Learn to crochet the basketweave stitch with this free, step-by-step pattern and video tutorial for both right and left hand crocheters. This stitch mimics the woven look of a traditional basket. With its deeply textured, three-dimensional appearance, the basket weave stitch adds a classic and timeless look to any crochet project.
It’s one of those classic textures that instantly makes any crochet project feel cozy, timeless, and handmade with love. Whether you’re making blankets, scarves, or home décor, this stitch adds beautiful depth without being difficult to learn.
The basket weave crochet stitchlooks impressive, but you’ll be surprised by how simple it is once you see it broken down. If you’ve ever wanted to crochet a rich, woven texture that stands out, this tutorial is the perfect place to start. Follow along with the free written pattern and video walkthrough to learn every step.
About the Crochet Stitch
With just a few post stitches, you can create a woven look that appears much more advanced than it really is.
Made with a simple combination of front post and back post double crochets, it creates a wonderfully textured fabric. It’s strong, warm, and visually striking. Ideal for all kinds of practical and cozy makes. Some popular creative ways include blanket squares or full-size afghans, cushion covers, scarves, cowls, and neck warmers, hats, mittens, and other cold-weather pieces.
What Kind of Yarn Works Best for the Basket Weave Stitch?
The basket weave stitch is wonderfully versatile, and it looks great in a wide variety of yarn weights and colors. Because the texture is created with front and back post stitches, you’ll want yarn that clearly shows off those raised sections.
Medium Weight (Worsted / #4) — Most Popular
This is the most common choice because it gives you crisp definition without feeling too bulky. Worsted weight makes it easy to learn the stitch and helps the texture pop beautifully.
Bulky Weight Yarn and Super Bulky Yarn
This weight works great for quick projects where you want high impact with minimal effort. Bulky yarn creates a thicker, cozier fabric with a bold and eye-catching crochet stitch definition.
Solid vs. Multi-Colored Yarn
This crochet pattern works well with both solid colors and multi-colored yarn. Every ridge and woven detail is easy to see. If using variegated yarn, keep in mind that the color changes can sometimes soften the appearance of the woven texture. Still, it can create a gorgeous, unique effect.
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Directions: Basket Weave Stitch
Skill Level
This stitch is perfect for an advanced beginner to intermediate crocheter.
Size
For the sample shown in the video, I used a medium weight yarn.
The size will depend on your number of starting chains and rows.
Note. To change the size, use multiples of 8, then add 4 extra chain stitches.
Gauge
This will depend on the yarn and crochet hook you choose for your project. To get the size project you desire, I recommend working a gauge swatch first.
Materials
Yarn. While you can use any yarn weight for this pattern, I suggest a worsted weight yarn to practice.
Crochet hook size that matches your yarn weight. Such as a size H 5.0 mm hook or I 5.5 mm hook.
If you use a bulky weight yarn then use a larger hook. The packaging on the yarn often provides recommendations.
Scissors
Tapestry needle
Tape Measure
Abbreviations
- CH = Chain
- BPDC = Back Post Double Crochet
- DC = Double Crochet
- FPDC = Front Post Double Crochet
- SK = Skip
- SL ST = Slip Stitch
- SP = Space
- ST = Stitch
- STs = Stitches
- [ ] = Repeat Between
Crochet Stitches
Chain Stitch (CH ST)
Begin the chain stitch by making a slip knot on the crochet hook. Leave about a 5-inch tail on the yarn. This will be weaved in later.
Next snug up the yarn loop that is on the crochet hook; while it should be firm, it should also be loose enough to slide on the hook with ease.
Keeping the loop on the hook, insert the hook in the stitch, wrap the yarn over the crochet hook from back to front. Draw the yarn through the loop. (The first chain stitch is complete).
HOW TO CROCHET THE CHAIN STITCH video tutorial
Double Crochet (DC)
To work a regular double crochet, yarn over, insert the hook through both loops and pull up a loop. Next, yarn over and pull through two loops on the hook. Lastly, yarn over again and pull through the last two loops on the hook.
