Knit Slouchy Hanging Baskets — Free Knitting Pattern
There is something deeply satisfying about making something beautiful that also serves a purpose in your home. Knitted home décor has seen a massive resurgence over the past few years, and for good reason. It brings warmth, texture, and a handmade quality to any space that no store-bought item can replicate. Today I am sharing one of my favorite projects: slouchy hanging baskets that you can knit up in an afternoon and hang anywhere in your home for instant charm. This is a free knitting pattern from Two of Wands, and I want to walk you through every detail so you can make your own.
Whether you are a seasoned knitter looking for a quick and rewarding project or someone who has just learned the basics and wants to try something functional, this pattern is for you. These slouchy hanging baskets are the perfect combination of rustic and modern, and they look absolutely stunning in a kitchen window, a bathroom corner, or a sunlit living room. Let’s get into everything you need to know.
What Are Slouchy Hanging Baskets?
Before we dive into the pattern, let me paint a picture of what these baskets actually look like. Unlike stiff, structured baskets, slouchy hanging baskets have a soft, relaxed drape to them. They billow slightly under the weight of whatever you put inside — trailing plants, balls of yarn, citrus fruit, small toys — and that gentle, organic shape is what makes them so appealing. They are knitted in the round using a simple combination of knit and purl stitches, and then gathered at the bottom and strung with a cord or rope for hanging.
The original Two of Wands design became popular because it manages to look effortlessly boho while also being genuinely functional. The loose weave allows airflow, which is ideal for plants or produce, and the natural texture of the yarn gives it an earthy, handcrafted quality that pairs beautifully with wicker, wood, macramé, and other organic home décor elements.
Materials You Will Need
One of the reasons this project is so beginner-friendly is that the materials list is refreshingly short. You do not need any specialized tools or a stash of expensive supplies. Here is what to gather before you cast on.
Yarn: You will want a bulky or super bulky weight yarn in a natural fiber or a natural fiber blend. Cotton, jute, or a cotton-jute blend works exceptionally well for this project because these fibers have the body and stiffness to hold the basket’s shape while still being flexible enough to achieve that signature slouch. A single-strand or loosely twisted cotton rope yarn is especially popular for this pattern and gives you that clean, textural look. You will need approximately 150 to 200 yards per basket, depending on the size you choose to make.
Needles: Use US size 10 (6mm) circular knitting needles, at least 16 inches long. If you prefer double-pointed needles, those work too, especially for the cast-on and the early rounds when the stitch count is low. Some knitters prefer to use a single large circular needle and the magic loop method throughout the entire project.
Additional supplies: You will need a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, a length of macramé cord or natural rope for the hanging element (approximately 3 to 4 yards per basket), and stitch markers to help you track your rounds.
Optional: A large wooden ring or a ring of sturdy craft wire can be sewn into the rim of the basket to help it keep its shape at the top. This is especially useful if you are making a basket for a heavier plant.
Gauge
Gauge is approximately 12 stitches and 16 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch using bulky yarn and US size 10 needles. For a home décor project like this, gauge does not need to be perfectly precise. A slightly looser gauge will give you a more open, airy basket, and a tighter gauge will produce something a bit sturdier. Swatch if you like, but do not stress too much about hitting the exact numbers.
Pattern Notes
This pattern is worked in the round from the bottom up. You will begin by casting on a small number of stitches and increasing every other round to create the base. Then you will work straight up the sides until the basket reaches your desired height before finishing off the top edge. The bottom is gathered and cinched closed after you bind off.
The pattern uses very basic knitting abbreviations: k for knit, p for purl, k2tog for knit two together (a right-leaning decrease), kfb for knit into the front and back of a stitch (a basic increase), pm for place marker, sm for slip marker, and co for cast on. If any of these are unfamiliar, there are excellent video tutorials available online that will have you up to speed in just a few minutes.
The Free Knitting Pattern
Small Slouchy Hanging Basket
Finished dimensions: Approximately 6 inches tall and 8 inches in diameter when lightly filled.
