Double Basket Stitch Knitting Pattern

The Double Basket Stitch is a textured pattern that mimics the look of a woven basket. It combines knit and purl sections to form bold rectangular blocks. Although it looks intricate, it’s created entirely with knit and purl stitches, making it suitable for adventurous beginners.  It does require an 18-row repeat, which can be challenging and requires some concentration to maintain your place.

This stitch is reversible, with both sides creating mirror images of each other. 

A swatch of the double basket stitch worked in pink yarn.Knit Double Stitch Pattern

Skill Level

Skill level easy per the Craft Yarn Council

Skills Needed to Knit This Pattern

Knit Stitch

Purl Stitch

Cast On

Bind Off

Read Knitting Instructions or a Knit Chart

Abbreviations

K = Knit

P = Purl

RS = Right Side

WS = Wrong Side

CO = Cast On

BO = Bind Off

*    *  Repeat the instructions written between the asterisks for the number of times indicated.

Pattern Notes

  • This pattern uses U.S. Terms
  • Pattern Repeat: 18 rows
  • Stitch Multiple: 18 + 10 stitches
  • Reversible:  Both Sides are mirror images
  • Techniques Used: Knit and purl combinations
Right side showing of the double basket stitchDouble Basket Stitch Right Side
Wrong side showing of the double basket stitchDouble Basket Stitch Wrong Side

Written Instructions for Working Flat

Cast on a multiple of 18 stitches plus 10 additional stitches.
Row 1 (RS): *K 11, p 2, k 2, p2, k1; rep from * to last 10 sts, k 10.
Row 2:  P1, k8, p1, *p1, (k2, p2) twice, k8, p1; rep from * to end.
Row 3: *K1, p 8, (k2, p2) twice, k1; rep  from *  to last 10 sts, k1, p8, k1.
Row 4: P10, *p1, k2, p2, k2, p11; rep from * to end.
Rows 5: *K 11, p 2, k 2, p2, k1; rep from * to last 10 sts, k 10.
Row 6: P1, k8, p1, *p1, (k2, p2) twice, k8, p1; rep from * to end.
Row 7: *K1, p 8, (k2, p2) twice, k1; rep from * to last 10 sts, k1, p8, k1
Row 8: P10, *p1, k2, p2, k2, p11; rep from * to end.
Row 9: Knit all stitches.
Row 10: (P2, k2) twice, p2, *p10, (k2, p2) twice; rep from *  to end.
Row 11: *(K2, p2) twice, k2, p8; rep  from *  to last 10 sts, (k2, p2) twice, k2.
Row 12: (P2, k2) twice, p2, * k8, (p2, k2) twice, p2, rep from * to end.
Row 13: *(K2, p2) twice, k10; rep from * to last 10 sts, (k2, p2) twice, k2.
Rows 14: (P2, k2) twice, p2, *p10, (k2, p2) twice; rep from *  to end.
Row 15: *(K2, p2) twice, k2, p8; rep from * to last 10 sts, (k2, p2) twice, k2.
Row 16: (P2, k2) twice, p2, * k8, (p2, k2) twice, p2, rep from * to end.
Row 17: *(K2, p2) twice, k10; rep from * to last 10 sts, (k2, p2) twice, k2.
Row 18: Purl all stitches.

Repeat Rows 1 – 18 for the pattern.

Working Flat Using a Knitting Chart

Double Basket Stitch — In the Round

Cast on: multiple of 18 sts. Place a marker.

Round 1: K11, P2, K2, P2, K1; rep from * to end.
Round 2: K1, P2, K2, P2, K2, P8, K1; rep from * to end.
Round 3: K1, P8, K2, P2, K2, P2, K1; rep from * to end.
Round 4: K1, P2, K2, P2, K11; rep from * to end.
Round 5: K11, P2, K2, P2, K1; rep from * to end.
Round 6: K1, P2, K2, P2, K2, P8, K1; rep from * to end.
Round 7: K1, P8, K2, P2, K2, P2, K1; rep from * to end.
Round 8: K1, P2, K2, P2, K11; rep from * to end.
Round 9: Knit around.
Round 10: K10, P2, K2, P2, K2; rep from * to end.
Round 11: K2, P2, K2, P2, K2, P8; rep from * to end.
Round 12: P8, K2, P2, K2, P2, K2; rep from * to end.
Round 13: K2, P2, K2, P2, K10; rep from * to end.
Round 14: K10, P2, K2, P2, K2; rep from * to end.
Round 15: K2, P2, K2, P2, K2, P8; rep from * to end.
Round 16: P8, K2, P2, K2, P2, K2; rep from * to end.
Round 17: K2, P2, K2, P2, K10; rep from * to end.
Round 18: Knit around.

Repeat Rnds 1–18 for pattern.

Double Basket Stitch Instructions:  Chart

Instructions for working the double basket stitch in chart form

Suggested Projects

  • Because of its bold structure and moderate thickness, the Double Basket Stitch works beautifully for:
  • Blankets and throws: Creates a richly textured surface that looks hand-woven.
  • Cushion covers: Add a cozy dimension to home décor.
  • Sweater panels or cardigans: Great for structured knits where you want defined texture.
  • Scarves and wraps: Produce a warm, slightly dense fabric perfect for cooler weather.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Double Basket Stitch

Is the Double Basket Stitch difficult to knit?

Not really, but it doesn't look very easy! The pattern only uses knit and purl stitches, so there are no cables or yarn-overs. The 18-row repeat is long, but once you’ve worked through one complete sequence, the rhythm becomes easy to follow, and you will be able to see the pattern.

What types of yarn work best?

Choose a smooth, medium-weight yarn (like worsted or aran).  It will highlight the woven texture best. Avoid fuzzy yarns such as mohair or boucle, as they obscure the definition of the basket “blocks.”

How do I keep my edges neat when knitting flat?

Because this pattern uses long stretches of knit and purl stitches, edges can sometimes curl slightly. You can add a 2–4 stitch garter or seed-stitch border on each side for stability, especially if you are using this pattern on a project that needs to lie flat, such as a scarf or a blanket

Pin for Future Reference

Double Basket Stitch Swatch on a Pin ImageKnit Double Basket Stitch Pin Image

Conclusion

The Double Basket Stitch is a perfect example of how simple knit and purl combinations can create impressive woven effects. While it takes a few rows to form the pattern, the effort is well worth it—especially for larger pieces where the texture can shine. Try using smooth, medium-weight yarn to highlight the basket-like detail, and block your finished work gently to enhance stitch definition.

If you enjoyed this tutorial, you might also like other textured patterns such as the Basket Weave Stitch, Waffle Stitch, or Double Fleck Stitch—each offering its own take on raised, grid-like designs.