8 Free Knitted Basket Patterns | The Knit Crew
Baskets are a staple for every home, and knitted baskets bring a warm, handmade touch to any room. They’re sturdy, versatile, and surprisingly quick to whip up, especially when you choose simple stitch patterns and flexible shapes. Whether you’re organizing yarn scraps, storing magazines, or corralling stray toys, a knitted basket makes it easy to keep spaces neat without sacrificing style. In this collection from The Knit Crew, you’ll find eight free knitted basket patterns that cover a range of skills, sizes, and looks. Each pattern includes material suggestions, gauge tips, and clear, beginner-friendly instructions so you can dive right in.
Before you start, here are a few quick tips to help you knit durable baskets that hold their shape and age gracefully:
– Choose sturdy yarns. Wool, wool blends, and heavy cotton blends work well for baskets. If you’re felting, wool or wool-blend yarns are ideal.
– Use a tight, even tension. Baskets do better with a snug fabric. If your stitches are loose, switch to a smaller needle size or add a few more stitches to your cast-on.
– Consider felting for extra rigidity. Some patterns are designed to be felted to a denser fabric, transforming the basket into a stiff box.
– Line if you like. A fabric liner inside a knitted basket adds structure and a cleaner edge.
– Finish with blocking. A gentle block can help the base flatten neatly and the sides stand up.
Pattern 1: Everyday Garter Basket
Overview
This is a true beginner-friendly basket that uses garter stitch to create a sturdy, squarish base and soft, forgiving sides. It’s the perfect “begin with this and go from there” project, and it scales up or down easily.
Finished size
Approximately 8 inches in diameter and 5 inches tall, with a bit of give depending on your yarn and gauge.
Materials
– Worsted weight yarn, about 200–260 yards (a single skein will often be enough)
– US size 6 (4.0 mm) knitting needles and a short circular needle (16–24 inches) to hold the stitches
– Tapestry needle
– Stitch marker
– Optional fabric liner
Gauge
Approximately 4 stitches per inch in garter stitch on the chosen needle size.
Pattern instructions
1) Cast on 32 stitches using a long-tail cast-on. Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round, even though you are not knitting in the round yet.
2) Work every row as garter stitch (knit every row) until the piece measures 8 inches from the cast-on edge.
3) Bind off loosely and leave a long tail for seaming.
4) Create the base. Fold the rectangle into a square and seam two adjacent sides with mattress stitch, leaving the top edge open.
5) Pick up stitches around the edge of the base to form the sides. A good starting point is to pick up roughly one stitch for every garter ridge around the edge, giving you about 32 stitches around.
6) Knit in garter stitch for approximately 5 inches, then bind off loosely.
7) Fold the sides in and seam the remaining edge to complete the basket, if desired. You’ll have a neat, boxy shape.
8) Optional: sew a simple liner or add a soft fabric lining inside for a neater interior and a little extra stiffness.
Notes
– If your base becomes a bit uneven, don’t worry—the garter stitch compresses nicely and forms a sturdy bottom once the sides are attached.
– This basket makes a great starter project for practicing a consistent garter stitch and basic seaming.
Pattern 2: Striped Basket with I-Cord Handles
Overview
Add a splash of color and a touch of practicality with striped bands and I-cord handles. The stripes break up the surface, while the I-cord handles give you an easy, secure way to move the basket around.
Finished size
About 9 inches in diameter and 6 inches tall.
Materials
– Two colors of worsted weight yarn, total about 250–300 yards
– US size 6 (4.0 mm) knitting needles and a 40-inch circular needle for the base and sides
– Crochet hook or stitch picker for finishing
– Tapestry needle
– Optional fabric liner
Gauge
Roughly 4 stitches per inch in garter or stockinette, depending on your preferred side texture.
Pattern instructions
1) Cast on 32 stitches in Color A using the long-tail cast-on. Work garter stitch until your base is 8 inches square, or until you reach the desired base size.
2) Switch to Color B, and around the edge, pick up stitches evenly to begin the sides. Aim for about 32 stitches around again so the sides sit flat and neat.
