Knit Slouchy Hanging Baskets: A Free Pattern by Alexandra Tavel

There is something deeply satisfying about making something with your hands that is both beautiful and functional. Knitted home décor has surged in popularity over the last several years, and for good reason — yarn projects bring warmth, texture, and personality to any living space in a way that mass-produced items simply cannot. If you have been looking for a knitting project that feels modern, boho, and genuinely useful, these Knit Slouchy Hanging Baskets by Alexandra Tavel are exactly what you need.

Whether you are a seasoned knitter or someone who has just mastered the basics and is ready to move beyond dishcloths and scarves, this pattern is a wonderful next step. It uses simple techniques, works up relatively quickly, and produces a finished object that looks far more impressive than the skill level required to make it. Let’s dive in.

What Are Knit Slouchy Hanging Baskets?

Knit Slouchy Hanging Baskets are fabric containers knitted in the round, designed with a relaxed, slightly floppy silhouette that gives them that effortlessly casual, boho-chic aesthetic. Unlike rigid wicker or wire baskets, these knitted versions have a soft drape that makes them perfect for hanging from walls, ceiling hooks, or macramé-style display setups.

The word “slouchy” refers to that intentional looseness in the structure — the basket doesn’t hold a perfectly stiff shape. Instead, it settles and drapes naturally, which is precisely what gives it so much visual appeal. The organic, lived-in look pairs beautifully with natural textures like wood, linen, and plants, making these baskets a popular choice for bohemian, Scandinavian, and farmhouse-style interiors.

Alexandra Tavel, the designer behind this pattern, is known for creating approachable, stylish knitwear and home décor patterns that resonate with modern crafters. Her designs tend to balance aesthetic appeal with achievable technique, making them favorites among knitters who want to decorate their homes with handmade items without spending months on a single project.

Why You Will Love This Pattern

Before we get into the specifics of the pattern itself, let’s talk about why this project is worth your time and yarn stash.

First, it is genuinely versatile. Once you have knitted one of these baskets, you will want to make them in every size, every colorway, and for every room of your house. They work beautifully as planters for small succulents or air plants, as organizers for bathroom supplies, as catch-alls on shelves, or as decorative objects in their own right. Hang a cluster of three at slightly different heights and you have an instant wall installation that looks like it came from an artisan market.

Second, the pattern is a great stash buster. Because these baskets are worked with chunky or bulky yarn, they eat through your yarn supply in the most satisfying way. If you have been hoarding that beautiful skein of natural cotton or that thick wool you bought on impulse, this is the project to use it on. The pattern also works beautifully with single-color yarn, so you do not have to worry about color changes or complicated striping unless you want to.

Third, it makes a spectacular gift. Handmade home décor is one of the most appreciated gift categories, and a set of these baskets wrapped in tissue paper and tied with twine is the kind of thoughtful present that earns a permanent place on the recipient’s shelf. If you do craft fairs or sell your knitting, these baskets are also excellent items to have in your inventory — they photograph well, display easily, and appeal to a wide range of shoppers.

Fourth, the project is relatively fast. With bulky yarn and larger needles, you can knit one small basket in an evening. A larger version might take a weekend. For knitters who struggle to finish projects, the quick turnaround on these baskets is enormously motivating.

Materials You Will Need

To knit the Slouchy Hanging Baskets, you will need to gather a handful of materials. The specific amounts will depend on the size of basket you want to make, so treat these as guidelines and refer to Alexandra Tavel’s original pattern for the precise yardage requirements.

Yarn: A chunky or bulky weight cotton, wool, or wool-blend yarn works best for this project. Cotton is especially popular for hanging baskets because it holds its shape reasonably well while still achieving that lovely drape. Natural undyed cotton gives a clean, neutral look that complements any décor style, while dyed options let you introduce a pop of color. You will want a yarn that has some body to it — very soft, drapey yarns may produce a basket that collapses too much to be functional.

Needles: The pattern calls for circular knitting needles in the size appropriate for your chosen yarn. Because you are knitting in the round, circulars (or double-pointed needles for smaller circumferences) are essential. The exact needle size will be specified in Alexandra Tavel’s pattern, so check the original for guidance.

Notions: You will need a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, stitch markers to mark the beginning of each round, and a tape measure to check your dimensions as you go.

Hanging hardware: This is where the “hanging” part comes in. You will need rope, twine, or cord to create the suspension system for your basket. Natural jute twine, cotton rope, or leather cord all work beautifully. A ceiling hook, wall hook, or curtain rod will also be needed depending on how and where you plan to display your finished baskets.

Optional: A small amount of stiffening spray or fabric stiffener can help your basket hold its shape if you find the final result is a bit too floppy for your taste. This is entirely optional — many knitters love the naturally slouchy finish — but it is a good option to know about.

Gauge and Sizing

As with any knitting pattern, gauge matters. Because this is a home décor item rather than a garment, you have a little more flexibility than you would with, say, a fitted sweater. However, hitting approximately the right gauge will ensure your basket ends up close to the intended dimensions.

Alexandra Tavel’s pattern provides a recommended gauge, and it is worth taking the time to knit a swatch before you begin. A swatch does not need to take long, and it gives you valuable information about whether your needle size and yarn combination are working the way they should. If your gauge is tighter than recommended, try going up a needle size. If your gauge is looser, try going down.

The pattern can typically be scaled to produce baskets in a range of sizes — from a small hanging planter just large enough to hold a tiny succulent, to a larger basket suitable for storing yarn, kitchen items, or bathroom essentials. Adjusting the number of cast-on stitches and the total height of the basket will allow you to customize the size to suit your needs.

