Diagonal Basket Weave Blanket

Diagonal Basket Weave Blanket by Nourish and Nestle

Project Overview

The Diagonal Basket Weave Blanket is a knitted throw designed by Nourish and Nestle, measuring 59 inches by 69 inches. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a textured, visually striking blanket using a combination of stitch techniques that produce a diagonal pattern with basket weave detailing. The finished piece is suitable for use as a decorative throw or functional blanket for everyday warmth.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a large rectangular blanket featuring a diagonal basket weave stitch pattern as the primary design element. The blanket dimensions of 59 inches by 69 inches make it an appropriately sized throw for draping over furniture or using as a lap blanket. The diagonal orientation of the basket weave creates visual movement and texture across the surface of the finished piece.

Yarn and Materials

The Diagonal Basket Weave Blanket is constructed using chunky weight yarn, which allows for relatively quick completion despite the blanket's large size. The designer used 22 skeins of Plymouth Yarns Encore Mega, a wool and acrylic blend yarn. With 63 yards per skein, the total yardage required is 1,386 yards. The wool and acrylic blend was selected for its practicality, offering easier care and washability compared to 100% wool while maintaining warmth and texture.

Alternative yarn options that may work for this project include Bernat Wool-up Bulky, Lion Brand Wool Ease Chunky, and Funky Chunky Merino Wool. The merino wool option provides a 100% wool alternative for those preferring natural fiber, though at potentially higher cost.

Needles and Tools

This knitting project requires US 19 (15mm) circular needles as the primary needle size for working the blanket. US 17 or US 15 needles are used for binding off, allowing for a more finished edge. Circular needles accommodate the large number of stitches required for the blanket's width while providing comfort during extended knitting sessions.

Stitches and Techniques

The Diagonal Basket Weave Blanket employs multiple knitting stitches and techniques to create its distinctive appearance:

• Diagonal Basket Weave Stitch: The primary stitch pattern that forms the main design of the blanket, creating a textured surface with diagonal orientation and interlocking basket-like formations
• Seed Stitch: Used for the border of the blanket, created by alternating knit and purl stitches (K1P1 pattern) across rows. The seed stitch provides a neat, finished edge and helps prevent ruffling along the sides
• Casting On: The pattern begins with casting on 149 stitches, or any multiple of 2 stitches plus 1, establishing the foundation for the blanket
• Binding Off: Completed using smaller needle sizes to create a secure, professional finish

Gauge and Construction Details

The blanket is worked at a gauge of 2.5 stitches per inch, which is appropriate for chunky weight yarn on US 19 needles. The seed stitch border is established over the first 4 rows using the K1P1 repeat pattern, ending each row with a knit stitch to maintain pattern consistency. This border construction helps frame the diagonal basket weave pattern and provides structural stability to the edges of the finished blanket.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an intermediate knitting project, the Diagonal Basket Weave Blanket requires familiarity with basic knitting techniques including casting on, knit and purl stitches, and binding off. The intermediate classification reflects the combination of stitch patterns and the sustained attention required to work a large project with multiple stitch repeats. Knitters should have experience reading stitch patterns and maintaining consistent tension throughout the project.