3) Work the body in garter stitch (or stockinette if you prefer) for 4 inches. Change Color every 2 inches to form stripes.
4) When the sides reach 6 inches in height, bind off loosely.
5) Fold and seam as in Pattern 1, leaving an open top. If you want to avoid a seam along the side, you can pick up stitches and knit the sides in the round, then seam the bottom only.
6) Create two I-cord handles. To make I-cord, cast on 3 stitches and knit every row, sliding the live stitches to the other end as you go, until the cord is about 10 inches long. Bind off and thread the ends with a yarn needle.
7) Attach each I-cord handle to opposite sides of the basket with a few rows of reinforcing stitches or a simple whip stitch.
Notes
– Color blocking is a wonderful way to customize this pattern for décor matching. Try using a bold color for Color A and a neutral tone for Color B.
– The I-cord handles can be replaced with fabric handles or even leather strips for a more polished look.
Pattern 3: Cable Column Basket
Overview
A touch more advanced, this basket uses a simple cable motif on the sides to add visual interest while still being sturdy enough for practical use.
Finished size
Approximately 9 inches in diameter and 7 inches tall.
Materials
– Worsted weight yarn, 350–450 yards (depending on size you want)
– Size US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles, 24–32 inches
– Cable needle
– Tapestry needle
– Scissors
Gauge
About 20 stitches and 28 rows in stockinette over 4 inches; more important is that your fabric feels sturdy.
Pattern instructions
1) Cast on 36 stitches and divide evenly onto the circular needle. Work in garter stitch for the base, or switch to stockinette after the first few rows if you prefer a smoother bottom.
2) Continue knitting in the round until the base reaches about 7.5 inches in diameter.
3) Begin the cable motif. A simple 6-stitch center cable every 8 rows will create a vertical column. For a 36-stitch circumference, you can place the cable between stitches 10–15, with symmetrical panels on either side.
4) Continue the cable pattern for about 6–8 inches of height, then switch to a plain knit or rib for the top edge to prevent rolling.
5) Bind off loosely and finish as in Pattern 1, with a seam along one side if needed.
6) Optional: add a small fabric liner or a few fabric corners to reinforce the base and keep shape.
Notes
– If you’re newer to cables, practice the cable panel on a swatch first. Once you’re comfortable with the technique, it will come together quickly on the main basket.
– Blocking will help your cable columns align and show the texture more clearly.
Pattern 4: Seed Stitch Linen Basket
Overview
Seed stitch creates a tight, textured surface with a natural, linen-like look. This basket stands up nicely on its own and has a refined, modern vibe.
Finished size
Approximately 8 inches in diameter and 7 inches tall.
Materials
– DK weight yarn in two tones (or a single tone) about 300–350 yards
– US size 6 (4.0 mm) needles or 4.5 mm if you want a firmer fabric
– Tapestry needle
– Optional liner
Gauge
About 5 stitches and 7 rows per inch in seed stitch (knit one, purl one).
Pattern instructions
1) Cast on 32 stitches with color A. Work in seed stitch: k1, p1 across each row, and alternate starting stitch on each row to maintain the pattern.
2) Work until the piece reaches about 8 inches in length (this will become your base). Then bind off in pattern, leaving a long tail.
3) Pick up stitches evenly around the base edge and begin knitting the sides in seed stitch. Maintain the same gauge to keep the sides neat.
4) Knit the sides to a height of about 7 inches; bind off loosely.
5) Sew the sides closed along one long edge if you want a boxy shape, or leave as a round edge with a subtle seam for a more natural look.
6) Optional liner: add a fabric lining for a clean interior.
Notes
– Seed stitch gives a subtle, textural look that pairs well with natural or neutral home accents.
– This pattern is a fantastic option for undercolor play—try combining two complementary shades for a gentle two-tone basket.
Pattern 5: Ribbed Tall Storage Basket
Overview
Ribbing is inherently stretchy yet strong, making this tall basket perfect for storing art supplies, yarn, or magazines. The vertical ribs give the basket a sleek, architectural feel.
Finished size
Around 9 inches in diameter and 10 inches tall.