Understanding the Construction

The Knit Slouchy Hanging Baskets are worked in the round from the bottom up. This means you will begin by casting on a small number of stitches at the base and increase outward to form the circular bottom of the basket. Then you will work the sides upward, maintaining the stitch count to create the cylindrical body. The top may feature a simple bind-off or a decorative edge depending on the specific version of the pattern you are following.

Here is a general overview of the construction process:

The base: You will cast on a small number of stitches (often using a magic loop or double-pointed needles to manage the small circumference) and work a series of increase rounds. The increases are evenly spaced and gradually widen the fabric outward to form a flat circle. This is the bottom of your basket. The increase pattern is typically simple — something like knit to the stitch marker, make one, knit to the next marker, and so on — making it very manageable even for knitters who are new to working in the round.

The sides: Once the base has reached the desired diameter, you will stop increasing and begin working straight. This is where the basket’s walls are formed. You will simply knit around and around (or use a stitch pattern if the specific version calls for one) until the sides reach the desired height. This section of the project is wonderfully meditative — it is the kind of knitting you can do while watching television or listening to a podcast.

The finishing: After binding off, you will weave in your ends and then attach your hanging cord. The method for attaching the cord will vary, but common approaches include threading rope through the stitches at the rim of the basket, tying cord around the outside, or weaving twine through eyelets created during the knitting process. Alexandra Tavel’s instructions will guide you through this step specifically, so refer to her original pattern for the best result.

Tips for Success

Even with a beginner-friendly pattern, a few tips can make the process smoother and the result more polished.

Use stitch markers generously. When working increase rounds for the base, a stitch marker at each increase point keeps you from losing track of where you are. This is especially helpful when you are working with bulky yarn in a dark color, where it can be hard to visually distinguish each stitch.

Check your dimensions as you go. A quick measurement every few rounds during the sides section will tell you when you have reached the right height. It is easy to get into a knitting groove and overshoot the target by several rounds before you realize it.

Block the finished basket. Wet blocking — soaking your finished basket in water, gently squeezing out the excess moisture, and shaping it while damp — can dramatically improve the final look. This is especially true with cotton yarn. Blocking evens out any stitch irregularities and helps the basket settle into a nice, even shape.

Experiment with cord types. The type of cord you use to hang the basket has a significant impact on the finished look. Thick, rustic jute gives a very natural, earthy vibe. Smooth cotton rope looks cleaner and more contemporary. Leather or faux-leather cord adds an edgier, more minimalist quality. Try a few options and see which suits your interior.

Make them in sets. A single basket is lovely, but a grouping of two or three baskets at varying heights is truly stunning. Consider knitting them in the same yarn but at different sizes, or in complementary colorways that create a cohesive but interesting display.

Yarn Recommendations

Choosing the right yarn is one of the most enjoyable parts of any project, and for these baskets, you have a wonderful range of options.

For a natural, neutral look, undyed or naturally colored cotton in a chunky weight is hard to beat. Brands like Lion Brand, We Are Knitters, and Paintbox all offer solid chunky cottons in a range of neutral and earthy tones that suit the boho-inspired aesthetic of this pattern beautifully.

For something with a bit more texture and warmth, consider a chunky wool or wool-blend. This is a wonderful choice if you are making the baskets purely for display rather than as planters (wool and water are not the best of friends, so keep this in mind if you plan to use them for living plants). A tweedy or heathered wool adds beautiful visual depth and pairs especially well with wooden wall hooks.

For a more modern or colorful take, try a bright, bold cotton in a statement shade. A single basket in a rich terracotta, deep forest green, or cobalt blue can become a focal point on a neutral wall.

How to Display Your Finished Baskets

Once your baskets are complete, the fun really begins. Here are a few display ideas to get your imagination going.

A single large basket hung in a sunny window makes a beautiful planter for trailing plants. Let the vines drape over the edge of the basket for a lush, garden-like feel. A trio of small baskets hung at different heights on a blank wall creates an eye-catching installation — fill them with dried florals, small potted cacti, or even rolled hand towels in a bathroom setting. In a child’s room, a set of colorful hanging baskets makes charming storage for small toys, stuffed animals, or craft supplies. In a kitchen, a hanging basket near the window can hold fresh herbs growing in small pots. In a home office or studio, they make attractive storage for supplies, keeping things accessible while also looking intentional and designed.

The beauty of a handmade hanging basket is that it can be as functional or as purely decorative as you want it to be. There is no wrong way to display something you made with your own hands.

About Alexandra Tavel

Alexandra Tavel is a knitwear designer whose work is beloved in the crafting community for its combination of modern style and accessible technique. Her patterns span garments, accessories, and home décor, and she has a particular talent for creating designs that feel fresh and on-trend while remaining approachable for a wide range of skill levels. Her Knit Slouchy Hanging Baskets pattern is a perfect example of this balance — it is stylish enough to appeal to design-conscious crafters, and achievable enough that beginners can take it on with confidence.

If you enjoy this pattern, it is well worth exploring the rest of Alexandra Tavel’s portfolio. She publishes patterns in a variety of formats and her designs are consistently well-written and thoughtfully constructed.

Final Thoughts

Knitting your own home décor is one of the most rewarding things you can do with your craft. It transforms a skill that might otherwise be focused on wearables into something that touches every corner of your daily life. Every time you see those baskets hanging on your wall, or a friend admires them when they visit your home, you get to say — I made those.

The Knit Slouchy Hanging Baskets pattern by Alexandra Tavel is the kind of project that earns a permanent place in your pattern library. It is quick enough to be satisfying, versatile enough to be genuinely useful, and beautiful enough to be genuinely proud of. Whether you are making them for yourself, as gifts, or as items to sell, these baskets are a project worth casting on for.

So pull out your chunky yarn, grab your circular needles, and get started. Your walls are waiting.