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What you need
About 125 yards worsted weight yarn (black works perfectly for a spooky look)
16″ circular needle, size US 9 (5.5 mm)
Yarn needle for finishing
Empty gallon bleach jug or Milk (washed, dried, and cut down to 5 inches tall for stability)
Gauge: 3 stitches = 1 inch
Instructions
Step 1: Knit the Top Edge (Triangular Border)
Cast on 2 stitches.
Row 1: Increase, knit 1.
Row 2 (and all even rows): Knit across.
Row 3: Increase, knit 2.
Row 5: Increase, knit 3.
Row 7: K2tog, knit 3.
Row 9: K2tog, knit 2.
Row 11: K2tog, knit 1.
Row 12: Knit 2.
Repeat rows 1–12 nine more times for a total of 10 triangles. Cast off 1 stitch.
Step 2: Knit the Cauldron Body
Turn the triangles so the straight side faces you. Pick up 57 stitches—together with your edge stitch you’ll have 58 stitches total.
Round 1: Place marker, join to work in the round (careful not to twist). Knit around.
Repeat this round until the body measures about 6 ½ inches from the top edge.
Step 3: Shape the Bottom
Round 1: Decrease 6 stitches evenly (52 sts).
Round 2 and all even rounds: Knit around.
Round 3: Decrease 10 stitches evenly (42 sts).
Round 5: K5, K2tog around (36 sts).
Round 7: K4, K2tog around (30 sts).
Round 9: K3, K2tog around (24 sts).
Round 11: K2, K2tog around (18 sts).
Round 13: K1, K2tog around (12 sts).
Round 14: K2tog around (6 sts).
Cut yarn, leaving a 12-inch tail. Thread through remaining stitches, pull tight, and secure.
Step 4: Knit the Handle
Make a 10-inch I-cord with 4 stitches.
To knit an I-cord:
Cast on 4 sts.
Knit across, do not turn.
Slide stitches back to the left needle, bring yarn across the back, and knit again.
Repeat until cord is 10 inches long.
Sew handle securely to cauldron.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Place the cut bleach/milk jug inside the knitted cauldron as a liner—it gives the basket its sturdy shape.
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