Type
Knitting
Difficulty
intermediate
Category
custom
AI Thinking Process
Planning
1. **Analysis**: The user wants a beginner-friendly knitting pattern for a felted Easter basket using worsted weight yarn. The terminology must be UK English with metric measurements. The key technical challenge is calculating the shrinkage for felting to ensure the final basket is usable for Easter eggs. The pattern requires holding yarn double for structural integrity post-felting.
2. **Reference Classes**:
* *The "Booga Bag" Construction*: Circular base knitted in the round, then straight walls.
* *Standard Felted Bowl*: Uses a specific increase ratio (8 stitches per round every other round) to create a flat circle before building walls.
* *Attached Handle Totes*: Knitting handles separately and felting them onto the body for durability.
3. **Edge Cases**:
* *The "Floppy Basket"*: If knitted with a single strand of worsted, the walls will collapse. **Correction**: Pattern will specify holding yarn DOUBLE throughout.
* *The "Tiny Thimble"*: Felting shrinks items by 30-40%. A beginner might panic at the huge size of the pre-felted item. **Correction**: Clearly list Pre-felt vs. Post-felt dimensions.
* *The "Cone Base"*: If increases are too tight or infrequent, the base creates a cone. **Correction**: Use the standard Pi circle expansion or 8-point radial increase to ensure flatness.
4. **Plan**:
* **Gauge/Tension**: 13 sts = 10 cm (approx) with yarn held double on 6.5mm needles.
* **Base**: Cast on 8 sts, increase to 80 sts (approx 20cm diameter pre-felt).
* **Walls**: Knit straight for approx 15-16cm height (pre-felt).
* **Handle**: Knit a garter stitch strap separately to be sewn on before felting (easier for beginners than picking up stitches).
Verification
[PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS]
1. **Completeness**: Title, Description, Materials, Tension, Dimensions, Abbreviations, Instructions (Base, Sides, Handle, Finishing) included.
2. **Consistency**:
* Base increases: 8 sts start. 9 increase rounds. $8 + (9 \times 8) = 80$ sts.
* Circumference at 80 sts: $80 / 1.3$ sts/cm = 61.5 cm.
* Diameter: $61.5 / \pi = 19.6$ cm. Post-felt (approx 75%) = ~15 cm. Perfect for an Easter basket.
3. **Constraints**: UK English used (colour, centimetre). Worsted weight specified. Beginner difficulty maintained (simple increases, no short rows).
4. **Safety**: "Yarn held double" instruction is prominent. Washing machine caution included for felting process.
Pattern
# Chunky Felted Easter Basket
**Description:**
A sturdy, classic Easter basket knitted in the round and then felted (shrunk) in your washing machine. The basket is knitted using two strands of yarn held together to create a thick, structural fabric that stands up on its own. Perfect for egg hunts!
**Difficulty Level:** Beginner
**Sizes:**
* **Pre-Felt Dimensions:** Approx. 20 cm diameter base, 16 cm tall.
* **Post-Felt (Finished) Dimensions:** Approx. 14–15 cm diameter base, 10–11 cm tall.
*(Note: Felting varies by washing machine and yarn colour; these are estimates.)*
**Materials:**
* **Yarn:** Approx. 200–220 metres of **Worsted Weight** 100% Non-Superwash Wool.
* *Important:* You must use 100% animal fibre (wool). Do not use "Superwash" or acrylic blends, as they will not felt.
* *Recommended:* 2 balls of 100g worsted wool in a bright Easter colour (yellow, lilac, or light green).
* **Needles:** 6.5 mm (UK 3) circular needles (40 cm or 60 cm length) and a set of Double Pointed Needles (DPNs) for the start of the base.
* **Notions:** Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors.
**Tension (Gauge):**
13 stitches and 18 rounds = 10 cm in stocking stitch using yarn **held double** before felting.
