The Driftwood Coil Basket: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Modern Storage Essential

Introducing the Driftwood Coil Basket

This isn't your grandmother's yarn basket. The Driftwood Coil Basket uses a clever combination of garter stitch and i-cord to create a sculptural, modern storage solution that looks like a piece of art. With its organic, coiled shape and rich texture, this basket is perfect for holding yarn, magazines, or simply standing alone as a statement piece. The natural, undyed wool gives it a warm, rustic feel that complements any modern or minimalist decor. Best of all, this free pattern is beginner-friendly and requires only basic knitting skills.

Materials Needed

Yarn

• Weight: Super Bulky (size 6)
• Amount: Approximately 250 yards
• Recommended: A natural, undyed wool or a tweed blend for a rustic look. The sample uses Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in 'Fisherman'.

Needles

• Circular needle: US 15 (10 mm), 24-inch cable (for the main body strip)
• Double-pointed needles (DPNs): US 15 (10 mm) (for the i-cord rim)

Other Supplies

• Tapestry needle (for sewing and weaving ends)
• Scissors
• Steam iron or steamer (for blocking)

Gauge

• 8 stitches and 12 rows = 4 inches in garter stitch (knit every row).
• Note: Gauge is not critical for this project, but consistency is important for a uniform shape.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Abbreviations

• K = knit
• CO = cast on
• BO = bind off
• St(s) = stitch(es)

Part 1: The Main Body Strip

1. Cast on: Using the circular needle, CO 20 stitches.
2. Knit the strip: Knit every row (garter stitch) until the strip measures 60 inches long. This length will create a basket approximately 8 inches in diameter and 5 inches tall. If you want a larger or smaller basket, adjust the length accordingly—just remember that the strip will be coiled, so the length determines the overall size.
3. Bind off: BO all stitches loosely. Do not cut the yarn; leave the tail attached for sewing.

Part 2: Coiling and Shaping

1. Start the base: With the wrong side of the strip facing you, begin coiling the strip tightly from the cast-on end. This will be the bottom of the basket.
2. Sew the base: Using a tapestry needle and the yarn tail from the cast-on edge, sew the coils together on the wrong side. Use a whip stitch, catching the edge of each coil. Make sure the coils are snug against each other—no gaps should remain.
3. Create a flat circle: Continue coiling and sewing until you have a flat, circular base that is about 6 inches in diameter. The base should lie flat without any ripples or puckers.
4. Build the sides: To create the sides, begin to coil the strip upward instead of flat. As you coil, the strip will naturally start to form the walls of the basket. Continue sewing the coils together on the inside of the basket, using the same whip stitch. Make sure each new coil sits directly on top of the previous one, creating a neat spiral.
5. Reach desired height: Continue coiling and sewing until the basket reaches your desired height (about 5 inches). For a taller basket, simply add more coils.

Part 3: The I-Cord Rim

1. Pick up stitches: Using the double-pointed needles, pick up and knit 1 stitch for every coil around the top edge of the basket. You should have approximately 40–50 stitches. Distribute them evenly across the DPNs.
2. Knit the i-cord: *Do not turn your work.* Slide the stitches to the other end of the double-pointed needle. Pull the yarn tightly across the back of the work and knit the stitches. Repeat from * until the i-cord measures 1.5 inches. The i-cord will form a thick, rounded tube.
3. Bind off: BO all stitches. Cut the yarn, leaving a 12-inch tail.
4. Attach the rim: Using the yarn tail and a tapestry needle, sew the i-cord rim to the top edge of the basket. Use a whip stitch, catching the edge of the i-cord and the top coil of the basket. Weave in all ends securely.

Finishing

1. Steam block: Gently steam block the basket to set the shape and soften the yarn. Do not press down heavily, as this can flatten the texture. Use a steam iron held a few inches above the basket, or a handheld steamer.
2. Dry completely: Allow the basket to dry completely before using. This ensures the shape holds and the yarn relaxes.

Your Driftwood Coil Basket is now complete! Enjoy this beautiful, textured storage essential that adds a touch of modern, handcrafted charm to any room.