Week 2 - Riffs on the Basics
Day 5 - Larksfoot Stitch
End of the second week and 8 new stitches down so far! Just one last stitch to learn for the week, and let's take a breather over the weekend. This one is the most challenging of the week, as it is a 4-row repeat. But don't let that throw you. It's really just a series of single and double crochets with some chains and skipped stitches to create this lovely pattern.
The Larksfoot Stitch, also known as the Icicle Stitch, is a really cool way to use basic stitches to create a very cool geometric pattern with lots of visual appeal. It works great in solid colors, but it looks especially intriguing when striped, so for this swatch I alternated two colors. The sky is the limit though, and there are some very cool many-colored examples around the web.
The fabric's density is really going to depend on what thickness yarn you use and what size hook you pair it with. My swatch has rather large holes because I went with a worsted-weight yarn and a 6.00 mm hook. Smaller hook or thicker yarn, and you'll get a denser final fabric. But it all depends on what your project calls for.
What it's good for:
- Scarves/cowls
- Hats
- Blankets/Afghans
- Sweaters
Alternate Names:
- Icicle Stitch
Remember to upload your projects to Instagram. Tag me @theivykillerscrochet and use hashtag #newcrochetstitchperday for a feature on my feed!
Supplies Used for this Swatch:
- Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease, color 151 (Grey Heather) and 171 (Gold)
- Hook: USJ10/6.00mm
Techniques Used and Abbreviations:
(All instructions are given in US terms. UK terms are given here for reference)Stitch (st)
Stitches (sts)
Chain (ch)
Chain Space (ch sp)
Single Crochet / UK Double Crochet) (sc)
Double Crochet / UK Treble Crochet) (dc)
Larksfoot Stitch (lfs)
Stitch Instructions:
Larksfoot Stitch (ls): Work a dc into the ch sp 1 row below so that the yarn makes a long "spike" or "icicle" that extends down past the previous row and loops through the space below. For instance, when you make this stitch in Row 3, insert your hook in the ch sp in Row 1. Keep this stitch loose - don't pull it too tight or you'll buckle the rows below.For each tutorial I'll include instructions written out long-form for intro-level crocheters and short-form for more advanced crocheters. The instructions are the same but include different levels of detail. Use whichever you prefer!
Intro-Level
With color A, chain a multiple of 4, then chain 1.Row 1: dc in the 4th chain from hook.
dc in next two sts.
*ch1, sk1, dc in next three sts.*
Repeat from * to * across to the end of the row. Your final stitch of the row should be the last dc in a group of three.
Row 2: Turn and ch3. dc in next two dc sts.
*ch1, sk1, dc in next three sts.*
Repeat from * to * across, finishing with your last dc in the top of the turning chain.
Change to Color B
Row 3: Turn and ch4. (This counts as a turning ch3 and a ch sp.)
Sk1, dc in next st, lfs into the ch sp in Row 1, dc in next st.
*ch1 and sk1. dc in next st, lfs into ch sp in Row 1, dc in next st*
Repeat from * to * until there are two sts left in the row (including the top of the turning chain).
ch1 and sk1. dc in the top of the turning ch.
Row 4: Turn and ch4. Sk1, dc in next 3 sts.
*ch1 and sk1. dc in next 3 sts.*
Repeat from * to * until there are two sts left in the row (including the top of the turning chain).
ch1 and sk1. dc in the top of the turning ch.
Change to next color.
Row 5: Turn and ch3.
*lfs in ch sp 2 rows below. dc in next st. ch1 and sk1. dc in next st.*
Repeat from * to * until the end of the row, finishing with a dc in the top of the turning chain.
Row 6: Turn and ch3. dc in next 2 sts.
*ch1 and sk1. dc in next 3 sts.*
Repeat from * to * until the end of the row, finishing with a dc in the top of the turning chain.
Repeat Rows 3-6, changing colors every two rows.
Advanced
With Color A, chain a multiple of 4 + 1.Row 1: dc in 4th chain from hook. 2dc. *ch1, sk1, 3dc* Repeat from * to * across.
Row 2: Turn and ch3. 2dc. *ch1, sk1, 3dc* Repeat from * to * across.
Change to Color B
Row 3: Turn and ch4. sk1, dc, lfs, dc. *ch1, sk1, dc, lfs, dc* Repeat from * to * until 2 sts remain. ch1, sk1, dc.
Row 4: Turn and ch4. sk1, 3dc. *ch1, sk1, 3dc* Repeat from * to * until 2 sts remain. ch1, sk1, dc.
Change to next color.
Row 5: Turn and ch3. *lfs, dc, ch1, sk1, dc* Repeat from * to * across.
Row 6: Turn and ch3. 2dc. *ch1, sk1, 3dc* Repeat from * to * across.
Repeat Rows 3-6, changing colors every 2 rows.
Tips and Modifications:
- When making the Larksfoot Stitch, it helps to gently pull your hook up to make sure the double crochet part of the stitch (the top part) is at the same level as its neighbors. But don't pull too much to avoid buckling the row below.
- I haven't tried it yet, but I think it would look really cool using Color A in a solid color and Color B in a gradient yarn.
- The other thing I think I'll try is carrying the yarn up the side and finishing off the piece with a border. I am not a fan of weaving in a tail for every stripe!
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