Knitted gift basket

Something fun to try out!

Gift Basket

Lion Brand Lion Cotton
GAUGE:
20 stitches = 4 inches (10 cm) in pattern. BE SURE TO CHECK YOUR GAUGE. When you match the gauge in a pattern, your project will be the size specified in the pattern and the materials specified in the pattern will be sufficient. If it takes you fewer stitches and rows to make a 4 in. [10 cm] square, try using a smaller size hook or needles; if more stitches and rows, try a larger size hook or needles.

DISHCLOTH / BASKET
Cast on 46 sts.
Rows 1 and 2 Knit.
Rows 3 and 4 Knit 2, *knit 1, purl 1; repeat from * across to last 2 stitches, knit 2.
Repeat Rows 1-4 for pattern until piece measures approximately 7 inches from beginning, ending with pattern Row 2. Change to (B), continue in pattern 4 rows
Change to (A). Repeat Rows 1-4 for pattern until piece measures approximately 9 inches from beginning, ending with pattern Row 2. Bind off all stitches in knit.

FINISHING

Mix 1/2 cup cooked starch per manufacturer's instructions.

Select a bowl or cooking dish that has the same shape as desired in your basket. This will be the form for your basket.

Cover the form with plastic wrap (starch is very sticky and if you omit this step, you will have a very hard time getting your basket off the form)

Dip the finished dishcloth in the starch; squeeze to make sure it is completely saturated with starch.

Place dishcloth over the form as shown below (if you are using a square pan, the arrangement of the cloth will be different!) Pat into the shape that you want (we folded the corners back towards the top of the bowl to make a rounded shape.)

1. Wait until the basket dries. If it is drying too slowly, you can hasten the process by baking the project in a very low temperature oven (200 degrees F.)


2. Remove basket from form, peeling off the plastic wrap.

1. If you plan to fill the basket with something heavy, you may want to cut a piece of cardboard the size of the bottom and put it in the bottom of the basket to make it more sturdy.


2. Fill the basket with goodies!


3. If you are filling the basket with something heavy, you may want to wrap your gift in cellophane and tie with ribbon at the top. This provides better structural strength when transporting the gift.