When the weather turns brisk and you crave the comforting weight of a deeply textured handmade throw, few crochet textures rival the timeless elegance of the basketweave stitch. Famous for its thick, dimensional woven appearance that mimics traditional wickerwork, this classic post stitch pattern creates a heavy, squishy fabric that traps warmth like a dream. Whether you are planning a substantial winter afghan, dense kitchen hot pads, or heirloom textured throw pillows, this comprehensive step-by-step guide teaches you how to crochet the basketweave stitch with flawless symmetry and neat edges.
At first glance, the basketweave stitch looks remarkably intricate, but it is built entirely upon standard double crochet stitches. The secret lies in where your hook enters the fabric. Instead of working into the top loops of each stitch, you wrap your hook around the vertical body (“post”) of the stitch below. Alternating blocks of four Front Post Double Crochets (FPDC) and four Back Post Double Crochets (BPDC) pushes alternating squares forward and backward in space, generating an unmistakable three-dimensional checkerboard weave.
Why You’ll Love the Basketweave Stitch
- Maximum Warmth & Density: Working around the posts compacts the fabric, eliminating drafty lace holes and producing the ultimate heavy winter blanket.
- Reversible 3D Texture: Looks virtually identical and equally gorgeous from both the front and back sides—perfect for scarves and throws where both faces show.
- Easy 4-Row Rhythm: Once you establish the foundation blocks, the stitch pattern becomes an intuitive, relaxing repeat you can hook while watching television.
- Exceptional Structural Integrity: Does not stretch out of shape or curl at the edges, making it ideal for durable home decor items like cushions and floor rugs.
Materials & Stitch Multiples
- Yarn: Worsted Weight (#4) or Chunky Bulky (#5) yarn. Wool blends or acrylic-wool blends provide the best stitch memory and plush loft. For a standard 50 x 60 inch throw blanket, you will need approx. 1,800–2,100 yards of yarn (post stitches consume approximately 25% more yarn than plain double crochet).
- Crochet Hook: US Size J-10 (6.0 mm) for worsted weight, or US Size K-10.5 (6.5 mm) for bulky weight. Going up one hook size prevents the dense post stitches from feeling stiff.
- Stitch Multiple: Multiple of 8 + 4 stitches (plus 2 for the foundation chain). For a 4×4 basketweave, this ensures complete blocks across your row with 2 clean border stitches on each side.
- Skill Level: Intermediate Beginner (familiarity with double crochet and post placement).
Step-by-Step Basketweave Walkthrough
Post Stitch Anatomy Refresh
Front Post Double Crochet (FPDC): Yarn over, insert hook from front to back and out to the front around the post of the specified stitch. Yarn over, pull up a loop, [yarn over, pull through 2 loops] twice. (Pushes stitch forward towards you).
Back Post Double Crochet (BPDC): Yarn over, insert hook from back to front and out to the back around the post of the specified stitch. Yarn over, pull up a loop, [yarn over, pull through 2 loops] twice. (Pushes stitch backward away from you).
The 4-Row Pattern Repeat
For a practice swatch, chain 28 stitches (multiple of 8 + 4, plus 2 for turning):
Row 1 (Foundation): Dc in 4th ch from hook (skipped 3 ch counts as first dc) and in each ch across. Turn. (26 dc)
Row 2 (Establishing Blocks): Ch 2 (counts as edge dc here and throughout). *FPDC around next 4 sts, BPDC around next 4 sts.* Repeat from * to * across until 1 st remains. Dc in top of turning ch. Turn.
Row 3 (Reinforcing Blocks): Ch 2. Work post stitches as they face you: *BPDC around next 4 sts (which were FPDC on previous row), FPDC around next 4 sts.* Repeat across until 1 st remains. Dc in turning ch. Turn.
Note: Rows 2 and 3 establish the first 2-row height of your woven block!
Row 4 (Swapping the Weave): Ch 2. Invert the pattern to create the woven shift: *BPDC around next 4 sts, FPDC around next 4 sts.* Repeat across until 1 st remains. Dc in turning ch. Turn.
Row 5 (Reinforcing the Shift): Ch 2. Work post stitches as they face you: *FPDC around next 4 sts, BPDC around next 4 sts.* Repeat across until 1 st remains. Dc in turning ch. Turn.
Rows 6 and Beyond: Repeat Rows 2 through 5 for the complete basketweave pattern until your blanket reaches desired length!
3 Pro Tips for Flawless Basketweave Fabric
1. Always Use an Edge Buffer Stitch: Never work post stitches directly into the first or last stitch of a row. Working a plain double crochet into the edges prevents scalloping and guarantees razor-straight borders that are easy to frame with fringe or ribbing.
2. Pull Up Adequate Loop Height: Because post stitches sit lower on the fabric than standard stitches, pull your working yarn loop up slightly higher when completing FPDC and BPDC to keep your rows plump rather than compressed.
3. Choose Smooth, High-Definition Yarn: Highly textured bouclé or novelty fuzzy yarns will obscure the gorgeous geometric grid. Opt for smooth, plied yarns in solid neutral shades like heather grey, camel, or oatmeal to let the woven geometry shine.
Best Projects for Basketweave Stitch
- Heirloom Living Room Throws: The dense, hole-free construction makes it the gold standard for heavy fall and winter lap blankets.
- Textured Accent Pillows: Sew two 18-inch square swatches together over a pillow form for luxurious modern farmhouse couch decor.
- Extra-Thick Dishcloths & Pot Holders: Worked in 100% kitchen cotton, the double-thick woven surface naturally protects hands and tabletops from heat.
Care & Storage Guidelines
- Washing: Machine wash cold on delicate cycle or hand wash; use a mesh laundry bag to prevent snagging on heavy post stitches.
- Drying: Lay flat on a clean dry sheet or blocking mats; never hang a wet basketweave blanket, as its heavy saturated weight will stretch the stitches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I customize the size of the basketweave blocks?
Yes! While 4×4 blocks are the most popular standard, you can crochet a “mini basketweave” using 2×2 blocks (multiple of 4 + 2) or an “oversized basketweave” using 6×6 blocks (multiple of 12 + 6) worked over 3 rows per shift.
Why is my basketweave swatch curling at the start?
Foundation chains have less stretch than post stitches. If your bottom edge curves upward, work your initial foundation chain with a hook 1.0mm larger than your project hook, or use foundation double crochet (FDC).
Does the basketweave stitch use a lot more yarn than standard stitches?
Yes, expect the basketweave stitch to consume approximately 25% to 30% more yarn than standard double crochet rows due to the extra yarn wrapped around stitch bodies. Always buy an extra skein for large blankets!
Pin This Tutorial for Later
Planning your next cozy winter blanket? Save this pin to your Crochet Stitches & Blanket Patterns board on Pinterest so you have the step-by-step post stitch guide whenever you need it!
