The Driftwood Drawstring Basket Free Pattern – A Chunky Knitted Storage Solution with Woven Rope Accents

Transform your living space with this stunning chunky knitted basket that combines the warmth of natural fibers with a modern, sculptural silhouette. The Driftwood Drawstring Basket is the perfect project for crafters looking to add a handcrafted touch to their home organization. With its cozy oatmeal tones, practical drawstring closure, and charming woven rope handles, this basket elevates any room from cluttered to curated. Whether you're storing blankets, toys, or yarn, this beautiful storage solution brings both function and artistry to your space.

This pattern is designed with beginners in mind, using simple knit and purl stitches to create a professional-looking result. The combination of knitting and crochet techniques adds variety to your crafting session, while the super bulky yarn ensures quick progress and satisfying results. Let's dive into creating this gorgeous, practical piece for your home!

Materials Needed

Before you begin your crafting journey, gather these essential supplies:

Yarn Requirements

• Main Yarn: Super bulky weight yarn (approximately 250-300 yards) in a warm oatmeal or driftwood tone
• Accent Yarn: Optional contrasting color for the woven rope handles (approximately 30-40 yards)

Tools and Equipment

• Knitting Needles: US 15 (10 mm) knitting needles
• Crochet Hook: US K/10.5 (6.5 mm) crochet hook for rope accents
• Tapestry Needle: For seaming and weaving in ends
• Scissors: Sharp pair for cutting yarn
• Stitch Markers: Optional, but helpful for tracking rows

Gauge Information

Gauge: 8 stitches and 12 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch with US 15 needles

Note: Gauge is important for achieving the correct basket size. Always knit a swatch first to ensure your tension matches the pattern requirements.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions carefully to create your beautiful Driftwood Drawstring Basket. The pattern is divided into manageable sections for clarity.

Part 1: Knitting the Basket Body

The basket body is knitted flat in one piece, then seamed together. This technique creates a sturdy, professional-looking result that's perfect for beginners.

Row 1 (Cast On): Cast on 40 stitches with US 15 needles. Use a long-tail cast-on method for a neat, elastic edge that will form the bottom of your basket.

Row 2 (Bottom Edge): Knit all stitches across. This creates the foundation row of your garter stitch border.

Row 3: Purl all stitches across. You're now alternating knit and purl rows to create the garter stitch pattern.

Rows 4-5: Repeat rows 2 and 3 to complete your garter stitch border. This creates a sturdy, non-curling base for your basket that will sit flat on any surface.

Row 6 (Increase Row): This is where the magic happens! Work the following pattern: *K4, kfb (knit front and back)* and repeat this sequence to the end of the row. You should now have 48 stitches on your needle. The kfb increase is simple: knit into the front of the stitch as normal, but before sliding it off the left needle, knit into the back of the same stitch. This creates two stitches from one, giving your basket a subtle flare.

Row 7: Purl all stitches across. This sets up your stockinette stitch section.

Rows 8-19 (Stockinette Body): Work in stockinette stitch for 12 rows total. This means knitting all stitches on the right side (odd rows) and purling all stitches on the wrong side (even rows). This creates the smooth, beautiful body of your basket that showcases the natural texture of your chunky yarn.

Row 20 (Drawstring Casing): This row creates the eyelet holes for your drawstring. Work the following pattern: *K2tog, yo* and repeat to the end of the row. You'll end with 48 stitches on your needle – the yarn overs (yo) replace the stitches you decreased with the knit-two-together (k2tog). To make a yarn over: simply bring the yarn to the front of your work, then over the right needle to the back, and continue with the next stitch. This creates a decorative hole that will hold your drawstring.

Rows 21-22: Knit all stitches across both rows. This creates a garter stitch band above your eyelet row, adding visual interest and structure.

Row 23: Purl all stitches across.

Row 24: Knit all stitches across.

Bind Off: Bind off all stitches loosely. To ensure your bind-off edge isn't too tight (which would prevent the drawstring from threading easily), use a larger needle or bind off with a looser tension than usual. You can also use the "knit two together, slip back to left needle" method for an extra-stretchy bind-off.

Part 2: Seaming Your Basket

Now it's time to transform your flat knitted piece into a beautiful cylindrical basket.

Step 1: Fold your knitted piece in half with the right sides together. The right side is the smooth stockinette side – you want this facing inward during seaming.

