Diagonal Basket Weave Cable Stitch Knitting Pattern
Learn how to knit this beautiful Diagonal Basket Weave Cable Stitch. This texture is woven and braided with just two basic cable stitches. It’s easy to memorize and creates an impressive texture.
I’ve created printable written pattern instructions both flat and in the round versions, along with a helpful video tutorial for you.
Table of Contents
Vintage Braided Cable Texture
Row Repeat
Knit up this cable stitch in a simple 4-row repeat.
Easy to Memorize
Because we are knitting up this cable texture in an easy series of knit, purl, and just two cable techniques, this is a very easy-to-memorize pattern once you have knit up a few rounds.
Tight Weave
Before you get started, I want to emphasize that this cable stitch is a very tight weave, as it crisscrosses itself. If you like the look of this stitch, but would rather it be a more medium weave (and not so tight), you may wish to knit with needles larger than your yarn gauge recommends.
It is perfect to knit for projects that you want to be stiff, like home decor items.
Blocking Your Swatch
This pattern tends to curl inward on the top and bottom edges. As a result, I recommend blocking your work. I find success in helping it to lay flat by lightly wetting it with a spray bottle. Using a blocking mat, I pin it down and allow it to dry overnight.
Can this cable stitch be knit in the round on circular needles?
Yes, with a simple adjustment to the even number of rows, the pattern includes written instructions to also knit it in the round for hats and cowls.
Is this Cable Stitch Reversible?
No, this is not a reversible pattern. As you can see pictured below, the right (front) side of the work displays the design however the wrong (back) side does not.
Watch Video Tutorial
Knitting Techniques
Need to brush up or learn a new technique? Check out my entire library of Knitting Techniques to help you along as you knit up this project.
- RS = Right Side (front of work)
- WS = Wrong Side (back of work)
- CO = Long Tail Cast On
- K = Knit Stitch
- P = Purl Stitch
- 2/2RC = 2/2 Right Cross Cable. Slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold in back, knit 2 from left needle, knit 2 from cable needle.
- 2/2LC = 2/2 Left Cross Cable. Slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold in front, knit 2 from left needle, knit 2 from cable needle.
- ST/STS = Stitch/Stitches
- BO = Bind Off
- Weave-in Yarn Ends
Printable Knitting Instructions
Printable Knitting Pattern
Learn how to knit this beautiful Diagonal Basket Weave Cable Stitch. This 4-Row Repeat design is diagonal and has a woven, braided look using cable stitches.
Materials
- Yarn - Any Gauge
Tools
- This stitch pattern is a very tight weave, so it is recommended to use needles larger than your yarn gauge recommends.
- Knitting Needles - Larger than Appropriate Size for Yarn
- Cable Needle
- Tapestry Needle
- Scissors
Instructions
KNITTED FLAT ON STRAIGHT NEEDLES:
Cast On: Multiples of 4 Stitches
- Row 1 (Right Side): K2, * 2/2RC *, K2
- Row 2 (Wrong Side): Purl All
- Row 3: * 2/2LC *
- Row 4: Purl All
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IN THE ROUND ON CIRCULAR NEEDLES:
Cast On: Multiples of 4 Stitches
- Round 1 (Right Side): * 2/2RC *
- Round 2: Knit All
- Round 3: Slip 2, * 2/2LC ; rep from * to last 2 sts, slip 2 sts from beginning of round onto the needle that has 2 sts left on it (so that now there are 4 sts on the left needle), 2/2LC
- Round 4: Knit All
Notes
Repeat Pattern between * *
Repeat Rows 1 – 4 until your piece is the length you desire and then Bind Off.
Non-Reversible Knit Stitch Pattern.
Very Tight Weave, try to knit loosely.
Tends to Curl Up.
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KNITTING TECHNIQUES AND ABBREVIATIONS
- SLIP KNOT
- BO = Bind Off
- CO = Cast On
- K = Knit
- P = Purl
- 2/2RC: Slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold to back;
K2 from main needle;
K2 from cable needle. - 2/2LC: Slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold to front;
K2 from main needle;
K2 from cable needle.
Kristen McDonnell
Author • Designer • Teacher
Kristen from StudioKnit LLC produces knitting video lessons and pattern designs from her vibrant production studio on Half Moon Bay’s California coast.
Kristen McDonnell is the author of the highly acclaimed book Knit Stitch: 50 Knit + Purl Patterns featuring vintage and unique designs.