*(Exact tension is not critical for this project as it will be shrunk, but try to knit loosely to allow fibres to mesh.)*
**Terminology & Abbreviations (UK English):**
* **k:** knit
* **p:** purl
* **st(s):** stitch(es)
* **kfb:** knit into front and back of stitch (increase 1 stitch)
* **rem:** remaining
* **rep:** repeat
* **RS:** right side
---
### INSTRUCTIONS
**Note on Technique:** throughout this entire pattern, hold **two strands** of yarn together as if they were one.
#### 1. The Base
Using 6.5 mm DPNs and two strands of yarn held together, cast on 8 sts. Divide onto 3 or 4 needles and join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Place a marker to denote the beginning of the round.
* **Round 1:** Knit all sts. `[8 sts]`
* **Round 2:** (Kfb) in every st. `[8 start + 8 inc = 16 sts]`
* **Round 3:** Knit all sts.
* **Round 4:** (K1, kfb) rep to end. `[16 start + 8 inc = 24 sts]`
* **Round 5:** Knit all sts.
* **Round 6:** (K2, kfb) rep to end. `[24 start + 8 inc = 32 sts]`
* **Round 7:** Knit all sts.
* **Round 8:** (K3, kfb) rep to end. `[32 start + 8 inc = 40 sts]`
* **Round 9:** Knit all sts.
* **Round 10:** (K4, kfb) rep to end. `[40 start + 8 inc = 48 sts]`
*Switch to circular needles when the stitches fit comfortably.*
* **Round 11:** Knit all sts.
* **Round 12:** (K5, kfb) rep to end. `[48 start + 8 inc = 56 sts]`
* **Round 13:** Knit all sts.
* **Round 14:** (K6, kfb) rep to end. `[56 start + 8 inc = 64 sts]`
* **Round 15:** Knit all sts.
* **Round 16:** (K7, kfb) rep to end. `[64 start + 8 inc = 72 sts]`
* **Round 17:** Knit all sts.
* **Round 18:** (K8, kfb) rep to end. `[72 start + 8 inc = 80 sts]`
#### 2. The Sides
Work straight without increasing to build the walls of the basket.
* **Next Round:** Purl all sts. (This creates a turning ridge so the basket stands flat). `[80 sts]`
* **Next Section:** Knit every round (stocking stitch) until the work measures 16 cm from the purl turning ridge.
* **Top Edge:** Purl 2 rounds.
* **Cast Off:** Cast off all stitches loosely knitwise.
#### 3. The Handle
The handle is knitted flat (back and forth) and attached before felting.
Using 6.5 mm needles and yarn held double, cast on 6 sts.
* **Row 1:** Knit all sts.
* Rep Row 1 (Garter Stitch) until the handle measures 45 cm.
* Cast off all sts.
#### 4. Assembly (Pre-Felting)
1. Weave in any loose ends on the basket body.
2. Position the handle ends on the inside of the basket rim, extending about 3 cm down into the basket.
3. Using the yarn tails or a fresh piece of matching yarn, sew the handle securely to the basket body. Ensure you sew through all layers.
* *Technical Tip:* Sew tightly! If the handle is loose, it may detach during the violent agitation of the washing machine.
#### 5. Felting (The Magic Part)
1. Place the basket in a pillowcase (tie the top closed) or a zippered mesh laundry bag. This prevents fuzz from clogging your machine.
2. Set your washing machine to a **hot wash** (approx 60°C) with a **low water level** and maximum agitation.
3. Add a small amount of detergent and an old pair of jeans or a towel (to increase friction).
4. Start the cycle. Check the basket after 15 minutes.
* *If it is still too big:* Reset the cycle and wash longer.
* *If it is the right size:* Pull it out immediately.
5. Rinse the basket in cold water to set the size.
6. Roll in a dry towel to remove excess water.
#### 6. Shaping
While the wool is still damp, it is pliable.
1. Stretch the base so it is flat.
2. Push the sides out to make them circular. You can find a bowl or pot that fits inside the basket and leave it there while the wool dries to ensure a perfect round shape.
3. Shape the handle into a nice arch.
4. Allow to air dry completely (this may take 24 hours).
Disclaimer: This pattern was generated by AI and should be reviewed for accuracy before use. While we strive for quality, AI-generated content may contain errors. Please verify measurements, stitch counts, and instructions before beginning your project. Generated by purlJam.uk
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