Two projects. One base. Make it yours.
Welcome!
Whether you're making a home for your favorite yarn or a portable bucket bag for your latest work in progress, this guide will help you create something that's uniquely yours.
Using a Waterloo Works wooden basket base, you'll learn how to knit a yarn bowl that can also become a taller bucket bag with a handmade I-Cord drawstring.
The best part? You get to decide when you're finished!
Stop at the yarn bowl stage for an easy way to keep your yarn organized, or keep knitting to create a bucket bag that travels with you.
Skill Level – Adventurous Beginner
A basic understanding of knitting is helpful, but we've included step-by-step instructions and photos to guide you through the process.
This project introduces knitting in the round, attaching yarn to a wooden base using a provisional cast-on technique, a simple two-round stitch pattern, and an I-Cord drawstring.
Finished Size
Your finished project will vary depending on:
Wooden base shape and size
Yarn used
Needle size
Knitting tension
Desired project height
You can make a shorter yarn bowl or continue adding rounds to create a taller bucket bag.
Estimated Time: 2-5 hours
Time will vary depending on your knitting experience and the height of your finished project.
Materials
Waterloo Works Wooden Basket Base (medium oval was used in this project)
Bulky weight yarn
Knitting needles (choose the size that works best for you):
5.5 mm (US 9)
6 mm (US 10)
6.5 mm (US 10½) – used in this project
Double-pointed needles (DPNs) or circular knitting needles with a 40-inch (100 cm) cable for Magic Loop
6 mm (US J-10) crochet hook
Stitch marker
Scissors
Tapestry needle (optional)
Recommended Yarn
You can use any bulky weight yarn for this project!
We used T-shirt yarn because it creates a sturdy fabric that holds its shape while still having enough flexibility for a yarn bowl or bucket bag.
Other bulky weight yarns will work, too. Just keep in mind that different yarns will create different textures, levels of firmness, and finished shapes.
Using Worsted Weight Yarn for Your Project
You can also use worsted weight yarn to make your yarn bowl or bucket bag. Keep in mind that lighter yarn generally creates a softer, more flexible finished project.
If using worsted weight yarn:
Use a 5 mm (US H-8) or 5.5 mm (US I-9) crochet hook for your provisional cast-on.
Find your selected wooden base in the stitch count diagrams below.
For every hole marked "1," work 2 stitches into that hole.
For every hole marked "2," work 3 stitches into that hole.
This adds extra stitches to accommodate the thinner yarn.
Gauge & Needle Selection
There is no required gauge for this project!
Everyone knits a little differently, so we encourage you to choose the needle size that gives you the look and feel you want.
We used 6.5 mm (US 10½) needles for our project, but you can also use 5.5 mm (US 9) or 6 mm (US 10) needles to accommodate your knitting style.
Want a firmer, more structured fabric? Try a smaller needle size.
Prefer a softer, more flexible fabric? Try a larger needle size.
The yarn you choose and how tightly or loosely you knit will affect your finished project.
Feel free to experiment! The goal is to create a yarn bowl or bucket bag that looks and feels just right for you.
Note: Even though there is no required gauge, you should still follow the stitch count for your wooden base to ensure your project starts correctly.
Stitches & Techniques
This guide uses the following stitches and techniques:
Knit (k): A basic knitting stitch that creates a smooth, V-shaped fabric.
Purl (p): A basic knitting stitch that creates a small raised bump.
Provisional Cast-On: A temporary cast-on method used here to attach your knitting to the wooden base.
Broken Rib Stitch: A simple two-round pattern that alternates knit and purl stitches with an all-knit round.
I-Cord: A narrow knitted cord made using three stitches, used to create your bucket bag's drawstring.
Before You Begin
All Waterloo Works basket bases are available in round and oval shapes in three sizes: Small, Medium, and Large.
The construction method is the same for both shapes. The number of stitches needed to work around the base will depend on the shape and size you choose.
You'll begin by attaching your yarn directly to the wooden base using a crochet hook. Once your starting stitches are in place, you'll transfer them to your knitting needles and begin knitting in the round.
