Learn how to make an easy basket weave patterned blanket with loop yarn, no knitting needles or crochet hooks required! A fun craft project you can complete in a weekend to keep you warm and cozy.
Calling all non-knitters, I’m sharing another EZ finger knitting project,
ideal for the winter blues that will keep you warm and cozy!
This easy craft project uses loop yarn that allows you to knit without needles.
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If you’re not familiar with Loop yarn, the loops in the yarn allow you to knit with your fingers,
rather than needles. I don’t knit or crochet, so I was excited to discover this yarn couple
of years ago and have made several blankets since.
I used Bernat Alize Blanket EZ yarn, which is a microfiber chenille yarn and machine washable.
It’s a soft and plush yarn that’s available in variegated as well as solid colors.
The Alize Blanket EZ yarn is considered a jumbo size #7 gauge yarn and comes in 18 yard skeins / balls.
Feel free to substitute another brand of loop yarn as long as it’s a jumbo size #7 gauge yarn;
you’ll need 6 skeins / balls or 108 yards to make a blanket approximately 49 x 60 inches.
I used 8 balls to make a larger blanket, about 76 inches in length.
This basket weave pattern is a very easy pattern to work!
You essentially work this pattern in sets of 3 stitches:
3 stitches with your working yarn pulled through the back of your loop (a knit stitch)
and then 3 stitches pulled through the front of your loop (a purl stitch).
You repeat the pattern of 3 knit and then 3 purl stitches throughout the blanket in rows of four.
After your fourth row, you switch and start your row with 3 purl stitches, then 3 knit stitches.
After every fourth row you work, you switch again starting your new row with
the opposite stitch which creates the basket weave pattern.
It took me about 1 1/2 hours to finger knit a skein or ball of yarn.
Note: My Bernat Alize yarn color was ‘Seaport Teals’,
a varigated teal or turquoise.
Photographing in winter is always a challenge with cloudy skies and low light conditions,
and my photo are inconsistent, with the yarn appearing more pastel or purple at times
and more bluish-green at others.
I’ve included the printable directions from Yarnspirations,
which will make your eyes cross when you read through them. ;)
I promise, this pattern is much easier to work than to read,
keeping in mind the pattern is 3 knit stitches, 3 purl stitches,
switching your beginning stitch after every 4th row.
It helped me to keep a piece of paper to mark my rows.
When I first started, I marked the direction I needed to go L to R or R to L.
The B and F marks were how I indicated stitch direction,
pulling from the Back (knit stitch) for Front (purl stitch).
To start your blanket, count 63 loops for your foundation row;
the yarn end should be at the far right and loops facing upwards.
Mark your 63rd loop with a safety pin or clip of some sort.
(I use a plastic Christmas ornament hanger.)
Here are Yarnspiration directions for a basket weave pattern blanket:
St(s) = Stitch(es)
1st row: Working from left to right, with working yarn at back, pull 64th loop (from ‘working yarn’) up through 63rd loop (last loop of foundation row) from behind to create a knit st. (With working yarn at back, pull next loop from working yarn up from behind through next loop) twice – 2 knit sts. *(With working yarn at front, pull next loop from working yarn towards back through next loop) 3 times – 3 purl sts. (With working yarn at back, pull next loop from working yarn up from behind through next loop) 3 times – 3 knit sts. Repeat from * to end of row 63 sts.
2nd row: Working from right to left, with working yarn at back, pull next loop from working yarn up from behind through last st worked on previous row. (With working yarn at back, pull next loop from working yarn up from behind through next st) twice – 2 knit sts. *(With working yarn at front, pull next loop from working yarn towards back through next st) 3 times – 3 purl sts. (With working yarn at back, pull next loop from working yarn up from behind through next st) 3 times – 3 knit sts. Repeat from * to end of row.
3rd row: Working from left to right, with working yarn at back, pull next loop from working yarn up from behind through last st worked on previous row. (With working yarn at back, pull next loop from working yarn up from behind through next st) twice – 2 knit sts. *(With working yarn at front, pull next loop from working yarn towards back through next st) 3 times – 3 purl sts. (With working yarn at back, pull next loop from working yarn up from behind through next st) 3 times – 3 knit sts. Repeat from * to end of row.
4th row: As 2nd row.
5th row: Working from left to right, with working yarn at front, pull next loop from working yarn up towards back through last st worked on previous row. (With working yarn at front, pull next loop from working yarn towards back through next st) twice – 2 purl sts. *(With working yarn at back, pull next loop from working yarn up from behind through next st) 3 times – 3 knit sts. (With working yarn at front, pull next loop from working yarn towards back through next st) 3 times – 3 purl sts. Repeat from * to end of row.
6th row: Working from right to left, with working yarn at front, pull next loop from working yarn up towards back through last st worked on previous row. (With working yarn at front, pull next loop from working yarn towards back through next st) twice – 2 purl sts. *(With working yarn at back, pull next loop from working yarn up from behind through next st) 3 times – 3 knit sts. (With working yarn at front, pull next loop from working yarn towards back through next st) 3 times – 3 purl sts. Repeat from * to end ofrow.
7th and 8th rows: As 5th and 6th rows.
9th row: As 3rd row.
Repeat 2nd to 9th rows until work measures approximately 60″
There are a couple of ways to join a new skein of yarn.
My preferred method is to hold the last loop of your previous skein
and first loop of your new skein together and work as if they are a single loop.
