How to Knit a Box

Beginning knitters often feel stuck making scarves – the quintessential starter project. While there are an infinite variety of stitch patterns and yarn fibers to vary the looks and feel of a scarf, there are a finite number of scarves any one knitter can wear or give away. Using the same basic skills as a scarf, though, newbies can create a sculptural box, to keep jewelry, heirlooms, bills or papers, desk supplies or other knitting projects. A simple knitted box is constructed from squares stitched together. The larger the knitted squares, the larger the box.

Cast on 40 stitches. Knit every row (garter stitch) until square is as long as it is wide. Measure using the ruler or tape measure, as necessary. Cast off and clip excess yarn.

Cast on 40 stitches and knit, in garter stitch, then cast off 4 more squares of equal dimension. You will then have 5 squares of equal size.

Sew 4 of the squares together, edge to edge, using a length of yarn and the yarn needle, creating a bottomless box shape.

Lay the 5th square over one side of the box shape. Stitch around the perimeter of the square using a length of yarn and the yarn needle, securing it to the edge of the box. This creates the floor of the box. Weave in yarn ends and clip away excess.

Cast on 45 stitches. Knit every row (garter stitch) until square is as long as it is wide. Note down how many rows you knit to create this square. Cast off and clip excess yarn.

Cast on 45 stitches and knit, in garter stitch, then cast off 4 more squares of equal dimension. You will then have 5 squares of equal size. Set aside.

Sew 4 of the squares together, edge to edge, using a length of yarn and the yarn needle, creating a bottomless box shape.

Lay the 5th square over one side of the box shape. Stitch around the perimeter of the square using a length of yarn and the yarn needle, securing it to the edge of the box. This creates the top of the box. Weave in yarn ends and clip away excess.