Crochet Along Block 2

Block 2 is Basket Weave. This stitch is completed using front-post double crochet and back-post double crochet. You achieve the weaved look by alternating four post stitches on the front of the fabric, then four post stitches on the back for three rows; then work the next three rows starting with four post stitches on the back followed by four post stitches on the front. The fabric is made by continuing those 6 rows until the size desired. It really is easier than it sounds, there are photo tutorials linked in the pattern to help you work out the new stitches!

PLEASE NOTE, ALL PATTERNS ARE IN US TERMINOLOGY,

CLICK HERE FOR CONVERSION GUIDE.

Hook

H/8 - 5.00MM, or size needed to obtain 9"x 9" square

Yarn

Colours B and C

Stitch

st: stitch

ch: chain

fdc: foundation double crochet

fpdc: front-post double crochet

bpdc: back-post double crochet

CONSTRUCTION

Row 1: Working in Colour B, ch 38, dc in third stitch from hook and each ch across OR 36 fdc; 36 stitches

Row 2: ch 2 (does not count as stitch, here and throughout), turn, [fpdc 4, bpdc 4], repeat within [] to end; 36 stitches

Row 3: ch 2, turn, [bpdc 4, fpdc 4], repeat within [] to end; 36 stitches

***

Row 4: ch 2, turn, [bpdc 4, fpdc 4], repeat within [] to end; 36 stitches

Row 5: ch 2, turn, [fpdc 4, bpdc 4], repeat within [] to end; 36 stitches

Row 6: ch 2, turn, [bpdc 4, fpdc 4], repeat within [] to end; 36 stitches

Row 7: ch 2, turn, [bpdc 4, fpdc 4], repeat within [] to end; 36 stitches

Row 8: ch 2, turn, [fpdc 4, bpdc 4], repeat within [] to end; 36 stitches

Row 9: ch 2, turn, [bpdc 4, fpdc 4], repeat within [] to end; 36 stitches

***

Rows 10-27: repeat within *** three times; 36 stitches each row

Border: *work 38 sc along one side of the square, ch 1 (does not count as stitch); repeat from * on each side of the square. Yarn off, and weave in ends.

Repeat with Colour C for a second, separate square.

Tips and Tricks

"I found it helpful to keep a little tick chart of each row from rows 4-9, so I knew where I was when I came back to the crochet after a break. As you have to repeat this section several times I drew out a grid on a post it note and stuck it to my pattern. Anything to keep me on the straight and narrow!"

Mairi

Don't forget to ignore the chain 2 on each row, it's a turning chain and is just there to help you get the right height! Don't forget each row has nine sets of four stitches and the whole block is nine 'blocks' high. If you get extras then it might be the sneaky turning chain masquerading as a stitch!