The Basket Weave Stitch

Learning the Basket Weave Stitch is a wonderful way to add rich texture and warmth to your crochet projects. By alternating front post and back post double crochets, this stitch creates the appearance of woven strips, just like the pattern of a traditional basket. The finished fabric is thick, cozy, and full of dimension, making it perfect for blankets, scarves, hats, pillows, and other cold weather projects. While it may look intricate, the Basket Weave Stitch is simply a repeat of post stitches that quickly becomes easy to recognize and enjoyable to crochet.

Materials Needed

Your current project yarn: Any weight yarn can be used, though a smooth worsted weight yarn is recommended while learning so the woven texture is easy to see.

A matching hook: Use the hook size recommended on your yarn label.

Tapestry needle and scissors: For weaving in your ends when your project is complete.

The Stitch Breakdown

Before beginning the Basket Weave Stitch, you'll need to know a few basic stitches.

Chain (ch): Yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook.

Double Crochet (dc): Yarn over, insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop. Yarn over, pull through two loops, then yarn over and pull through the remaining two loops.

Front Post Double Crochet (FPdc): Yarn over, insert your hook from front to back to front around the post of the stitch below, yarn over and pull up a loop. Complete the stitch like a regular double crochet.

Back Post Double Crochet (BPdc): Yarn over, insert your hook from the back of the fabric to the front and back again around the post of the stitch below, yarn over and pull up a loop. Complete the stitch like a regular double crochet.

Step by Step Pattern : VIDEO

Foundation Row

Chain a multiple of 8, then add 3 extra chains for turning.

Work one double crochet into the third chain from your hook.

Continue working one double crochet into every chain across.

Turn your work.

Row 1: Creating the First Blocks

Chain 2.

Work one double crochet into the first stitch.

*Work three Front Post Double Crochets around the next three stitches.

Work three Back Post Double Crochets around the following three stitches.*

Repeat from * to across the row.

Finish with one double crochet in the final stitch.

Turn.

Row 2

Chain 2.

Repeat Row 1 exactly, working Front Post stitches around the Front Post stitches and Back Post stitches around the Back Post stitches.

Turn.

Row 3: Changing the Weave

Chain 2.

Work one double crochet into the first stitch.

*Work three Back Post Double Crochets around the next three stitches.

Work three Front Post Double Crochets around the following three stitches.*

Repeat from * to across the row.

Finish with one double crochet in the final stitch.

Turn.

Row 4

Chain 2.

Repeat Row 3 exactly, working Back Post stitches around the Back Post stitches and Front Post stitches around the Front Post stitches.

Turn.

Repeat Row 1-4.

Finding Your Rhythm

The Basket Weave Stitch is built by changing the direction of the post stitches every few rows. Rather than alternating every row, you'll crochet several rows with the same Front Post and Back Post pattern before switching them. This creates the illusion that the stitches are woven over and under one another.

As you work, you'll begin to recognize the textured "blocks" instead of counting every stitch. Looking at your work often makes it much easier to know whether your next stitch should be worked around the front or the back of the post.

Although this stitch uses more yarn than many basic stitch patterns, the extra texture creates a wonderfully warm and cushioned fabric that's well worth it. It's an excellent choice for cozy blankets, winter accessories, and home décor pieces that you want to have both beauty and substance.

Happy crocheting!