Willow's Whisper Teardrop Hanging Basket Free Pattern – A Knitted Plant Cozy

Embrace the organic elegance of a teardrop-shaped hanging basket, knitted with a rich, textured stitch that cradles your favorite plant in cozy sophistication. This pattern transforms simple yarn into a stunning, sculptural home for greenery, perfect for adding a touch of handmade warmth to any room. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or a curious beginner, this project is a rewarding journey into shaping and seaming that yields a beautiful, functional piece of home decor.

This free knitting pattern creates a unique, boho-inspired plant cozy that hangs gracefully from a simple loop. The teardrop silhouette is achieved by knitting two identical flat panels with a series of decreases, then seaming them together. The result is a soft, sculptural basket that adds texture and warmth to any space. Let's get started on crafting your very own Willow's Whisper basket!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth and enjoyable knitting experience:

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn (approx. 250-300 yards) in a warm terracotta or sage green. The natural fiber content provides structure and durability, perfect for holding a potted plant.
• Knitting Needles: US Size 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles. You will also need a set of double-pointed needles (DPNs) in the same size for the I-cord hanging loop.
• Notions: A tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming, a stitch marker (optional), and scissors.

Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (blocked). While gauge is important for size, this project is forgiving. A slightly tighter or looser gauge will simply result in a slightly smaller or larger basket.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is knitted flat in two identical teardrop-shaped panels, then seamed together to create a hanging basket. The bottom is shaped with decreases, and the top features a decorative I-cord rim and hanging loop. Follow these detailed instructions carefully, and you'll have a beautiful basket in no time.

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• K2tog: Knit two together (decrease)
• SSK: Slip, slip, knit (decrease)
• St(s): Stitch(es)
• Rep: Repeat

Panel 1 (Make 2)

You will knit two identical panels. The pattern begins with a stockinette stitch base and then incorporates regular decreases to shape the teardrop. Take your time and count your stitches on decrease rows to ensure accuracy.

