Quick answer: The basket weave crochet stitch is made with front post and back post double crochets worked in blocks of 4. Start with a chain in multiples of 8 plus 4 and a foundation row of double crochet. Then work 3 rows of 4 back posts and 4 front posts, and switch to 4 front posts and 4 back posts for the next 3 rows. The blocks look woven, and the fabric is reversible
Jump straight to the Basket Weave Stitch Instructions
Take a look at this stitch. Isn’t it amazing? It really does look like a woven basket, and it’s reversible, so it looks good from both sides.
I used two colors in my swatch, light gray and dark gray, so you can see how the blocks change. But of course you can use only one color, or even more colors. In one color it’s just as beautiful. It’s such a texture stitch.
Now, I’ll be honest with you.
The basket weave is a little bit of an intermediate level stitch, because it uses front post and back post stitches. But I’ll show you exactly how to make those, and there’s really no problem with them. You’ll see.
Watch the Basket Weave Crochet Stitch Video Tutorial
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What Is the Basket Weave Crochet Stitch?
It’s a textured stitch made only from double crochets. The magic is in where you put them. You work them around the post of the stitch below, either from the front or from the back. The front posts push forward and the back posts sit behind. When you swap them every few rows, the blocks look like strips weaving over and under each other.
Four is the magic number for this stitch: 4 stitches in each block.
What You’ll Need
Any yarn and any hook you like. It really depends on your project. Thicker yarn gives you chunky, cozy blocks for a blanket, and a lighter yarn makes a softer fabric for a top or a sweater. Just make a little swatch first and see how you like the texture.
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Helpful tools for this stitch:
- A crochet hook set, so you can try different sizes
- Worsted weight yarn, a lovely choice for a basket weave blanket
- Stitch markers to mark the start of each block of four
You’ll also need to know the double crochet. If you’d like a refresher first, here’s my double crochet stitch tutorial for beginners.ok.
Abbreviations (US terms)
ch: chain
dc: double crochet
fpdc: front post double crochet
bpdc: back post double crochet
Basket Weave Stitch Instructions
The Foundation Chain
Chain in multiples of 8, plus 4. For my swatch I chained 8, another 8, then added 4 more, so 20 chains. Make it as wide as your project needs, as long as you keep to multiples of 8 plus 4.
The Foundation Row
Work 1 dc in the 4th chain from the hook. The loop on your hook doesn’t count. Then work 1 dc in each chain across.
This row is the beginning of the stitch. We need posts here so we can work around them in the next row.
How to Make Front Post and Back Post Double Crochet
Back post double crochet: Yarn over and insert your hook from the back to the front and to the back again, around the post of the stitch below. Yarn over, pull up a loop, and finish your double crochet as usual.
Front post double crochet: Yarn over and insert your hook from the front to the back and to the front again, around the post. Yarn over, pull up a loop, and finish your double crochet.
Some people think these are complicated, but really they’re not. The back post is a little bit trickier because you have to pull the yarn up from behind, but you’ll get used to it.
Rows 1 to 3
Every repeat is three rows. The foundation row doesn’t count.
Row 1: Ch 2 and turn. This counts as your first dc. Work 4 bpdc, then 4 fpdc. Repeat from * across. Finish with 1 dc in the top of the turning chain.
Rows 2 and 3: Ch 2, turn, and work exactly the same as row 1.
Not sure which stitch is which? Look at your work. The posts that face toward you are your front posts, and the ones sitting behind are your back posts.
Rows 4 to 6
Now we change the direction of the posts. This is what creates the basket weave texture.
Row 4: Ch 2 and turn. Work 4 fpdc, then 4 bpdc. Repeat from * across. So you’re working front posts where you had back posts, and back posts where you had front posts. Finish with 1 dc in the top of the turning chain.
Rows 5 and 6: Ch 2, turn, and work exactly the same as row 4. You only change in the first of the three rows.
Repeat rows 1 to 6 until your piece is as long as you want.
Working the Basket Weave in Two Colors
If you want to change colors, do it on the row where the posts change direction. I worked three rows in light gray, then changed to dark gray for the next three, and so on. Just an option, of course!
Tips for a Neat Basket Weave
Sandra’s tip: Work this stitch loose, not very tight. It makes it so much easier to get your hook around the back posts.
Don’t forget the last double crochet. Every row ends with 1 dc in the top of the turning chain. If you skip it, your edges will go all wonky.
Count in fours. Say it as you go: 1, 2, 3, 4 back post, 1, 2, 3, 4 front post. It keeps your blocks even.
Basket Weave Stitch Crochet Blanket Ideas
This stitch is great for blankets. It’s thick and textured, and because it’s reversible, there’s no wrong side showing when you throw it over the couch. It’s lovely for tops too, and I think a sweater would be really nice with it.
If you love the idea of one blanket full of different textures, my Stitch Sampler Blanket crochet along has twelve stitches, one section each, with a video and written tutorial for every one.
Basket Weave Crochet Stitch FAQ
What multiple do I need for the basket weave crochet stitch?
Chain in multiples of 8, plus 4. That gives you room for two blocks of 4 in every repeat, plus your edge stitches.
Is the basket weave crochet stitch reversible?
Yes! Because you alternate front posts and back posts, the woven texture shows on both sides. That’s why it works so well for blankets and scarves.
Is the basket weave stitch hard to crochet?
It’s a little bit intermediate, only because of the post stitches. Once you’ve made a few front posts and back posts, the rest is just counting to four.
Does the basket weave stitch use a lot of yarn?
It does use more yarn than plain double crochet, because post stitches make a thick, dense fabric. Keep that in mind when you buy yarn for a blanket. It’s also a nice way to use up your stash.
Is the basket weave the same as the waffle stitch?
No, though they often get mixed up. Both use post stitches for texture, but the waffle stitch makes little square pockets, while the basket weave makes blocks that look woven. If you want to try it too, here’s my waffle stitch tutorial.
Look How Gorgeous This Stitch Is
So that’s the basket weave stitch. Four back posts, four front posts, and every three rows you change direction. I can’t wait to see what you make with it. Will it be a blanket, a top, maybe a sweater? Let me know!
Want more stitch tutorials:
A new stitch step
- When learning a new stitch, try several yarn weights and hook sizes to understand how the stitch works and looks.
- Use light yarn colors to get the stitch to form the right shape.
- Make several swatches before starting a new project
Stay Calm and Crochet!😎
Sandra
A quiet place to keep crocheting
If projects like this one are your kind of calm, you might love the V-Stitch Club.
It is my little corner of the internet for women who crochet for the joy and the quiet of it, with new patterns, gentle company, and the steady rhythm of always having something beautiful on the hook.
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Hi my crochet friend!
Crochet has followed me from Argentina to Israel and through every crossroads since. Now I design calm, achievable crochet, made to feel possible.
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