The Bamboo crochet stitch is an unusual stitch that is made in rows and slants to one side. It looks similar to the Bean stitch, but is more open and the stitch is made differently. In this stitch guide I will show you how to crochet the Bamboo stitch with all the pictures that you need along with a video guide that you can follow along with too.

Keep reading for the full written pattern, but if you would prefer to crochet along with me you can watch the video below which is available in both left and right handed versions.

Click here for the left hand video

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The Bamboo stitch is a slanting stitch with an interesting way of constructing it. It’s almost like a cross between a puff and a berry stitch with the way it is made. But unlike those stitches which have a raised surface, the Bamboo stitch has a surface stays fairly flat. Each row slants in the opposite way to the row below, creating this zig zag look.

Unfortunately the yarn I used for this piece in the picture below was missing it’s label, which is a great shame as it really is a pretty multicolour thread with so many colours that end up working so well together. I’m pretty sure it was 100% cotton yarn though as it has a lovely smooth and silky texture to it that was lovely to crochet with. The majority of my stash is made up with cotton yarn, so it’s a pretty safe guess that’s the fibre this yarn is made from.

This sample was made as part of my FrankenScrap crochet along, and I used this piece in week 3 of the project. You can find out more about the FrankenScrap and the 53 different crochet stitches it contains here

This how to guide is part of Froggity Frog’s free crochet stitch dictionary – the Stitch Vault. Have you seen all the other stitches in there? You can take a look here all the guides are free to access and maybe you will discover some new stitches to create for yourself.

The yarn I used in this stitch guide is Stylecraft Cotton Classique DK, a 100% cotton yarn. It’s a non mercerised cotton that is lovely and soft, but it can get a bit splitty if you frog it a couple of times. It does makes lovely cosy blankets though and is the yarn that got me hooked on cotton as my fibre of choice. I think I first got a ball of this yarn in a mystery bag I got off ebay, and it was a great yarn discovery for me and I’ve been loving using this yarn ever since.

I also used my trusty Clover Amour hooks which are perfect if you are looking for a good value ergonomic crochet hook that won’t cause your hand to ache if you are crocheting for long periods of time. I’ve tried many different crochet hooks over the years, but I always end up coming back to my trusty Clovers. They just sit so well in my hand and never let me down.

How To Crochet The Bamboo Stitch

Click here for the left hand video

Abbreviations

• Ch = Chain
• Slst = Slip stitch
• Yo = Yarn over
• St = Stitch
• Sk = Skip
• Sp = Space

You will need to make a foundation chain in multiples of 2 plus 1 for your turning chain

Row 1. In the 3rd ch from your hook make a bamboo stitch:

Yarn over and insert your hook into the stitch and pull up a loop. Then slst through the 1st loop on your hook only. This leaves 2 loops on your hook as in the picture below.

Next, YO and insert your hook into the same chain. YO and pull up a loop. You will now have 4 loops on your hook.

Finally to finish your Bamboo stitch, YO and pull through all 4 loops on your hook. You have now made a Bamboo stitch

After making your first Bamboo stitch make a ch1. *Sk the next ch, make a Bamboo st in the next ch and then ch 1.* repeat between *and* Make a bamboo st in the last ch of your row.

Your stitches should look like they are leaning to one side.

Row 2. Turn and ch2. Make a Bamboo st in the ch1 sp. It will look like the picture below.

*Ch1, make a Bamboo stitch in the next chsp* Repeat between *and* Make your last Bamboo stitch of the row in the ch2 sp after the last Bamboo stitch of the row below

Your stitches will be leaning in the opposite direction from those in the row below and fit in between the Bamboo stitches in the row below.

For the rest of the Bamboo stitch, repeat row 2 until you have as many rows as you need.

How To Add A Border To The Bamboo Stitch

To add a border to the Bamboo stitch, each row counts as a hdc stitch in terms of height. So you want to make 1 stitch into the side of every even numbered row and 2 stitches into the side of every odd numbered row. Make 1 st into each stitch across the top and bottom.

I always recommend that you make a round of single crochet stitches around your piece first before adding any border pattern that you have planned, as doing this just helps to even your stitches out and make a nice solid round to add any further stitches into.

If You Enjoyed The Bamboo Stitch

If you enjoyed the Bamboo stitch, then you may enjoy making these stitches too:

• Bean – Looks similar to the Bamboo stitch, but uses puffs to make the stitches instead.
• Uneven Berry – A hole free stitch that makes a very textured fabric, but the Berries have an unusual construction like the Bamboo stitch does.
• Split Bobble – Another slanted stitch but the rows interlock together. The Split Bobble also has an easy 1 row repeat to it.

FAQs

Is the Bamboo stitch hard to crochet? The Bamboo stitch is made in an unusual way, but it’s not difficult to make. It can be a bit fiddly, but if you’re comfortable making slip stitches, then you’ll manage the Bamboo stitch just fine.

Is the Bamboo stitch just another name for the Bean stitch? No, these are 2 different stitches even though they look quite similar. The Bean stitch is made using puffs, the Bamboo stitch has no puffs at all meaning it uses less yarn.

What can the Bamboo stitch be used for? It can be used for many things including clothing, blankets and anything you want a breathable but strong stitch for.

You can find more free crochet stitch guides here in Froggity Frog’s stitch vault. Come on over to our Facebook group – Froggity Frog’s Ribbit And Stitch and show us what you made with the Bamboo stitch. I’d love to see what you created with this super stretchy stitch. 

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