by alternating colors every few rounds.
Pattern 2: Striped Round Basket
Overview: A round, soft-to-the-touch basket with cheerful stripes. Cotton or mercerized cotton creates crisp color changes and a neat edge, perfect for a plant pot or a general catch-all.
Materials
– Worsted-weight cotton or cotton blend: 2 skeins in color A, 1 skein in color B
– US size 7–8 (4.5–5 mm) knitting needles
– Circular needle 16 inches (or a set of DPNs)
– Stitch markers
– Optional: fabric liner for interior
Gauge and size
– Finished diameter around 9 inches, height about 9 inches depending on yarn and tension.
What you’ll knit
– Cast on 40 stitches and join in the round. Work every round in garter stitch (knit every round) to avoid curling and to give a sturdy texture.
– Begin stripes: After the first rib, switch to color A for 6 rounds, then color B for 6 rounds, and repeat to achieve a pleasing stripe pattern. You can adjust the stripe height to your preference.
– Continue knitting until the basket reaches about 9 inches tall. Bind off loosely.
– Edging: For a neat top edge, pick up and knit 2 rounds around the top edge and then bind off, giving a little bevel to the rim if you’d like.
Finishing
– Weave in ends. Add a liner if you want extra protection for items stored inside.
– If you’re using this for a plant pot, ensure the yarn is water-safe or line with a plastic pot and use a liner for extra protection.
Pattern 3: Lattice Knit Basket
Overview: A basket with a subtle lattice pattern for a touch of elegance. Works well in a living room or bathroom where you want a refined but practical container.
Materials
– Aran-weight yarn: 2 skeins (about 350 yards total)
– US size 7 (4.5 mm) needles
– Stitch markers
– Tapestry needle
Gauge and size
– Base around 8 inches square; height around 9–10 inches.
What you’ll knit
– Base: Cast on 40 stitches; knit garter stitch until you have a square about 8 inches on each side. Bind off.
– Sides: Pick up stitches evenly around the base edge to form the sides. Work in a simple lattice pattern using Fiddlesticks (slipped stitches) or a small chart. A simple lattice happens by slipping stitches on the wrong side to create a cross-stitch look as you knit more rows in garter stitch.
– If you’re new to lattice patterns, start with a 6-stitch “block” pattern: knit 2, slip 2, slip 1, knit; repeat across the round, then turn to the next row with the opposite direction to create a lattice feel. Repeat until the sides reach your desired height.
– Top edge: Bind off loosely. You can weave in the ends or fold the top edge over once for a clean finish.
Finishing
– Weave in ends securely. Consider lining or a fabric liner for extra strength and a polished interior.
Pattern 4: Felted Basket
Overview: A bold option that feels like a sculpture once felted. Knit in bulky yarn and then machine washed to shrink for a crisp, firm finish. Great for storing bulky items or for decorative storage.
Materials
– Bulky weight yarn: 1–2 skeins per basket
– US size 10.5–11 (6.5–8 mm) needles
– Washing machine for felting (hot wash with warm water; test with a small swatch first)
– Liner or fabric as desired
Gauge and size
– Base will shrink as felting happens. Start with a base roughly 10 inches square to finish around 7–8 inches after felting. Height will be similar or slightly larger depending on the felting.
What you’ll knit
– Base: Cast on 40–50 stitches, depending on your gauge, and knit garter stitch or stockinette until the base is about 10 inches across.
– Sides: Pick up stitches around the base edge and knit in garter stitch or your preferred simple stitch. Work to a height of about 10–12 inches before felting.
– Finishing and felting: Place the knitted piece into a hot washing cycle with a small amount of detergent. Check periodically; when the piece has shrunk to the desired size, remove, rinse, and air dry flat. If you want extra stiffness, you can line the interior after it dries.
Finishing
– Once felted, you might need to trim any uneven edges. It’s best to plan this step and adjust your base before felting.
Pattern 5: Cotton Tote Basket
Overview: A light, breathable storage solution perfect for magazines, yarn, or fruits. The soft drape of cotton gives a relaxed, homey vibe.
Materials
– 100% cotton yarn or a cotton blend: 2–3 skeins
– US size 6–7 (4–4.5 mm) needles
– Circular needle, or DPNs for the base
– Optional fabric liner
Gauge and size
– Base around 8–9 inches, height around 9–11 inches depending on your tension.
What you’ll knit
– Base: Cast on 36 stitches, work in garter stitch or a simple stockinette pattern until your base measures about 8 inches square. Bind off.
