Crochet Cross Over Stitch Tutorial – Detailed Steps!
Learn how to crochet the cross over stitch in this free and easy tutorial! This is a beautiful crochet stitch that works well for a variety of projects. I’ll walk you through how to make it step-by-step.
What is the Cross Over Stitch?
The cross over stitch is a unique crochet stitch pattern that almost creates the look of a mock cable. There are actually a lot of stitches that can be known as “cross” stitches.
But this is a specific stitch with a specific pattern to it. We’ll be making sets of 3 double crochet, and then doing a special stitch that crosses over those 3. If that sounds confusing now, don’t worry! I’ll teach you all about it in the video and photo tutorial.
Save this stitch for later by pinning to your pinterest boards
More Crochet Stitches to Try:
Crochet Cross Over Stitch
So let’s get right into learning this stitch!
Notes:
- Stitch multiple is 4+3
- If you prefer to start with fsc, the multiple will be 4+2 (since you don’t need a turning chain on the first row)
- Chain 1 at beginning of rows does not count as a stitch
- Chain 3 at beginning of rows counts as a dc
Abbreviations
Chain – ch
Single crochet – sc
Double crochet – dc
Each – ea
Materials:
- Worsted Weight Yarn (I used caron simply soft)
- H/5mm crochet hook
- Yarn Needle
This stitch can be worked in just about any size and type of yarn you’d like! I am using a worsted weight yarn (Caron Simply Soft) and an H/5mm crochet hook in this tutorial. But feel free to try different combos and see what you like best.
Written Instructions:
Chain 27 (or any multiple of 4+3).
Row 1: Sc in second ch from hook and ea ch across, turn.
Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as a dc) sk next st. *Dc in next 3 sts. Working over 3 dc just made, dc in skipped stitch. Rep from * across the row, until 1 st left. Dc in last st, turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in ea st across.
Repeat rows 2-3 for as long as you’d like!
To change colors:
Change colors at the very end of any even-numbered row. On the last dc of the row, YO with the new color to complete the last dc. Then turn and continue in the new color for the single-crochet row. (see photo tutorial for help!)
Photo Tutorial
In the following photos, you can see the cross-over stitch in much more detail (the order of the photos goes from left to right in the top row, left to right in the second row, etc.)
Making the Cross-Over Stitch Itself
To start off, you’ll make your Row 1 from simple single crochet stitches. Then, you’ll start the first cross-over row right off the bat.
The cross overs involve skipping one stitch, then doing a “set” of 3 double crochet stitches. Then, going back to that skipped stitch and making a double crochet OVER the set of 3 double crochet.
Working over the set of 3 double crochet in the skipped stitch is what gives it that beautiful diagonal loop or “cross”!
See photos below.
Following Rows + Changing Colors
Once you know the basic concept of the cross over, you’ll simply repeat it across your entire row.
Then, you’ll do a row of simple single crochet. Then, alternate between cross-over rows and single crochet rows!
If you would like to change colors in the cross over stitch to make stripes, follow the last 4 photos in the collage below. You’ll always do this step at the very end of any even-numbered rows by yarning over with the new color to finish the double crochet.
Then, you’ll continue in the new color for the single crochet (odd numbered) row.
More Questions About the Cross Over Stitch
Before we end, let’s cover some common questions people ask about the cross over stitch!
Do I have to make this stitch in stripes?
Nope! You can choose to do it in a solid color if you’d like. But it sure does look great with stripes!
Is the cross over stitch easy enough for beginners?
I would say the cross over stitch is an advanced beginner to intermediate stitch. It uses all simple stitches, with the addition of the cross over double-crochet, which is slightly more tricky.
However, it is only tricky because of the placement of the stitch. So I think as long as you have a good handle on double crochets you should be fine.
Can I make a scarf from the cross over stitch?
Yes, I think that would be gorgeous! I can just see a beautifully striped cross-over stitch scarf. While the stitch does have a few holes, it is not so many holes to make it unsuitable for a scarf.
To make your own custom scarf, you might want to read up on how long and wide a scarf should be before starting.
Can I make a blanket from the cross over stitch?
Similarly, I think the cross over stitch would work great for a blanket as well! To do this, simply make your starting chain much, much longer. Just stick to the stitch multiple and you should be fine!
What stitches should I learn next?
Once you master the cross-over stitch, you might want to try the alpine stitch, trinity stitch, or harvest stitch! These are more awesome stitches that have a pretty texture but aren’t too hard to make.
Conclusion
The crochet cross stitch is such an awesome stitch for many reasons. For one thing, it has a unique texture and look to it. But even better, it lends itself to stripes and also has a 2-row repeat! This is seriously my new favorite stitch. I’m going to have to design a new pattern with it. So now it’s your turn—find your hook and yarn and start learning the cross over stitch today!
