If you are just joining us, this is Part 10 in our 12 part Learn to Crochet Series. To find out more on how to learn, please visit Part 1.

Each month, we have been learning how to crochet three different blocks.  After 10 months (in November, you will have 30 different blocks in total that we will learn to stitch together in December to make a wonderful lap-sized afghan perfect for Christmas gift giving, although, you may be tempted to keep this for yourself to use for snuggling on the couch.

Our crochet along is finished, but you can start anytime and work at your own pace.

There are five main types of basic stitches that you have learned:

1. Chain stitch – the most basic of all stitches and used to begin most projects.
2. Slip stitch – mainly used to join chain stitch to form a ring or to move your yarn to a stitch further away. 
3. Single crochet stitch (called double crochet stitch in the UK) – easiest stitch to master (see Part 2)
4. Half-double crochet stitch (called half treble stitch in the UK) – the ‘in-between’ stitch (see Part 3)
5. Double crochet stitch (called treble stitch in the UK) – (see Part 4)

While the horizontal distance covered by these basic stitches is the same, they differ in height and thickness.

The more advanced stitches are often combinations of these basic stitches, or are made by inserting the hook into the work in unusual locations (such as front and back loops, around posts, etc).  This month, we are going to learn three more of these stitches.

BLOCK 25 – ALPINE STITCH

The Alpine stitch has a beautiful looped diamond shaped texture that works very well for cardigans, sweaters, baby blankets, and home The rows are off set from each other causing the diamond shaped look.

When working the Alpine Stitch, try to keep your tension very loose to create the pretty looped texture of this stitch.  Read all the instructions before beginning for tips and explanations.

TO MAKE THE BLOCK

FOUNDATION CHAIN

Make your foundation chain with an odd number of chains. I used 31.  Keep this loose to avoid curling!

ROW 1 – DC in the 3rd chain from the hook and each chain across.

OR: Now that you know how, instead of the chain and first row of DC, you can also make a Double Crochet Foundation Row of 29 stitches.

ROW 2 – CH1, SC in each stitch across. Turn

ROW 3 – CH2,  DC in the first St, *Front Post Double Crochet (FPDC) around the DC below the next stitch, DC in the next single crochet stitch* repeat from *to* until the end of the row. (this row begins and ends with ONE DC). Turn

Note: The Front Post Double Crochet (FPDC) is worked around the Double Crochet of the first row. 

Pull the loop of the FPDC until it is even with the top of the Single Crochet Row, then complete the FPDC.

ROW 4 – CH1, SC in each Stitch along the row. Turn

ROW 5 – CH2, DC in the first 2 stitches, *FPDC around the DC below the next stitch, DC in the next single crochet stitch* repeat from *to* until the last stitch of the row. DC in the last stitch. (this row begins and ends with TWO DC). 

Repeat Rows 2 – 5 until square measures 10 inches.

HINT:  – if the stitch below is a DC, make a FPDC around the post, if it’s a FPDC, make a DC in the single crochet row.

EDGING

Make one single crochet into each stitch on the top and bottom rows. Make 2 SC into the side of a double crochet row, and 1 SC into the side of the down the sides.  Remember to make 3SC into the corners. 

BLOCK 26 – STAR STITCH  (Also known as the Daisy stitch and Marguerite stitch)

The crochet star stitch has a beautiful thick texture and is great for dense projects, such as washcloths and winter blankets, but you can use it to make just about anything.

The star stitch has rows of star-like stitches and can be made with a varying number of spikes.  Each “star”  is formed with a cluster of “spikes”.   

You will find different instructions for different variations of this stitch. In our pattern, we will be making a common five-spike star stitch with rows of half double crochet stitch between the rows of stars.  Once learned you should be able to make any variation of the stitch.

Pay careful attention to where you are inserting the hook at each step as this is important to create the “star”.

TO MAKE THE BLOCK

Start with a foundation chain with 39 chains ( or any odd number of chain stitches). 

ROW 1 –  Insert your hook into the second chain from the hook. Yarn over (YO) and pull a loop through. You will have 2 loops on hook. Insert your hook into the next chain, yarn over ( YO) and pull through. There are now 3 loops on the hook. Continue, three more times until there are six loops on your hook.

Place yarn over the hook and pull through all six loops. The loops make the “spikes” of the first star.

Chain one. This finishes the star and creates an “eye” in the center of the star.   You will be working into the eye.

To make the second star, insert your hook into the “eye” that you just made. YO, pull through. (two loops on your hook). Insert your hook into the space between the two last “spikes” of the “star.”  YO, pull through. (3 loops on your hook). Insert your hook into the last chain of the previous star. YO, pull through. (four loops on your hook). Insert your hook into the next 2 chains , YO and pull through. You should have six loops on your hook.

Finish this second star as you did the first one. (YO, pull through all six loops on the hook. Chain one to close the second star).

Repeat to make stars all the way across the row.  When you get to the end, make one hdc in the last stitch. Turn

ROW 2 –CH 2.  Make 2 HDC into the eye of each star across the row. Make  2 HDC in the last stitch.Turn

ROW 3 – CH 3. Insert your hook into the second chain from the hook. YO, pull through. Insert your hook into the next chain, YO and pull through. There will now be three loops on the hook.  Insert your hook into each of the next three stitches, doing a yarn over and pull through in each so that you have six stitches on the hook. YO and pull through all six loops on the hook. Chain one to close the star.

This creates the eye of the first star of this row.  Finish the row of star stitch like you did in Row 1

Continue Row 2 and 3 until square measures 10 inches.

EDGING

SC in each stitch across top and bottom, SC in each row (on each side of the “star”) along sides and SC 3 in each corner.

BLOCK 27 – WAVE STITCH

The wave stitch is a very unique looking textured stitch that looks awesome when made in various colors.

Basically it is very easy to do. You will be alternating slip stitches (sl st) and Half Double Crochet (HDC) every second row to create a wave-like design working in the Back Loop Only!!.  If you have forgotten how to crochet in the Back Loop go back to Part 5  to refresh your memory.

TO MAKE THE BLOCK

Make a foundation chain of 36 stitches. This stitch is worked in a fives.  Your foundation chain will need to be a multiple of 10 stitches PLUS 6 stitches. 

ROW 1: Starting in the second chain from the hook, Slip stitch 5 times (sl st 5),  half double crochet 5 times (HDC5) , (sl st 5).  Repeat to end of row ending with the SL st 5.  Turn

FROM  NOW ON, ALL STITCHES WILL BE MADE INTO Back Loop Only.

ROW 2 : CH 1, , sl st 5, *HDC 5, sl st 5*, repeat within ** to end of row.   Turn

ROWS 3 & 4: CH 2, , HDC 5, *sl st 5, HDC 5*, repeat within ** to end of row. Turn  

ROW 5 (same as Row 2): CH 1,  sl st 5, *HDC 5, sl st 5*, repeat within ** to end of row.   Turn

Repeat row 2 to 5 until work measures 10 inches.  You should see the pattern here.  Two rows start and end with the sl st 5, then two rows start and end with HDC 5. 

EDGING

SC across top,  3 SC in corner, 1 SC in each of the HDC rows down the side, 3 SC in corner, SC across bottom, 3 SC in corner, 1 SC in each of the HDC rows up the other side, 3 SC in corner, slip to first SC.  Finish off.

Remember, HAVE FUN!!  If  you have any problems with these squares, let me know on our Facebook Group page, leave a comment or PM me by email or FB Messenger. 

See you November 4, when we will be finishing the last of the squares!!

NEED EXTRA PROJECTS? Here are some suggestions.