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Basket Weave Knit Stitch (Free Printable)

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The basket weave knit stitch is a beautiful and easy way to add rich texture to your knitting.

It’s perfect for beginners and creates a woven, checkerboard effect using simple combinations of knit and purl stitches.

This tutorial will walk you through the process step-by-step—including a dishcloth pattern you can use to practice the stitch.

You’ll also find a free printable pattern, a video tutorial, and plenty of helpful tips to get started.

Basket Weave Knit Stitch Free Printable

Before You Begin

Here’s what to know before diving in:

  • The basket weave stitch is created with blocks of knit and purl stitches.
  • It’s easy to learn and creates a dense, textured fabric.
  • You’ll practice both the knit (K) and purl (P) stitches in repeated sections.
  • A dishcloth is a great beginner project—quick, practical, and satisfying!

Supplies You’ll Need

  • Yarn
    The Pima Cotton by We Are Knitters (3.5 oz / 100g / 232 yds)
    → Use code MGM4VHHAT for 10% off your order
    → You can also use any DK or worsted weight cotton yarn
  • Needles
    → US 7 (4.5 mm) or US 8 (5 mm) straight knitting needles
  • Notions
    • Yarn/darning needle
    • Scissors
    • Stitch markers (x2)
    • Tape measure (optional)

Stitch Abbreviations + Tips

Written in US knitting terms

  • CO – Cast on
  • K – Knit
  • P – Purl
  • PM – Place Marker
  • SM – Slip Marker
  • St(s) – Stitch(es)
  • Rep – Repeat
  • RS – Right Side
  • WS – Wrong Side

Tip: Using stitch markers makes it easier to manage the side garter borders and keep track of the basket weave pattern sections.

Basketweave stitch knitting pattern

Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions

Cast On

Cast on a multiple of 8 + 6 stitches.
For a dishcloth, cast on 46 stitches (40 + 6).

Garter Border Setup

These rows prevent the edges from curling.

  • Row 1 (RS): Knit all stitches
  • Row 2 (WS): Knit all stitches
  • Repeat Rows 1 and 2 4 more times (6 rows total)

Begin the Basket Weave Pattern

  • Row 1 (RS): K3, PM, K to last 3 sts, PM, K3
  • Rows 2–6: K3, SM, K4, P4; rep from * to marker, SM, K3
  • Row 7 (RS): K3, SM, K to last 3 sts, SM, K3
  • Rows 8–12: K3, SM, P4, K4; rep from * to marker, SM, K3

Repeat Rows 1–12 four times (or until approx. 9.5 inches long)

Finishing the Pattern

  • Knit 6 rows in garter stitch for the top border
  • Bind off all stitches knitwise on a right-side row
  • Weave in all loose ends with your yarn needle
  • Block if desired to smooth and shape the final cloth

Finished Size + Gauge

  • Finished Size: 10 in. × 10 in. (26 × 26 cm)
  • Gauge: 17 sts × 24 rows = 4 in. (10 cm) in pattern
    Note: Gauge isn’t critical, but tighter fabric = better scrubbing ability for dishcloths.

Tips For Success

  • Keep edge stitches slightly loose to avoid inward pulling.
  • Cotton yarn can shrink—wash and block before use if needed.
  • Want to adjust size? Just follow the rule: cast on a multiple of 8 + 6.

What Is The Basket Weave Stitch?

The basketweave stitch mimics the appearance of woven baskets. It alternates blocks of knit and purl stitches to create a checkerboard texture with subtle 3D appeal.

It’s made by dividing your fabric into sections:

  • Rows of K4, P4
  • Then switch to P4, K4

This repeating structure creates beautiful texture with minimal effort.

What Can You Knit With The Basket Weave Stitch?

This stitch is a favorite for adding texture and interest to projects. Here’s what you can make with it:

  • Dishcloths + washcloths
  • Baby blankets + afghans
  • Scarves and shawls
  • Sweaters and cardigans (use it for panels or detail sections)
  • Tote bags, cushion covers, and more!

The dense fabric is both beautiful and practical—perfect for home décor and accessories.

Printable Pattern + Video Tutorial

If you prefer to work from a printed pattern or just want a version you can take on the go, I’ve got you covered!

You can print the pattern below to keep it handy while you knit.

