Orchard Basketweave Apple Afghan: A Cozy Farmhouse Crochet Throw

Imagine wrapping yourself in a blanket that feels like a crisp autumn day in a rustic apple orchard. The Orchard Basketweave Apple Afghan is exactly that—a richly textured, deeply woven throw that combines the timeless elegance of basketweave crochet with a charming apple motif border. This free pattern is perfect for intermediate crocheters looking to create a statement piece for their living room, or for beginners who are ready to tackle post stitches and create something truly spectacular.

With its warm cream base, rust red apples, forest green leaves, and brown stems, this afghan brings a farmhouse aesthetic to any space. It's not just a blanket; it's a handmade heirloom that will be treasured for years. Let's dive into this comprehensive guide and create your own cozy masterpiece.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Having everything ready will make your crochet session smooth and enjoyable.

Yarn Requirements

This pattern uses worsted weight yarn (Category 4) in four beautiful, earthy colors. Here's the exact breakdown:

• Main Color (MC) – Cream: Approximately 1800 yards. This is your base color for the main body of the afghan.
• Color A – Rust Red: Approximately 400 yards. Used for the apple bodies in the border.
• Color B – Forest Green: Approximately 300 yards. Used for the apple leaves and the border trim.
• Color C – Brown: Approximately 100 yards. Used for the apple stems and the final border edge.

Tools & Notions

• Crochet Hook: US Size I/9 (5.5 mm). Ensure you have a comfortable grip hook for long crochet sessions.
• Yarn Needle: A large-eye tapestry needle for weaving in ends and finishing.
• Scissors: Sharp scissors for cutting yarn.
• Stitch Markers (optional): Helpful for marking corners when working the border.

Gauge & Finished Size

• Gauge: 14 double crochet (dc) x 8 rows = 4 inches in basketweave pattern (after blocking). Always check your gauge to ensure your afghan turns out the correct size.
• Finished Size: Approximately 50 inches wide x 65 inches long (including border). This is a perfect throw size for draping over a couch or the foot of a bed.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in two main parts: the textured main body and the decorative apple border. Follow along carefully, and you'll have a stunning afghan in no time.

Stitches & Abbreviations

Familiarize yourself with these standard crochet abbreviations:

• ch = chain
• dc = double crochet
• fpdc = front post double crochet
• bpdc = back post double crochet
• sc = single crochet
• sl st = slip stitch
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• sk = skip
• rnd = round

Special Stitches

Basketweave Panel (worked over 8 sts): This is the core of your texture.

• Rows 1-4: *fpdc on next 4 sts, bpdc on next 4 sts*; repeat from * to *.
• Rows 5-8: *bpdc on next 4 sts, fpdc on next 4 sts*; repeat from * to *.

This alternating pattern of front and back post stitches creates the beautiful woven "basket" effect.

Main Afghan Body (Worked in One Piece)

With your Main Color (Cream), let's begin the foundation.

Foundation Chain: Ch 176 (multiple of 8 + 2 for turning chain).

Row 1 (Foundation Row): Dc in the 4th ch from hook (the skipped chains count as your first dc). Dc in each ch across. Turn. You should have 174 dc stitches.

Row 2 (Start Basketweave): Ch 3 (this counts as your first dc). *Fpdc on the next 4 sts, bpdc on the next 4 sts*; repeat from * to * across the row, ending with a dc in the top of the turning chain. Turn.

Rows 3-4: Repeat Row 2 exactly. This completes the first half of your woven block.

Row 5 (Reverse the Weave): Ch 3. *Bpdc on the next 4 sts, fpdc on the next 4 sts*; repeat from * to * across, ending with a dc in the top of the turning chain. Turn.

Rows 6-8: Repeat Row 5 exactly. This completes the second half of your woven block, creating the checkerboard effect.

Rows 9-104 (Continue Pattern): Repeat Rows 2 through 8 consecutively. This means you'll work 7 rows per repeat. Continue this sequence until your piece measures approximately 60 inches from the beginning. Important: End with a Row 8 repeat (the second half of the weave) to ensure your pattern is symmetrical. Fasten off MC and weave in the initial tail.

Apple Motif Border (Worked in the Round)

Now we'll add the charming farmhouse border. This is worked continuously around the entire afghan.

Rnd 1 (Base Border): With the right side facing, attach your Main Color (Cream) in any corner. Ch 1. Work single crochet (sc) evenly around all four edges of the afghan. Pro Tip: Work approximately 1 sc in each dc row and 1 sc in each foundation chain stitch. To make corners turn nicely, work 3 sc in each corner stitch. Join with a sl st to the first sc. You should have approximately 440 sc stitches total.

Rnd 2 (Smooth Edge): Ch 1. Sc in each sc around, working 3 sc in each corner sc (the middle stitch of the 3 corner stitches from the previous round). Join with a sl st to the first sc. Fasten off MC.

Rnd 3 (Apple Motif Round): Attach Color A (Rust Red) in any corner. Ch 1. *Sc in the next 3 sts, work the apple motif in the next st (see below)*; repeat from * to * around the entire border. Remember to work 3 sc in each corner to keep the border flat. Join with a sl st. Fasten off Color A.

Apple Motif (Worked in a single stitch): This creates the apple shape.

1. In the designated stitch, work the following sequence: (sc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 2, sc). This forms a rounded, apple-like bump.
2. Now, switch to Color B (Forest Green) to add the leaf. Work a ch 3 picot at the top of the apple: ch 3, sl st in the first ch. This creates a small leaf loop.
3. Finally, with Color C (Brown), create the stem. Work a ch 2 stem: ch 2, sl st in the second ch from the hook. This makes a tiny stem at the top center.

Note: You will be working with multiple colors in this round. Carry the unused yarn loosely along the back or use separate small balls to avoid tangling.

Rnd 4 (Green Trim): Attach Color B (Forest Green) in any corner. Ch 1. Sc in each st around, working 3 sc in each corner. This round helps define the apples and adds a pop of color. Join with a sl st. Fasten off.

Rnd 5 (Brown Final Edge): Attach Color C (Brown) in any corner. Ch 1. Sc in each st around, working 3 sc in each corner. Join with a sl st. Fasten off.

Finishing Touches

Your afghan is almost complete! The finishing steps are crucial for a professional look.

1. Weave in Ends: Using your yarn needle, carefully weave in all loose ends on the wrong side of the afghan. Make sure they are secure so they don't unravel with use.
2. Blocking: This step is essential for the basketweave pattern to truly shine. Lay the afghan flat on a blocking mat or clean towels. Pin the edges to the correct dimensions (50" x 65"). Using a steam iron held a few inches above the surface (do not touch the yarn directly), gently steam the entire afghan. Alternatively, you can mist it with water. Allow it to dry completely before removing the pins.

Once dry, your Orchard Basketweave Apple Afghan is ready to be draped, gifted, or admired. The combination of the plush, textured weave and the whimsical apple border creates a piece that is both functional and a true work of art. Enjoy the process, and happy crocheting!