Lilac Two-Tone Basketweave Tablet Sleeve Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

This lilac two-tone tablet sleeve is the perfect first project for anyone who wants to try basketweave stitch without committing to a big blanket. Worked in soft cotton macrame cord, it has a raised, woven grid texture that looks impressive but is really just front-post and back-post double crochet taking turns. The horizontal bands of light and dark lilac give it a modern, boutique look, and the contrasting fold-over flap keeps your 10-inch tablet snug and scratch-free. It's quick, sturdy, and makes a lovely handmade gift for a student, teacher, or anyone who carries a tablet around.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (4) macrame cord, 100% cotton. Light lilac (A): 2 skeins, 150 yd each. Dark lilac (B): 1 skein, 150 yd.
• Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook.
• Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, stitch markers, measuring tape.
• Finished size: 8 inches wide x 10.5 inches tall (20 cm x 27 cm), fits most 10-inch tablets.

Abbreviations

• ch – chain: make a loop of yarn and pull it through the loop on your hook.
• dc – double crochet: yarn over, insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through 2 loops twice.
• fpdc – front post double crochet: work a double crochet around the post of the stitch, bringing your hook from front to back to front so the stitch pops forward.
• bpdc – back post double crochet: work a double crochet around the post of the stitch, bringing your hook from back to front to back so the stitch recedes.
• sc – single crochet: insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through both loops.
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• rep – repeat

Gauge

12 sts and 12 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in basketweave stitch pattern. Work a small swatch in pattern and measure the middle of it; if you have more stitches than 12 in 4 inches, go up a hook size, and if you have fewer, go down.

Tips Before You Start

• Basketweave stitch is all about post stitches: keep your tension relaxed so the raised blocks stay soft and even rather than tight and stiff.
• Count your 4-stitch groups at the end of every row. Each row should have six groups of 4 (24 sts total).
• Change colors on the last yarn-over of the final stitch of a row so the new shade starts cleanly at the edge.
• Cotton macrame cord can fray at the cut end; tie a small knot or wrap tape around the tail before you begin.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Panel (Color A)

Row 1: With A, ch 26. Dc in 4th ch from hook and each ch across (24 dc).

Row 2: Ch 3, turn, [fpdc around next 4 sts, bpdc around next 4 sts] rep across, ending with bpdc (24 sts).

Row 3: Ch 3, turn, [bpdc around next 4 sts, fpdc around next 4 sts] rep across (24 sts).

Row 4: Ch 3, turn, [fpdc around next 4 sts, bpdc around next 4 sts] rep across (24 sts).

Row 5: Ch 3, turn, [bpdc around next 4 sts, fpdc around next 4 sts] rep across (24 sts). Change to B.

Rows 6-10: Rep Rows 2-5 once, then Row 2 once more (24 sts). Change to A.

Rows 11-15: Rep Rows 2-5 once, then Row 2 once more (24 sts). Change to B.

Rows 16-20: Rep Rows 2-5 once, then Row 2 once more (24 sts). Change to A.

Rows 21-25: Rep Rows 2-5 once, then Row 2 once more (24 sts). Change to B.

Rows 26-30: Rep Rows 2-5 once, then Row 2 once more (24 sts). Change to A.

Rows 31-35: Rep Rows 2-5 once, then Row 2 once more (24 sts). Fasten off, leaving a 20-inch tail for seaming.

Assembly of the Pocket

Fold the panel in half with right sides together, matching the short edges. Using the A tail, whipstitch both side seams. Turn right side out.

Flap (Color B)

Row 1: With right side facing, join B at the top edge of one side. Ch 3, dc evenly across the top edge (24 dc).

Row 2: Ch 3, turn, [fpdc around next 4 sts, bpdc around next 4 sts] rep across (24 sts).

Row 3: Ch 3, turn, [bpdc around next 4 sts, fpdc around next 4 sts] rep across (24 sts).

Row 4: Ch 3, turn, [fpdc around next 4 sts, bpdc around next 4 sts] rep across (24 sts).

Row 5: Ch 3, turn, [bpdc around next 4 sts, fpdc around next 4 sts] rep across (24 sts). Fasten off.

Edging

Join B at the bottom edge. Sc evenly around the entire perimeter, working 3 sc in each corner. Fasten off.

Assembly and Finishing

Weave in all ends on the wrong side with your tapestry needle, tucking the color-change tails toward the inside of the sleeve. Lightly steam-block the finished piece: pin it to an 8 x 10.5 inch rectangle on a towel, mist with water, and let it dry fully so the basketweave blocks relax into an even grid and the flap lies flat.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Add a simple button and a short ch-5 loop to the flap for a secure closure.
• Swap the two lilacs for any two contrasting worsted cottons to match your tablet or bag.
• Work a few extra rows before folding for a taller sleeve that fits a tablet with a case on.