Materials
– Worsted weight yarn, 350–450 yards
– US size 7 (4.5 mm) needles; you can work flat and seam or knit in the round for a cleaner seam
– Tapestry needle
– Optional liner
Gauge
About 4 stitches per inch in 2×2 rib.
Pattern instructions
1) Cast on 40 stitches if working flat or 40 stitches per round if knitting in the round. Work in 2×2 rib (knit 2, purl 2) for 6–8 inches to form the body.
2) Increase gradually to form a slightly flared top edge if desired, or keep it straight for a modern look.
3) If working flat: seam the side edges carefully using mattress stitch. If working in the round, you’ll simply finish the top edge.
4) Bind off loosely and weave in ends. Add a liner for extra durability if you’d like.
5) Optional: add fabric handles or a fabric tie around the neck to secure the top.
Notes
– This basket is ideal for organizing bigger items; the ribbing ensures the fabric stays sturdy as you fill it.
– Experiment with different color combinations by using a contrasting color for a subtle stripe along the top edge.
Pattern 6: Felted Wool Basket
Overview
Felting gives baskets an extra level of rigidity and a plush texture. This pattern uses bulky wool and a simple knit to prepare an ultra-sturdy basket that shrinks to a compact, machine-washable final form.
Finished size
Pre-felting: approximately 12 inches diameter and 9 inches tall. Post-felting: into a compact, denser form around 8 inches in diameter and 6–7 inches tall.
Materials
– Bulky weight wool yarn, 400–600 yards
– US size 10.5 (6.5 mm) knitting needles for casting on and knitting
– A large washing machine for felting, plus detergent
– Tapestry needle
– Optional liner
Gauge
Not critical for felting, but a looser gauge will result in a larger pre-felt item that felts down more effectively.
Pattern instructions
1) Cast on 60 stitches and knit in the round or flat in bulky weight until you have a circular base about 12 inches in diameter, or as directed by your gauge.
2) Work even in stockinette or garter stitch for roughly 8–10 inches in height before felting.
3) Place the knitted piece in a hot wash cycle with a small amount of detergent. Check frequently; when the piece reaches a dense, compact fabric, remove it and let it dry flat.
4) Once felted, you can trim and shape the bottom with a light hand, or place it on a towel and gently reshape while damp. Add a liner if you’d like a cleaner interior.
5) Optional: add knitted handles or fabric handles attached with a few rows of garter stitch.
Notes
– Felting will dramatically reduce the size; plan on a larger pre-felting piece to reach your desired final dimensions.
– Felted baskets are excellent for kitchen storage, towels, or wooly supplies.
Pattern 7: Woven Look Slip-Stitch Basket
Overview
The slip-stitch technique creates a woven visual texture without complicated colorwork. This pattern uses two colors to mimic a woven basket look, offering a sophisticated finish suitable for living spaces.
Finished size
Approximately 9 inches in diameter and 7 inches tall.
Materials
– Two colors of worsted weight yarn, about 350–420 yards total
– US size 6 (4.0 mm) needles or a circular needle for knitting in the round
– Tapestry needle
Gauge
About 22 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch with slip-stitch texture.
Pattern instructions
1) Cast on 40 stitches and join to knit in the round if you’re comfortable with circular knitting; otherwise, knit flat and seam the sides.
2) Work slip-stitch pattern by slipping one stitch when you would normally knit or purl, then picking up color in the following stitch to create a woven effect. Alternate colors every few rows to highlight the woven texture.
3) Build up the basket’s height to roughly 7 inches.
4) Bind off loosely and seam the side edges if you knitted flat.
5) Finish with a liner if you prefer a neat interior.
Notes
– Experiment with color placement to emphasize the woven effect. You can use a darker shade for the weave and a lighter shade for the background.
– The slip-stitch look hides small irregularities in tension, making it approachable for those who may be a little uneven yet.
Pattern 8: Cotton Laundry/Linen Basket with Liner
Overview
Lightweight cotton is perfect for a breathable, lighter-duty basket—ideal for storing towels, hats, or light fabrics. A removable fabric liner helps the basket hold its shape and makes the interior easy to clean.
