Basket weave knitting pattern - interlocking knit and purl blocks in terracotta on cream

Basket Weave Knitting Pattern

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The basket weave stitch is one of those patterns that looks far more complicated than it is. Simple knit and purl stitches combine into raised blocks that overlap like the strands of a real woven basket. If you can knit and purl, you can master this classic texture, and the 24-row repeat becomes intuitive after the first repeat or two.

Because the fabric is thick, squishy, and lies reasonably flat, basket weave is a favorite for blankets, scarves, cushion covers, and washcloths. It also adds substance to sweater panels and bags where you want structure without cables.

Pattern Details

Skill level: 2/4 Technique: Knit & purl texture Stitch count: Multiple of 12 + 3 balance stitches + 2 edge stitches Repeat: 24 rows

The chart below shows one 12-stitch repeat plus the 3 balancing stitches. Edge stitches are not shown. Work the right side (odd) rows from the chart; on wrong-side rows, simply work the stitches as they appear.

Basket weave – 15 × 24 chart Basket weave – 15 × 24 chart 12-st repeat + 3 balance sts · edge sts not shown 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 purl on RS knit on RS shaded rows (WS): work sts as they appear

How to Read the Chart

  • Blank squares are knit on right-side rows; dotted squares are purled
  • Read right-side (odd) rows from right to left
  • Shaded wrong-side rows: work every stitch as it appears (knit the knits, purl the purls)
  • New to charts? See our full guide on how to read knitting charts

Row-by-Row Instructions

Cast on a multiple of 12 stitches + 3, plus 2 edge stitches.

  • Rows 1, 3, 13, 15: edge st, *k12*, repeat between *s, k3, edge st
  • Row 2 and every even row: work stitches as they appear
  • Rows 5, 7, 9, 11: edge st, *k3, p9*, repeat between *s, k3, edge st
  • Rows 17, 19, 21, 23: edge st, *p8, k3, p1*, repeat between *s, p3, edge st

Repeat rows 1-24 to continue the pattern. Abbreviations unfamiliar? Check the knitting abbreviations reference.

Tips for a Neat Basket Weave

Count your blocks, not your stitches. Once the first band is established, the knit ribs and purl fields tell you exactly where you are; if a block looks too wide, you have miscounted somewhere in the previous band.

This stitch eats yarn. The dense texture pulls in more yardage than stockinette, so buy roughly 20 percent extra for blankets. A gentle steam block relaxes the fabric and makes the woven effect pop.

Project Ideas

  • Blankets and throws – the all-time classic use; the reversible-looking texture works from every angle
  • Scarves and cowls – thick, warm, and lies flatter than stockinette
  • Washcloths – cotton basket weave squares make lovely quick gifts
  • Cushion covers – the sturdy fabric holds its shape around a pillow insert
  • Bags – great structure for market and project bags

Recommended Supplies

Best yarn choice: A smooth, plied worsted weight yarn in a light or medium solid color shows the texture best. Dark or highly variegated yarns hide the woven blocks. Cotton for washcloths, wool or acrylic blends for blankets.

Needles: US 7-8 (4.5-5mm) for worsted weight. If your purl rows tend to loosen, go down half a size for crisper block edges.

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