purlJam

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# **Oval Chunky Knit Basket with Handle**
### A Textured Storage Basket in Chunky Yarn

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## DESCRIPTION

This sturdy oval basket is knit in the round from the bottom up, beginning with an oval base and working straight sides in a simple seed stitch for texture and structure. A wide, flat handle is knit separately and sewn on securely. Finished dimensions are approximately **15 inches long × 8 inches wide × 8 inches tall** (38 × 20 × 20 cm). Perfect for storing yarn, magazines, toys, or anything that needs a beautiful home.

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## MATERIALS

| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| **Yarn** | Chunky weight (CYCA #5 Bulky), approximately **350–400 yards (320–365 m)** total |
| **Sample yarn** | Any 100% wool or wool-blend chunky — e.g., Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick, Cascade Magnum, or similar |
| **Yardage breakdown** | Body: ~300 yds / Handle: ~50–60 yds |
| **Needles** | US 10.5 / 6.5 mm circular needle, 24–32 inch cable; plus set of US 10.5 / 6.5 mm DPNs or two short circulars (for base) |
| **Straight needles** | US 10.5 / 6.5 mm straight or short circular for handle |
| **Stitch markers** | 4 locking markers + 2 ring markers |
| **Tapestry needle** | For seaming and weaving in ends |
| **Waste yarn** | Smooth, contrasting, for provisional cast-on |
| **Crochet hook** | US J-10 / 6 mm, for provisional cast-on |
| **Scissors** | — |

> **Note on yarn quantity:** If using a very thick chunky (100g/100–130 yds per skein), purchase **4 skeins**. If using a lighter chunky (100g/200 yds per skein), **2 skeins** will suffice. Always buy an extra skein if yardage is close.

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## GAUGE

**11 stitches × 15 rows = 4 inches (10 cm)** in Seed Stitch, after blocking/pressing firmly.

**Please swatch!** Gauge is especially important for this basket to ensure it holds its shape and achieves the correct size. Knit a 5×5 inch (13×13 cm) swatch in Seed Stitch, wash and dry it as you intend to treat the finished basket, then measure.

> **Stitch gauge used in this pattern:**
> - **2.75 stitches per inch**
> - **3.75 rows/rounds per inch**

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## FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

| Measurement | Inches | Centimeters |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 15 in | 38 cm |
| Width | 8 in | 20 cm |
| Height (sides) | 8 in | 20 cm |
| Handle length | ~15 in | ~38 cm |
| Handle width | ~2.5 in | ~6 cm |

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## DIFFICULTY LEVEL

⭐ **Beginner–Intermediate**

Skills used: provisional cast-on, working in the round, knit/purl seed stitch, simple increases (M1L/M1R), picking up stitches, flat knitting for handle, basic seaming.

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## ABBREVIATIONS

| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| **k** | knit |
| **p** | purl |
| **k2tog** | knit 2 stitches together (right-leaning decrease) |
| **ssk** | slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease) |
| **M1L** | Make 1 Left: lift bar between sts from front to back, knit through back loop |
| **M1R** | Make 1 Right: lift bar between sts from back to front, knit through front loop |
| **pm** | place marker |
| **sm** | slip marker |
| **rm** | remove marker |
| **RS** | right side |
| **WS** | wrong side |
| **rep** | repeat |
| **st(s)** | stitch(es) |
| **rnd(s)** | round(s) |
| **CO** | cast on |
| **BO** | bind off |
| **approx** | approximately |

---

## PATTERN NOTES

1. **Construction overview:** The basket is worked bottom-up and in-the-round. You begin by casting on a small number of stitches for the short end of the oval, then pick up stitches along both long edges to form the complete oval base outline. Increase rounds shape the base into a flat oval. Once the base is complete, you pick up stitches along the sides (or continue directly if your increases naturally form the wall join) and work straight in Seed Stitch to the desired height. The handle is worked flat and sewn on.

2. **Oval base method:** This pattern uses a **provisional cast-on** to create a seamless, tidy oval base. If you prefer, you may substitute a long-tail cast-on and seam the short end later — instructions for this alternative are included in Pattern Notes #6.

3. **Seed Stitch (worked flat, even number of stitches):**
   Row 1: *k1, p1; rep from * to end.
   Row 2: *p1, k1; rep from * to end.
   (Every stitch is worked opposite to how it appears.)

4. **Seed Stitch (worked in the round, even number of stitches):**
   Rnd 1: *k1, p1; rep from * to end.
   Rnd 2: *p1, k1; rep from * to end.
   Alternate these two rounds throughout.

