Knit Slouchy Hanging Baskets

Knit Slouchy Hanging Baskets by Two of Wands

Project Overview

Knit Slouchy Hanging Baskets is a beginner-friendly knitting pattern designed to create functional, decorative storage containers in two sizes. This downloadable PDF pattern from independent designer Two of Wands provides instructions for crafting both a smaller basket measuring 8.5 inches in diameter and a larger basket measuring 13.75 inches in diameter, making these versatile pieces suitable for organizing and displaying items in any room.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces two distinct hanging basket designs that combine practical storage functionality with aesthetic appeal. The smaller basket has a finished diameter of 8.5 inches with a circumference of 27 inches and a depth of 8 inches, while the larger basket features a diameter of 13.75 inches, a circumference of 43 inches, and a depth of 12 inches. Both baskets are characterized by their slouchy construction, which creates a relaxed, organic shape ideal for displaying plants, yarn, or other household items.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The baskets are constructed using linen stitch, a textured stitch pattern worked in the round that creates a dense, fabric-like appearance. The pattern is worked with yarn held doubled, which adds weight and structure to the finished baskets. Knitting in the round is accomplished using circular needles, allowing for seamless construction and a professional finish. The pattern includes standard decreasing techniques to shape the baskets as needed.

Stitches Used

• Linen stitch – the primary stitch pattern creating the textured, basket-like fabric
• Knit stitch – fundamental stitch used throughout the pattern
• Decreases – including the S2KP (slip 2 together knitwise) technique for shaping
• Cast on and cast off – standard edge techniques for beginning and finishing the baskets

Materials and Tools Required

The pattern calls for worsted weight yarn (category 4), with specific yardage requirements varying by basket size. For the larger basket, approximately 808 yards (740 meters) of yarn is needed, while the smaller basket requires approximately 404 yards (370 meters). The pattern specifies Lion Brand Yarn Re-Tweed in Fudge (253-126) for the larger basket and Grapefruit (253-104) for the smaller basket, though any worsted weight yarn of comparable weight and yardage may be substituted.

Knitting needles required include Size US 11 (8mm) circular needles in two lengths: 24 inches (60cm) for the larger basket and 16 inches (40cm) for the smaller basket. Additionally, Size US 11 (8mm) double pointed needles are needed for working smaller circumferences, along with removable stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked at a gauge of 13 stitches plus 25 rounds equaling 4 inches (10cm) when working linen stitch in the round with yarn held doubled. Maintaining this gauge is essential for achieving the specified finished dimensions and ensuring the baskets have the proper structure and slouchy appearance intended by the designer.

Skill Level

Rated as a beginner pattern, Knit Slouchy Hanging Baskets is accessible to knitters new to in-the-round construction and textured stitch patterns. The straightforward linen stitch repeat and basic shaping techniques make this an excellent project for building foundational knitting skills while creating practical, gift-worthy finished pieces.