Desert Dawn Basketweave Hoodie: Free Crochet Pattern
Introduction
The Desert Dawn Basketweave Hoodie is a relaxed, boxy pullover made from simple flat rectangles, so there is no waist shaping and no complicated armhole math to worry about. It is written for crocheters who are comfortable with double crochet and ready to try front-post and back-post stitches for the first time, since the basketweave texture is just those two stitches taking turns. The body and sleeves fade from soft mint at the hem to lavender at the shoulders, and the raised checkerboard of the basketweave gives the fabric a cozy, quilted look and a lovely drape thanks to the mohair and silk held double. A plain lavender hood and a kangaroo pocket finish the desert boho feel, making this a piece you will reach for all season.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Lace weight mohair silk blend (70% mohair, 30% silk), approx 420 yds (385 m) per 50 g skein, held double throughout.
- Color A (Mint): 3 skeins (1260 yds)
- Color B (Lavender): 3 skeins (1260 yds)
- Hook: 5.0 mm (US H-8) crochet hook
- Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch markers, scissors, blocking mats and pins
- Finished size: Chest circumference 44" (112 cm); length 24" (61 cm); sleeve length from shoulder 24" (61 cm); hood height 12" (30 cm)
Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- dc – double crochet
- fpdc – front post double crochet: work a double crochet around the post of the stitch below, from the front, so the stitch pops forward
- bpdc – back post double crochet: work a double crochet around the post of the stitch below, from the back, so the stitch sits behind
- sc – single crochet
- sl st – slip stitch
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- rep – repeat
- rnd – round
Gauge
12 sts and 8 rows = 4" (10 cm) in basketweave pattern (fpdc/bpdc groups) with yarn held double. To check it, work a small swatch in the basketweave pattern, block it lightly, and measure a 4" section in the middle; adjust your hook size if needed.
Tips Before You Start
- Hold two strands of yarn together at all times, and treat the pair as one working yarn so the fabric stays airy and light.
- The ch 2 at the start of each row does not count as a stitch, so your first real stitch goes into the first stitch of the row below.
- Keep your tension even on the post stitches; loose fpdc and bpdc will make the basketweave blocks look uneven.
- Mark your color change row (Row 17) with a stitch marker on every piece so the mint-to-lavender line matches up at the seams.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Notes: Yarn held double throughout. Ch 2 at start of rnd does not count as st. Basketweave pattern: groups of 4 sts (fpdc or bpdc) alternating every 4 rnds. Color changes as specified.
Back Panel (Color A, then B)
Row 1: Ch 66, dc in 3rd ch from hook and each ch across (64 dc).
Row 2: Ch 2, turn, [fpdc around next 4 sts, bpdc around next 4 sts] rep to end, fpdc around last 4 sts (64 sts).
Rows 3-4: Rep Row 2 (64 sts).
Row 5: Ch 2, turn, [bpdc around next 4 sts, fpdc around next 4 sts] rep to end, bpdc around last 4 sts (64 sts).
Rows 6-8: Rep Row 5 (64 sts).
Rows 9-12: Rep Row 2 (64 sts).
Rows 13-16: Rep Row 5 (64 sts). Change to Color B after Row 16.
Rows 17-20: Rep Row 2 (64 sts).
Rows 21-24: Rep Row 5 (64 sts).
Rows 25-28: Rep Row 2 (64 sts).
Rows 29-32: Rep Row 5 (64 sts).
Rows 33-36: Rep Row 2 (64 sts).
Rows 37-40: Rep Row 5 (64 sts).
Rows 41-44: Rep Row 2 (64 sts).
Rows 45-48: Rep Row 5 (64 sts). Fasten off. (48 rows total, 64 sts)
Front Panel (Color A, then B)
Work same as Back Panel until Row 24.
Row 25: Ch 2, turn, work in pattern across 28 sts, ch 8, skip 8 sts (neck opening), work in pattern across 28 sts (64 sts including the 8 ch).
Rows 26-48: Continue in pattern, maintaining color changes, working sts as they appear (64 sts). Fasten off.
Sleeves (make 2; Color A, then B)
Row 1: With A, ch 34, dc in 3rd ch from hook and each ch across (32 dc).
Row 2: Ch 2, turn, [fpdc around next 4 sts, bpdc around next 4 sts] rep to end (32 sts).
Rows 3-4: Rep Row 2 (32 sts).
Row 5: Ch 2, turn, [bpdc around next 4 sts, fpdc around next 4 sts] rep to end (32 sts).
Rows 6-8: Rep Row 5 (32 sts).
Rows 9-12: Rep Row 2 (32 sts).
Rows 13-16: Rep Row 5 (32 sts). Change to Color B after Row 16.
Rows 17-20: Rep Row 2 (32 sts).
Rows 21-24: Rep Row 5 (32 sts).
Rows 25-28: Rep Row 2 (32 sts).
Rows 29-32: Rep Row 5 (32 sts).
Rows 33-36: Rep Row 2 (32 sts).
Rows 37-40: Rep Row 5 (32 sts).
Rows 41-44: Rep Row 2 (32 sts).
Rows 45-48: Rep Row 5 (32 sts). Fasten off. (48 rows, 32 sts)
Hood (Color B)
Row 1: Ch 66, dc in 3rd ch from hook and each ch across (64 dc).
Rows 2-24: Ch 2, turn, dc in each st across (64 sts). Fasten off, leaving a long tail.
Pocket (Color B)
Row 1: Ch 34, dc in 3rd ch from hook and each ch across (32 dc).
Rows 2-12: Ch 2, turn, dc in each st across (32 sts). Fasten off.
Edging (Color B)
Rnd 1: Join B at bottom right corner of Front, ch 1, sc evenly around entire outer edge (hem, front opening, neck, hood edge), join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off.
Assembly and Finishing
Block all pieces lightly before seaming. Sew the shoulder seams: place Back and Front right sides together and sew 16 sts from the outer edge on each side, leaving the center 32 sts open for the neck. Sew the side seams: match Front and Back and sew from hem to underarm (24 rows). Sew the sleeve seams: fold each sleeve in half and sew 24 rows. Set in the sleeves: pin each sleeve cap to the armhole, easing to fit, then sew. Sew the hood: fold the Hood in half and sew the top 32 sts together. Pin the hood to the neck opening, right sides together, and sew. Fold the pocket in half, sew the side seams, then sew the pocket to the front center with its bottom edge aligned with Row 12 of the Front. Work the edging as above, weave in all ends, and block the finished hoodie to the measurements listed.
Pro Tips and Variations
- For a shorter or longer body, add or remove rows in multiples of 4 so the basketweave blocks stay aligned.
- Swap the mint and lavender for two other colors, or work the whole hoodie in one color for a more minimal look.
- Add a few single crochet rounds at the cuffs and hem for a firmer, more finished edge.
