Learn to Felt - Easter Basket

Learn to Knit a Felted Easter Basket by Staci Perry

Project Overview

This downloadable knitting pattern teaches crafters how to create a functional felted Easter basket using worsted weight yarn and intermediate knitting techniques. Designed by Staci Perry, this project produces a decorative container perfect for holiday displays or storage. The pattern offers two size options—a smaller basket measuring approximately 6" x 5" with a 4.5" height, and a larger basket measuring approximately 12" x 5" with a 4.5" height—allowing knitters to choose based on their needs and yarn availability.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This intermediate-level project introduces knitters to the felting process, a technique that transforms hand-knitted fabric into a denser, more structured material through controlled washing and agitation. The basket is constructed using circular knitting methods, which allows for seamless construction and even fabric development. The pattern employs color work techniques to create visual interest, with knitters choosing between two distinct colorway options during the knitting phase before the felting process transforms the final appearance.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

While specific stitch abbreviations are not detailed in the pattern excerpt, the construction utilizes fundamental knitting stitches appropriate for worsted weight yarn. The color variations are achieved through strategic yarn changes, creating either a striped pattern or a gingham design depending on the crafter's preference. These color-work sections require careful attention to tension and yarn management to ensure clean color transitions.

Yarn and Materials

Yarn Options: The pattern provides two complete colorway options, both using Cascade 220, a 100% wool yarn ideal for felting projects. For the striped version, crafters use Lilac 8912 as the main color, Soft Pink 4192 as the first contrasting color, and Tutu 9477 as the second contrasting color. The gingham version features Hot Pink as the main color, Cotton Candy as the first contrasting color, and Natural as the second contrasting color. The yarn quantities specified are sufficient for the larger basket size, with the smaller basket requiring slightly less yarn. The pattern notes that any felt-able, 100% wool yarn can be substituted, providing flexibility for yarn selection.

Tools and Equipment:

• Size 10.5 or 11 US circular needles, 24 inches in length, for the main body construction
• Size 10.5 or 11 US double-pointed needles for finishing sections and decreases
• Stitch marker for tracking round beginnings and pattern repeats
• Tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends and any finishing details

Gauge and Sizing Information

The pattern specifies a gauge of 3 stitches per inch when worked in worsted weight yarn on the recommended needle sizes. Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project, as it directly impacts the final dimensions of the basket before and after felting. Knitters should swatch and measure carefully to ensure their finished basket meets the intended measurements of either the small or large size option.

Yarn Weight and Fiber Content

This pattern uses worsted weight yarn exclusively, a medium yarn weight that works efficiently on larger needles and produces fabric with good structure—an important characteristic for a basket that must hold its shape after felting. The emphasis on 100% wool fiber is critical, as wool's natural properties allow it to felt properly when exposed to heat, moisture, and agitation, transforming the knitted fabric into a cohesive, felted material suitable for a functional container.