Treat them as a single loop again when you come back to them on the next row;
the Alize yarn is very fluffy so the extra loop won’t be noticed.
I like to mark the double loops with a clip so I made sure to pick up both loops
together until I work them into a row.
Another method to join your skeins is to snip the threads of the last two loops
and your first two loops on your new skein and tie the tails together.
You’ll weave the loose tails back through your knitted stitches when finished.
When you get to end of your final skein, you’ll bind off your stitches to complete your blanket.
Bind off working in same direction as your last row, pulling the 2nd stitch up through first stitch.
Pull the 3rd stitch up through the 2nd stitch and so on.
Continue to the end of the row.
Cut the last two loops, snipping them apart by the thread that creates the loop to create a yarn ‘tail’.
The binding off directions sound more complicated than they actually are;
I found it helpful to watch a video, here.
Pull the tail through your last loop to secure it, then weave the tail through the
back of your stitches to secure and conceal it.
When you’re finished you’ll want to secure any other loose tails,
weaving them through the back of the throw
Several videos I watched recommended using a tapestry or darning needle
to secure any loose yarn tails. . .
I used a bobby pin to weave the yarn tails back through the stitches.
Helpful tips:
🧶 Keep your yarn with the loops facing up to prevent dropping them.
🧶 Check your work every 10 stitches or so to make sure you haven’t dropped a loop. Straighten your working yarn and untwist the “squiggly” loops to prevent skipping or dropping loops in your rows.
🧶 If I stopped, I clipped my next set of loops together to make it easier to find and pick up where I left off.
🧶 I purchased my yarn from JOANN fabric and craft store. Look for coupons to buy online and pick up at your local store or download their mobile app to your phone to access their weekly coupon when you shop. Their loop yarn was 40% off this summer, which was quite a savings
Lola and Sophie say this blanket is warm and cozy and perfect for napping!
The said they hope you try this project!
🧶 🐾 🧶 🐾
If you’re looking for a loop yarn blanket project with no counting other than your first row, try:
How to Make an EZ Loop Yarn Throw Blanket
Or other loop yarn blanket patterns you might like:
Criss Cross Pattern Blanket with Loop Yarn
Modified Garter Ridge Pattern Loop Yarn Blanket
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You have certainly drawn my interest to this method. It really looks overwhelming to me, but I guess I wont’t know until I try.
Beautiful! Love the colors and the texture that basketbweave pattern creates.
Well, I’d like to say I’m going to try this but seems like a lot. Does remind me a little like when I did pot holders when younger
So pretty Mary! Love the colors and the basketweave pattern. My eyes did cross while reading your very thorough tutorial 😂 and I’m sure once you get the hang of it, it’s easy. I still think you try crocheting, it’s a lot of fun. The girls look like it’s their blanket now!
Jenna
That color and pattern is very nice. I really like it, Mary. About forty years ago I think I could have attempted this. But the brain I am in possession of now would not allow it. Oh, and that’s not even taking into account the arthritic finger factor. LOL!
Good morning, Mary. Not sure which I like better-yarn color, basketweave pattern or your two sweet girls. Just kidding; I definitely love your white balls of fluff! Have a great Monday!
Waaaaaaay beyond my mental capabilities, but adore the texture, colors and fluffy white interlopers!
Mary, I love the colors and the basket weave pattern. It appears that the girls have claimed the blanket, I can’t blame them. When I was younger, I was very crafty, I don’t know what happened to me 🤷🏼♀️ Happy Monday ❤️pouring rain here ☔️☔️
Love the basket weave pattern. This looks like something to try with my granddaughters. If I can’t figure it out, I’m sure they can!
Mary, this looks like a craft I can handle! I’ll be retiring this summer and am eager to start doing some activities I haven’t had time for – and this blanket might be one of those activities!
I love the photos of the girls! One thing about Bichons – they love a blanket!
Thanks for sharing this idea with clear instructions – and for sharing the beautiful girls.
Thanks for sharing this, Mary! I am definitely going to try making one of these throws! Just love the picture of your two precious dogs on their new throw. It’s so nice, soft and cozy for them!
I just love all your posts! Hope you have a great week! We are still getting snow!
Oh Mary, this basket weave blanket turned out incredibly gorgeous! I’ll bet Sophie and Lola love when you’re finished and they get to cuddle in the finished project. Thank you for taking the time to share your directions and tips with us. ❤️
AWL – what wonderful blankets / turorial. And nothing is cuter than your two girls enjoying the soft comfort they bring.
That is just beautiful, Mary.
What a timely post – I was looking for a homemade gift that has the ‘beach’ water colors. This is the perfect color of loop yarn and I know that the recipient would love a homemade blanket! This pattern is fabulous and I can’t wait to try this project!
Good Morning Mary!
This is so beautiful! The basket weave pattern and the colors are so rich looking.
And the girls love it too!
Happy Valentine’s Day to you!
I have tried it and it isn’t too bad if someone is helping you. but these patterns look very complicated!
Hi Debbie, They’re not :) The directions make them seem way more complicated than they are. There is a video tutorial here that makes it easier to understand.
What a beautiful new blanket, you did such a great job! I love the colors and the basket weave pattern. I think the girls are totally thrilled with “their” new blanket also! Another benefit is that as your are knitting these projects, they keep you warm also as they grow in size. Well done Mary!