It’s a simple, easy-to-follow design that’s perfect for relaxing with a project you’ll actually use.

Yield: Basketweave stitch dishcloth

Basket Weave Knit Stitch

Basketweave stitch

Knitting a dishcloth using the basketweave stitch is a fun and practical project, perfect for both beginners looking to practice their knitting skills and experienced knitters seeking a quick and satisfying task.

The basketweave stitch creates a textured pattern design that resembles a woven basket, which is not only attractive but also effective for scrubbing dishes.

Trying out stitch patterns in the form of dishcloths is a great way to practice your skills.

Prep Time 30 minutes
Active Time 40 minutes
Additional Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Difficulty Basic/Beginner
Estimated Cost $10

Materials

  • Yarn
  • 1 x ball of The Pima Cotton yarn from We Are Knitters.
  • This yarn is 3.5 oz/100g/232 yds/212 m.
  • Use my code – MGM4VHHAT – for 10 off on your WAK yarn order.
  • You can make two dishcloths with this amount of cotton yarn.
  • Or – 1 x 50g cotton yarn suitable for 4.5 mm (US 7) knitting needles or 5 mm (US 8) needles.
  • Any DK/light worsted/8 ply yarn or Aran/worsted/10 ply yarn.
  • I would recommend using cotton.

Tools

  • Needle Size
  • Knitting needles (size US 7 or 8 / 4.5mm or 5 mm (US 8) Knitting needles usually work well with medium-weight cotton yarn)
  • Notions
  • Darning needle/yarn needle
  • Scissors
  • Tape measure
  • Stitch marker x 2

Instructions

Basket Weave Stitch Dishcloth Pattern

This woven look stitch pattern is created using an even number of stitches.

Cast On

Begin by casting on a multiple of 8 stitches plus 6 extra stitches. For a standard-size dishcloth, casting on 46 stitches works well (40 + 6 = 46).

Setup Rows

Row 1 (Right Side): Knit all stitches.

Row 2 (Wrong Side): Knit all stitches.

These two rows create a garter stitch border, which helps prevent the edges from curling.

Repeat rows 1 and 2 a further 4 times (6 rows in garter stitch in total).

Basketweave Pattern

Row 1 (RS): K3, PM, K to the last 3 sts, PM, K3.

Rows 2 – 6: K3, SM, *K4, P4; rep from * to marker, SM, K3.

Row 7: K3, SM, K to the last 3 sts, SM, K3.

Rows 8 – 12: K3, SM, *P4, K4; rep from * to marker, SM, K3.

Repeat the Pattern

Repeat rows 1-12 four times (slipping the markers as you work) until the piece measures around 24 cm/9.5 inches from the cast-on edge.

Finishing Rows

Knit 6 rows to create a garter stitch border at the top.

Bind Off

Bind off/cast off all stitches knitwise on the right side. This ensures a neat edge.

Weaving in Ends

You can use a yarn needle to weave in any loose ends securely.

Block your work if necessary.

Tips:

  • Be sure to keep your edge stitches somewhat loose to prevent the sides from pulling inwards.
  • Wash your dishcloth before first use, as cotton can sometimes shrink or change texture.

Notes

Size Information

Finished size – 26 x 26 cm/10 x 10 inches.

Gauge – 17 sts x 24 rows = 4 × 4 inches/10 x 10 cm in the pattern.

Gauge is not critical for this project, but aiming for a denser fabric will enhance the scrubbing ability of the dishcloth.

Knitting Abbreviations

  • CO – Cast on
  • Cont – Continue
  • K – Knit
  • P – Purl
  • PM – Place a marker
  • SM – Slip marker
  • St(s) – Stitch(es)
  • Rep – Repeat
  • RS – Right side
  • WS – Wrong side

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

More Knitting Lessons

If you’re just getting started, visit my Knitting Lessons page to learn:

Visit Knitting Lessons (With Video Tutorials)
Explore Free Beginner Knitting Patterns
Yarn Weight Guide + Conversion Chart
Yarn Fiber Guide – Learn About Materials

Share Your Project!

I love seeing what you make!

If you knit this pattern, tag me on Instagram @handylittleme or use the hashtag #handylittleme for a chance to be featured.

You can also join the Handy Little Me Facebook Group to share your finished projects, ask questions, and connect with fellow makers.

Happy Knitting!

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