The Goblin's Garden Snack Stash Free Pattern – A Knitted Monster Produce Basket

Meet the Goblin's Garden Snack Stash: A Whimsical Knitted Monster Basket

Imagine a cozy corner of your home graced by a charming, hungry little monster, ready to gobble up your yarn, snacks, or trinkets. That's the magic of the Goblin's Garden Snack Stash—a delightful knitted basket that combines playful amigurumi charm with practical storage. With its textured bobble stitches, earthy palette of moss green, pumpkin orange, and cream, and a leafy crown of brown leaves, this basket brings a whimsical, organic vibe to any space. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or a brave beginner, this free pattern is your ticket to crafting a sturdy, squishy, and utterly adorable home companion.

This project is knitted flat in pieces and seamed together, with a crochet edging for a polished finish. The double-stranded yarn ensures the basket is sturdy enough to stand upright, while the soft cotton texture keeps it cozy. Let's dive into the materials and step-by-step instructions to bring this goblin to life.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather these supplies to ensure a smooth crafting session:

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn in the following colors:
  • Moss green (main basket body)
  • Pumpkin orange (monster mouth)
  • Cream (eye and crochet edging)
  • Brown (leafy top)
  • Yellow (small details, optional)
• Knitting Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles
• Crochet Hook: US G/6 (4.0 mm) crochet hook for finishing edges
• Other Tools: Yarn needle for seaming, scissors, stitch markers (optional), and black yarn or embroidery floss for the pupil

Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (knitted). This gauge ensures your basket is the right size and sturdiness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked with two strands of yarn held together throughout the knitting process. This technique adds extra thickness and durability, making the basket stand upright beautifully. Follow each section carefully, and you'll have your goblin friend ready in no time.

Basket Body (Knit, Make 2 Panels)

The basket is made from two identical panels that are seamed together. Each panel is knitted flat in stockinette stitch with a shaped bottom.

1. Cast On: With moss green yarn (two strands held together), cast on 30 stitches.
2. Row 1 (Right Side): Knit all stitches.
3. Row 2 (Wrong Side): Purl all stitches.
4. Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until the piece measures 6 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a wrong-side row. This forms the main body of the panel.
5. Shape Bottom (Decrease Rows):
   • Next Row (RS): K2tog (knit two together), knit to the last 2 stitches, K2tog. (You now have 28 stitches.)
   • Work even in stockinette stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS) for 2 inches.
   • Next Row (RS): K2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, K2tog. (26 stitches.)
   • Work even for 2 inches.
   • Next Row (RS): K2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, K2tog. (24 stitches.)
   • Work even for 2 inches.
6. Bind Off: Bind off all stitches loosely. This creates a gently tapered bottom that will form the base of the basket.
7. Repeat the entire process to make a second identical panel.

Monster Face (Knit, Make 1)

The face is the star of the show! It's made from two parts: the pumpkin-orange mouth and the cream eye.

Mouth:

1. With pumpkin orange yarn (two strands), cast on 12 stitches.
2. Work in stockinette stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS) for 1 inch.
3. Shape Mouth (Decrease Rows):
   • Row 1 (RS): K2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, K2tog. (10 stitches.)
   • Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.
   • Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until only 4 stitches remain.
4. Bind Off: Bind off the remaining 4 stitches. This creates a wide, open mouth shape that narrows at the bottom.

Eye:

1. With cream yarn (two strands), cast on 10 stitches.
2. Work in stockinette stitch for 2 inches to create a square shape.
3. Bind off all stitches. This will be the monster's eye.

Leafy Top (Knit, Make 5)

These leaves form a whimsical crown around the top of the basket. Each leaf is knitted flat with a simple increase and decrease pattern.

1. With brown yarn (two strands), cast on 3 stitches.
2. Row 1: Knit all stitches.
3. Row 2: K1, yarn over (yo), K1, yo, K1. (You now have 5 stitches.)
4. Row 3: Knit all stitches.
5. Row 4: K2, yo, K1, yo, K2. (You now have 7 stitches.)
6. Row 5: Knit all stitches.
7. Row 6: K2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, K2tog. (5 stitches.)
8. Row 7: Knit all stitches.
9. Row 8: K2tog, K1, K2tog. (3 stitches.)
10. Bind Off: Bind off the remaining 3 stitches.
11. Repeat this entire sequence to make a total of 5 leaves.

Assembly: Bringing Your Goblin to Life

Now comes the fun part—seaming everything together to create your monster basket.

1. Sew the Basket Panels: Place the two basket panels with right sides together. Using your yarn needle and moss green yarn, sew along the side and bottom edges, leaving the top edge open. Turn the basket right side out. The bottom will naturally form a flat base.
2. Crochet Edging: Using your US G/6 (4.0 mm) crochet hook and cream yarn, work a round of single crochet around the top edge of the basket. This creates a neat, sturdy border and prevents stretching. Join with a slip stitch and weave in the end.
3. Attach the Monster Face: Position the pumpkin-orange mouth on the front of the basket, with the wider part near the top and the narrow point near the bottom. Sew it securely in place using a yarn needle and matching thread. Attach the cream eye above the mouth, slightly off-center for a playful look. Using black yarn or embroidery floss, embroider a pupil in the center of the eye.
4. Add the Leafy Crown: Sew the five brown leaves around the top edge of the basket, overlapping them slightly to create a lush, leafy crown. Position them so they curl outward naturally.
5. Weave in All Ends: Use your yarn needle to weave in any loose ends securely, ensuring your basket is durable and neat.

Final Touches and Styling Ideas

Your Goblin's Garden Snack Stash is now complete! This sturdy, squishy basket is perfect for holding yarn balls, snacks, remote controls, or even as a playful planter cover. The earthy palette and whimsical design make it a conversation starter in any room. Place it on a wooden table, a shelf, or a cozy reading nook, and let your new goblin friend guard your treasures.

Happy crafting, and don't forget to share your creation with fellow yarn lovers!