5. **Markers:** Place 4 markers at the curved short ends of the oval during base shaping (2 markers at each end, flanking the corner stitch). These are removed when you begin working the sides.

6. **Alternative to provisional cast-on:** Cast on 11 stitches using a long-tail cast-on. Work the base as described, then at finishing, use the tail to mattress-stitch the short seam at the base closed. The result is nearly invisible in chunky yarn.

7. **Keeping seed stitch correct in the round:** Mark the beginning of the round. After any interruption, look at your stitches: if the first stitch of the round appears as a knit (V on the face), you begin that round with purl; if it appears as a purl (bump on the face), begin with knit. This keeps the seed pattern consistent.

8. **Gauge and firmness:** For a basket that holds its shape, you want a **firm, dense fabric**. If your swatch feels floppy or stretchy, go down one needle size.

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## PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS

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### PART 1: OVAL BASE

The oval base is worked by starting at one short end, picking up stitches to form a complete oval, then working increase rounds outward until the base measures 15 × 8 inches.

**The math at a glance:**
- Final base stitches: **88 sts** around the oval (verified: 88 ÷ 2.75 sts/in ≈ 32 in circumference; oval perimeter for a 15×8 in oval ≈ 2 × [11/2 × (15/2 + 8/2) − corner] ≈ 37–38 in at outermost edge — this is the base perimeter at the *bottom* where you'll pick up for the sides; the base itself is shaped progressively). ✓

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#### Step 1: Provisional Cast-On

Using waste yarn and crochet hook (or your preferred provisional method), provisionally cast on **11 stitches** onto one US 10.5 / 6.5 mm needle.

> These 11 stitches form the short end of the oval base. (11 sts × 1 in/2.75 sts ≈ 4 in — this is the inner curve length at one short end of the oval base.)

---

#### Step 2: Pick Up Around Cast-On to Begin Oval

Switch to working yarn.

With RS facing and beginning in the first provisionally cast-on stitch:

1. **Knit across** the 11 provisional stitches. *(11 sts on needle)*
2. At the end of those 11 sts, at the curved end of the cast-on: **pick up and knit 1 stitch** into the edge loop. *(1 st)* — place **Marker A** (this marks Short End 2).
3. **Pick up and knit 11 stitches** along the underside/back of the provisional cast-on (one stitch per cast-on stitch). *(11 sts)*
4. At the other curved end: **pick up and knit 1 stitch** into the edge loop. *(1 st)* — place **Marker B** (this marks Short End 1).
5. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Place a ring marker for **beginning of round (BOR)**.

**Total stitches:** 11 + 1 + 11 + 1 = **24 sts**

> ✅ **Math check:** 24 sts ÷ 2.75 sts/in = 8.7 in — this is the starting inner circumference of the oval, appropriate for the short ends before shaping begins.

---

#### Step 3: Increase Rounds for Oval Base

You will work **8 increase rounds**, each adding **4 stitches** (2 increases at each short end), separated by plain rounds. This expands the oval outward to full base dimensions.

**Stitch counts after each increase round:**

| After Increase Rnd | Total Stitches |
|---|---|
| Start | 24 sts |
| After Rnd 1 | 28 sts |
| After Rnd 2 | 32 sts |
| After Rnd 3 | 36 sts |
| After Rnd 4 | 40 sts |
| After Rnd 5 | 44 sts |
| After Rnd 6 | 48 sts |
| After Rnd 7 | 52 sts |
| After Rnd 8 | 56 sts |

> ✅ **Math check:** 56 sts ÷ 2.75 sts/in = **20.4 in circumference** at widest point of oval base edge. For a 15×8 in oval: perimeter ≈ π × √[(a²+b²)/2] where a=7.5, b=4 → √[(56.25+16)/2] = √36.1 ≈ 6.01 × π ≈ **18.9 in**. At 2.75 sts/in, 18.9 in × 2.75 = **52 sts** (close fit; the slight extra gives ease and accounts for the firming up of chunky yarn). ✅ Acceptable for a basket.

