the Basket Stitch: A Classic Technique with a Modern Twist

There’s something special about working with a vintage pattern, feeling a connection to knitters who crafted these same stitches over a century ago. One of my recent discoveries is the basket stitch from The Lion Yarn Book published in 1912. This versatile stitch creates a beautifully textured fabric that’s perfect for scarves, sweaters, or even cozy blankets.

In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through how to knit the basket stitch using Lion Brand Respun yarn and 4.5 mm needles. This pattern starts with casting on a multiple of 6 stitches, plus an additional 5 stitches. Don’t worry if that sounds a bit complicated; I’ve included both a stitch chart and written directions to make it easy for you to follow along.

Why Choose the Basket Stitch?

The basket stitch is a great choice for knitters of all levels. It combines simple knits and purls in a way that creates a woven look, reminiscent of traditional basket weaving. It has a clean, structured appearance that looks equally lovely in solid colors or multi-tonal yarns. Because of its sturdy texture, the basket stitch is ideal for creating scarves that drape well or adding a refined touch to a classic sweater.

Materials Used in the Demonstration

For this demonstration, I chose Lion Brand Respun yarn for its softness and eco-friendly composition. It’s also an excellent weight for highlighting the texture of the basket stitch. I paired it with 4.5 mm needles, which provide a balanced gauge for this pattern. If you prefer a tighter or looser fabric, feel free to experiment with needle sizes to achieve the look you want.

Pattern Instructions

The basket stitch is worked over a multiple of 6 stitches, plus 5 additional stitches. This extra set of stitches ensures that the pattern flows seamlessly and maintains a clean edge. Before you start, decide on the width of your piece and calculate your total cast-on stitches based on these multiples.

For example, if you want to create a scarf with a width of approximately 8 inches, you might cast on 35 stitches (30 stitches for the multiples of 6, plus 5 stitches).

Written Directions:

Cast On: A multiple of 6 stitches + 5.

(e.g., 35 stitches)

Row 1: (Knit 5, Purl 1), repeat until last 5 st. K5.

Row 2: Knit across row.

Rows 3 – 8: Repeat Rows 1 & 2

Row 9: Purl across row.

Row 10: Knit across row.

Row 11: Knit 2, purl. (K5, p), repeat until last two st. K2.

Row 12: Knit across row.

Rows 13-18: Repeat Rows 11 & 12.

Row 19: Purl.

Row 20: Knit.

Continue these 20 rows until your piece reaches the desired length. Bind off in the pattern to maintain the look of your edges.

Stitch Chart

Tips for Success:

• Keep an even tension to ensure that the stitch texture stays uniform throughout your piece.

• Use a row counter or make tick marks to help you keep track of where you are in the 8-row repeat.

Final Thoughts

The basket stitch is a timeless design that adds a touch of sophistication to any knitted project. With its origins in a vintage pattern book, it’s a reminder of how classic techniques can inspire modern creations. Whether you’re planning to make a cozy scarf or a stylish sweater, this stitch offers a rewarding mix of tradition and creativity.

I hope you enjoy working with the basket stitch as much as I did. If you try it out, be sure to share your results! Happy knitting!