Orchard Harvest Basketweave Afghan Free Pattern – A Cozy Crocheted Apple Basket Throw

Wrap yourself in the rustic charm of a handcrafted apple basket with this richly textured crochet afghan. Featuring woven basketweave panels and charming three-dimensional apple motifs, this heirloom-quality throw brings the warmth of a countryside orchard into your living space. Whether draped over a rocking chair or folded at the foot of your bed, this cozy fall masterpiece is as delightful to create as it is to snuggle under.

Why You'll Love This Pattern

This afghan combines classic basketweave texture with whimsical apple appliqués, creating a truly unique piece that celebrates the harvest season. The front post and back post double crochet stitches produce a thick, warm fabric that feels substantial and luxurious. With eight apples arranged in two rows of four, the design is balanced and visually appealing—perfect for autumn decorating or as a heartfelt handmade gift.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies:

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in deep red, golden yellow, forest green, warm cream, and rich brown (approx. 1800–2200 yards total). A blend like acrylic or wool-acrylic works beautifully for durability and softness.
• Hook: US Size I/9 (5.5 mm) crochet hook
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving ends and sewing motifs, stitch markers (optional), scissors
• Gauge: 14 stitches x 10 rows = 4 inches in basketweave pattern (after blocking). Gauge is important for achieving the correct finished size, so take time to swatch.

Finished Size & Adjustments

The finished afghan measures approximately 50" x 60". To adjust the size, simply add or remove multiples of 8 stitches to your foundation chain (keeping the +2 for turning). Each repeat adds about 2.25 inches in width. For length, work more or fewer 4-row basketweave sections.

Abbreviations & Special Stitches

Abbreviations: ch = chain, sc = single crochet, dc = double crochet, fpdc = front post double crochet, bpdc = back post double crochet, sl st = slip stitch, st(s) = stitch(es), sk = skip, sc2tog = single crochet two together (decrease)

Special Stitches:

• Basketweave Panel: Worked over a multiple of 8 + 2 stitches. Rows alternate between 4 fpdc and 4 bpdc, creating a woven texture. The key is that front post stitches create raised ridges, while back post stitches recede, giving the basketweave effect.
• Apple Motif: Worked in the round with dc increases, then shaped with sc decreases to create a rounded apple form.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Afghan Body (Make 1)

Foundation: With warm cream yarn, ch 142 (or multiple of 8 + 2).

Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (140 dc)

Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc), *fpdc on next 4 sts, bpdc on next 4 sts*; repeat from * to * across, ending with dc in top of turning ch. Turn.

Row 3: Ch 3, *bpdc on next 4 sts, fpdc on next 4 sts*; repeat from * to * across, ending with dc in top of turning ch. Turn.

Rows 4–5: Repeat Rows 2–3. This completes the first 4-row basketweave section.

Rows 6–9: Ch 3, *bpdc on next 4 sts, fpdc on next 4 sts*; repeat from * to * across, ending with dc in top of turning ch. Turn. (This reverses the weave, creating the basket pattern.)

Rows 10–13: Repeat Rows 2–3.

Rows 14–17: Repeat Rows 6–9.

Continue alternating 4-row sections until piece measures approximately 55" from foundation, ending with a Row 3 or Row 7 repeat. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Apple Motifs (Make 8)

You'll create 8 apples total—4 in deep red and 4 in golden yellow, or mix them as you prefer.

With deep red (or golden yellow) yarn:

Round 1: Make a magic ring, ch 2 (counts as dc), work 11 dc into ring, sl st to top of ch-2 to join. (12 dc)

Round 2: Ch 2, dc in same st, 2 dc in each st around, sl st to join. (24 dc)

Round 3: Ch 2, dc in same st, dc in next st, *2 dc in next st, dc in next st*; repeat from * to * around, sl st to join. (36 dc)

Round 4: Ch 2, dc in same st, dc in next 2 sts, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 2 sts*; repeat from * to * around, sl st to join. (48 dc)

Round 5: Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to join. Fasten off.