– Sides: Pick up stitches around the base and knit in stockinette with a simple fold-over hem at the top for a neat finish. You can also work in garter stitch for the sides to keep it structured and stable.
– Handles: If you’d like handles, crochet or knit short I-cord handles and sew them to opposite sides of the basket. An alternative is to pick up several stitches along the top edge and knit a short tie for a decorative strap.
Finishing
– Weave in ends. If you like, line the interior with lightweight fabric.
Pattern 6: Plant Pot Cozy Basket with Removable Liner
Overview: A snug, decorative cozy that slides around a plant pot. The removable liner makes it versatile for watering and easy cleaning.
Materials
– Worsted weight yarn: 2 skeins
– US size 7 (4.5 mm) needles
– Stitch markers
– Small piece of fabric or plastic liner
– Sewing needle
Gauge and size
– Cozy fits around standard 6–8 inch pots, tall enough to peek above the pot edge.
What you’ll knit
– Outer shell: Cast on 40 stitches; join in the round and knit in garter stitch for a few inches to create a sturdy, ribbed look.
– Pattern: Work a simple striped or moss stitch pattern for interest. Alternate colors every 8–12 rounds to add visual texture without overwhelming the plant pot.
– Top edge: Bind off loosely. Fold the top edge over to create a neat cuff that will help the cozy stay in place.
Liner
– Cut a circular liner to fit the interior; the liner should be slightly smaller than the pot opening so it can be easily inserted. You can glue or stitch the liner to the interior if desired or simply place it inside detached.
Finishing
– Weave in ends and press gently to smooth the fabric. The liner can be easily removed for watering and cleaning.
Pattern 7: Narrow Magazine Basket
Overview: A slender, tall basket designed to hold magazines, mail, or documents. Keeps a table or desk organized with a touch of texture.
Materials
– DK or light worsted yarn: 2 skeins
– US size 6–7 (4–4.5 mm) needles
– DPNs or circulars for the base
– Interiors: optional lining
Gauge and size
– Base around 7–8 inches; height around 12–14 inches to comfortably hold magazines.
What you’ll knit
– Base: Cast on 32 stitches, work in garter stitch or simple stockinette until the base measures around 7–8 inches.
– Sides: Pick up stitches evenly around the base edge and knit in the round, keeping the fabric stable by using garter stitch for the sides. Maintain a straight, vertical body by knitting evenly and avoiding aggressive decreases.
– Top edge: Bind off loosely. For an added touch, fold the top edge once or twice and stitch in place for a curved, neat finish.
Finishing
– Weave in all ends. Add a thin liner if you want a crisper interior.
Pattern 8: Fold-Top Storage Basket
Overview: A soft, foldable basket that collapses when not in use. Great for laundry, toys, or rescue-storage for small items.
Materials
– Light worsted or sport weight yarn: 2 skeins
– US size 6–7 (4–4.5 mm) needles
– Circular needle for the base
– Optional: fabric liner
Gauge and size
– Base around 8 inches; height about 9–10 inches when expanded; folds down to a shallow, flat shape for easy storage.
What you’ll knit
– Base: Cast on around 28 stitches and work garter stitch until it’s about 8 inches square.
– Sides: Knit in the round, decreasing subtly every few rounds to create a gentle taper that makes the sides fold neatly. The folding is achieved by letting the fabric have a little felting-like leeway when it’s not stretched taut—garter stitch helps accentuate the fold.
– Top edge: Bind off loosely. For a crisp edge, you can pick up stitches along the top edge and knit 2 rounds in garter stitch before binding off.
Finishing
– Weave in ends. The foldable design is ideal for storing when not in use and reduces space usage.
Care tips and use
– For all these baskets, hand washing or gentle machine washing (depending on the yarn you chose) is a good idea. Always check your yarn label for washing instructions.
– If you want extra stiffness, you can line the interior with a thin fabric liner or use a light interfacing sheet to keep the shape.
– If you’re making a basket to hold home office materials, consider a tougher yarn and a tighter gauge to ensure the structure holds up to repeated use.
Wrapping up
Knitted baskets are a simple, satisfying way to bring texture, color, and organization into your home. With eight patterns that cover a range of shapes—from square storage boxes to round baskets, from plant cozies to foldable options—you can mix and match textures to suit any room. And because all of these patterns are free, you can experiment with different yarns, find the feel you love, and tailor the size to your space. Ready to start your project? Gather your yarn, pick a pattern, and begin knitting your way to a more organized, more stylish home. If you’d like, share photos of your finished baskets in the comments or on social media so others can see how your color choices and stitch textures come to life. Happy knitting!
