Cotton kitchen twine (figure A) is strong, cheap and readily available. Of course, it's wonderfully natural and biodegradable as well, which makes it ideal around the garden. Here it's knit to create a simple yet effective and functional hanging basket liner for use inside or out. Worked in simple stockinette stitch, the liner has an edge of garter stitch slightly taller than the basket to allow for condensing once filled with earth. It is decorated further with a twine pompon. Plant with vibrant seasonal flowers, architectural grasses or striking euphorbia, and you've got an ideal chic and economical gift for a keen gardener.Note: Because some knitters prefer working on circular needles, we are including instructions for two versions of the Hanging Basket Liner: the first is knit on straights and the second on circular needles. Both designed by Erika Knight, the liners are very similar in appearance and are fast and easy for even a beginner to knit.
Hanging Basket Liner (straight needles)
Materials
Two 93-yard balls natural-colored medium cotton kitchen twine
1 pair size 6 (4mm) knitting needles, 16" (0cm) long
1 pair size 7 (4.5mm) knitting needles, 16" (40cm) long
Large sewing needle
Cardboard
Scissors
Size
One size (approximately 16" in diameter)
Gauge
16 stitches and 21 rows = 4" (10cm) in stockinette stitch using size 7 needles. Always work a gauge swatch and change needles accordingly if necessary.
Knitting the liner
With a size 6 needle, cast on 128 stitches.
Row 1: knit.
Row 2: purl.
Repeat the last two rows twice.
Change to a size 7 needle and knit 12 rows.
Next row: (knit 6 stitches, knit 2 together) to end (112 stitches).
Knit 7 rows.
Next row: (knit 5 stitches, knit 2 together) to end (96 stitches).
Knit 3 rows.
Next row: (knit 4 stitches, knit 2 together) to end (80 stitches).
Knit 3 rows.
Next row: (knit 3 stitches, knit 2 together) to end (64 stitches).
Knit 3 rows.
Next row: (knit 2 stitches, knit 2 together) to end (48 stitches).
Knit 3 rows.
Next row: (knit 1 stitch, knit 2 together) to end (32 stitches).
Knit 3 rows.
Next row: (knit 2 together) to end (16 stitches).
Knit 3 rows.
Next row: (knit 2 together) to end (8 stitches).
Knit 1 row.
Finishing the liner
Cut the twine, leaving 24", and thread through the remaining stitches. Pull tightly to gather and secure. Thread the remaining tail through a tapestry needle and whipstitch the sides together.
Hanging Basket Liner (circular needles)
Materials
Two 93-yard balls natural-color medium cotton kitchen twine
1 size 6 (4mm) circular knitting needle, 16" (40cm) long
1 size 7 (4.5mm) circular knitting needle, 16" (40cm) long
Large sewing needle
Cardboard
Scissors
Size
One size (approximately 16" in diameter)
Gauge
16 stitches and 21 rows = 4"/10cm in stockinette stitch using size 7 needles
Always work a gauge swatch and change needles accordingly if necessary.
Tips
Use circular knitting needles to work a tubular piece. After casting on, when you join the ends to knit the first round, make sure that the stitches are not twisted around the needle and are evenly distributed. A twisted cast-on cannot be rectified once you have worked a round. To keep the stitches untwisted, keep the cast-on edge facing the center, or work one row before joining the stitches, then sew the gap closed later. To identify the beginning of each new round, place a colored thread between the first and last cast-on stitches before joining. Repeat for each subsequent round.
Knitting the liner
With a size 6 circular needle, cast on 128 stitches.
Row 1: knit 1 round
Row 2: purl 1 round.
Repeat the last two rows twice.
Change to a size 7 circular needle and knit 12 rounds.
Next row: (knit 6 stitches, knit 2 together) to end (112 stitches).
Knit 7 rounds.
Next row: (knit 5 stitches, knit 2 together) to end (96 stitches).
Knit 3 rounds.
Next row: (knit 4 stitches, knit 2 together) to end (80 stitches).
Knit 3 rounds.
Next row: (knit 3 stitches, knit 2 together) to end (64 stitches).
Knit 3 rounds.
Next row: (knit 2 stitches, knit 2 together) to end (48 stitches).
Knit 3 rounds.
Next row: (knit 1 stitch, knit 2 together) to end (32 stitches).
Knit 3 rounds.
Next row: (knit 2 together) to end (16 stitches).
Knit 3 rounds.
Next row: (knit 2 together) to end (8 stitches).
Knit 1 round.
Finishing the liner
Cut the twine and thread through the remaining stitches, pull tightly to gather and secure.
Making the pompon
1. Cut two cardboard circles 2-3⁄4" in diameter and cut a hole in the center of each.2. Wind the twine into a ball small enough to pass through the center hole.
3. Holding the two circles together, wind the twine round and round, keeping the strands close together.
4. Work as many layers as possible before center hole becomes too small for the twine to pass through.
5. Using sharp scissors, slip a blade between the layers of cardboard and cut around the circumference of the circle.
6. Slip a length of twine between the layers and around the center of the pompon. Pull tight and knot the twine, then cut away the card.
7. Shake, fluff up and trim the pompon to shape.
8. Attach to a length of twine and sew in position at center of liner.
Planting
Mold the liner a little with your hands, pulling into position. Place in a wire basket or planter of your choice. Fill the container with soil mixture and plant with your favorite blooms or seeds.
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