How to Make a Knit Basket Sturdy

White school glue can help make your knit basket sturdy.

The key to knitting a sturdy basket is having tight stitches. That means using the smallest needles you can for the yarn you are using. Even then, the basket still might not be sturdy enough for its intended purpose. When this is the case, there are options for making the basket stiffer and sturdier and involve techniques that can also be used with crocheted baskets.

Things You'll Need

• Newspaper
• Spray starch
• White school glue
• Water
• Bucket

Instructions

Starch It

1. Stuff the basket with newspaper so all the sides are standing up straight. If the basket has a handle, support the handle with additional newspaper, scrunched up.

2. Spray the outside of the basket and the top of the handle with spray starch according to the instructions on the can. Let it dry overnight.

3. Remove the newspaper and spray another layer of starch on the inside of the basket and bottom of the handle. Let the basket dry overnight before using it.

Stiffen it With Glue

1. Mix 1 cup white school glue and 1 cup water in a bucket large enough to hold the basket.

2. Place the basket in the bucket and slosh the watery mixture around so it completely covers the basket.

3. Remove the basket from the bucket and place it on top of a piece of newspaper. Stuff it with additional scrunched up newspapers to keep its shape and support the handle while it dries.

4. Check on the basket every half hour or so to make sure it isn't sticking to the newspaper.

Tips & Warnings

• Use glue that dries clear.

• The glue method makes the basket sturdier, but it also adds a slightly plastic feel to it.

References

• Crochet Memories: About Stiffeners and Recipes