A knit basket is useful, pretty and surprisingly quick to make. Chunky yarn on big needles builds a sturdy fabric in an evening or two, and the finished basket can hold yarn, toys, plants, bathroom rolls or a gift. They also look great in farmhouse and boho homes.
This list has 12 free knit basket patterns. You will find chunky storage baskets, hanging and wall baskets, a stash-busting basket and two small gift baskets. We opened each pattern page to confirm it is free, and listed the yarn weight and needle size we found there.
Knit Basket Free Patterns
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What You’ll Need
- Super bulky or jumbo yarn
- Large circular needles, US 11 to US 19
- Large double-pointed needles for the base
- Stitch markers
- Big-eye tapestry needle
- Cotton macrame cord for rims and handles
1. Barnstable Chunky Knit Basket
Photo: Susan / A Box of Twine
A farmhouse-style basket worked top-down in the round. It starts with a K1, P1 ribbed rim, then plain stockinette, then simple decreases close the bottom. It is a handy size for craft supplies, and the designer says gauge is not critical. A good first basket.
- Designer: Susan / A Box of Twine
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Chunky (Wool-Ease Thick & Quick)
- Needle size: US 13 (9 mm) circular or double-pointed needles
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
2. Free DIY Basket You Can Knit Up in a Flash
Photo: Laura Kennedy / Little Yellow Wheelbarrow
A small round basket that uses just one skein of jumbo yarn and takes about an hour. It is knit in the round in stockinette, with two decrease rounds for the base. The top edge is finished with macrame cord, or you can use a knit edge instead. A perfect beginner project.
- Designer: Laura Kennedy / Little Yellow Wheelbarrow
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: Jumbo (#7), one skein
- Needle size: US 19 (15 mm) circular
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
3. Chunky Knit Basket
Photo: Angie Cruise
A simple basket made with bulky yarn, big needles and basic stitches. The designer wrote it with beginners in mind, so it is quick and relaxing. Use it as a decorative piece on a shelf or to hold small items on a desk. It is a nice first step into knitting home decor.
- Designer: Angie Cruise
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: Super bulky (#6)
- Needle size: US 13 (9 mm)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
4. The Ridge Basket
A modern garter stitch basket that is knit flat, then seamed and cinched into shape. It finishes at about 9 inches tall and 10 inches wide, so it is a great planter cover or vase holder. It uses thick felt yarn on huge needles, so it builds very fast.
- Designer: Love Fest Fibers
- Skill level: Basic knitting
- Yarn: Super chunky felt yarn
- Needle size: US 50 (25 mm) straight needles
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
5. Linen Stitch Basket
Photo: Lizzie Rose Knits
A seamless, top-down basket in linen stitch, a woven-looking stitch that does not stretch much. That means the basket keeps its shape when you fill it. You can knit it to any height, choose a small or large size and add i-cord handles if you like.
- Designer: Lizzie Rose Knits
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Super bulky (#6)
- Needle size: US 11 (8 mm)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
6. Knit Slouchy Hanging Baskets
Photo: Two of Wands
Slouchy baskets that hang from a hook or wall peg, in a small and a large size. They are worked top-down in linen stitch with the yarn held double, so the fabric is firm enough to hold things. Hang them by the door for keys and mail or in a nursery for small toys.
- Designer: Two of Wands
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: Worsted (#4), held double
- Needle size: US 11 (8 mm) circular and double-pointed needles
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
7. Perin Knitted Wall Basket
Photo: Alice Quarterman
A wall basket knit in t-shirt yarn with magic loop. It sticks out about 6 inches from the wall and has a hanging loop at the top. The size is easy to adjust. Use it for dried flowers, a trailing faux plant or a spot to drop sunglasses.
- Designer: Alice Quarterman
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Super bulky (#6) t-shirt yarn
- Needle size: US 13 (9 mm)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
8. Textured Knit Basket
A tall, plush basket, about 15 inches high, made with Bernat Blanket yarn. Slipped stitches and two colors held together create a nubby texture. It is big enough to hold a knitting project or extra blankets, and you can pick colors to match your room.
- Designer: Bernat / Yarnspirations
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: Bernat Blanket
- Needle size: US 11 (8 mm) circular and double-pointed needles
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
9. Corrugated Basket
Photo: Alecia Hornfeldt
A sturdy yarn storage basket knit in the round. The sides are folded and joined to make a thick, doubled fabric, so the basket stands on its own without any stiffener. The base is shaped with decreases. A clever pattern if you want a firm basket from regular aran yarn.
- Designer: Alecia Hornfeldt
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Aran (#4)
- Needle size: US 5 (3.75 mm)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
10. Stash-Busting Knitted Basket
Photo: Bonny Bonafilla / just saying
A small basket made with four strands of chunky yarn held together, which is a great way to use up leftovers. It is worked in the round from a tiny cast-on, increasing out for the base and then pulling in at the top. The designer calls it really easy.
- Designer: Bonny Bonafilla / just saying
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Chunky (#5), four strands held together
- Needle size: 15 mm (US 19) circular
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
11. Knitted Gift Basket
Photo: Billy and Baa
A small, reusable basket, about 4 x 4 x 2.5 inches, made to replace gift wrap. You knit a flat base first, then pick up stitches and knit the walls in the round. Fill it with soap, tea or chocolates, and the basket becomes part of the gift.
- Designer: Billy and Baa
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Bulky (#5)
- Needle size: US 6 (4 mm) and US 5 (3.75 mm)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
12. Easter Basket
Photo: Helena Keighley
A small decorative basket with a 3.5-inch square base, made to hold flowers or chocolate eggs on an Easter table. The designer notes you can change the colors for a Christmas version. It uses DK yarn, so it is a good project for leftovers.
- Designer: Helena Keighley
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: DK (#3)
- Needle size: US 2.5 (3 mm)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
Which One Should You Make?
- First knit basket? Start with #2. One skein, about an hour, and only basic stitches.
- Need real storage? #8, the Textured Knit Basket, or #9, the Corrugated Basket, are tall and sturdy.
- Short on floor space? Try #6, the hanging baskets, or #7, the wall basket.
- Want a modern planter cover? #4, the Ridge Basket, is made for it.
- Making a gift? #11 or #12 turns the basket into part of the present.
FAQ
What yarn is best for a knit basket?
Thick yarn makes the sturdiest baskets. Super bulky, jumbo, t-shirt yarn and cotton cord all work well. You can also hold two to four strands of thinner yarn together. Pick a yarn with little stretch, and knit it a bit tighter than the label suggests so the fabric is firm.
How do I make a knitted basket stand up?
Use a dense stitch like linen stitch or garter, go down a needle size, or hold the yarn double. Doubled fabric, like the folded sides in the Corrugated Basket, helps a lot. You can also slip a piece of cardboard or plastic canvas into the base for extra support.
Can I wash a knit basket?
Most acrylic and cotton baskets can be hand washed in cool water and laid flat to dry. Reshape the basket while it is damp, and stuff it with a towel so it dries in the right shape. Felt and wool yarns may shrink in hot water, so check the yarn label first.
Pick a basket, grab some chunky yarn and give your clutter a cozy new home.