Crochet Granny Stripe Stitch: Easy Free Pattern + Video

Pattern name: Granny Stripe Stitch

Designer: Mirrymas

Difficulty: Easy

Hook size: 4.00 mm

Steps: 7

Images: 10

Description

The granny stripe stitch, also called the granny stitch, gives you the classic look of a granny square worked in straight rows. Groups of 3 double crochets sit in the spaces between the groups of the row below, making a pretty, slightly open fabric with a soft drape. It uses just one stitch, double crochet, and once the first rows are set up you simply alternate two rows. It is perfect for blankets, throws, cardigans, hats and scarves.

Materials

• Yarn — milk cotton yarn (any yarn works, as long as you use a matching hook)
• Hook — 4.00 mm, or the size recommended for your yarn

Abbreviations

• ch = Chain
• dc = Double Crochet (treble crochet in UK terms)
• sk = Skip
• sp = Space
• st(s) = Stitch(es)

Special Stitch Instructions

• Double crochet (dc): yarn over, insert your hook into the stitch or space and pull up a loop (3 loops on your hook). Yarn over and pull through the first 2 loops, then yarn over and pull through the last 2 loops.
• Group: 3 double crochets worked into the same stitch or space.

Step 1: Foundation Chain

Make a slip knot and chain a multiple of 4, plus 2. For example 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24 or 28, then add 2 more chains. For this sample, chain 30 (28 + 2). Add chains for a bigger project or use fewer for a smaller one.

Step 2: Row 1 (Double Crochet)

Skip the first 3 chains from your hook and work 1 dc into the fourth chain from the hook. Work 1 dc into each chain all the way across. Make sure you crochet into the very last chain.

Total: 28 stitches (27 dc, plus the 3 skipped chains, which count as the first dc).

Step 3: Row 2 (Setting Up the Groups)

Ch 3 and turn. The ch 3 counts as your first dc.

Skip the stitch at the base of the ch 3, then skip the next 2 stitches. Work 3 dc into the next stitch.

*Sk 2 sts, work 3 dc into the next st.* Repeat from * across the row.

At the end, skip the last 2 stitches and work 1 dc into the third chain of the ch 3 from the start of Row 1. It might be a bit difficult to see, so take your time finding it.

Total: 8 groups of 3 dc, plus the ch 3 at the start and 1 dc at the end.

Step 4: Row 3

Ch 3 and turn. The ch 3 acts as the first dc.

Work 2 dc into the first space, right next to the ch 3. Together with the ch 3, this makes a half group at the start of the row.

*Move to the next space between groups and work 3 dc into it.* Repeat from * across the row.

When you reach the last space, work 2 dc into it, then work the third dc into the corner, at the top of the ch 3 from the row below.

Total: 7 full groups, plus a half group at each end.

Step 5: Row 4

Ch 3 and turn.

Skip the half group at the start of the row and move to the next space. Work 3 dc into that space.

*Work 3 dc into the next space.* Repeat from * across the row.

After the last space, finish the row with 1 dc into the corner, at the top of the ch 3.

Total: 8 groups of 3 dc, plus the ch 3 at the start and 1 dc at the end.

Step 6: Repeat Rows 3 and 4

Ch 3 and turn, then repeat Row 3. Keep alternating Row 3 and Row 4 until your piece reaches the height you want.

Step 7: Final Row (Optional Border)

To finish with a straight edge, work a border of double crochet just like Row 1. Ch 3 and turn. Instead of putting 3 dc into the spaces, work 1 dc into each stitch across, inserting your hook under the top two loops of each stitch, until you reach the end of the row. Fasten off and weave in your ends.

Author Notes

• Make sure you crochet into the very last chain at the end of Row 1.
• The ch 3 at the start of each row acts as the first double crochet.
• The top of the ch 3 can be a bit difficult to see, so take your time finding it.
• Rows 3 and 4 are almost the same. What mainly differs between them is the way you start and the way you finish the row.
• From Row 3 onward, you work into the spaces between the groups, not into the tops of the stitches.

Customizing

• Common sizes: adult hat about 50 to 56 cm (20 to 22 in) around the head; scarf about 18 x 150 cm (7 x 60 in); cardigan back panel (adult M) about 50 x 60 cm (20 x 24 in); baby blanket about 75 x 90 cm (30 x 36 in); throw about 125 x 150 cm (50 x 60 in).
• Make a test swatch first with the yarn and hook you plan to use: chain 30 and work at least 8 rows, then measure how many stitches and rows fit in 10 cm (4 in).
• To work out your foundation chain, multiply the width you want (in cm) by the number of stitches in 1 cm from your swatch, round to the nearest multiple of 4, then add 2 more chains.
• To estimate your yarn, weigh your swatch and divide by its area (width x height in cm) to get grams per square cm, then multiply by the area of your project. Add 10 to 15 percent extra and buy all your yarn from the same dye lot.
• For a long foundation chain, place a stitch marker every 20 chains and chain loosely, or use a hook one size larger for the chain.
• For classic granny stripes, change colour every 1 or 2 rows, joining the new colour on the last yarn over of the final stitch of a row.
• For a blanket border, work single crochet or double crochet evenly around all four sides, with 3 stitches in each corner.

Video

Watch the video tutorial

Conclusion

The granny stripe stitch is a timeless favourite, and once you get the rhythm of Rows 3 and 4 it is so relaxing to work. Try it in your favourite colours for a cosy blanket, a cardigan or a scarf.

If you make something with this stitch, I would love to see it. Share a photo and tag me on Instagram or TikTok at @mirrymascrafts, and leave a comment below to let me know how it went.

More free stitch patterns to try:

• Crochet Tulip Stitch: slanted petal clusters in an easy one-row repeat.
• Half Double Crochet Back Loop Stitch: an easy, stretchy ribbed stitch.
• Crochet Star Stitch: rows of little six-pointed stars.
• Crochet Bean Stitch: soft, puffy beans that sit neatly together.
• Crochet Cobblestone Stitch: round bumps made with single and treble crochet.
• Easy Textured Crochet Blanket Stitch: slip stitch and half double crochet.
• Back Loop Shell Stitch: curved shells worked in the back loop.
• Granny Square Christmas Tree: a quick holiday decoration.

Happy crocheting, and see you in the next tutorial!