HOW TO CROCHET THE DOUBLE CROCHET STITCH video tutorial
How to Work a Front Post or Back Post Double Crochet Stitch
If you are unfamiliar with crocheting the front post and back post double crochet stitches, we have a whole blog post dedicated to showing you the details.
How to Work a Front Post or Back Post Double Crochet Stitch – Pattern Princess
Back Post Double Crochet (BPDC)
The back post stitches appear to recede on the side of the crocheted fabric that is facing you.
- Yarn over, insert the hook from back to front between the posts of the first and second double crochet of the row below.
- Then insert the hook from the front to the back front between the posts of the second and third stitches. (The hook should now be positioned horizontally in front of the double crochet that you are working around).
- Yarn over, pull the yarn over the post of the stitch.
- There should now be 3 loops on the hook. Yarn over, pull the yarn through 2 loops on the hook.
- Last, yarn over again and pull through the last two loops on the hook.
HOW TO CROCHET THE BACK POST DOUBLE CROCHET video tutorial
Front Post Double Crochet (FPDC)
Front post stitches are raised crochet stitches on the surface of the fabric facing you.
When you work front post stitches, you will insert your hook from the front of your work to the back. Insert your hook the front to the back, so that the post you want to crochet around is in front of your hook.
- Yarn over, insert the hook from front to back between the posts of the first and second double crochet of the row below.
- Then insert the hook from the back to the front between the posts of the second and third stitches. (The hook should now be positioned horizontally in back of the post that you are working around).
- Yarn over, pull the yarn around the post of the stitch. There should now be 3 loops on the hook.
- Yarn over, pull the yarn through 2 loops on the hook.
- Lastly, yarn over again and pull through the last two loops on the hook.
HOW TO CROCHET THE FRONT POST DOUBLE CROCHET video tutorial
Pattern Notes
Written instructions in US terms.
This pattern looks the same on both sides.
Photos of the rows are shown within the written directions. You can find a step-by-step video tutorialfor both a left and right hand crocheter after the written pattern.
You’ll be repeating the pattern until you feel that a square is made. Then continue alternating the rows between the sets of blocks to create the woven look.
In each row, you’ll always end with a double crochet on the top of the chain 3.
If this is your first time crocheting the basket weave crochet stitch, practice on a small swatch first. Making a 6-row sample helps you get comfortable with the front and back post technique before committing to a full project.
Use a stitch marker if needed. Marking the first and last stitch of each repeat can prevent mistakes.
Don’t pull too tightly. Tension that’s too tight can make it hard to get your crochet hook into the stitches. A relaxed, even tension gives the best woven effect.
Check your stitch placement. Always insert your hook around the correct post from the previous row. Twisting or skipping posts can make the weave uneven.
Turn at the end of each row.
Tip. Add a stitch marker at the end of every 3rd row.
Begin Crochet Pattern
Begin Chain Stitches
Start with a Slip Knot. Place a slip knot on your crochet hook.
Work a starting chain using an odd number of stitches. Stitch multiple is 8 + 4.
For the samples, I used a chain of 28 and 20.
Row 1
In the 4th CH from the hook make a DC and each ST across. Turn
Row 2
CH 3 (Counts as a DC). [Work a FPDC around the next 4 DC STs. Work a BPDC around the next 4 STs]. Repeat the alternating stitches between [ ] across. End with a DC (not around the post) on the top CH of the first 3 skipped chain stitches. Turn
Row 3
CH 3 (Counts as a DC). [Work a FPDC around the next 4 FPDC STs. Work a BPDC around the next 4 BPDC STs]. Repeat the alternating stitches between [ ] across. End with a DC (not around the post) on the top CH of the previous row 3 chain stitches. Turn
Repeat row 3 until you feel that a square is made. For me, 3 rows of this alternating pattern made a square.
