How to knit the Diagonal Basketweave Stitch

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The Diagonal Basketweave Stitch is definitely inspired by the traditional hand-woven baskets. It creates a diagonal pattern and an intricate zig-zag texture.

This stitch results in a very tight and compact fabric, due to the continuous criss-crossing pattern in both left and right directions. The fabric tends to shrink from the edges inwards, we therefore suggest you knit with the lowest tension possible without pulling too tightly on the stitches. You might also have to switch to larger knitting needles compared to the size recommended by the yarn gauge.

The swatch you see in the picture has been knitted with our Re-Cashmere yarn (find more about it here) in Sky Blue, using 4 mm / US 6 Beechwood Knitting Needles.

Keep reading to see how it’s made!

How to knit the Diagonal Basketweave Stitch

Cast on a multiple of 4 stitches.

Row#1 (RS = right side):

  • Knit 2 stitches.
  • *Cross 2 stitches to the right (slip 2 stitches onto a cable needle and hold it on the back of the work, knit 2 stitches, knit the slipped stitches)*.
  • Repeat from * to *. Knit the last 2 stitches.

Row#2 (WS: wrong side):

  • Purl row.

Row#3:

  • *Cross 2 stitches to the left (slip 2 stitches onto a cable needle and hold it on the front of the work, knit 2 stitches, knit the slipped stitches)*.
  • Repeat from * to * until the end of the row.

Row#4:

  • Purl row.

Continue knitting repeating Rows #1 – #4 until your piece is the length your project requires.

Diagonal Basketweave Stitch Chart

For the visual-learning knitters, here is the chart to recreate this stitch!

If you’re looking for inspiration…

The Diagonal Basketweave Stitch creates a quite stiff fabric. Its dense and compact texture makes is suitable to knit home-decor accessories such as pillowcases and blankets, but also bags and pouches.

You can knit this stitch using both cotton and wool yarns. Try to experiment with the yarn thickness: the thicker the yarn, the more dramatic and interesting the result.

What are you planning on knitting next? Let us know in the comment section and share your projects on Instagram using the hashtag #bettaknit!