How to Crochet the Basket Stitch (Video + Written Pattern)

The crochet basket stitch is an open lattice of V stitches. Rows of single V's alternate with rows of wider double V's, and the double V's shift over every time they come back, so the fabric looks woven with light coming through.

It's listed as beginner. The stitches are chain and double crochet, with one dc2tog at an edge. The skill is working into chain spaces.

The one thing that makes it work: every V and double V goes into the chain space of the V below it, never into a stitch.

Watch: Basket Stitch Video Tutorial

Watch the edges on Rows 2 and 4; the partial double V and the dc2tog are what keep the sides straight.

What You Need

Yarn: the swatch uses worsted weight recycled silk; sport and DK give more drape. A smooth, light-colored yarn makes the chain spaces easy to find.

Hook: 5.0 mm (US H-8), or the size that gives you the listed gauge.

Stitch multiple: Row 1 puts a V in every third chain, so chain a multiple of 3 plus 4; the swatch chains 25.

Abbreviations (US terms): CH = chain; DC = double crochet; V stitch = DC, CH 1, DC in one space; Double V = 2 DC, CH 1, 2 DC in one space; DC2tog = double crochet two together; sk = skip; chsp = chain space.

Basket Stitch Written Pattern

Size: 6"x6"

Gauge: Stockinette | 4x4 in DC = 12 Stitches | 8 Rows

Yarn: 16g or 23yds of DGY Worsted Weight Recycled Silk

Crochet Hook Size: 5.0mm (or size to achieve gauge)

Abbreviations:
CH - Chain
Double V - In same space, 2DC, CH 1, 2DC
V stitch - In same space DC, CH 1, DC
DC2tog - Double Crochet Two Together
Sk - Skip
Chsp - chain space

CH 25

Row 1: In 5th CH from the hook, V stitch, *sk 2, V stitch* repeat across to last 2 chains, sk 1, DC in final chain. Turn.

Row 2: CH 3. Working into the chsp, Double V, CH 1, sk next V *Double V into chsp, CH 1, sk next V* repeat until last V, working in chsp, 2DC, CH 1, 1DC, DC2tog in final V and top of turning chain. Turn.

Row 3: CH 3, work a V stitch into each chsp to end, DC into top of turning chain. Turn.

Row 4: CH 3, 1DC into the same stitch * CH 1, sk next V at, work Double V at into chsp of the next V; repeat from * until 1 V at remains, CH 1, sk V st, 2 DC into top of turning ch. Turn.

Row 5: CH 3, work a V stitch into each chsp to end, DC into top of turning chain. Turn.

Repeat rows 2-5 twice. Bind off.

Step-by-Step: How the Stitch Works

1. Row 1 lays down V stitches. Chain 25, then dc, ch 1, dc into the 5th chain from the hook. Skip 2 chains, make another V, and repeat; end with a dc in the last chain. Each V's chain-1 space is where the next row goes.
2. Row 2 adds the double V's. Chain 3, then 2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc into the first V's chain space. Chain 1, skip the next V, double V into the one after. A partial double V and a dc2tog finish the edge.
3. Row 3 resets to single V's. Chain 3, then V into every chain space across, ending with a dc in the turning chain.
4. Row 4 shifts the double V's. Chain 3 and dc into the same stitch, then ch 1, skip a V, double V into the next. The double V's now sit over the V's skipped on Row 2.
5. Row 5 resets again. Repeat Rows 2 through 5 and the double V's keep alternating positions, which is the basket look.

Tips and Common Mistakes

• Insert the hook under the ch-1 space, not into the chain itself, so each V sits centered.
• On Rows 3 and 5, find every ch-1 space, including the small ones between double V's; missing one narrows the row.
• The half-groups at the edges of Rows 2 and 4 keep the sides even; don't skip them.
• Both sides look nearly the same; mark one anyway if you'll be seaming.
• The open fabric stretches when wet, so block it to size and let it dry flat.

What to Make With the Basket Stitch

Basket stitch is airy and uses little yarn:

• Market bag in worsted weight.
• Summer shawl in sport or DK weight.
• Table runner. See which crochet stitches use the least yarn for more open-stitch ideas.

Related Stitches

• Basic V Stitch — the single V stitch this pattern is built from.
• Crochet Shell Stitch — another grouped-dc stitch with a similar rhythm.
• Crochet Mesh Stitch — the simplest open lattice, good practice for working into chain spaces.
• Crochet Basketweave Stitch — a solid post-stitch basket texture, if you want warmth instead of openness.
• Browse every crochet stitch tutorial — the full Stitch Learning Center index.

Yarn for This Stitch

The swatch was worked in worsted weight recycled silk; the worsted weight yarn collection matches it. For a shawl, Darn Good Twist Sport Weight Silk Yarn gives the lattice more drape and a soft shine.

If you'd like a new skein to practice on every month, Yarn of the Month sends three hand-dyed skeins with a knit and crochet pattern written for them, $29 a month plus shipping.

Basket Stitch FAQ

Is the crochet basket stitch the same as basketweave?
No. Basketweave is a solid fabric of front and back post stitches. This basket stitch is an open lattice of V stitches, lighter and faster.

How much yarn does the basket stitch use?
Less than a solid stitch. The 6-inch swatch takes about 23 yards of worsted, well under a solid dc square of the same size.

Is the basket stitch reversible?
Yes. Both faces show the same lattice.