Row 4
For this row, you will be altering the direction of the stitches from the previous round. Tip. I placed a stitch marker at the end of row 3 to see where I was in the crochet pattern.
CH 3 (Counts as a DC). [Work a BPDC around the next 4 FPDC STs. Work a FPDC around the next 4 BPDC STs]. Repeat the alternating stitches between [ ] across. End with a DC (not around the post) on the top CH of the previous row 3 chain stitches. Turn
Row 5
CH 3 (Counts as a DC). [Work a BPDC around the next 4 BPDC STs. Work a FPDC around the next 4 FPDC STs]. Repeat the alternating stitches between [ ] across. End with a DC (not around the post) on the top CH of the previous row 3 chain stitches. Turn
Row 6
CH 3 (Counts as a DC). [Work a BPDC around the next 4 BPDC STs. Work a FPDC around the next 4 FPDC STs]. Repeat the alternating stitches between [ ] across. End with a DC (not around the post) on the top CH of the previous row 3 chain stitches. Turn
Add a stitch marker.
Row 7
Change the direction of the stitches with this row.
CH 3 (Counts as a DC). [Work a FPDC around the next 4 BPDC STs. Work a BPDC around the next 4 FPDC STs]. Repeat the alternating stitches between [ ] across. End with a DC (not around the post) on the top CH of the previous row 3 chain stitches. Turn
Row 8
CH 3 (Counts as a DC). [Work a FPDC around the next 4 FPDC STs. Work a BPDC around the next 4 BPDC STs]. Repeat the alternating stitches between [ ] across. End with a DC (not around the post) on the top CH of the previous row 3 chain stitches. Turn
Row 9
CH 3 (Counts as a DC). [Work a FPDC around the next 4 FPDC STs. Work a BPDC around the next 4 BPDC STs]. Repeat the alternating stitches between [ ] across. End with a DC (not around the post) on the top CH of the previous row 3 chain stitches. Turn
Add a stitch marker.
Row 10
Change the direction of the stitches with this row.
CH 3 (Counts as a DC). [Work a BPDC around the next 4 FPDC STs. Work a FPDC around the next 4 BPDC STs]. Repeat the alternating stitches between [ ] across. End with a DC (not around the post) on the top CH of the previous row 3 chain stitches. Turn
Row 11
CH 3 (Counts as a DC). [Work a BPDC around the next 4 BPDC STs. Work a FPDC around the next 4 FPDC STs]. Repeat the alternating stitches between [ ] across. End with a DC (not around the post) on the top CH of the previous row 3 chain stitches. Turn
Row 12
CH 3 (Counts as a DC). [Work a BPDC around the next 4 BPDC STs. Work a FPDC around the next 4 FPDC STs]. Repeat the alternating stitches between [ ] across. End with a DC (not around the post) on the top CH of the previous row 3 chain stitches. Turn
Rows 13 and Beyond
Continue to repeat rows 7-12 alternating the direction of the stitches.
Finishing
Use the tapestry needle to weave in any loose ends on the back side of the work. I like to weave back and forth 3 to 5 times. Cut off the excess yarn.
Free Video Instructions on our YouTube channel of the Crochet Basket Weave Stitch
Right hand basket weave tutorial
Left hand basket weave tutorial
We hope you have enjoyed this crochet stitch tutorial. Here are some other free crochet patterns to inspire your next project.
You can find Victoria crocheting, quilting, and creating recipes. She has cooked in restaurants for over 20 years, including many larger parties. She learned to crochet when she was just 11 years old and has been crocheting ever since; over 50 years now. Over 40 years ago, she loved her first class in sewing and continues to hone her skills in quilting. Many have enjoyed the handmade gifts over the years. In her professional career, she has worked in management in a wide variety of businesses including higher education as a dean of a division. All the while attending college part-time to achieve her doctorate in higher education with an emphasis in e-learning.