The Woven Willow Storage Basket: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Two-Tone Home Essential

Introducing the Woven Willow Storage Basket

Transform your home with a touch of handcrafted elegance. The Woven Willow Storage Basket is a stunning, sturdy home decor piece that combines modern design with timeless knitting techniques. Using simple knit and purl stitches, you'll create a unique woven texture that is both functional and beautiful. This pattern features two contrasting colors of super bulky yarn, building a modern, geometric design that stands out in any room. Whether you need a stylish catch-all for blankets, toys, or magazines, this basket is the perfect project for knitters looking to add a handmade touch to their space.

Materials Needed

Yarn

• Super Bulky weight yarn (Size 6)
• Approximately 150 yards of Color A (e.g., Oatmeal)
• Approximately 100 yards of Color B (e.g., Charcoal)

Needles & Notions

• US 13 (9 mm) circular knitting needle, 16-inch length (or size needed to obtain gauge)
• Tapestry needle for weaving ends
• Stitch marker

Gauge

8 stitches and 12 rows = 4 inches in Stockinette stitch (knit on right side, purl on wrong side) worked in the round. Adjust needle size if necessary to achieve gauge.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Notes Before You Begin

• The basket is worked from the bottom up in the round.
• The sides are created using a simple slip stitch technique to form a woven texture.
• The base is worked flat, then stitches are picked up to work the sides.
• Always slip stitches purlwise unless otherwise stated.

Base (Worked Flat)

With Color A, cast on 16 stitches.

• Row 1 (WS): Purl all stitches.
• Row 2 (RS): Knit all stitches.
• Repeat Rows 1-2 until the piece measures 6 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a WS row. Do not bind off. Cut yarn, leaving a long tail (about 12 inches).

Picking Up Stitches for Sides

With RS facing, using Color A, pick up and knit stitches as follows:

1. Along the long edge of the base: pick up and knit 1 stitch for every row (approximately 18 stitches).
2. Along the short edge (cast-on edge): pick up and knit 1 stitch for each cast-on stitch (16 stitches).
3. Along the other long edge: pick up and knit 1 stitch for every row (approximately 18 stitches).
4. Along the other short edge: pick up and knit 1 stitch for each cast-on stitch (16 stitches).

You should have 68 stitches total. Place a marker for the beginning of the round. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist.

Sides (Worked in the Round)

Round 1: Knit all stitches.

Round 2: Purl all stitches.

Round 3 (Woven pattern - Color A): *K1, slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in back (wyib); repeat from * to end.

Round 4 (Woven pattern - Color A): *P1, slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in front (wyif); repeat from * to end.

Rounds 5-6: Repeat Rounds 1-2.

Round 7 (Woven pattern - Color B): With Color B, repeat Round 3.

Round 8 (Woven pattern - Color B): With Color B, repeat Round 4.

Rounds 9-10: With Color B, repeat Rounds 1-2.

Rounds 11-12: With Color A, repeat Rounds 3-4.

Rounds 13-14: With Color A, repeat Rounds 1-2.

Rounds 15-16: With Color B, repeat Rounds 3-4.

Rounds 17-18: With Color B, repeat Rounds 1-2.

Rounds 19-20: With Color A, repeat Rounds 3-4.

Rounds 21-22: With Color A, repeat Rounds 1-2.

Edging

With Color A, bind off loosely in knit. Cut yarn, leaving a tail (about 8 inches). Weave in all ends using tapestry needle, securing them on the inside of the basket.

Finishing

Fold the top edge down to create a rolled rim, or leave as is. The basket will naturally hold its shape due to the dense fabric. Gently block if desired to even out stitches, but this is not required. Your Woven Willow Storage Basket is now ready to use!