BASKET knitting stitch

This post was originally published in 2018 and has been updated with new charts, high-resolution photos, and improved instructions for 2026.

Welcome back to the Stitch Library! Today we are diving into the Basket Weave Stitch, one of the most beloved textures in the knitting world.

Unlike simpler knit-and-purl designs, the Basket stitch creates a deep, ‘woven’ fabric that mimics the look of a traditional wicker basket on the right side of your work. It is a fantastic choice for projects where you want a thick, squishy feel—making it my top recommendation for cozy winter blankets, throw pillows, and heavy-duty washcloths. Best of all, it achieves this high-end look using only basic knit and purl stitches, making it perfectly beginner-friendly!

Skill level	Multiple	Repeat	Reversible
Beginner (only knits and purls)	10 stitches	8 rows	No

Basket Knitting Stitch: Written instructions

Row 1) (RS) k2, p7, k1

Row 2) p1, k7, p2

Row 3) k2, p7, k1

Row 4) Purl all stitches

Row 5) p4, k3, p3

Row 6) k3, p3, k4

Row 7) p4, k3, p3

Row 8) Purl all stitches

Basket Knitting Stitch: Chart

Read all odd rows from right to left, and all even rows from left to right.

Want to turn this stitch into a full-sized blanket? Stay tuned for my upcoming Academy guide on adapting stitch multiples for any project!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is this version of the Basket Weave stitch reversible?

While this pattern creates a stunning, deeply textured woven look on the “Right Side,” it is not reversible. The “Wrong Side” has a different, pebbled appearance. While it still looks neat and tidy, it won’t show the same distinct basket blocks as the front, so keep that in mind when choosing it for scarves!

Does the Basket stitch use more yarn than Stockinette?

Yes, because of the “squish” and the structural nature of the knit-purl blocks, it creates a denser fabric. I recommend planning for about 10–15% more yarn than you would use for a flat stockinette project of the same size.

Does this pattern curl at the edges?

Because this stitch is a balanced combination of knits and purls, it has excellent stability and lies very flat. It’s a great choice if you want to avoid the “roll” of stockinette, though a garter or seed stitch border is still a nice touch to frame the design.

Can I knit this in the round?

Yes, absolutely! To adapt this pattern for circular knitting, you will read every row of the chart from right to left. Additionally, since you are always looking at the Right Side (RS), you will need to replace the ‘Purl’ instructions on even rows with ‘Knit’, and vice versa, to maintain the geometric texture.

Want to see more?

Now, you can browse more beginner stitch patterns in Oh La Lana! Stitch Library!

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