Knit Slouchy Hanging Baskets: A Free Pattern by Alexandra Tavel
If you’ve been searching for a home décor project that’s equal parts functional and charming, you’ve landed in exactly the right place. These Knit Slouchy Hanging Baskets by Alexandra Tavel are the kind of pattern that sneaks up on you — you cast on thinking you’ll make one, and before long you’re hanging them in every room of the house. Soft, organic, and undeniably cozy, these baskets bring that lived-in, artisan-crafted warmth that no store-bought bin can replicate.
Whether you’re a beginner knitter looking for a satisfying first home décor project or an experienced maker wanting to add something quick and practical to your repertoire, this pattern delivers on every front. Let’s walk through everything you need to know — from materials and gauge to finishing tips and styling ideas — so you can get started with confidence.
What Are Knit Slouchy Hanging Baskets?
The name says it all, really. These are knitted baskets with a relaxed, slouchy silhouette — meaning they don’t hold a rigid shape the way a tightly structured wicker basket would. Instead, they drape softly, gathering and pooling at the bottom in a way that feels intentional and artistic. The slouch is the point.
They’re designed to hang from the wall or ceiling using a simple looped cord or leather strap, making them ideal for storing and displaying all sorts of things: air plants, trailing succulents, rolled hand towels, balls of yarn, small toys in a child’s room, or even a favorite paperback. The open top makes it easy to drop things in and pull them out, and the textured knit fabric adds visual interest that plain baskets simply can’t match.
Alexandra Tavel, the designer behind this pattern, has a gift for creating projects that look complex but are surprisingly approachable. Her designs tend to live at the intersection of modern craft and timeless home styling, and these hanging baskets are a perfect example of that aesthetic.
Materials You’ll Need
Before you cast on, gather your supplies. Having everything on hand before you begin makes the knitting process smooth and uninterrupted.
Yarn. For this pattern, you’ll want a chunky or bulky weight yarn that has some body to it. Alexandra’s original design works beautifully with a single-ply wool or wool-blend yarn, which gives the basket that soft, matte texture and natural drape. Cotton or cotton-blend yarns are also a great choice if you want something that holds its shape a little more firmly or if you’re knitting for a humid space like a bathroom. Avoid anything too slippery or too fine — you want the fabric to have substance and presence.
The yardage you’ll need depends on the size of basket you’re making, but generally plan for between 100 and 200 yards per basket. If you’re working with a true bulky (size 5 or 6) yarn, you’ll be on the lower end of that range.
Needles. A set of US size 10 to 10.5 (6mm to 6.5mm) circular or double-pointed needles works well for most bulky yarn versions of this pattern. If you’re using a super bulky yarn, you may want to size up to US 11 or 13. As always, knit a swatch and trust your gauge over the needle size on the label.
Notions. You’ll need a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, stitch markers (optional but helpful for tracking rounds), and a length of rope, macramé cord, or leather lacing for the hanging loop. A wooden dowel or ring can be incorporated into the top hem if you’d like a more structured opening — this is optional but gives the basket a polished, gallery-worthy look.
Gauge and Sizing
Gauge matters more for home décor projects than many knitters realize. A looser gauge will give you a more draped, open fabric that holds its slouchy shape beautifully. A tighter gauge will produce something sturdier and more structured. For these hanging baskets, a slightly looser hand tends to work in your favor.
A general target gauge is around 12 to 14 stitches over 4 inches in stockinette stitch using your chosen yarn and needles. That said, this is a relaxed, forgiving pattern — a small variation won’t ruin your basket. What it will do is change the finished size slightly, so keep that in mind if you’re planning to use it for something with a specific size requirement, like fitting a particular pot.
Alexandra’s pattern typically yields baskets in small, medium, and large sizes. A small basket finishes at approximately 6 to 7 inches in diameter at the base and about 8 inches tall. A medium runs closer to 9 to 10 inches across and 10 to 12 inches tall. A large basket can reach 12 or more inches in diameter, making it generous enough to hold a good-sized plant or a pile of cozy knits.
