The Woven Harvest Throw: A Beginner-Friendly Tunisian Basketweave Afghan

Wrap yourself in the rustic charm of the Woven Harvest Throw, a generously sized crocheted blanket that showcases the timeless Tunisian basketweave stitch. This pattern creates a thick, cozy fabric with a beautiful woven texture, perfect for adding warmth and style to any living space. Whether you're an experienced crocheter looking for a new challenge or a brave beginner ready to learn a stunning technique, this pattern is designed to guide you every step of the way. The result is a dense, plush throw that resembles a handwoven textile, featuring a warm, earthy palette of oat cream, terracotta rust, and muted olive green.

This pattern is worked in horizontal stripes of color, with each stripe featuring a 20-row basketweave block. The checkerboard effect is achieved by alternating the direction of the weave every 10 rows, creating those beautiful, tactile squares. Let's get started on creating your new favorite cozy companion!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Using the correct materials is crucial for achieving the proper gauge and the thick, plush texture this blanket is known for.

Yarn

• Super Bulky Weight Yarn (Size 6) in three colors:
  • Color A (Warm Oat): Approximately 1200 yards (a soft, creamy neutral)
  • Color B (Rustic Terracotta): Approximately 800 yards (a deep, warm rust)
  • Color C (Deep Olive): Approximately 600 yards (a muted, earthy green)

Hooks & Notions

• Tunisian Crochet Hook: Size 10 mm with a 40-inch cable. The long cable is essential to hold all 120 stitches.
• Standard Crochet Hook: Size 10 mm (for the edging).
• Yarn Needle: For weaving in ends.
• Scissors
• Steamer or Iron: For blocking (optional but recommended).

Gauge

10 Tunisian basketweave stitches x 8 rows = 4 inches square (after light steaming).

Always take the time to check your gauge. If your swatch is too small, try a larger hook. If it's too large, try a smaller hook.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern uses the Tunisian basketweave stitch, which creates a dense, woven fabric. Worked in rows with a Tunisian crochet hook, each row has a forward pass (picking up loops) and a return pass (working them off). Don't be intimidated—once you get the rhythm of the two passes, it flows beautifully.

Understanding the Stitches

• Tunisian Simple Stitch (Tss): Insert hook from right to left under the next vertical bar, yarn over, and pull up a loop. Leave the loop on the hook.
• Tunisian Purl Stitch (Tps): Bring the yarn to the front of your work. Insert the hook from right to left under the next vertical bar, yarn over, and pull up a loop. Leave the loop on the hook.

Foundation Row

With Color A, chain 120 loosely. This loose foundation is critical for a stretchy edge.

1. Forward Pass: Insert your hook into the second chain from your hook. Yarn over and pull up a loop. Repeat this in each chain across until you have 120 loops on your hook.
2. Return Pass: Yarn over and pull through one loop on your hook. *Yarn over and pull through two loops on your hook.* Repeat from * to * across until only one loop remains on your hook. This loop counts as the first stitch of the next row.

Rows 1-10: Creating the First Weave Block

These rows create the first vertical block of the basketweave pattern.

Row 1 (Forward Pass):

1. Work Tunisian simple stitch (Tss) in the next 10 stitches.
2. *Work Tunisian purl stitch (Tps) in the next 10 stitches.
3. Work Tss in the next 10 stitches.*
4. Repeat from * to * across until 10 stitches remain.
5. Work Tss in the last 10 stitches.

Return Pass: Yarn over, pull through one loop. *Yarn over, pull through two loops.* Repeat across until one loop remains.

Row 2 (Forward Pass):

1. Work Tps in the next 10 stitches.
2. *Work Tss in the next 10 stitches.
3. Work Tps in the next 10 stitches.*
4. Repeat from * to * across until 10 stitches remain.
5. Work Tps in the last 10 stitches.

Return Pass: Same as before.

Rows 3-10: Repeat Rows 1 and 2 four more times. This means you will work Row 1, then Row 2, then Row 1, then Row 2, and so on, until you have completed Row 10. This creates the first vertical block of basketweave.

Rows 11-20: Creating the Second Weave Block

Now we reverse the pattern to create the checkerboard effect.

Row 11 (Forward Pass):

1. Work Tps in the next 10 stitches.
2. *Work Tss in the next 10 stitches.
3. Work Tps in the next 10 stitches.*
4. Repeat from * to * across until 10 stitches remain.
5. Work Tps in the last 10 stitches.

Return Pass: As before.

Row 12 (Forward Pass):

1. Work Tss in the next 10 stitches.
2. *Work Tps in the next 10 stitches.
3. Work Tss in the next 10 stitches.*
4. Repeat from * to * across until 10 stitches remain.
5. Work Tss in the last 10 stitches.

Return Pass: As before.

Rows 13-20: Repeat Rows 11 and 12 four more times. This completes the second vertical block, creating the checkerboard effect.

Color Changes & Repeating the Pattern

You have now completed one full 20-row pattern block with Color A. Here is how to proceed with the colors:

1. Color A: Work Rows 1-20 (as detailed above).
2. Color B: Attach Color B and work Rows 1-20 again, repeating the exact same 20-row pattern.
3. Color C: Attach Color C and work Rows 1-20 again.
4. Continue Alternating: Keep alternating colors in this order (A, B, C) until the blanket measures approximately 60 inches in length. Important: You must end with a full 20-row block of Color A.

Final Row (Binding Off)

Once your blanket reaches the desired length, it's time to bind off. This creates a neat, finished edge.

1. Work a slip stitch in each vertical bar across the row. To do this, insert your hook under the vertical bar, yarn over, and pull through both the loop on your hook and the bar (this is a standard slip stitch).
2. Continue across the entire row until you have bound off all stitches.
3. Fasten off by cutting your yarn and pulling it through the last loop. Weave in all ends with your yarn needle.

Edging

The edging gives the throw a polished, professional finish.

1. Round 1: With your standard crochet hook and Color A, work a round of single crochet (sc) evenly around the entire blanket. Work 3 sc in each corner to help the corners lay flat.
2. Round 2: Work a second round of reverse single crochet (crab stitch). This is worked from left to right (opposite of normal). Insert your hook into the next stitch to the right, yarn over, pull up a loop, and pull through both loops on the hook. This creates a beautiful, braided, decorative edge.
3. Fasten off and weave in all ends.

Finishing & Blocking

Blocking is the secret to a professional-looking Tunisian crochet project. It evens out the stitches and really makes the woven texture pop.

1. Steam Block: Lay the blanket flat on a clean surface or blocking mats. Using a steamer (or a steam iron held a few inches above the fabric—do not press down), lightly steam the entire blanket.
2. Shape & Dry: Gently smooth out the edges and corners with your hands to ensure they are square. Allow the blanket to dry completely before moving it.

Your Woven Harvest Throw is now complete! Drape it over a sofa, curl up with it on a chilly evening, or gift it to someone special. The thick, textured fabric and earthy colors make it a timeless piece you'll treasure for years. Happy crocheting!