Lavender Loom Harvest Basket Free Pattern – Knitted Boho Storage Tote

The Lavender Loom Harvest Basket: A Boho Storage Tote You'll Love to Knit

There's something deeply satisfying about creating a beautiful, functional piece for your home with your own two hands. The Lavender Loom Harvest Basket is exactly that kind of project—a stunning knitted storage tote that blends soft lavender and cream stripes with a sturdy, textured base. Whether you're looking to organize your living space or searching for a thoughtful handmade gift, this boho-chic basket delivers both style and practicality. Best of all, this free pattern is beginner-friendly, working up quickly with simple stitches and a straightforward construction method. Let's dive into this delightful yarn craft that will add a cozy, handmade touch to any room.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth knitting experience:

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn in two colors—lavender (Yarn A) and cream (Yarn B). You'll need approximately 250 yards of each color.
• Knitting Needles: US size 8 (5.0 mm) knitting needles. You'll also need a set of double-pointed needles or a circular needle for working in the round (or use the magic loop method).
• Tapestry Needle: For seaming and weaving in ends.
• Stitch Markers: To mark the beginning of rounds.
• Scissors: For cutting yarn.

Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Always check your gauge to ensure your basket turns out the correct size.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This basket is knitted flat for the base, then stitches are picked up around the edges to work the sides in the round. Follow these detailed instructions carefully, and you'll have a beautiful basket in no time.

Part 1: Knitting the Base

The base is worked in garter stitch, which creates a thick, sturdy foundation for your basket.

1. With Yarn A (lavender), cast on 36 stitches using your preferred method (long-tail cast on works well).
2. Work in garter stitch (knit every row) for 12 rows total. This will create a rectangular base measuring approximately 8 inches by 4 inches.
3. After completing 12 rows, you'll have a neat, ridged rectangle. Do not bind off—you'll be picking up stitches along these edges next.

Part 2: Picking Up Stitches for the Sides

Now we'll transform that flat base into a three-dimensional basket by picking up stitches around all four edges.

1. With the right side facing you, pick up and knit 36 stitches along the cast-on edge (the bottom edge of your rectangle).
2. Next, pick up and knit 12 stitches along the first short side (the side edge).
3. Then, pick up and knit 36 stitches along the bound-off edge (the top edge of your rectangle).
4. Finally, pick up and knit 12 stitches along the second short side.
5. You should now have a total of 96 stitches on your needles. Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round. From here on, you'll be working in the round.

Part 3: Working the Sides in Stockinette Stitch

The sides are worked in stockinette stitch (knit every round) with a beautiful stripe pattern. This creates smooth, even walls for your basket.

1. Round 1-10: With Yarn A, knit every round for 10 rounds. This forms the first lavender band.
2. Round 11-14: Switch to Yarn B (cream) and knit every round for 4 rounds. This creates the first cream stripe.
3. Round 15-24: Switch back to Yarn A and knit every round for 10 rounds. This is the second lavender band.
4. Round 25-28: Switch to Yarn B and knit every round for 4 rounds. This is the second cream stripe.
5. Continue the pattern: Repeat the stripe sequence (10 rounds A, 4 rounds B) until the sides measure 8 inches from the base. You'll have approximately 3 lavender bands and 2 cream stripes when complete. End with a lavender section.

Part 4: Creating the Top Edge

The top edge uses garter stitch in the round, which prevents rolling and gives a clean, finished look.

1. With Yarn A, work 4 rounds in garter stitch. To do this in the round: Knit 1 round, then purl 1 round. Repeat this sequence once more (knit round, purl round). This creates the ridged, non-rolling edge.
2. Bind off all stitches loosely—be careful not to bind off too tightly, or the top edge will pucker. Use a larger needle for binding off if needed.

Part 5: Finishing and Assembly

Now it's time to shape your flat piece into a basket. This seaming step is crucial for the final structure.

1. Fold the basket: Lay your knitted piece flat. Fold it so that the two short sides meet the long sides, forming a rectangular box shape. The garter stitch base will naturally fold at the corners.
2. Sew the bottom corners: Using your tapestry needle and a length of Yarn A, use mattress stitch to sew the bottom corners together. You'll be joining the side edges of the base to create the box shape. Sew each corner securely, making sure the stitches are invisible from the outside.
3. Weave in all ends: Thread any loose yarn tails through the tapestry needle and weave them into the inside of the basket. Trim any excess yarn.
4. Optional structure: For extra stability, you can insert a piece of cardboard cut to fit the bottom, or add a fabric lining. This is especially helpful if you plan to store heavier items.

Final Thoughts

Your Lavender Loom Harvest Basket is now complete! The combination of the textured garter stitch base and smooth stockinette sides creates a beautiful contrast, while the soft lavender and cream stripes add that perfect boho touch. Use it to store yarn, magazines, toys, or even as a stylish plant holder. This pattern is wonderfully versatile—feel free to experiment with different color combinations to match your home decor. Happy knitting!