Week 2 - Riffs on the Basics
Day 2 - Seed Stitch
Today's stitch, the Seed Stitch, alternates two of the most basic stitches: single crochet and double crochet, to create a bumpy textured fabric. It is dense but flexible, and it works up very quickly!
What it's good for:
- Scarves/cowls
- Hats
- Gloves/fingerless mitts
- Blankets/Afghans
- Washcloths
- Potholders (in cotton or other natural-fiber yarns)
Alternate Names:
- Lemon Peel Stitch
- Griddle 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: Paintbox Yarns Simply Chunky, color 319 (Blood Orange) and 322 (Buttercup Yellow)
- 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)
Skip (sk)
Chain (ch)
Single Crochet / UK Double Crochet) (sc)
Double Crochet / UK Treble Crochet (dc)
Stitch Instructions:
Seed Stitch uses alternating double and single crochet stitches to create a bumpy, pebble-like texture. At the beginning of each row, a turning chain of 2 counts as the first dc, and at the end of each row you'll put a sc in the top of that ch2. Starting with Row 2, you'll be putting sc stitches in the top of the previous row's dc stitches, and vice versa. It's this alternating of stitches that creates the pebbly texture this stitch is known for.
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
Chain an odd number + 2 for the turning chain.Row 1: Skip the 1st two chains (remember, that ch2 counts as a dc) and sc in the 3rd chain from your hook.
*dc in the next ch. sc in the next ch*
Repeat from * to * across to the end of the row.
Row 2: Turn and ch2. sc in the next st. (Remember that your ch2 counts as a st, so you skip over that first opening.)
*dc in the next st. sc in the next st.*
Repeat from * to * across to the end of the row. Your final sc will be placed in the top of the turning ch.
Repeat Row 2 until you reach the desired size.
Advanced
Chain an odd number + 2.Row 1: sc in 3rd ch from hook. *dc, sc* Repeat from * to * across.
Row 2: Turn and ch2. sc in next. *dc, sc* Repeat from * to * across.
Repeat Row 2 until you reach the desired size.
Tips and Modifications:
- The standard pattern will tell you to chain 3 at the beginning of each row, but I found that caused bumps on the side that look almost like scallops (orange swatch, top photo). This would be great if you're making something like a dishcloth where the scallops would make a nice decorative edge. But for straighter, smoother edges I suggest a turning chain of 2 (yellow swatch).
- When crocheting into the foundation chains, put your sts in the back bar of the ch, not the front or back of the "v." This will give you a stretchier foundation row.
- I don't prefer starting with a foundation row of chains because it tends to be tighter than the rest of the work, so whenever the pattern allows, I use foundation stitches. For this swatch I used a row of alternating foundation double crochet (UK foundation treble crochet) and foundation single crochet (UK foundation double crochet). Unlike the foundation chain method, start with an EVEN number of total stitches starting with a fdc and ending with a fsc. Turn and chain 2, then proceed with the pattern as written, putting a sc in the first fdc, dc in the next fsc, and so on. End Row 2 with a sc in the final fdc.
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