Pattern Overview: How These Baskets Are Knit
The construction of these slouchy hanging baskets is elegantly simple. They’re worked in the round from the bottom up, beginning with a small number of stitches and increasing outward to form the flat base, then working straight up the sides to create the body of the basket.
The Base. You’ll begin by casting on a small number of stitches — typically somewhere between 8 and 12, depending on the size — and joining to work in the round. From there, you’ll increase evenly on every round (or every other round) until the base reaches your desired diameter. The most common method uses a simple knit-front-and-back or yarn-over increase, which creates a naturally circular, flat disc.
The Sides. Once the base is the right size, you simply stop increasing and knit straight up. This is where the basket becomes almost meditative — round after round of stockinette in the round (which appears as smooth knit fabric on the outside), or seed stitch or a simple rib if you want added texture. The sides are typically worked for 8 to 14 inches, depending on how tall you want the finished basket.
The Top Edge. The opening of the basket gets a simple finishing treatment to prevent rolling and to give you something to attach your hanging hardware to. A few rounds of reverse stockinette, garter stitch, or a single-crochet edging (worked with a crochet hook if you’re comfortable) all work beautifully. If you’re using a wooden ring, you’ll fold the top edge over the ring and seam it down on the inside.
The Hanging Loop. This is where you get to make it your own. A length of macramé rope tied through the top edge in a simple knot gives a casual, boho look. Leather cord threaded through grommets looks sleek and modern. You can also knit a small I-cord and sew it into place for an all-knit finish. Whatever you choose, make sure your loop is secure enough to hold the weight of a full basket — especially if you’re planning to hang a plant.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a general version of the pattern so you can get a feel for the construction before consulting Alexandra’s original for exact stitch counts.
Cast On and Begin Base. Using your chosen yarn and needles, cast on 8 stitches using a magic loop or divide across double-pointed needles. Join to work in the round, placing a marker at the beginning of the round. Round 1: Knit all stitches. Round 2: Knit-front-and-back in each stitch — 16 stitches. Round 3: Knit. Round 4: Knit-front-and-back in every other stitch — 24 stitches. Continue in this manner, increasing evenly on alternate rounds, until the base measures the diameter you want (roughly 6 inches for a small, 9 for a medium, 12 for a large).
Work the Sides. Stop increasing and knit every round until the sides measure your desired height. Keep your tension relaxed and even — this is your chance to enjoy the rhythm of circular knitting.
Finish the Top Edge. Work 4 to 6 rounds of your chosen edging. If using garter stitch, alternate a purl round and a knit round. Bind off loosely to keep the opening relaxed and easy to use.
Attach the Hanging Cord. Cut two lengths of macramé cord (or your chosen material), each about 24 to 30 inches long. Thread both lengths through the top edge of the basket, spacing them evenly apart on opposite sides. Gather all four ends above the basket, even them out, and tie a large overhand knot to form the hanging loop. Adjust the height of the knot to set the length of your hanger.
Weave In Ends and Block. Weave in any remaining yarn tails with your tapestry needle. If your yarn is wet-blockable, lightly mist the basket and shape it while damp, then allow it to dry completely before hanging. This step makes a surprising difference in the finished look, smoothing out any unevenness in the fabric.
Yarn Substitution Ideas
One of the pleasures of a pattern like this is how beautifully it adapts to different yarn choices. Here are a few directions you might take it.
If you want a natural, earthy basket, look for undyed or minimally processed wool in off-white, oatmeal, or warm grey tones. Single-ply wool has a rustic halo that photographs beautifully and pairs perfectly with plants.
For a more polished, modern look, try a tightly twisted cotton yarn in white or a deep, saturated color like terracotta, sage, or navy. Cotton produces a cleaner stitch definition and a slightly more structured fabric.
Merino or merino-blend yarns split the difference — they’re soft enough to feel luxurious, with enough elasticity to maintain an even knit. They also tend to wet block beautifully, which can really refine the finished shape of your basket.
If sustainability matters to you, recycled cotton, organic wool, or plant-fiber yarns like bamboo or linen all work in this construction. Linen especially becomes more supple and beautiful with washing and use.
