Knit a handy basket
These cable knit baskets are felted to make them super sturdy
BEFORE YOU START…
B-back; C-cable knit; Contcontinue; foll-follow; incincrease; k-knit; m-marker; m1-make 1; p-purl; st(s)stitch(es)
BASKET BASE
Using 7.5mm needles, cast on 5 sts. Next row: inc in each of next 2 sts, k1, inc in each of next 2 sts (9 sts).
Next and every foll alternate row: P to end.
Row 1: (K1, m1) to last st, k1 (17 sts).
Row 3: (K2, m1) to last st, k1 (25 sts).
Row 5: (K3, m1) to last st, k1 (33 sts).
Row 7: (K4, m1) to last st, k1 (41 sts).
SMALL BASKET ONLY
Cont in this way, increasing 8 sts on 3 foll RS rows (65 sts). Change to the circular needle. Next row: (P9, m1) to last 2 sts, p2 (72 sts).
LARGE BASKET ONLY
Continue in this way increasing 8 sts on 6 foll RS rows (89 sts). Change to the circular needle. Next row: (P11, m1) to last st, p this st together with first st on circular needle
(96 sts).
BOTH BASKETS (LARGE BASKET INSTRUCTIONS IN BRACKETS)
Cont in rounds to form sides. Next round: P to end to form edge of base. Foundation round: P2(3), * inc in each of next 4(6) sts, p4(6); rep from * to last 6(9) sts, inc in each of next 4(6) sts, p2(3),108(144) sts. Rounds 1 and 2: P2(3), * k8(12), p4(6); rep from * to last 10(15) sts, k8(12), P2(3). Round 3: P2(3), * C4(6) B, C4(6)F, P4(6); rep from * to last 10(15) sts, C4(6)B,
C4(6)F, p2(3). Rounds 4-6(8): Rep rounds 1 and 2 once (twice) and round 1 again. These 6(8) rounds form the pattern and are repeated throughout.
Work straight until sides are 5(7)in 13(18)cm from start of sides. Next round: P to end.
Next round: K to end. Rep the last 2 rounds once more.
Cast off knitwise.
HANDLES Make 2
Using 7.5mm needles, cast on 7(10) sts and work in garter st for 6¾(9)in 17(23)cm.
Cast off.
FINISHING OFF
With WS facing, gather round cast-on sts and pull up tightly. Join base seam. Attach handles to inside top at equal distance from each other.
To felt the basket place into a pillowcase and sew up the top. Wash at 60°C. Do not tumble dry. Pull into shape, add objects into baskets to help with shaping and leave to dry.