Remember when we were talking about that fun little stitch, Basketweave? It's one of my go-to stitches for knitting up a quick dishcloth or scarf. As I was thinking about basketweave I did some research and discovered there is more than one way to knit it.

Unlike Method 1, the ones featured here are not quite the same on both sides. That's OK, though, because they look marvelous so it's worth it.

Method 2 is a "3/5" variation with sections of 3 stitch wide stockinette alternating with sections of 5 stitch wide reverse stockinette.

Method 3 is similar to Method 2 except the ratio is "2/6". I would imagine (though I haven't tried it) that the variations might be close to endless. I'm going to knit a big "6/10" ratio rug or something some day and prove the point.

When I plopped all three swatches (4/4, 3/5 and 2/6) in my husband's lap to show him what was making his Christmas socks take so long to finish (working on swatches pushed his gift to the back burner--again) he decided that he liked the 4/4 basketweave best because it was symmetrical. What the other 2 lack in symmetry they make up for in movement. To me, a 3/5 or a 2/6 basketweave look more like they are actually woven than a 4/4. Because of this, I think 2/6 is my favorite. What's yours?

Ready to give them a try? Here are two patterns that, when knit up in easy-care acrylic, will make perfect blanket blocks for the Big 10 Blanket Knit-a-Long. (hint, hint) Or knit it in cotton for a dishcloth/washcloth (I have found I can't have too many of those...).

The Basketweave (Method 2) Block

Use worsted weight yarn (acrylic for the afghan block or cotton for a dishcloth) and US size 7 needles or size needed to achieve a gauge of approximately 5 stitches to the inch in pattern.

Size: Approximately 7 by 9 inch afghan block

CO 29 stitches

Rows 1 and 5 (RS): Knit.

Rows 2 and 4: K5, * p3, k5; rep from * to end of row.

Row 3: P5, * k3, p5; rep from * to end of row.

Rows 6 and 8: K1, p3, * k5, p3; rep from * to last st, k1.

Row 7: P1, k3, * p5, k3; rep from * to last st, p1.

Repeat Rows 1–8 to create the pattern.

Knit for approximately 8 inches, ending with having just knit Row 5. Knit Rows 1-4, then bind off in pattern.

The Basketweave (Method 3) Block

Worsted Weight yarn
Size US 7 needles
Gauge: 5 sts = 1 inch
Finished size: 7 by 9 inches

CO 30 stitches

Rows 1 & 5 (RS): Knit
Rows 2 & 4: k6, *P2, k6; rep from * to end of row
Row 3: p6, * k2, p6; rep from * to end of row
Rows 6 & 8: k2, *p2, k6, rep from *; end p2, k2.
Row 7: p2, k2, *p6, k2; rep from *; end p2

Repeat these rows for a total of 9 inches. Bind off, weave in ends.

Now, if you have grown tired of basketweave and prefer something a little more seed-y (haha), here's a bonus pattern for you...

The Double Seed Stitch Block

You'll need: US Size 7 needles or size needed to achieve gauge of 5 sts = 1 inch; Worsted weight acrylic yarn.

Cast on 31 stitches.
Row 1: *k1, p1; repeat from *, end k1
Row 2: *p1, k1; repeat from *, end p1
Row 3: *p1, k1; repeat from *, end p1
Row 4: *k1, p1; repeat from *, end k1

Repeat this 4 row pattern until piece measures 9 inches, ending on a Row 2. Bind off in the pattern of Row 3. Weave in ends.

Remember we will be knitting these blocks all year, so keep it up! We want to make as many blankets as possible! There will be more patterns again in a few weeks. Sign up to get them via emailed PDF by going to this post and filling out the form on the bottom. And THANK YOU for participating!

Basketweave and Big 10: More patterns!

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