Laundry Day Peg Basket

Laundry Day Peg Basket by Ann Franklin

Project Overview

The Laundry Day Peg Basket is a practical knitted container designed by Ann Franklin for holding laundry pegs. This intermediate-level knitting project combines decorative stitch patterns with functional construction, creating a versatile basket that can be suspended from a washing line, worn over an arm, or placed on top of a laundry basket. The finished basket measures 12cm in height (excluding the handle) with a 15cm circumference, making it an appropriately sized accessory for everyday laundry tasks.

Construction and Design Features

The basket features a thoughtfully designed two-stitch construction that balances aesthetics with functionality. The main body is worked in basket-weave stitch, a textured pattern that provides visual interest while mimicking the appearance of traditional wicker baskets. This stitch choice is both decorative and practical, as the texture helps create structure within the knitted fabric.

The handle incorporates a cable pattern, which not only adds visual contrast to the design but also reinforces the wicker basket aesthetic that inspired the project. The cable stitch creates a sturdy, three-dimensional element that is both comfortable to hold and visually distinctive.

A key structural feature is the rigid hoop inserted at the upper edge of the basket. This 15cm macramé hoop (or equivalent embroidery hoop inner ring) keeps the top opening of the basket permanently open and maintains its shape during use. The basket also includes a button tab, which allows the piece to be hung over a washing line for convenient access to pegs while doing laundry.

Stitches and Techniques

• Basket-weave stitch – Used for the main body to create texture and visual interest
• Cable stitch – Used for the handle to add strength and decorative appeal
• Stocking stitch – The reference stitch for tension measurement
• Knit and purl stitches – Foundation techniques used throughout the pattern

Materials and Tools Required

This project uses Stylecraft Vintage Look Life DK yarn in the colorway Moorland (2136). The yarn is a premium blend of 75% acrylic and 25% wool, providing durability and a soft finish suitable for a frequently-used household item. One 100g ball containing 298 meters of yarn is sufficient to complete the basket.

The pattern requires 4mm single-point needles for the main knitting, along with a cable needle for working the cable pattern on the handle. Additional materials include a 15cm macramé hoop (or the inner hoop from an embroidery hoop) to structure the basket opening, and a 17mm diameter button for the attachment tab.

Yarn Weight and Tension

This project is worked in DK (double knit) weight yarn, a versatile yarn weight that provides good stitch definition for both the textured basket-weave and cable patterns. The recommended tension is 22 stitches and 30 rows per 10cm x 10cm square measured over stocking stitch using 4mm needles. Achieving the correct tension is important for ensuring the basket reaches the specified finished measurements and maintains proper structure when the hoop is inserted.

Skill Level

Rated as an intermediate difficulty project, the Laundry Day Peg Basket is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to work with textured stitches and cable patterns. The combination of basket-weave and cable techniques requires familiarity with stitch manipulation and the ability to read pattern instructions, making it an ideal next step for knitters progressing beyond basic projects.