Cast on: Using the long-tail cast on method, CO 8 stitches. Divide evenly onto your needles and join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Place a marker for the beginning of the round.
Rounds 1–2: Knit all stitches.
Round 3 (increase round): Kfb in every stitch. You will have 16 stitches.
Rounds 4–5: Knit all stitches.
Round 6 (increase round): (K1, kfb) repeat to end of round. You will have 24 stitches.
Rounds 7–8: Knit all stitches.
Round 9 (increase round): (K2, kfb) repeat to end of round. You will have 32 stitches.
Rounds 10–11: Knit all stitches.
Round 12 (increase round): (K3, kfb) repeat to end of round. You will have 40 stitches.
Rounds 13–14: Knit all stitches. This completes the base of the basket.
Sides: Work even in stockinette stitch (knit every round) until the basket measures approximately 5 inches from the base, or until the sides reach your desired height. For a more textured look, you can alternate two rounds of knit with two rounds of purl to create a simple ridged pattern up the sides.
Rim: For the final inch, switch to a (k1, p1) ribbing stitch to help the top edge roll slightly outward and hold its shape.
Bind off: Bind off loosely in pattern. Weave in all ends.
Finishing the bottom: Thread a long length of yarn onto your tapestry needle and weave it through the cast-on stitches at the base of the basket. Pull snugly to gather the bottom closed and knot securely. Weave in the end.
Hanging cord: Cut three lengths of macramé cord, each approximately 48 inches long. Fold each piece in half and attach to the basket rim using a simple lark’s head knot, spacing the three attachment points evenly around the rim. Gather all six cord ends together above the basket and tie an overhand knot approximately 8 to 10 inches above the rim. Trim the ends evenly and hang from a hook or ceiling mount.
Large Slouchy Hanging Basket
Finished dimensions: Approximately 9 inches tall and 11 inches in diameter when filled.
Cast on: CO 10 stitches. Divide evenly and join to work in the round. Place a marker for the beginning of the round.
Rounds 1–2: Knit all stitches.
Round 3 (increase round): Kfb in every stitch. You will have 20 stitches.
Rounds 4–5: Knit all stitches.
Round 6 (increase round): (K1, kfb) repeat to end. You will have 30 stitches.
Rounds 7–8: Knit all stitches.
Round 9 (increase round): (K2, kfb) repeat to end. You will have 40 stitches.
Rounds 10–11: Knit all stitches.
Round 12 (increase round): (K3, kfb) repeat to end. You will have 50 stitches.
Rounds 13–14: Knit all stitches.
Round 15 (increase round): (K4, kfb) repeat to end. You will have 60 stitches.
Rounds 16–17: Knit all stitches. This completes the base.
Sides: Work even in stockinette stitch until the basket measures approximately 8 inches from the base, or until the sides reach your desired height.
Rim: Work (k1, p1) ribbing for the final inch.
Bind off: Bind off loosely in pattern and weave in all ends.
Finishing the bottom and hanging cord: Follow the same instructions as the small basket, but use four lengths of cord instead of three, spaced evenly around the rim, and tie your gathering knot approximately 12 inches above the rim for a longer drop.
Tips for Making the Perfect Slouchy Hanging Basket
Making these baskets is genuinely simple, but a few tips can take your finished project from good to absolutely beautiful.
Choose the right yarn. The texture and fiber content of your yarn will make a huge difference in the final look. Smooth cotton rope yarn gives you that clean, minimalist aesthetic that is so popular right now. A chunkier, more rustic jute will look more bohemian and earthy. A dyed cotton yarn in a rich terracotta, sage, or dusty pink can make the basket feel very intentional and styled. Think about where the basket will live in your home and choose your yarn accordingly.
Keep your tension loose. Because these baskets are designed to slouch, you want a slightly open, relaxed fabric. If you are a tight knitter by nature, consider going up one needle size from the recommended. A tight, dense fabric will make the basket feel stiff and boxy rather than soft and drapey.