Tips for Success
A few things that will make this project go more smoothly.
Don’t skip the swatch. Even a quick 4-inch square knit in the round will tell you whether your gauge is in the ballpark. A basket that comes out too small or too large isn’t the end of the world, but it’s easily avoided.
Keep your tension consistent. Because this pattern involves increasing from the bottom up, uneven tension can cause the base to ruffle or cup. Try to maintain an even, relaxed hand throughout.
Use stitch markers generously. Placing markers at each increase point makes it easy to track where you are in the pattern, especially as the stitch count grows in the base section.
Finish your ends well. Because baskets get used — things go in and out, they may get picked up and moved — make sure your yarn tails are woven in securely. A couple of inches woven in opposite directions, then trimmed close, is generally enough to stay put.
Test your hanging hardware before you fill the basket. Tug firmly on the cord and make sure the knot is secure and that whatever you’re hanging it from (a hook, a nail, a ceiling anchor) is rated for the weight.
Styling Your Knit Slouchy Hanging Baskets
Part of what makes these baskets so appealing is their versatility in home décor. Here are some ideas to get you thinking about where yours might live.
In the Kitchen. Hang a set of three baskets near a window to store garlic, shallots, or citrus fruit. The open weave allows for good airflow, which keeps produce fresh longer, and the visual warmth of knit fiber makes even a utilitarian storage solution feel intentional.
In the Bathroom. Fill a basket with rolled hand towels or a collection of small bath products. White or natural cotton yarn works particularly well here since it can be washed easily.
In a Plant Corner. These baskets were practically made for trailing plants. A pothos, string of pearls, or small fern tucked inside a medium basket and hung near a bright window is one of the most effortlessly beautiful things you can do in a living room or bedroom. Just make sure to use a liner or a pot with a drainage tray to protect the fiber.
In a Child’s Room. A set of small baskets hung at child-height makes a charming and accessible storage solution for small toys, books, or craft supplies. Choose yarn in playful colors or let your child pick their own.
In a Reading Nook. A large hanging basket is the perfect spot to corral a book you’re in the middle of, a pair of reading glasses, a candle, and a small journal. Everything you need, right at hand, in a package that looks beautiful.
Making Multiple Baskets: A Cohesive Set
These baskets truly shine when made in groups. A set of three in graduating sizes, hung at different heights on the same wall, creates a dynamic display that feels both curated and casual. You might use the same yarn in different colorways, or the same colorway on different yarn textures, or go completely uniform for a gallery-wall effect.
When hanging multiples, consider the negative space between them as part of the design. Baskets that are too close together can feel cluttered, while a little breathing room lets each one be appreciated individually while still reading as a cohesive collection.
About the Designer: Alexandra Tavel
Alexandra Tavel is a fiber artist and pattern designer known for her approachable, aesthetically considered knitting and crochet patterns. Her work often blends practical function with a refined sense of design — she’s as comfortable designing a wearable garment as she is creating something that belongs on a wall. Her patterns are widely loved by makers at all skill levels for being clearly written, well-tested, and genuinely enjoyable to knit.
If you enjoy these Knit Slouchy Hanging Baskets, it’s well worth exploring the rest of her pattern catalog. You’re likely to find several other projects that speak to the same sensibility — tactile, honest, made to be used and loved.
Final Thoughts
There’s something quietly satisfying about making the objects in your home with your own hands. These Knit Slouchy Hanging Baskets by Alexandra Tavel are the kind of project that rewards the time you put into them long after the knitting is done — every time you walk past one hanging on your wall, every time you reach in to grab a book or check on your plant, there’s a small reminder that you made that. That matters.
The pattern is accessible enough for confident beginners and engaging enough that experienced knitters won’t find it tedious. It knits up quickly, adapts readily to different yarns and colors, and the finished object earns its place in any room. Whether you make one to keep or a dozen to give as gifts, these baskets are a project worth returning to again and again.
Cast on, find your rhythm, and enjoy the process. The slouch will work itself out.
