The Hearthstone Nesting Basket Trio Free Pattern – Knit a Chunky Textured Storage Set

The Hearthstone Nesting Basket Trio: A Cozy Knitted Storage Set

Imagine a home where organization meets artistry—where every stray yarn, remote, or trinket finds a beautiful, handmade home. That's the magic of the Hearthstone Nesting Basket Trio. This free knitting pattern guides you through creating three stunning, chunky baskets in warm, earthy tones, each featuring a unique braided cable texture that adds depth and sophistication to any room. Whether you're a seasoned knitter looking for a quick, satisfying project or a brave beginner ready for a rewarding challenge, this pattern is designed to help you craft storage solutions that are as functional as they are beautiful.

With a sturdy base, slightly flared sides, and a decorative cable border, these baskets are perfect for holding everything from blankets and toys to office supplies and plants. The nesting design means they stack neatly when not in use, making them a versatile addition to your home decor. Let's dive into this project and create a set that brings warmth and order to your space.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials. This list is tailored to ensure your baskets have the perfect structure and texture.

• Yarn: Super bulky weight yarn (approx. 200-250g per basket, 3 baskets total). Choose a wool or wool-blend yarn for the best felting results, or a super bulky acrylic for a softer, no-felt option.
• Needles: US 13 (9mm) circular knitting needles with a 24-inch cable, and a set of double-pointed needles (DPNs) in the same size for working the small base rounds.
• Notions: Stitch markers, a cable needle, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and scissors.
• Optional: Fabric for lining (if you prefer not to felt), and a flexible measuring tape.

Gauge: 8 stitches and 11 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (knit flat, before felting). Always knit a gauge swatch to ensure your baskets come out the correct size.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern creates three nesting baskets: Large (approx. 10" wide x 6" tall), Medium (8" wide x 5" tall), and Small (6" wide x 4" tall). Each basket is knitted in the round from the bottom up, with a sturdy base and a decorative braided cable border.

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• K2tog: Knit two together (decrease)
• M1: Make one (increase)
• St(s): Stitch(es)
• Rnd: Round

Large Basket

Base:

1. CO 8 sts. Distribute onto 3 DPNs (3, 3, 2). Join in the round, being careful not to twist. Place a marker at the beginning of the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: M1 in each st (16 sts).
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: (M1, K1) repeat around (24 sts).
6. Rnd 5: K all sts.
7. Rnd 6: (M1, K2) repeat around (32 sts).
8. Rnd 7: K all sts.
9. Continue increasing in this pattern (M1, K3, M1, K4, etc.) until you have 80 sts total. Work even for 2 rnds.

Sides:

1. Switch to the circular needle. Work in stockinette (K every rnd) for 4 inches.
2. Cable Border Rnd: (K4, P2) repeat around. Work this ribbing for 1 inch.
3. Braided Cable Rnd: (Slip 2 sts to cable needle and hold in front, K2, then K2 from cable needle, P2) repeat around. Work this pattern for 2 more inches.
4. Top Edge: (K2tog, P2) repeat around. Then (K2tog, P1) repeat around. Bind off loosely.

Medium Basket

Follow the same instructions as Large, but increase until you have 64 sts. Work sides for 3.5 inches before cable border, and cable section for 1.5 inches.

Small Basket

Follow the same instructions as Large, but increase until you have 48 sts. Work sides for 3 inches before cable border, and cable section for 1 inch.

Finishing

1. Weave in all ends using the tapestry needle.
2. To felt (optional): To give the baskets structure, lightly felt them by hand-washing in hot water with a little soap. Agitate gently until the fabric tightens and becomes more solid. Rinse in cold water, then shape the baskets while damp and air-dry completely.
3. Alternative: If you prefer a softer basket or used a non-felting yarn, you can line the baskets with fabric for extra structure. Simply cut a piece of fabric to fit the interior, fold over the top edge, and sew in place.

Once dry, your Hearthstone Nesting Basket Trio is ready to use. Stack them together for a beautiful display or scatter them around your home for a cohesive, cozy look. Happy knitting!