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Basketweave stitch

Blocks of knit and purl that look woven.

#8 of 10 · Updated November 2026 · The Yarn Math

Basketweave stitch, drawn as it looks on the right side of the fabric.

Basketweave stitch alternates squares of stockinette and reverse stockinette, 4 stitches wide and 4 rows tall. The squares make the fabric look woven, like a basket, and the even mix of knits and purls keeps it flat.

Stitch countMultiple of 8
LevelBeginner
Curls at the edgesNo
ReversibleYes
Yarn useAbout 15% more than stockinette
Good forBlankets, cushion covers, dishcloths and bags.

How to knit basketweave stitch flat

  1. Rows 1–4: *k4, p4; repeat from * to end.
  2. Rows 5–8: *p4, k4; repeat from * to end.
  3. Repeat rows 1–8.

How to knit basketweave stitch in the round

  1. Rounds 1–4: *k4, p4; repeat from * to end.
  2. Rounds 5–8: *p4, k4; repeat from * to end.
  3. Repeat rounds 1–8.

Chart

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Read right-side rows (odd numbers) from right to left and wrong-side rows from left to right. Blank square: knit on the right side, purl on the wrong side. Dot: purl on the right side, knit on the wrong side.

Tips

Cast on

How many stitches to cast on

Measure your gauge on a swatch knitted in this stitch: textured stitches often give a different gauge from stockinette.

Cast on

    Questions

    Why do my basketweave squares look like stripes?

    Each square should be 4 rows tall. If the squares look like ribs, you are probably switching too late; if they look like seed stitch, too early.

    Planning a project in basketweave stitch? The yarn calculator estimates how much yarn you need; pick "Textured or ribbed" as the stitch pattern.

    ← Box stitchSimple cable →
    Top 10 knitting stitches
    1Garter stitchKnit every row. Squishy ridges that lie flat.2Stockinette stitchKnit one row, purl one row. The smooth V fabric.31×1 ribKnit 1, purl 1 in columns. Stretchy and neat.42×2 ribKnit 2, purl 2. Bolder columns, still stretchy.5Seed stitchKnits over purls in a checkerboard of tiny bumps.6Moss stitchSeed stitch stretched to two rows. Soft, woven texture.7Box stitchLittle 2×2 squares of knit and purl.8Basketweave stitchBlocks of knit and purl that look woven.9Simple cableA 6-stitch rope cable on a purl background.10Eyelet laceRows of small holes made with yarn overs.