The Primrose stitch is a very pretty crochet stitch that uses 2 different kinds of shells to create its distinctive look. In this stitch guide I will show you how to crochet the Primrose stitch with all the pictures that you need along with a video guide that you can follow along with too.

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I first used the Primrose stitch in the FrankenScrap crochet along as one of the pieces of the quilt like blanket. You can access the whole pattern for free here.

The Primrose stitch is a pretty shell like stitch that has a floral like look to it. It is a fairly solid fabric but it does have some gaps, making it a good stitch to use for spring items like tops or wraps. It is a warm but breathable fabric that also looks super pretty with a feminine feel to it.

This stitch is fairly easy to make with just 2 repeating rows, and both rows use shells, they are just 2 different kind of shell and that’s how the Primrose’s distinctive look is created.

For the sample in the picture below I used Patons Cotton DK a 100% mercerised cotton that is smooth and silky and just glides over your hook as you use it. It is the perfect choice of yarn if you want your stitches to be really defined as this yarn keeps it’s shape and texture and doesn’t smoosh down like other yarns do.

This how to guide is part of Froggity Frog’s Stitch Vault collection. 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 the pictures of this stitch guide below 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 Primrose Stitch

Click here for the left hand video

Abbreviations

• Ch = Chain
• Sk = Skip
• St = Stitch
• Sc = Single Crochet
• Hdc = Half Double Crochet
• Dc = Double Crochet

Start by making a foundation chain in multiples of 3 plus 1 (plus 1 for your turning chain)

Row 1. In the 4th ch from your hook make (sc, ch2, sc) all in the same ch *Sk the next 2 ch and then in the next ch make (sc, ch2, sc) all in the same ch* 

Repeat between *and* then finish the row by making a hdc in the last st

Row 2. Turn and ch1. Make a dc turning ch in the first st. *Make 3dc in the next ch 2 sp* Repeat between *and* making a dc in the last st to finish the row.

Row 3. Turn and ch2. *Sk the next 2 dc and then make (sc, ch2, sc) in the next st* repeat between *and* make a hdc in the last st to finish the row.

Repeat rows 2 and 3 until you have as many rows as you need. Then you need to make a finishing row so that you have a nice flat top edge for your piece.

Finishing row.  Turn and ch1. Make a sc in the first st *Make a sc in the next st and then make a sc in the ch2 sp. Make a sc in the next st* repeat between *and* Make a sc in the last st

How To Add A Border To The Primrose Crochet Stitch

With the Primrose stitch you have rows that start or end with sc, hdc and dc stitches. In the side of the sc you need to make 1 stitch, in the side of the dc you make 2 stitches. For the hdc stitches, you need to treat them in pairs. For the first ow make 2 stitches in the side, then for the next hdc row you need to make 1 stitch.

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.

I used the Primrose as one of the pieces in the scrappy quilt like FrankenScrap crochet along – find out more about this free pattern here, and join in and access the entire pattern for free.

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 Primrose stitch. I’d love to see what you created with this crochet stitch. 

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