Apple Shaping:

Round 6: With right side facing, join forest green yarn in any st. Ch 1, sc in same st, sc in next 6 sts, sc2tog (decrease) over next 2 sts, *sc in next 7 sts, sc2tog*; repeat from * to * around, sl st to join. (42 sc)

Round 7: Ch 1, sc in next 6 sts, sc2tog, *sc in next 6 sts, sc2tog*; repeat from * to * around, sl st to join. (36 sc)

Round 8: Ch 1, sc in next 5 sts, sc2tog, *sc in next 5 sts, sc2tog*; repeat from * to * around, sl st to join. (30 sc)

Round 9: Ch 1, sc in next 4 sts, sc2tog, *sc in next 4 sts, sc2tog*; repeat from * to * around, sl st to join. (24 sc)

Round 10: Ch 1, sc in next 3 sts, sc2tog, *sc in next 3 sts, sc2tog*; repeat from * to * around, sl st to join. (18 sc)

Round 11: Ch 1, sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog, *sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog*; repeat from * to * around, sl st to join. (12 sc)

Round 12: Ch 1, sc2tog around, sl st to join. (6 sc) Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Weave tail through front loops of remaining sts, pull tight to close. Secure and weave in end.

Leaf and Stem (for each apple)

Leaf: With forest green yarn, ch 8. Sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next ch, dc in next 2 chs, hdc in next ch, sc in next ch, sl st in last ch. Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.

Stem: With brown yarn, ch 6. Sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Fasten off, leaving a tail.

Assembly

Sew the leaf and stem to the top center of each apple motif using the tails and a tapestry needle. Position the stem slightly off-center and the leaf curving to one side for a natural look.

Arrange the 8 apples evenly across the afghan, spacing them in two rows of four. A good placement is approximately 10 inches from the top and bottom edges, with apples spaced about 12 inches apart horizontally. Using a tapestry needle and matching yarn, whip-stitch each apple securely to the afghan surface. Be sure to catch only the back loops of the apple's stitches so the stitching doesn't show on the front.

Border

Round 1: With warm cream yarn, join with sl st in any corner. Ch 1, work sc evenly around the entire afghan, working 3 sc in each corner. Sl st to join.

Round 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in each sc around, working 3 dc in each corner sc. Sl st to join.

Round 3: Ch 1, sc in each dc around, working 3 sc in each corner dc. Sl st to join. Fasten off.

Finishing Touches

Weave in all remaining ends with your tapestry needle. Block the afghan gently to shape and enhance stitch definition. To block, lay the afghan flat on a clean surface, mist with water, and gently stretch to the desired dimensions. Allow to dry completely before using or folding.

Care Instructions

To keep your Orchard Harvest Afghan looking beautiful for years to come, hand wash in cool water with a mild detergent, or use the gentle cycle on your washing machine. Lay flat to dry, reshaping as needed. Avoid wringing or twisting, which can distort the basketweave pattern.

Customization Ideas

This pattern is wonderfully versatile. Consider these variations:

• Use all red apples for a classic look, or mix red and yellow for a more colorful harvest basket feel.
• Add a few green apples by substituting the main apple color with forest green.
• For a larger throw, add more basketweave repeats and additional apples.
• Swap the cream background for a warm oatmeal or soft cinnamon tone for a different mood.

This Orchard Harvest Basketweave Afghan is more than just a blanket—it's a celebration of autumn's bounty, crafted with love and skill. The rhythmic post stitches are meditative to work, and the apple motifs add a playful, dimensional touch that will delight everyone who sees it. Whether you're an experienced crocheter looking for a satisfying project or a confident beginner ready for a challenge, this pattern offers a rewarding journey and a stunning result.

Happy crocheting, and may your home be filled with the cozy warmth of the harvest season!