The Hearthglow Ember Basket Free Pattern – A Knitted Chunky Yarn Storage Tote with Woven Flame Stitches

The Hearthglow Ember Basket: A Chunky Knitted Storage Tote with Woven Flame Stitches

This isn't your grandmother's yarn basket—it's a sculptural, chunky-knit statement piece that brings warmth and texture to any cozy corner. The Hearthglow Ember Basket features a unique woven flame stitch pattern that dances across the surface, perfect for storing your WIPs or displaying dried botanicals. With its rich burnt sienna and creamy oat colorway, this basket evokes the feeling of a crackling hearth on a chilly evening. Best of all, it's an approachable project for confident beginners ready to try working in the round with colorwork techniques.

Why You'll Love This Pattern

The woven flame stitch is created using a simple slipped-stitch technique that interlocks two colors—no stranding or carrying yarn across long stretches. The result is a highly dimensional, textured surface that looks far more complex than it actually is. Plus, the super bulky yarn means this basket works up quickly, making it a satisfying weekend project.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies:

• Yarn: Super bulky weight yarn (approx. 250-300 yards) in two colors:
  • Main Color (MC) – Burnt Sienna
  • Contrast Color (CC) – Creamy Oat
• Needles: US 15 (10mm) circular knitting needles (16-inch cable) and US 15 double-pointed needles for the base
• Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors
• Optional: Fabric liner or spray starch for added structure

Gauge

8 stitches x 12 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (unblocked, relaxed gauge). Be sure to check your gauge—this ensures your basket comes out the intended size and shape.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This basket is knitted from the bottom up in the round, then shaped with strategic decreases to create a gently tapered vessel. The woven flame stitch is created using a simple slipped-stitch technique that interlocks the two colors.

Base (Worked Flat First, Then Joined)

1. Using MC, cast on 12 stitches.
2. Work back and forth in garter stitch (knit every row) for 10 rows. This creates a flat oval base.
3. Do not bind off. Cut MC, leaving a 12-inch tail.

Body (Worked in the Round)

1. Pick up and knit stitches around the entire perimeter of the oval base: 10 stitches along each long side, 5 stitches along each short side (total 30 stitches).
2. Place a marker at the beginning of the round. Join to work in the round.
3. Round 1: Knit all stitches with MC.
4. Round 2 (set-up round): *K1 with MC, slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in back (using CC), repeat from * to end of round.

Woven Flame Stitch Pattern (Repeat of 4 Rounds)

1. Round 3: With MC, knit all stitches.
2. Round 4: *Slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in back (using CC), K3 with MC, repeat from * to end of round.
3. Round 5: With MC, knit all stitches.
4. Round 6: *K2 with MC, slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in back (using CC), K1 with MC, repeat from * to end of round.

Repeat Rounds 3-6 until the body measures 8 inches from the base, ending with a Round 5.

Shaping the Top (Decrease Rounds)

1. Decrease Round 1: *K3, k2tog, repeat from * to end of round (24 stitches remain).
2. Knit 1 round even with MC.
3. Decrease Round 2: *K2, k2tog, repeat from * to end of round (18 stitches remain).
4. Knit 1 round even with MC.
5. Decrease Round 3: *K1, k2tog, repeat from * to end of round (12 stitches remain).
6. Knit 1 round even with MC.
7. Decrease Round 4: *K2tog, repeat from * to end of round (6 stitches remain).

Cut yarn, leaving a 10-inch tail. Thread tail through remaining 6 stitches, pull tight to close, and weave in all ends securely.

Finishing

To give the basket structure, you can optionally line it with a fabric liner or spray-starch it lightly. The chunky yarn will naturally hold its shape, but a gentle steam block will help the woven flame stitches pop beautifully.

Tips for Success

• Keep your slipped stitches loose: When slipping stitches purlwise with yarn in back, be careful not to pull the working yarn too tightly—this can pucker the fabric and distort the flame pattern.
• Use a lifeline: If you're new to working in the round, consider adding a lifeline after the set-up round. This makes it easy to rip back if needed.
• Count your stitches regularly: The slipped stitch pattern is easy to lose track of, so check your stitch count at the end of each round.
• Block gently: A light steam block (without pressing down) will relax the stitches and enhance the dimensional quality of the woven flames.

Creative Variations

Once you've mastered the Hearthglow Ember Basket, try experimenting with different color combinations—think deep forest green with cream, or charcoal with mustard yellow. You can also adjust the height by working more or fewer repeats of the woven flame stitch pattern before beginning the decreases.

This basket makes a thoughtful handmade gift for fellow crafters, or a beautiful addition to your own home. The sculptural texture and warm color palette will bring a touch of hearthside coziness to any room. Happy knitting!