The X crochet stitch is made up of sets of crossed double crochets arranged in a diagonal lattice. It’s an unusual stitch that I haven’t seen being used much, but it makes up a thick fabric that is also breathable sue to the small gaps between the stitches where they cross.

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I first came across the X crochet stitch when researching stitches to add to my first patchwork crochet along – The 50 Stitches blanket. I chose to feature the X stitch as one of the squares, and I’m glad I did as it’s a lovely stitch to make.

I would class the X crochet stitch as an intermediate level stitch because you do need to work behind other stitches and into skipped stitches. It can be a bit fiddly to manoeuvre your hook into the right place, especially when making the first row, but it does get easier to make from row 2.

The X stitch would be a great stitch for scarves, shawls for the spring weather, and if you go down a hook size from that recommended by your yarn, it will be a nice stiff stitch perfect for baskets and bags.

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 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.

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.

The X Crochet Stitch

The stitch guide below is written in US terms

Abbreviations

• Ch = Chain
• St = Stitch
• Dc = Double Crochet

Start with a foundation chain in multiples of 2 plus 2 (plus 2 for your turning chain)

Row 1. In the 5th chain from your hook make a dc (the turning chain counts as the first stitch of the row and a skipped stitch). For your next stitch you’re going to be working behind the dc you just made, in the 4th chain of the turning chain. So you need to go back a chain from what you have just worked in to make a dc.

*skip a stitch and make a dc. In the skipped stitch and working behind the dc you just made but inserting your hook into the front of the chain, make a dc* repeat between *and* across the row. Dc in the last chain.

This first row is the most difficult. When you start row 2 it will become much easier to get your hook into the stitches.

Row 2. Turn and chain 1. In the first stitch make a dc turning chain then make a dc in the next stitch. *Skip the next stitch and then make a dc. Go back to the skipped st and working behind the dc you just made, make a dc (it will look like the picture below)* repeat between *and* across the row. Dc in each of the last 2 stitches.

Row 3. Turn and chain 1. In the first stitch make a dc turning chain. *Skip the next stitch and then make a dc. Go back to the skipped stitch and working behind the dc you just made, make a dc* repeat between *and* across the row. Make a dc in the last stitch.

Repeat rows 2 and 3 until you have the number of rows that you need for your project. Then you can cut off, weave in your ends and admire your wonderful handy work.

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 X crochet stitch. I’d love to see what you created. 

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