You can use either double-pointed needles or Magic Loop. Choose whichever method feels most comfortable.
Finding Your Stitch Count
Find the base you're using in the diagrams below.
Each diagram shows how many stitches to work into each hole around the wooden base.
Follow the markings around the wooden base to make sure you have the correct number of stitches before beginning your knitting.
Notes
Read through the entire guide before beginning.
Photo references are included throughout the instructions.
Place a stitch marker at the beginning of your round to help keep track of your progress.
This project is knitted in the round, so you will not turn your work at the end of each round.
The Broken Rib Stitch uses a two-round repeat.
You can stop at the yarn bowl stage or continue knitting to create a bucket bag.
Let's Get Started!
Round 1: Attach Your Yarn to the Wooden Base
We'll begin by using a provisional cast-on. This technique uses a crochet hook to create the starting stitches around your wooden base. These stitches will then be transferred to your knitting needles.
Choose a starting hole on your wooden base.
Make a slip knot. Create a slip knot with your yarn and place it on your crochet hook.
Attach your yarn. Insert your crochet hook through your starting hole and pull the slip knot through the hole.
Make your first stitch. Yarn over around the hook and pull it through the slip knot.
Move to the next hole. Insert your crochet hook into the next hole on your wooden base.
Pull up a loop. Yarn over around the hook and pull it back through the hole.
Complete the stitch. Yarn over again and pull the yarn through the loop you just brought through the hole.
You should now have two loops on your crochet hook.
Transfer your stitches. Carefully slide both loops from your crochet hook onto your double-pointed needle (DPN) or circular knitting needle, keeping them in the same direction.
Continue around the base.
Repeat the process, following the stitch markings on your wooden base diagram, until you've returned to your starting point.
Once all your stitches are on your knitting needles, count them to make sure you have the correct number before beginning your first knit round.
Getting Ready to Knit in the Round
Once all your stitches are on your knitting needles, you're ready to begin knitting!
Arrange your stitches on your DPNs or circular needles.
Make sure your stitches aren't twisted around the needles.
Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of your round.
Bring your working yarn into position and begin knitting.
If Using Double-Pointed Needles (DPNs)
Distribute your stitches evenly across your needles. Use an additional needle to knit the stitches from the first needle.
Continue working from needle to needle as you knit around the base.
If Using Magic Loop
Use circular knitting needles with a 40-inch (100 cm) cable.
Divide your stitches into two groups and pull the extra cable through between them to create a loop.
Knit across the first group of stitches, reposition your needles, and continue across the second group.
Repeat this process as you work around your project.
Helpful Tip: Using Your Crochet Hook to Knit
Working with a stiff wooden base while knitting in the round can be a little tricky, especially during the first few rounds!
If you're having trouble working your stitches or moving them along your knitting needles, try using your crochet hook instead.
Insert your crochet hook into the next stitch as you would with your knitting needle.
Use the hook to catch your working yarn and pull it through the stitch to create a new knit stitch.
Transfer the new stitch from your crochet hook onto your knitting needle.
Continue using this method as needed until your stitches are easier to work with your knitting needles.
The hook makes it easier to catch and pull the yarn through tight stitches while working around the wooden base.
Remember: There's no right or wrong way to make this part easier on yourself! Use whichever method feels most comfortable.
Round 2: Start Building Your Sides
Knit one stitch into every stitch around your wooden base.
This first knit round creates a foundation for the Broken Rib Stitch pattern.
Keep your tension even as you work.
When you reach your stitch marker, you've completed the round!
Round 3 and Beyond: Broken Rib Stitch
Now we'll begin the Broken Rib Stitch pattern.
Broken Rib is a simple, two-round pattern that creates a beautiful textured fabric using only knit and purl stitches.
Round 1: Knit 1, Purl 1 (K1, P1)
Knit the first stitch.
Purl the next stitch.
Continue alternating one knit stitch and one purl stitch around the entire round.
Round 2: Knit all stitches
Knit every stitch around.
