Cally Baskets Duo Free Pattern – A Knitted Storage Set with Woven Texture

Are you looking for a stylish, functional way to organize your home while adding a touch of handmade charm? The Cally Baskets Duo is the perfect project for you! This free knitting pattern creates a pair of sturdy, textured baskets that are ideal for storing blankets, toys, yarn, or any household essentials. With a modern farmhouse aesthetic and a distinctive woven accent, these baskets are as beautiful as they are practical. Even if you're a beginner, this pattern is designed to be approachable, using simple knit and purl stitches worked in the round. Let's dive in and create these gorgeous storage solutions together!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth and enjoyable knitting experience:

• Yarn: Super bulky weight yarn (approx. 250g for the large basket, 150g for the small basket) in a natural cream or oat color. You will also need a contrasting color (such as soft terracotta or muted sage green) for the woven detail – approximately 50-75g depending on the size.
• Needles: US 13 (9mm) circular knitting needles (16-inch length) and a set of double-pointed needles (DPNs) in the same size for working the base.
• Notions: Stitch markers, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and threading the contrast yarn, and a tape measure.
• Gauge: 8 stitches and 12 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (unblocked, with super bulky yarn). Always check your gauge to ensure the correct finished size.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern creates two baskets – a large one (approx. 10 inches wide, 8 inches tall) and a small one (approx. 7 inches wide, 6 inches tall). Both are knitted in the round from the bottom up, then finished with a woven contrast yarn for a decorative and structural accent. Follow the instructions carefully for each size.

Large Basket (Approx. 10" Wide x 8" Tall)

Base

1. Cast On: Cast on 8 stitches using the magic ring method (or long-tail cast on and join in the round, being careful not to twist). Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round.
2. Round 1: Knit all stitches (8 sts).
3. Round 2: Increase in every stitch (16 sts). To increase, knit into the front and back of the same stitch (kfb).
4. Round 3: *K1, inc* repeat around (24 sts).
5. Round 4: *K2, inc* repeat around (32 sts).
6. Round 5: *K3, inc* repeat around (40 sts).
7. Round 6: *K4, inc* repeat around (48 sts).
8. Round 7: *K5, inc* repeat around (56 sts).
9. Round 8: *K6, inc* repeat around (64 sts).
10. Round 9: *K7, inc* repeat around (72 sts).
11. Round 10: *K8, inc* repeat around (80 sts).
12. Round 11: *K9, inc* repeat around (88 sts).
13. Round 12: *K10, inc* repeat around (96 sts).

The base should measure about 10 inches in diameter. If you need a larger base, continue increasing in the same pattern (add 11 stitches per round) until you reach your desired size.

Sides

13. Round 13: Knit all stitches (96 sts).
14. Round 14: Purl all stitches (96 sts). This creates a fold line for a crisp base edge.
15. Rounds 15-30: Knit all stitches in the round (stockinette). Continue until the sides measure about 8 inches from the fold line.
16. Round 31: Purl all stitches (96 sts) for a decorative ridge.
17. Rounds 32-34: Knit all stitches.
18. Bind Off: Bind off loosely (use a larger needle or a stretchy bind-off method to prevent a tight edge).

Woven Accent

1. Cut a length of contrasting yarn about 4 times the circumference of the basket. Thread it onto a tapestry needle.
2. Starting at the purl ridge (Round 31), weave the yarn over and under the knit stitches in a checkerboard pattern. Go around the basket once, then weave back in the opposite direction to create a woven grid effect.
3. Tie the ends securely on the inside and weave in the tails.

Small Basket (Approx. 7" Wide x 6" Tall)

Base

1. Cast On: Cast on 8 stitches using the magic ring method.
2. Round 1: Knit all stitches (8 sts).
3. Round 2: Increase in every stitch (16 sts).
4. Round 3: *K1, inc* repeat around (24 sts).
5. Round 4: *K2, inc* repeat around (32 sts).
6. Round 5: *K3, inc* repeat around (40 sts).
7. Round 6: *K4, inc* repeat around (48 sts).
8. Round 7: *K5, inc* repeat around (56 sts).
9. Round 8: *K6, inc* repeat around (64 sts).

The base should measure about 7 inches in diameter.

Sides

9. Round 9: Knit all stitches (64 sts).
10. Round 10: Purl all stitches (64 sts) for the fold line.
11. Rounds 11-24: Knit all stitches until the sides measure about 6 inches from the fold line.
12. Round 25: Purl all stitches (64 sts) for a decorative ridge.
13. Rounds 26-28: Knit all stitches.
14. Bind Off: Bind off loosely.

Woven Accent

1. Repeat the same weaving process as the large basket, using a shorter length of contrasting yarn.

Finishing Touches

1. Weave in Ends: Use a tapestry needle to weave in all loose ends securely.
2. Shape the Baskets: To help the baskets stand upright, lightly block them by steaming (do not press) or simply shape them with your hands while damp and let dry.
3. Optional Sturdiness: For extra support, you can add a fabric lining or a cardboard insert at the base.

Your Cally Baskets Duo is now complete! These beautiful, hand-knitted baskets will add a cozy, farmhouse touch to any room while keeping your space organized. Enjoy your handmade creation, and don't forget to share your finished baskets with the knitting community!