The cord really matters. Do not underestimate the hanging element. A cheap, thin cord will make even a beautifully knitted basket look unfinished. Natural macramé cotton cord in a 3mm or 5mm thickness looks incredible and gives the whole piece a cohesive, curated look. You can also use leather cord, jute twine, or even a braided fabric cord if you want something a bit different.
Blocking helps. If your basket looks uneven or the sides are puckering a little, a quick wet block can work wonders. Simply soak the finished basket in cool water, gently squeeze out the excess moisture without wringing, and then stuff it lightly with a towel or plastic bag to hold the shape while it dries. The difference is remarkable.
Make them in pairs. Hanging baskets look best in groups. Making two baskets of the same size and hanging them at slightly different heights, or making one large and one small basket, gives you that layered, styled look that photographs beautifully and feels incredibly pulled together in real life.
What to Put in Your Hanging Baskets
Half the fun of making these baskets is deciding what to put in them. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Trailing houseplants are the obvious choice and they look absolutely stunning. Pothos, string of pearls, ivy, and wandering dude all spill over the sides beautifully and seem to have been made for this kind of display. Just make sure you either use a plastic liner inside the basket to protect the knitting from moisture, or display your plant in its nursery pot nested inside the basket rather than planting directly into it.
Fresh fruit and vegetables are another great option, especially in the kitchen. A basket filled with garlic, onions, or citrus looks incredible hanging near a window and keeps your counter clear at the same time. The open knit structure is actually ideal for this because it allows airflow that helps produce last longer.
In the bathroom, you can use the baskets for rolled-up hand towels, small bottles of soap or lotion, or a collection of bath salts. In a child’s room, they make adorable storage for small stuffed animals, hair accessories, or craft supplies.
Even if you leave them empty, these baskets are decorative enough to stand on their own. A cluster of three baskets in different sizes and slightly different shades of natural cotton hanging in a corner is a complete home décor statement all by itself.
Why This Pattern Is Worth Bookmarking
There are thousands of knitting patterns available online, and many of them are wonderful. But this particular design from Two of Wands holds a special place in the knitting community because it manages to be simultaneously quick, versatile, and genuinely beautiful. You can make a small basket in a single sitting. The large version takes just a few evenings. And because the pattern is so adaptable, you can easily adjust the size, the stitch pattern on the sides, or the cord length to suit your specific needs and aesthetic.
The free nature of the pattern is another huge draw. You get access to a well-designed, tested pattern without spending a cent, which means your entire investment is in the yarn and cord. For a project that looks so polished and deliberate, the cost per basket is remarkably low, especially if you already have some chunky cotton yarn in your stash.
This is also an excellent project to gift. Knitted home décor is a thoughtful, personal present, and hanging baskets are something almost anyone can use. Make a pair for a housewarming gift, a single large basket for a friend who loves plants, or a set of three in different sizes as a wedding gift for someone moving into their first home together.
Sharing Your Makes
Once you have finished your baskets, I highly encourage you to share them. The Two of Wands community on social media is incredibly warm and supportive, and seeing how other knitters interpret the pattern is always inspiring. Use the hashtag associated with the pattern when you post your photos so that other makers can find your work and so the original designer gets credit for her beautiful creation.
If you make any modifications to the pattern — a different stitch texture on the sides, a braided cord instead of a knotted one, an unexpected yarn choice — share those details too. Those variations are exactly what help the knitting community grow and inspire each other.
Final Thoughts
Knitting for the home is one of the most rewarding creative paths you can take with your needles. Every time you walk into the room and see something you made hanging on the wall or in a window, there is a small but genuine sense of pride and joy in that. These slouchy hanging baskets deliver that feeling in spades.
The pattern is accessible, the materials are affordable, the project is fast, and the result is something you will genuinely love displaying. Whether you make the small version, the large version, or both in a coordinated set, you are making something that will bring texture, warmth, and handmade beauty into your home for years to come.
So gather your yarn, get your needles ready, and cast on. Your walls have been waiting for exactly this.