Repeat the Pattern
Continue repeating these two rounds:
Round 1: Knit 1, Purl 1 around.
Round 2: Knit every stitch around.
As you add rounds, the sides of your yarn bowl or bucket bag will begin to rise from the wooden base.
Keep your tension consistent and continue until your project reaches your desired height.
Your First Stopping Point: The Yarn Bowl
Want a yarn bowl instead of a bucket bag?
You can stop here!
Once your project reaches your preferred yarn bowl height:
Complete your current Broken Rib pattern round.
Knit one additional round to create a smooth top edge.
Bind off your stitches using a comfortable, flexible bind-off.
Cut your yarn and secure the end.
Weave in any loose yarn ends.
Your new yarn bowl is ready to hold your favorite yarn while you work!
Complete your current Broken Rib pattern round.
Keep Going: Make a Project Bucket Bag!
Want something taller that can hold your yarn, tools, and current work in progress?
Keep knitting!
Continue repeating the two-round Broken Rib pattern until your bucket bag reaches your desired height.
Complete your current pattern round.
Knit one additional round to create a smooth top edge.
Bind off your stitches using a flexible bind-off.
Secure your yarn and weave in any loose ends.
Now you're ready to make the drawstring that will turn your project into a bucket bag!
Make Your Drawstring: Knitted I-Cord
We'll be using a technique called an I-Cord to create your bucket bag's drawstring.
An I-Cord is a narrow knitted cord that is sturdy, flexible, and perfect for closing your bag.
You can use double-pointed needles or circular knitting needles to make your cord.
Step 1: Cast On
Cast on 3 stitches using your chosen yarn.
We used worsted weight yarn and a long tail cast on to get us started.
Step 2: Knit Your First Row
Knit all 3 stitches.
Step 3: Slide Your Stitches
Instead of turning your work, slide all 3 stitches back to the opposite end of your needle.
Your working yarn will now be at the opposite end from where you'll begin knitting.
Step 4: Continue Your I-Cord
Bring the working yarn behind your stitches.
Pull the yarn gently across the back of your work.
Knit all 3 stitches.
Slide the stitches back to the opposite end of your needle without turning your work.
Repeat these steps to continue creating your cord.
As you knit, gently pull on your cord every few rows to help the stitches settle into their rounded shape.
Step 5: Finish Your Cord
Continue knitting until your I-Cord is long enough to weave around the top of your bucket bag, leaving extra length for tying.
Cut your working yarn, leaving a tail.
Thread the tail through your three remaining stitches, remove the needle, and pull gently to secure.
Weave in or secure your loose ends.
Add Your Drawstring
Find the final knit round near the top of your bucket bag.
Using a tapestry needle or crochet hook, weave your I-Cord in and out through the spaces between the stitches.
Pass the cord through the space between every other stitch, working your way around the entire bag.
Bring both ends of the cord together.
Gently pull the ends to gather the top of your bucket bag.
Tie the ends to keep your bag closed.
Finishing
Weave in any remaining loose yarn ends and trim the excess.
Your Waterloo Works project is now complete!
Whether you made a yarn bowl or a bucket bag, you've created something practical, beautiful, and entirely your own.
Helpful Tips
Keep your tension consistent. Even stitches help create smooth, balanced sides.
Choose your yarn carefully. Thicker yarn generally creates a firmer fabric that holds its shape.
Use the knitting method you prefer. Both DPNs and Magic Loop work for this project.
Keep track of your rounds. A stitch marker helps you know when you've completed each round of the Broken Rib pattern.
Make it yours! Experiment with colors, textures, and yarn combinations to create a project that's uniquely yours.
Care Instructions
Spot clean with a damp cloth.
Do not machine wash or soak projects containing wooden components.
Allow your project to air dry completely before storing or using.
About Waterloo Works
At Waterloo Works, we believe the best projects are the ones you make your own.
Our wooden basket bases are designed to give makers a starting point, leaving the creativity up to you.
Whether you're making something for yourself or creating a handmade gift, we can't wait to see what you come up with!
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