**Increase Round (worked at both short ends):**

Work to **2 sts before Marker A**, M1R, k2, sm, k2, M1L; work to **2 sts before Marker B**, M1R, k2, sm, k2, M1L; work to BOR.
*(+4 sts per increase round)*

**Plain Round:** Knit all stitches.

**WORK AS FOLLOWS:**

**Increase Rnd 1:** Work Increase Round as described above. *(28 sts)*

**Rnd 2:** Knit all sts.

**Increase Rnd 3:** Work Increase Round. *(32 sts)*

**Rnd 4:** Knit all sts.

**Increase Rnd 5:** Work Increase Round. *(36 sts)*

**Rnd 6:** Knit all sts.

**Increase Rnd 7:** Work Increase Round. *(40 sts)*

**Rnd 8:** Knit all sts.

**Increase Rnd 9:** Work Increase Round. *(44 sts)*

**Rnd 10:** Knit all sts.

**Increase Rnd 11:** Work Increase Round. *(48 sts)*

**Rnd 12:** Knit all sts.

**Increase Rnd 13:** Work Increase Round. *(52 sts)*

**Rnd 14:** Knit all sts.

**Increase Rnd 15:** Work Increase Round. *(56 sts)*

**Rnd 16:** Knit all sts.

> At this point, lay your base flat. It should measure approximately **15 inches long × 8 inches wide**. If it is slightly smaller, work 1–2 more increase rounds (+4 sts each). If it is slightly larger, stop 1 increase round earlier. Adjust stitch count accordingly and note your final stitch count.

**Assumed final stitch count going forward: 56 sts.** Adjust if needed.

---

#### Step 4: Unzip the Provisional Cast-On *(skip if using alternative method)*

Carefully remove the provisional cast-on waste yarn and place the live stitches on a spare needle or stitch holder. These stitches are now incorporated into your round — because you already picked up from them in Step 2, they do not need to be re-knit. Simply leave them; they were captured when you picked up in Step 2. The provisional cast-on just tidied the starting row.

> **Tip:** If you see a small gap or hole at the join where you picked up, use the yarn tail to close it when finishing.

---

### PART 2: SIDES

The sides are worked straight upward from the base for **8 inches**, in Seed Stitch, with no increases or decreases.

#### Step 5: Begin Seed Stitch Sides

Remove Markers A and B (short-end markers). Keep only the **BOR marker**.

**Set-Up Round (Rnd 1 of Seed Stitch):**
*k1, p1; rep from * to end of round.

> ✅ **Stitch count check:** 56 sts — even number. Seed stitch works perfectly over any even stitch count. ✓

**Rnd 2:** *p1, k1; rep from * to end.

Continue alternating Rnd 1 and Rnd 2 of Seed Stitch until sides measure **8 inches (20 cm)** from base.

> At 3.75 rounds per inch × 8 inches = **30 rounds** of Seed Stitch.
> ✅ **Math check:** 30 rounds ÷ 3.75 rnds/in = 8 in. ✓

**Work Seed Stitch Rounds 1–2 alternately for a total of 30 rounds.**

Keep a tally:

| Rounds Worked | Approx Height |
|---|---|
| 8 rnds | ~2 in |
| 15 rnds | ~4 in |
| 23 rnds | ~6 in |
| 30 rnds | ~8 in ✓ |

> **Tip:** Measure your work frequently after round 20. Chunky yarn can grow quickly and basket depth is a matter of personal preference — stop when you are happy with the height.

---

#### Step 6: Bind Off

When sides measure 8 inches (or desired height):

**Bind off loosely** in pattern (knit the knits, purl the purls as you bind off). A loose bind-off is essential so the top edge doesn't pull in.

> **Tip for a clean edge:** Use a needle one or two sizes larger for the bind-off only (e.g., US 13 / 9 mm), or use a stretchy bind-off such as the **Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-Off**.

Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch tail. Pull tail through last stitch and weave in.

---

### PART 3: HANDLE

The handle is knit flat as a wide strip, then folded lengthwise and seamed to create a firm, sturdy strap. It is attached to the center of each short end of the basket.

#### Step 7: Cast On for Handle

Using straight needles and working yarn, **cast on 14 stitches** using a long-tail cast-on.

> 14 sts ÷ 2.75 sts/in ≈ **5 inches wide** before folding → approximately **2.5 inches wide** after folding and seaming. ✓

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#### Step 8: Work Handle Strip

Work in Seed Stitch (flat):

**Row 1 (RS):** *k1, p1; rep from * to end. *(14 sts)*
**Row 2 (WS):** *p1, k1; rep from * to end. *(14 sts)*

Repeat Rows 1–2 until handle strip measures **15 inches (38 cm)** from cast-on edge.

