Cestino is intended to be a produce basket, but could conceivably be applied to other uses, and will comfortably hold about 5 pounds per basket. It’s knit lengthwise, using short rows to achieve shaping. Options for two different sized baskets are included, as well as two different depths of basket, and you can combine them in whichever way you choose. Gauge is a loose suggestion, as long as you are within a couple of rows either way, the baskets should stretch to accommodate.

Notes:

• If the baskets are to be used to hold produce, I strongly recommend using a kitchen cotton yarn to allow the produce to breathe and to allow the baskets to be washed if needed. Otherwise, use whatever yarn you’d like!
• The baskets should stretch out slightly when filled. If you do not want it to stretch, you can hold fishing line along with the yarn while knitting to help hold the shape.
• I recommend not wrapping the stitches when you turn for the short rows in order to get a smoother look at the bottom of the basket.