Free Knitting Pattern: Geometric Basket

Knitting Basket Pattern

This free knitting pattern creates a small, decorative basket featuring a geometric shape, textured material, and three knit stripes running up the sides. The finished height is 5 inches (though it could be knit to be a little taller), making it the perfect size to hold small items or a pretty plant.

The base is 7 and 1/2 inches in diameter, with slanting sides that end in an opening that is about 4 inches in diameter. Although I knit this in variegated yarn, it would also be pretty in a solid color or knit in more stripes.

Consider Adding an Interior Support

This basket pattern features a thick base, knit with your yarn held double for stability. Your finished basket will stand on its own, but remember—it is still made of a flexible knit material. You will probably want to add some type of support inside the basket for it to keep its shape.

Plastic containers are good to use as liners, particularly if you want to put a plant inside your basket. I used a small plate (cut down from a fast food salad container) and a plastic food storage container inside my basket to give some support for the walls and base. You can look around your home to find items that will work to protect your basket.

Materials for Knitting a Geometric Basket

• About 200 yards of worsted weight or heavily worsted weight yarn. I would suggested using a tightly twisted yarn, either in an acrylic or 100% wool. I used Red Heart Super Saver in a gray. This is a sturdy yarn that is great for household items.
• Sizes #7, # 8 and # 10 dpns (you will probably need all three sizes)
• 6 stitch markers. It would be best if one marker is different from the others.
• Crochet hook for circular cast on. I used an H hook.
• Tapestry needle

Gauge and Sizing Info

• Gauge: 17 sts x 32 rows = 4 inches, yarn knit singularly in MOSS st on #8 needle. Adjust size of needle to get correct gauge before starting project.
• Finished Size: Basket is 5 inches tall (though you can knit it to be a little bit taller). The base is 7 1/2 inches wide in diameter. The sides decrease to form a 4 inch opening at the top of the basket.

Abbreviations Used in This Pattern

kf&b = knit into the front and back of your stitch (used to increase your stitches by one)

slm = slide marker

** = repeat pattern between *

k2tog = knit next 2 stitches together (to decrease one stitch)

p2tog = purl the next 2 stitches together (decreases stitch count by one)

Directions for Knitting the Base of Your Geometric Basket

The base of the basket is knit in the round, beginning with a circular case on and using a crochet hook. Your yarn is held single for the initial cast on. But afterwards, your yarn is used double to create a thick, tightly knit base for your basket.

Cast on 5 sts with one string of yarn using the circular cast on method and a size H crochet hook. Then move your 5 sts to #8 dpns, placing a marker to join for knitting in the round. You may find it easier to start with only three dpns and add needles as your base gets larger. Once you've moved your stitches to dpns, pull on the end of your cast on yarn to tighten your stitches and close the hole in the center.

Pattern for Knitting the Base

Round 1: Join a second string of yarn so you are knitting with double thickness, knit all 5 stitches

Rnd 2: Knit front and back (kf&b) of all stitches (increase to 10 sts)

Rnd 3 and 4: Switch to larger dpns, knit all stitches

Scroll to Continue

Get Away (2024) Movie Review!

Synth Single Review: “Over Again’’ by Future Analog

30 Quotes by Nelson Mandela That Will Transform Your Life

Rnd 5: Kf&b all sts (increase to 20 sts)

Rnd 6, 7, and 8: Knit all stitches

Rnd 9: Kf&b all sts (increase to 40 sts)

Rnd 10 - 13: Knit all stitches

Rnd 14: Kf&b all sts (increase to 80 sts)

Rnd 15–17: Knit all stitches, base should be about 7 1/2 inches in diameter. Continue to knit rounds with no increases to reach size if necessary.

Rnd 18: Bind off all stitches

You can give your base a wet block to get it to lie flat if there is any rolling at the rim.

Directions for Knitting the Sides of the Basket

Once your base is dry, you can begin to knit the sides of your geometric basket.

Moss Stitch Pattern in Rounds

Round 1: *k1, p1* repeat to last st, k1

Rnd 2: *k1, p1* repeat to last st, k1

Rnd 3: *p1,k1* repeat to last st, p1

Rnd 4: *p1,k1* repeat to last st, p1

How to Knit the Sides

With the right side facing up and using only a single strand of yarn and # 8 dpns, pick up 78 stitches around the edge of your base. Place your unique marker at the end of your stitches and begin knitting in the round for the sides:

Foundation Round: K3, place marker, work 23 sts in Moss St, pm, k3, pm, work next 23 sts in Moss St, pm, k3, pm, work last 23 sts in Moss St, pm.

Next Round: k3, slide marker, work in Moss pattern as established to marker, slm, k3, slm, continue in Moss pattern to marker, slm, k3, slm, continue in Moss pattern, slm.