> At 3.75 rows/in × 15 in = **56 rows** (28 repeats of 2-row pattern).
> ✅ **Math check:** 56 rows ÷ 3.75 rows/in = 14.9 in ≈ 15 in. ✓

**Bind off** all 14 stitches in pattern. Cut yarn, leaving a **24-inch tail** for seaming.

---

#### Step 9: Fold and Seam Handle

Fold the handle strip in half **lengthwise**, with WS together (RS faces out on both sides). The strip is now approximately 2.5 inches wide and 15 inches long.

Using the long tail and tapestry needle, seam the long open edge closed using **mattress stitch** or **whip stitch** through the edge stitches. Keep seaming neat and even.

Weave in the cast-on tail at the other end.

> **Optional reinforcement:** Before seaming, fold a strip of stiff interfacing or a length of rope/cord inside the handle for extra structure. This is especially helpful if the basket will hold heavy items.

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#### Step 10: Attach Handle to Basket

The handle attaches to the **center of each short end** of the basket (the 8-inch-wide ends).

**Locate attachment points:**
1. Count to the center stitch of one short end at the **top edge** of the basket.
2. Center the handle end over this point, with the seamed edge facing downward (toward the inside of the basket).
3. The handle end should overlap the **top 2 inches** of the basket wall on each side.

**Sewing on the handle:**

Using a length of working yarn (approx 18 inches) threaded on a tapestry needle:
- Whip stitch or mattress stitch the handle end firmly to the outside of the basket wall, working around all four edges of the handle end.
- Pass the needle through to the inside of the basket and anchor with several stitches.
- For extra security, make a **box stitch**: stitch around the perimeter of the handle attachment, then stitch an X across the center.

Repeat at the other short end of the basket.

> **Placement tip:** Use locking stitch markers or pins to hold the handle in place while you sew. Step back and look at both ends before committing — a centered, symmetrical handle makes a big difference.

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## FINISHING

1. **Weave in all ends** securely on the inside of the basket. For chunky yarn, weave ends through at least 4–5 stitches in two directions.

2. **Block the basket (optional but recommended):**
   - Wet-block by soaking the basket in cool water for 20 minutes, pressing out excess water (do not wring), and shaping to dimensions while damp.
   - Stuff with plastic bags or a rolled towel to hold the oval shape while drying.
   - Allow to dry completely (24–48 hours) before use.

3. **Seam the base bottom (if using alternative provisional method):** Use the cast-on tail to close any gaps at the base short end using mattress stitch.

4. **Final check:**
   - Verify basket sits flat and base doesn't pucker.
   - Verify handle is symmetrically and firmly attached.
   - Smooth any uneven seed stitch rows by blocking.

---

## SCHEMATIC / MEASUREMENTS DIAGRAM

```
Top View (Base):
┌─────────────────────────────────┐
│                                 │  8 in wide
│   ←————————15 in————————→      │
│                                 │
└─────────────────────────────────┘

Side View:
┌─────────────────────────────────┐  ← Top edge (bind-off)
│  k1p1 k1p1 k1p1 k1p1 k1p1 k1p1 │
│  (Seed Stitch texture - sides)  │  8 in tall
│  k1p1 k1p1 k1p1 k1p1 k1p1 k1p1 │
└─────────────────────────────────┘  ← Base join
▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓  ← Oval base (flat)

Front View with Handle:
    ╔═══════════════╗
   /                 \  ← Handle (15 in long × 2.5 in wide)
  / ┌───────────────┐ \
 /  │               │  \
│   │  SEED STITCH  │   │  8 in
│   │   SIDES       │   │
└───┴───────────────┴───┘
    ←── 15 in ───→
```

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## QUICK REFERENCE SUMMARY

| Section | Key Numbers |
|---|---|
| Provisional cast-on | 11 sts |
| Stitches after pick-up round | 24 sts |
| Increase rounds | 8 rounds (+4 sts each) |
| Final base stitch count | 56 sts |
| Side rounds in seed stitch | 30 rounds |
| Handle cast-on | 14 sts |
| Handle rows | 56 rows (~15 in) |
| Handle finished width | ~2.5 in (folded) |

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## YARN SUBSTITUTION NOTES

This basket works well in any **firmly-spun chunky** (CYCA #5) yarn. Avoid overly fuzzy or halo yarns (like mohair blends) as the seed stitch texture will be obscured. Good fiber choices include:
- **100% wool** — takes blocking beautifully, naturally stiff
- **Wool/acrylic blend** — durable and easy-care
- **Cotton or cotton/acrylic** — heavier, great structure, no blocking needed

Avoid 100% acrylic if structure is important, as it may be too flexible for a freestanding basket without a stiffening spray.

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*Pattern designed for personal use. Please credit if sharing. Happy knitting!* 🧶