Sunny Meadow Easter Basket Free Knitting Pattern – Textured Basket Stitch

Welcome, fellow yarn lovers! Spring is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than by knitting a charming, reusable Easter basket? Today, I'm thrilled to share this delightful Sunny Meadow Easter Basket pattern. This isn't just any basket; it's a sturdy, heirloom-quality piece worked in soft, natural cotton with a gorgeous basketweave texture. It's perfect for holding Easter treats, spring flowers, or even as a stylish storage solution for your crafting desk. The best part? It's beginner-friendly and creates a stunning, professional-looking result. Let's dive in and knit up some springtime magic!

Materials Needed

Before we cast on, let's gather our supplies. This project uses simple, readily available materials to create a durable and beautiful basket.

• Yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton (or any worsted weight cotton) in Cream (MC) and Buttercup Yellow (CC). You'll need approximately 150 yards of Cream and 50 yards of Yellow.
• Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles. You'll need both straight needles for the base and a circular needle (or double-pointed needles) for working the sides in the round.
• Notions: Tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends, and a stitch marker to mark the beginning of your rounds.

Gauge: 20 stitches x 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Adjust needle size if necessary to achieve gauge.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This basket is cleverly constructed: you'll knit two identical square bases, then pick up stitches along the edges to work the sides in the round. One base forms the outer basket, and the other forms a neat lining. Let's get started!

Part 1: Knitting the Base (Make 2)

We'll begin with the foundation. This square base is simple stockinette stitch, creating a solid, sturdy bottom for your basket.

1. Cast On: With your Cream (MC) yarn and straight needles, cast on 20 stitches.
2. Row 1 (Right Side): Knit all stitches.
3. Row 2 (Wrong Side): Purl all stitches.
4. Repeat: Continue repeating Rows 1 and 2 until your piece measures 5 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a Wrong Side row.
5. Bind Off: Bind off all stitches loosely. You've completed your first base piece!
6. Repeat: Make a second identical piece. This will be your lining base.

Part 2: Knitting the Sides (Outer Basket)

Now for the fun part—watching your basket take shape! We'll pick up stitches around the base and work the textured sides in the round.

1. Pick Up Stitches: With the Right Side of one base piece facing you, use your circular needle and Cream (MC) yarn to pick up and knit 20 stitches along each of the four edges. You should have 80 stitches total. Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round and join in the round, being careful not to twist your stitches.
2. Ribbing Foundation: Work a simple ribbing to create a neat edge.
   • Round 1: *Knit 2, Purl 2; repeat from * to end of round.
   • Rounds 2-4: Repeat Round 1.
3. Basketweave Pattern: This is where the magic happens! We'll create a classic woven texture.
   • Round 5: *Knit 2, Purl 2; repeat from * to end. (This begins the basketweave pattern).
   • Round 6: *Purl 2, Knit 2; repeat from * to end.
   • Rounds 7-10: Repeat Rounds 5 and 6 twice more.
   • Rounds 11-14: Repeat Rounds 1-4. This completes one full basketweave block.
4. Continue Pattern: Repeat Rounds 5-14 until the side of your basket measures 4 inches from the pick-up round.
5. Shaping the Top: Now we'll gently decrease to cinch the top of the basket inward.
   • Next Round: *Knit 2, Purl 2; repeat from * to end.
   • Next Round: *Knit 2, Purl 2 together; repeat from * to end. (You will have 60 stitches).
   • Next Round: *Knit 2, Purl 2; repeat from * to end.
   • Next Round: *Knit 2 together, Purl 2; repeat from * to end. (You will have 45 stitches).
   • Next Round: *Knit 1, Purl 1; repeat from * to end.
   • Next Round: *Knit 2 together; repeat from * to end. (You will have 23 stitches).
6. Finish: Cut your yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread the tail through a tapestry needle, then pass it through the remaining 23 stitches on your needle. Pull tight to close the top, and secure the yarn firmly.

Part 3: Knitting the Lining

This lining gives your basket a polished, professional finish and adds extra sturdiness.

1. Pick Up Stitches: Repeat the same process as the outer basket, using your second base piece. Pick up and knit 80 stitches around the edge with your Cream (MC) yarn.
2. Work in Stockinette: Instead of the basketweave pattern, simply knit every round until the lining measures 4 inches from the pick-up round.
3. Bind Off: Bind off all stitches loosely. Do not decrease.
4. Assemble: Place the lining inside the outer basket, matching the bases. With the wrong sides together, sew the top edge of the lining to the inside of the outer basket using a whipstitch and your tapestry needle. This will hide the raw edge and create a clean finish.

Part 4: Creating the Handle

No basket is complete without a handle! This sunny yellow handle adds the perfect pop of spring color.

1. Cast On: With your Buttercup Yellow (CC) yarn and straight needles, cast on 6 stitches.
2. Row 1: Knit all stitches.
3. Row 2: Purl all stitches.
4. Repeat: Continue repeating Rows 1 and 2 until the handle measures 8 inches. Bind off.
5. Make a Second: Repeat to create a second handle piece.
6. Attach: Sew one handle piece to the inside of the basket on one side, and the second handle piece to the opposite side. Then, sew the two handles together at the top to form a sturdy loop.

Part 5: Finishing Touches

You're almost done! Let's make it perfect.

1. Weave in Ends: Use your tapestry needle to carefully weave in all loose yarn ends on the inside of the basket.
2. Optional Embellishments: For an extra special touch, you can sew a decorative ribbon around the top edge or add a fabric lining for a more formal look.

And there you have it—a beautiful, handmade Sunny Meadow Easter Basket! This project is a joy to knit and creates a treasured piece you'll use year after year. Whether you fill it with chocolate eggs, fresh flowers, or use it as a lovely storage basket, it's sure to bring a smile to your face. Happy knitting, and enjoy the fruits of your labor!