Row 1 (RS): CO 40 sts. Knit all sts.
Row 2 (WS): Purl all sts.
Row 3: K all sts.
Row 4: P all sts.
Row 5: K all sts.
Row 6: P all sts.
Row 7 (decrease row): K1, SSK, K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1. (38 sts)
Row 8: Purl all sts.
Row 9: Knit all sts.
Row 10: Purl all sts.
Row 11: Knit all sts.
Row 12: Purl all sts.
Row 13 (decrease row): K1, SSK, K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1. (36 sts)
Row 14: Purl all sts.
Row 15: Knit all sts.
Row 16: Purl all sts.
Row 17: Knit all sts.
Row 18: Purl all sts.
Row 19 (decrease row): K1, SSK, K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1. (34 sts)
Row 20: Purl all sts.
Row 21: Knit all sts.
Row 22: Purl all sts.
Row 23: Knit all sts.
Row 24: Purl all sts.
Row 25 (decrease row): K1, SSK, K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1. (32 sts)
Row 26: Purl all sts.
Row 27: Knit all sts.
Row 28: Purl all sts.
Row 29: Knit all sts.
Row 30: Purl all sts.
Row 31 (decrease row): K1, SSK, K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1. (30 sts)
Row 32: Purl all sts.
Row 33: Knit all sts.
Row 34: Purl all sts.
Row 35: Knit all sts.
Row 36: Purl all sts.
Row 37 (decrease row): K1, SSK, K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1. (28 sts)
Row 38: Purl all sts.
Row 39: Knit all sts.
Row 40: Purl all sts.
Row 41: Knit all sts.
Row 42: Purl all sts.
Row 43 (decrease row): K1, SSK, K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1. (26 sts)
Row 44: Purl all sts.
Row 45: Knit all sts.
Row 46: Purl all sts.
Row 47: Knit all sts.
Row 48: Purl all sts.
Row 49 (decrease row): K1, SSK, K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1. (24 sts)
Row 50: Purl all sts.
Row 51: Knit all sts.
Row 52: Purl all sts.
Row 53: Knit all sts.
Row 54: Purl all sts.
Row 55 (decrease row): K1, SSK, K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1. (22 sts)
Row 56: Purl all sts.
Row 57: Knit all sts.
Row 58: Purl all sts.
Row 59: Knit all sts.
Row 60: Purl all sts.
Row 61 (decrease row): K1, SSK, K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1. (20 sts)
Row 62: Purl all sts.
Row 63: Knit all sts.
Row 64: Purl all sts.
Row 65: Knit all sts.
Row 66: Purl all sts.
Row 67 (decrease row): K1, SSK, K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1. (18 sts)
Row 68: Purl all sts.
Row 69: Knit all sts.
Row 70: Purl all sts.
Row 71: Knit all sts.
Row 72: Purl all sts.
Row 73 (decrease row): K1, SSK, K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1. (16 sts)
Row 74: Purl all sts.
Row 75: Knit all sts.
Row 76: Purl all sts.
Row 77: Knit all sts.
Row 78: Purl all sts.
Row 79 (decrease row): K1, SSK, K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1. (14 sts)
Row 80: Purl all sts.
Row 81: Knit all sts.
Row 82: Purl all sts.
Row 83: Knit all sts.
Row 84: Purl all sts.
Row 85 (decrease row): K1, SSK, K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1. (12 sts)
Row 86: Purl all sts.
Row 87: Knit all sts.
Row 88: Purl all sts.
Row 89: Knit all sts.
Row 90: Purl all sts.
Row 91 (decrease row): K1, SSK, K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1. (10 sts)
Row 92: Purl all sts.
Row 93: Knit all sts.
Row 94: Purl all sts.
Row 95: Knit all sts.
Row 96: Purl all sts.
Row 97 (decrease row): K1, SSK, K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1. (8 sts)
Row 98: Purl all sts.
Row 99: Knit all sts.
Row 100: Purl all sts.
Row 101: Knit all sts.
Row 102: Purl all sts.
Row 103 (decrease row): K1, SSK, K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1. (6 sts)
Row 104: Purl all sts.
Row 105: Knit all sts.
Row 106: Purl all sts.
Row 107: Knit all sts.
Row 108: Purl all sts.
Row 109 (decrease row): K1, SSK, K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1. (4 sts)
Row 110: Purl all sts.
Row 111: Knit all sts.
Row 112: Purl all sts.
Row 113: K2tog, K2tog. (2 sts)
Row 114: K2tog. (1 st) Cut yarn, pull through remaining loop.

Repeat the entire sequence for the second panel. You should now have two identical teardrop-shaped pieces.

Seaming

With right sides together, use mattress stitch to sew the two panels together along the curved side edges, leaving the top 2 inches open on each side for the rim. The mattress stitch creates an invisible seam, making your basket look seamless and professional. Once sewn, turn the basket right side out.

Top Rim

Pick up and knit 40 sts evenly around the top edge. Work in stockinette stitch (knit RS, purl WS) for 6 rows. Bind off loosely. This creates a neat, rolled rim that gives the basket a polished finish and helps it hold its shape.

Hanging Loop

Using the I-cord method, cast on 4 sts onto a double-pointed needle. Knit a 12-inch I-cord. Bind off. Fold the I-cord in half and sew the ends to the inside of the top rim on opposite sides to create a hanging loop. This sturdy loop will safely support the weight of your plant.

Finishing

Weave in all ends with your tapestry needle. Block gently to shape, which helps even out the stitches and gives the basket a crisp, professional look. Place a small potted plant inside, and hang from a sturdy hook or macrame hanger. Enjoy your beautiful, handmade creation!

This pattern is a wonderful way to practice decreases and seaming while creating a stunning piece of functional art. The Willow's Whisper Teardrop Hanging Basket is sure to become a cherished item in your home or a thoughtful handmade gift for a fellow plant lover. Happy knitting!