Step 2: Thread your tapestry needle with a length of matching yarn (about 18-24 inches).

Step 3: Using a mattress stitch or simple whip stitch, sew the side seam from the bottom edge up to the drawstring casing. The mattress stitch creates an invisible seam that's perfect for this project. To work the mattress stitch: insert the needle under the horizontal bar between the first and second stitches on each side, alternating sides as you go up.

Step 4: Once you reach the drawstring casing row, secure your yarn with a few small stitches and weave in the end.

Step 5: Turn your basket right side out. The seam should be nearly invisible, and your basket should stand on its own with the chunky yarn providing natural structure.

Part 3: Creating and Attaching the Drawstring

The drawstring adds both function and charm to your basket, allowing you to cinch it closed when needed.

Step 1: Cut two lengths of your main yarn, each approximately 36 inches long. For a thicker, more substantial drawstring, you can use three strands.

Step 2: Braid the strands together or twist them into a cord. For a twisted cord: hold both ends together and twist in one direction until tight, then fold in half and let it twist back on itself. This creates a beautiful, professional-looking cord.

Step 3: Thread the cord through the eyelet row (Row 20) using your tapestry needle. Start at the front center of the basket, entering through one eyelet and exiting through the next.

Step 4: Continue threading the cord through all the eyelets until you return to your starting point. Both ends of the cord should now be at the front center of your basket.

Step 5: Tie a secure knot at each end of the cord to prevent it from slipping back through the eyelets. You can also add small wooden beads or tassels for extra decoration.

Part 4: Crocheting the Woven Rope Handles

These charming handles add the perfect finishing touch to your basket, combining crochet technique with the natural aesthetic of the piece.

Step 1: Using your crochet hook and contrasting yarn, create a slip knot and chain 30 stitches. Keep your tension consistent for a uniform handle.

Step 2: Slip stitch into the first chain to form a loop. To do this: insert your hook into the first chain, yarn over, and pull through both loops on your hook. This creates a seamless circular handle.

Step 3: Fasten off by cutting the yarn and pulling it through the last loop. Weave in the end with your tapestry needle.

Step 4: Repeat steps 1-3 to create a second handle.

Step 5: Attach each handle to the top edge of your basket on opposite sides. Position them at the sides (where your seam is and directly opposite) for balanced weight distribution.

Step 6: Using a whip stitch with the same contrasting yarn, securely attach each handle to the basket. Work through both the handle loop and the knitted fabric, making sure to catch the yarn firmly. Repeat the stitching 3-4 times through each point for extra security.

Part 5: Finishing Touches

Your basket is almost complete! Follow these final steps for a polished, professional result.

Step 1: Weave in all loose ends using your tapestry needle. Thread each end through the wrong side of your work, following the path of the stitches to hide them completely.

Step 2: Trim any excess yarn carefully with sharp scissors.

Step 3: Optional: Add a fabric lining for extra structure and to prevent small items from slipping through the stitches. To do this: measure the interior of your basket, cut a fabric rectangle to size, sew the side seam, and insert it into the basket. Hand-stitch the lining to the top edge of the basket.

Step 4: Give your basket a gentle steam block to even out the stitches and help it hold its shape. Hold a steam iron about 2 inches above the surface (don't press directly on the yarn) and allow it to dry completely.

Step 5: Admire your beautiful handiwork! Your Driftwood Drawstring Basket is ready to organize and beautify your space.

Tips for Success

• Choose the right yarn: Look for a super bulky yarn that's sturdy enough to hold its shape. Wool blends work particularly well as they have natural memory and structure.
• Keep consistent tension: Try to maintain even tension throughout your knitting to ensure the basket walls are uniform.
• Block your work: Don't skip the blocking step – it makes a significant difference in the final appearance of your basket.
• Customize your colors: While the oatmeal tone is beautiful, this pattern works wonderfully in any color. Consider matching your home decor or creating a set in different shades.
• Make it your own: Add tassels, wooden beads, or embroidery to personalize your basket further.

This chunky knitted basket is not just a storage solution – it's a statement piece that brings warmth and handcrafted charm to any room. The combination of knitting and crochet techniques makes it an engaging project that builds skills while creating something beautiful and functional. Whether you're making it for yourself or as a thoughtful handmade gift, the Driftwood Drawstring Basket is sure to be treasured for years to come.

Happy crafting, and enjoy your beautiful new storage solution!