Continue in this pattern for a total of 7 rounds, including Foundation Round, then follow the directions for decreasing:

Decreasing Round: When decreasing stitches in Moss Stitch, you want to use a k2tog or a p2tog based on whatever the second stitch will be. You will want to maintain knitting in your pattern as established. You will be decreasing the first stitch in your pattern, so you want to decrease (k2tog or p2tog) based on whatever your second stitch (your remaining st) will be, so:

Dec Rnd: *k3, k2tog (or p2tog), continue in Moss pattern to last 2 sts, k2tog (or p2tog), slm*, repeat twice more around your basket.

Repeat this 8 round pattern (7 Moss Stitch rounds and 1 decrease round) to knit the sides of your basket. I changed colors of yarn on the second round or my second repeat of the pattern, but this is optional. You will noticed that the k3 in the pattern is creating 3 stripes or ribs up the sides of your basket for a nice decorative detail.

Follow this 8 round pattern 4 times or through 4 decreases, leaving you with 54 stitches. Optional - You can continue knitting the 8 round pattern for a total of 6 decreases to make your basket taller, but this will make the opening smaller.

Then knit 3 more rounds with no decreases to finish your basket. I changed back to my starting color here, but this is optional. Then begin the rim to your basket.

You can either knit your rim in garter stitch or in knit stitch. Garter stitch will create a stretchy collar around your basket's top edge. Knitting your rim will create a rolled collar.

I chose to knit a rolled rim to my basket. I switched to #7 dpns and knit all stitches for 5 rounds. Then I bound off as normal. If you choose to knit your rim in garter stitch, I still suggest you switch to small needles so your edge is clean and snug.

© 2016 Donna Herron

Comments

Donna Herron (author) from USA on April 16, 2016:

Thanks, Heidi! Small baskets and storage items are fun projects to knit for your home, and a great way to use your favorite leftover yarn. Thanks, as always, for your comments and congratulations!

Donna Herron (author) from USA on April 16, 2016:

Hi Misfit Chick - You could definitely translate this pattern into crochet. I think crochet stitches would add more structure to the basket walls and you'd be safe to enlarge to fit your cats. There are also lots of crochet patterns online for cat baskets. Thanks and good luck with your basket project!

Donna Herron (author) from USA on April 16, 2016:

Hi Virginia Lynne - I think you'd like this pattern. It's quite easy and includes some fun techniques, like the circular cast on, that are good to know and can be used for other projects. I hope you try it! Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

Donna Herron (author) from USA on April 16, 2016:

Thanks, Kristen! So glad you like this pattern. This basket design is also easy to modify to make larger or use a different texture for the sides. Thanks again for your comments!

Heidi Thorne from Chicago Area on April 16, 2016:

I must have missed this one when it first came out. How cute! Congrats on another well-deserved Hub of the Day. Enjoy the spring weekend!

Catherine Mostly from Seattle, WA - USA - The WORLD on April 16, 2016:

I am terrible at knitting (I've tried, ha!); but this is a great idea - my kitty cats would LOVE a basket like this to take naps and hide in. This could easily be altered for crochet - which I can do! Thanks so much for the adorable idea. Meow!! :)

Virginia Kearney from United States on April 16, 2016:

I love this basket and think it would be interesting to try one. I don't knit much but I like the fact that this is a project that a beginner could try.

Kristen Howe from Northeast Ohio on April 16, 2016:

Donna, congrats on another HOTD, my friend! That geometric basket was beautifully designed and easy to make on your own with your instructions and photos. Well done!

Donna Herron (author) from USA on January 22, 2016:

Hi Glimmer Twin Fan - Thanks so much! I just took a basket making class and I am enjoying trying to copy some basket shapes into knit patterns. So glad you like this. Thanks, as always, for your comments!

Claudia Porter on January 22, 2016:

This is great Donna. What a pretty addition to a shelf or dresser and great pattern instructions.

Donna Herron (author) from USA on January 12, 2016:

Hi Chantelle - Thanks for sharing my pattern with others you think might enjoy it. I appreciate your support. Thanks for stopping by and adding your comments!

Donna Herron (author) from USA on January 12, 2016:

Hi Sally - So good to hear from you! Thanks so much for your comments. I appreciate it!

Donna Herron (author) from USA on January 12, 2016:

Hi Jackie - So glad this pattern gives you some ideas to make something wonderful! Thanks, as always, for stopping by and commenting!

Chantelle Porter from Ann Arbor on January 12, 2016:

I know absolutely nothing about knitting but I saved this because I think my mom would really like it. She's a big knitter. Thanks for sharing!

Sally Gulbrandsen from Norfolk on January 12, 2016:

Hi Donna,

That is very cute. I admit I am not much of a knitter though my Mother was a terrific one:) I do however, know a good article though when I see one. Well done, you always manage to come up with the goods.

Best wishes,

Sally.

Jackie Lynnley from the beautiful south on January 12, 2016:

Wow I don't knit (and I have tried!) but this gives me great ideas for crochet! Thanks so much. With a couple of strings you could have a cute little purse!

Beautiful work.