purlJam

# The "Mammoth" Felted Basin

**Description:**
A sturdy, minimalist storage container knitted in the round and then felted (shrunk) in a washing machine. This project is designed for beginners. It features a flat circular base, straight sides, and integrated slot handles finished with a neat I-cord trim.

**Difficulty Level:**
Beginner

**Yarn Weight:**
Worsted (Aran/10-ply).
*Note: Yarn is held DOUBLE (two strands together) throughout the entire project to simulate a Roving texture and provide structural integrity.*

**Specifications for This Yarn Weight:**
You MUST use **100% Non-Superwash Wool**. Do not use "Superwash" (machine washable) wool or acrylic blends, as they will **not** felt, and the project will fail.
*   **Recommended Fibre:** 100% Highland Wool or Peruvian Wool.
*   **Quantity:** Approximately 600g - 700g total (approx. 1200-1400 metres).

**Finished Measurements (After Felting):**
*   **Diameter:** 40.5 cm (16 inches)
*   **Depth:** 12.5 cm (5 inches)
*   *Note: Pre-felted object will be significantly larger (approx. 52 cm / 20.5 inches diameter).*

**Materials:**
*   8.0 mm (UK 0 / US 11) Double Pointed Needles (DPNs).
*   8.0 mm (UK 0 / US 11) Circular Needles, 60 cm (24 in) and 100 cm (40 in) lengths.
*   Stitch marker.
*   Tapestry needle.

**Tension (Gauge):**
12 stitches and 16 rounds = 10 cm (4 inches) in stocking stitch using yarn held double, *before* felting.

**Terminology & Abbreviations (UK Terms):**
*   **k:** knit
*   **p:** purl
*   **st(s):** stitch(es)
*   **inc:** increase (knit into the front and back of the stitch, or lift bar between stitches)
*   **k2tog:** knit 2 stitches together
*   **tbl:** through back loop
*   **sl:** slip stitch
*   **RS:** Right Side

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### INSTRUCTIONS

**Notes on Construction:**
1.  The project is worked in the round, starting at the centre of the base.
2.  Hold two strands of worsted weight yarn together as one thick strand for the entire pattern.
3.  Start with DPNs and switch to circular needles as the circumference increases.

#### SECTION 1: THE BASE
*Using 8.0 mm DPNs and yarn held double, cast on 8 sts. Distribute across 3 or 4 needles. Place marker to indicate beginning of round.*

**Round 1:** Knit all sts. `[8 sts]`
**Round 2:** (Inc in every st) to end. `[8 start sts + 8 inc = 16 sts]`
**Round 3:** Knit all sts.
**Round 4:** (Inc, k1) to end. `[16 start sts + 8 inc = 24 sts]`
**Round 5:** Knit all sts.
**Round 6:** (Inc, k2) to end. `[24 start sts + 8 inc = 32 sts]`
**Round 7:** Knit all sts.
**Round 8:** (Inc, k3) to end. `[32 start sts + 8 inc = 40 sts]`

*Continue increasing 8 stitches every alternate round as established. Switch to circular needles when DPNs become crowded.*

**Round 9:** Knit all sts.
**Round 10:** (Inc, k4) to end. `[40 start sts + 8 inc = 48 sts]`
...
**Round 24:** (Inc, k11) to end. `[96 start sts + 8 inc = 104 sts]`
...
**Round 46:** (Inc, k22) to end. `[184 start sts + 8 inc = 192 sts]`
**Round 47:** Knit all sts.

*Inline Math Check:*
At the end of Round 47, you have 192 stitches.
Diameter Calculation: 192 sts / 1.2 sts per cm ≈ 160 cm circumference.
160 cm / 3.14 ≈ 51 cm (20 inches) diameter. This allows for approx 20-25% shrinkage to reach the 40.5 cm (16 inch) target.

#### SECTION 2: THE SIDES
You will now stop increasing to build the walls of the container.

**Rounds 1-25:** Knit every stitch.
*Continue straight knitting until the wall measures approximately 18 cm (7 inches) from the edge of the base.*

#### SECTION 3: INTEGRATED HANDLES
We will now create the handle openings.

**Next Round (Setup for Handles):**
1.  Knit 42 sts.
2.  Cast off next 12 sts (loosely).
3.  Knit 84 sts (ensure you count the stitch left on the needle after casting off as stitch 1).
4.  Cast off next 12 sts (loosely).
5.  Knit remaining 42 sts.
`[Math Check: 42 + 12 (bound off) + 84 + 12 (bound off) + 42 = 192 sts]`

**Next Round (Closing Handles):**
1.  Knit to the first gap.
2.  Turn work. Cast on 12 sts using the cable cast-on or knitted cast-on method (this provides stability). Turn work back.
3.  Knit to the second gap.
4.  Turn work. Cast on 12 sts. Turn work back.
5.  Knit to end.
`[192 sts returned to needle]`

**Next Round:** Knit all sts.

#### SECTION 4: I-CORD TRIM (BIND OFF)
This creates a polished, sturdy rim.

1.  Cast on 3 stitches onto the *left* hand needle (using the cable cast on).
2.  *Knit 2, Knit 2 stitches together through the back loop (k2tog tbl). (The second stitch of the k2tog is one of the body stitches).*
3.  *Slip the 3 stitches just worked back onto the left hand needle.*
4.  Repeat steps 2 and 3 until all body stitches have been bound off.
5.  Cast off the remaining 3 I-cord stitches and sew the start and end of the I-cord together neatly.

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### FINISHING (The Felting Process)

1.  **Preparation:** Place the oversized knitted bag into a zippered pillowcase or laundry bag to catch loose fibres (fuzz).
2.  **Washing:** Machine wash on a hot cycle (approx 60°C) with a small amount of detergent. Add an old pair of jeans or a towel to the load; the agitation helps the felting process.
3.  **Check:** Check the size after 15 minutes. The wool will shrink and thicken. If it is still too large, wash again.
4.  **Shaping:** Once it reaches the desired size (approx 16 inch diameter):
    *   Remove from machine.
    *   Rinse with cold water if soapy.
    *   Squeeze out excess water (do not wring/twist too hard).
    *   **Crucial Step:** Stuff the container with plastic bags, towels, or stretch it over a bucket/box that matches the desired dimensions (16" diameter). Use your hands to flatten the bottom and straighten the walls. Smooth out the handles.
5.  **Drying:** Allow to air dry completely (this may take 24-48 hours).