By Mary Grace McNamara

Basketweave is a popular stitch pattern that relies on double crochet front and back post stitches. It requires a multiple of 6 stitches, plus 4 more stitches. For a washcloth-sized swatch, start with 42+4=46 stitches.

Row 1 Work 1 dc into the 4th chain from the hook and continue across the row, working 1 dc into each chain. Chain 2 and turn.

Row 2 Skip the last dc of the previous row, because the turning chain counts as a stitch. Work 1 dc around the second post of the previous row. A front post stitch is made by yarning over and inserting your hook under the post of the dc, as shown above. Draw up a loop and finish the dc as usual. Repeat for the next 2 stitches and posts, so there are 3 front post stitches.

Next, work a dc around the next post from the back (back post stitch) by yarning over and inserting your hook under the back post of the 5th dc (the photo above shows the back of your work, so you can see exactly where the hook is inserted). Draw up a loop and finish the dc as usual. Repeat for the next 2 stitches and posts, so there are 3 back post stitches.

Continue across the row, alternating 3 front post stitches with 3 back post stitches, until only the turning chain remains. Finish with 1 dc into the top of the turning chain. Chain 2 and turn.

Row 3 Repeat Row 2, alternating 3 front post stitches with 3 back post stitches until only the turning chain remains. Finish with 1 dc into the top of the turning chain. Chain 2 and turn.

Rows 4 and 5 This is where the basketweave begins to take shape! These 2 rows start with back post stitches instead of front post stitches. Work 3 back post stitches and then 3 front post stitches, alternating until only the turning chain remains. Finish with 1 dc into the top of the turning chain. Chain 2 and turn.

Continue working Rows 2 through 5 until your piece is square. You can leave it without a border, or finish it off with a round of sc and your favorite border stitch.

Additional resources: Read Drew Embrosky's "Post Stitches 101" tutorial, and watch Brett Bara's front post stitch video.

Ready to try another pattern using basketweave stitch? The Team Scarf in our Sep./Oct. 2012 issue uses self-striping Red Heart Team Spirit yarn, so you don't even have to change colors!