The basketweave pattern makes a cool swatch

Yesterday we introduced Uptown Worsted yarn, and we’re testing it out today with a very textured pattern you’ll see over the next few days. If you’re using a yarn for the first time and aren’t sure where to start, knitting a swatch is a great way to get to know the yarn. A swatch tells you how the yarn will behave when it’s knit up, how it stands to being washed, and if you’ve acquired the right gauge. Knitting up a swatch with a textured pattern is an even better way to see the yarn’s characteristics and test out its versatility. The basketweave pattern makes a cool swatch.

The basketweave pattern uses a repeating combination of knit and purl stitches. Always keep in mind that if you “just” know how to knit and purl, you can do quite a lot!

To practice this same basketweave stitch, grab a ball of Uptown Worsted, some 4.5mm needles (or your preferred needle size for worsted weight yarn), and work as follows:

• Cast on 37 sts, or a number that is a multiple of 8 plus 5.
• Row 1 (RS): K all sts.
• Row 2 (WS): K5, *p3, k5; repeat from * to end of row.
• Row 3 (RS): P5, *k3, p5; repeat from * to end of row.
• Row 4 (WS): Same as Row 2.
• Row 5 (RS): K all sts.
• Row 6 (WS): K1, *p3, k5; repeat from * to last stitch, end k1 instead of k5.
• Row 7 (RS): P1, *k3, p5; repeat from * to last stitch, end p1 instead of p5.
• Row 8 (WS): Same as Row 6.

Repeat these 8 rows 4 times or until your swatch is the desired length.

This stitch pattern is so versatile! It lays flat, which means it can be used for scarves or blankets, and it’s simple enough that you can start to memorize the pattern after you’ve done a few repeats. It would be great for scarves, blankets, children’s sweaters, or home projects like pillow covers or dishcloths. Give it a try! Or, choose your own stitch pattern to swatch. The basketweave pattern makes a cool swatch and it’s a great way to get to know new yarn.