The Mossy Glen Storage Basket Free Pattern – A Chunky Knitted Basket with Woven Leaf Accents

Bring the forest indoors with this chunky, hand-knitted basket that combines a sturdy, textured body with delicate woven leaf appliqués. It's the perfect cozy catch-all for blankets, toys, or yarn, adding a touch of woodland charm to any room. This pattern is designed with beginners in mind, using simple knit and purl stitches for the body and basic crochet stitches for the leaves. The result is a rustic, organic, and inviting piece that evokes a peaceful woodland floor.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials. Having everything ready will make your crafting session smooth and enjoyable.

• Yarn: Super bulky weight yarn (size 6) in forest green (main color), moss green, and cream (accent colors). You will need approximately 250g of the main color and 100g total of the accent colors.
• Knitting Needles: US 15 (10 mm) circular knitting needle (16-inch length) and a set of US 15 (10 mm) double-pointed needles for the base.
• Crochet Hook: US J/10 (6 mm) crochet hook for the leaf accents.
• Other Tools: Yarn needle for weaving in ends and sewing leaves, scissors, and stitch markers (optional but helpful).

Gauge: 8 stitches and 12 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch with US 15 needles. Always check your gauge to ensure your basket turns out the correct size.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create your own Mossy Glen Basket. The basket is knitted in the round from the bottom up, and the leaves are crocheted separately and then sewn on.

Part 1: Knitting the Basket Base

The base is worked in the round using double-pointed needles, starting with a small number of stitches and increasing evenly to form a flat circle.

1. Cast On: Using the main color (forest green) and your double-pointed needles, cast on 8 stitches. Distribute these stitches evenly onto 4 needles (2 stitches per needle). Join in the round, being careful not to twist your stitches. Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round.
2. Round 1: Knit all stitches around. (8 stitches total)
3. Round 2 (Increase Round): *K1, M1 (make one by lifting the bar between stitches and knitting through the back loop)*; repeat from * to * around. (16 stitches total)
4. Round 3: Knit all stitches around. (16 stitches)
5. Round 4 (Increase Round): *K2, M1*; repeat from * to * around. (24 stitches total)
6. Round 5: Knit all stitches around. (24 stitches)
7. Round 6 (Increase Round): *K3, M1*; repeat from * to * around. (32 stitches total)
8. Continue Increasing: Continue in this pattern, increasing 8 stitches every even-numbered round. To do this, knit one more stitch before each M1 on each subsequent increase round. For example, Round 8 would be *K4, M1*, Round 10 would be *K5, M1*, and so on. Continue until you have 64 stitches total (this will be after completing Round 12).
9. Final Base Round: Knit 1 round even (no increases). Your base should now be a flat circle about 10-11 inches in diameter.

Part 2: Knitting the Basket Sides

Once the base is complete, you will switch to the circular needle to work the sides of the basket in a continuous spiral.

10. Switch to Circular Needle: Transfer all stitches from your double-pointed needles onto the 16-inch circular needle. Join in the round if you haven't already, ensuring your work isn't twisted.
11. Knit the Body: Work in stockinette stitch (knit every round) for 10 inches, or until the basket reaches your desired height. For a medium-sized basket, 10 inches is a good height. You can measure from the center of the base to the top edge.
12. Create the Rim: To create a sturdy, rolled edge, work in a ribbing pattern: *K2, P2*; repeat from * to * around for 2 inches. This ribbed rim will help the basket hold its shape and prevent the top from stretching out.
13. Bind Off: Bind off loosely in pattern (knit the knit stitches and purl the purl stitches as you bind off). A loose bind-off is crucial to keep the rim flexible. Weave in all loose ends with your yarn needle.

Part 3: Crocheting the Leaf Accents

Now for the charming woodland detail! You will crochet 5-7 leaves using the moss green and cream yarns. Each leaf is worked flat and is very quick to make.

14. Start the Leaf: Using your crochet hook and chosen accent yarn (moss green or cream), make a slip knot and chain 10.
15. First Side of Leaf: Starting in the 2nd chain from the hook, work the following stitches: single crochet (sc) in the next 4 chains, half double crochet (hdc) in the next 2 chains, double crochet (dc) in the next 2 chains. You will have 1 chain remaining.
16. Form the Point: In the last chain, work the following to create the pointed tip of the leaf: (dc, chain 3, slip stitch). This forms a small picot point.
17. Second Side of Leaf: Now you will work back down the other side of the original chain. Work: dc in the next 2 chains, hdc in the next 2 chains, sc in the next 4 chains.
18. Finish the Leaf: Slip stitch to the first single crochet you made at the beginning of the round to close the leaf. Fasten off, leaving a long tail (at least 8 inches) for sewing the leaf onto the basket.
19. Repeat: Make a total of 5-7 leaves, mixing the moss green and cream yarns as you like.

Part 4: Assembly and Finishing

This is where your basket comes to life! Arrange and sew the leaves onto the knitted body.

20. Arrange the Leaves: Lay your basket on a flat surface. Arrange the crocheted leaves around the outside of the basket, placing them near the rim. Overlap some of them slightly for a natural, scattered look, as if they've just fallen onto the basket.
21. Sew the Leaves: Using the long tails left on each leaf and a yarn needle, sew each leaf securely to the basket. Weave the needle through the back of the leaf and into the knitted fabric of the basket, making small, discreet stitches. Ensure the leaves are attached firmly but don't pull the knitting too tightly.
22. Add Optional Vines (Optional): For extra detail, you can crochet a few simple chains (20-30 stitches each) using the moss green yarn. Sew these chain-stitch vines onto the basket between the leaves, curving them naturally to mimic creeping vines.
23. Weave in Ends: Weave in any remaining yarn ends from the leaves and vines into the back of the knitted fabric to hide them.

Your Mossy Glen Storage Basket is now complete! Fill it with your favorite blankets, a ball of yarn for your next project, or use it as a stylish planter cover. This beautiful, textured piece will bring a touch of the peaceful forest into your home for years to come.