Finished size
Approximately 10 inches in diameter and 8 inches tall.
Materials
– Cotton yarn in a light color, about 500–650 yards
– US size 6 (4.0 mm) knitting needles
– Tapestry needle
– Light fabric for liner (or you can knit a simple liner)
– Optional: fabric stiffener for extra structure
Gauge
About 4 stitches per inch in garter or stockinette.
Pattern instructions
1) Cast on 40 stitches and work garter stitch or stockinette in the round until the base reaches about 9 inches in diameter.
2) Knit the sides to a height of about 8 inches, alternating textures if you like (for example, a few rows of garter, a row of stockinette, a row of purl back to garter).
3) Bind off loosely and seam the side if you knitted flat.
4) Attach a fabric liner. To create a liner, cut fabric to a slightly smaller diameter than the basket and sew up the sides, then slip it into the basket. Finish with a folded edge at the top to cover the seam.
5) Optional: apply a light fabric stiffener or a wash of fabric glue around the interior to improve shape retention.
Notes
– Cotton baskets are excellent for moist environments; they dry quickly and stay cool to the touch.
– Liners are not only decorative—they help keep the interior tidy and prevent loose ends or dirt from showing on light fabrics.
Care and finishing tips
– Blocking is your friend. After you’ve completed any basket pattern, gently block to help the shape hold. Use a light spray of water and a small amount of steam to help the sides slump evenly.
– If you plan to place heavy items in your basket, consider felting or using a denser yarn combination in your base to prevent sagging.
– Linings extend the life of your basket and give it a polished finish. A simple fabric liner with a slight anti-slip edge will keep everything in place.
Color and yarn ideas
– Natural tones like cream, taupe, and oatmeal pair beautifully with most décor. Add a pop of color with a bright stripe or handle accents.
– If you want a water-resistant basket for the bathroom or kitchen, consider a cotton blend with a touch of acrylic for durability.
– For a rustic look, use wool or wool blends in earthy hues.
Choosing the right pattern for you
– Beginners will love Pattern 1 (Everyday Garter Basket) for its simplicity and sturdy construction.
– If you enjoy a little color play, Pattern 2 (Striped Basket with I-Cord Handles) or Pattern 7 (Woven Look Slip-Stitch Basket) offers visual interest without complicated techniques.
– For something that holds shape exceptionally well, Pattern 6 (Felted Wool Basket) is a satisfying challenge that yields a hard-wearing product.
– If you favor a clean, modern look, Pattern 4 (Seed Stitch Linen Basket) or Pattern 5 (Ribbed Tall Storage Basket) will fit in seamlessly with contemporary décor.
– If you’re seeking a light, breathable option for towels and garments, Pattern 8 (Cotton Laundry/Linen Basket with Liner) is a great, practical pick.
Careers and community
The Knit Crew loves to see your takes on these patterns. If you try one out, consider sharing photos with the community so other readers can see how different yarns, gauges, and color choices transform the look. Remember to tag The Knit Crew in your posts and use any project-specific hashtags you prefer.
Final thoughts
Eight patterns, eight looks, and a range of techniques that can grow with you. Each basket is designed to be functional, sturdy, and stylish enough to live in your home for years. The key to success with knitted baskets is choosing the right weight of yarn for the project, keeping a steady gauge, and embracing the little imperfections that come with handmade items. With a little practice, you’ll be making baskets in every size and color you can imagine.
If you’re new to basket projects, start with the Everyday Garter Basket to build confidence. Once you’re comfortable, you can move on to the striped basket or the seed-stitch linen basket to explore texture in a controlled way. If you love the look of cables, Pattern 3 offers a gentle challenge that will teach you the basics of cable knitting in a basket form. For a truly sturdy result that won’t budge under heavy use, Pattern 6 demonstrates how felting can transform a simple knit into a compact, durable container.
From The Knit Crew, we hope you enjoy these eight free knitted basket patterns. They’re designed to be approachable yet satisfying, with enough variety to keep you inspired. Happy knitting, and may your baskets bring both order and warmth to your home.
