In this free step-by-step crochet stitch tutorial I show how to make the bars and squares stitch. This stitch is a lacy crochet stitch. The fabric turns out light and breathable. It is also a textured crochet stitch that adds interest and depth to the project. It works great for shawls and wraps, lightweight scarves, lacy crochet summer tops and tanks, and other summer crochet projects. This stitch can also be used in decorative crochet projects for the home, such as pillow covers.
This crochet stitch tutorial includes photo instructions and a video tutorial (see below). The bars and squares stitch is a repeat of two rows. For this crochet stitch you should know how to make single crochet and double crochet. The tutorial below shows how to make a front post double crochet and a back post double crochet.
Materials and tools
Yarn: For this tutorial I use Soft FRAYA Cotton 8/4 100% Organic cotton 50g – 180 m yarn, color: curry. However, you can use your favorite yarn depending on the crochet project.
Hook: I use a 2.0 mm hook. If you are using a different yarn, choose the hook size that is recommended on your yarn label.
Printable PDF and chart
This free crochet tutorial includes detailed photo instructions and written steps. If, in addition to photo instructions, you would like a short written pattern and a chart, join Nordic Hook Club and get access to one of the largest crochet stitch libraries! There you will find hundreds of ad-free downloadable crochet stitch tutorials that include detailed step-by-step photo instructions, concise written patterns and member-exclusive charts. Plus, you can download all Nordic Hook patterns, stitches and e-books for free! Read more about all the membership benefits here and sign up today.
Read more and sign up!If you prefer a printable version without ads, you can purchase my e-book Beautiful Crochet Stitches Volume 2 with 50 detailed tutorials. In addition to the photo instructions, the tutorials include exclusive short written stitch patterns (charts are not included). SAVE 40% by purchasing a BUNDLE with all six volumes of Beautiful Crochet Stitches. That’s 300 crochet stitches in total!
Buy Volume 2 Buy bundle
Video tutorial
The video tutorial below shows how to make the bars and squares stitch.
Photo instructions for the bars and squares stitch
Row 1
1. Start by chaining a multiple of three plus two. You will start working in the fourth chain from your hook.
2. So, make a double crochet in the fourth chain from your hook.
3. Then make another double crochet in the next stitch.
4. Continue making double crochets in every stitch until the end of the row.
Row 2
5. Chain three and turn your work around. Chain three counts as a stitch.
6. Next you will make a back post double crochet working in the second stitch. So, yarn over.
7. Insert your hook bringing the post of the second double crochet backwards.
8. Yarn over.
9. Pull the yarn through. Now you have three loops on your hook.
10. Yarn over.
11. Pull the yarn through the first two loops on your hook. Now you have two loops on your hook.
12. Yarn over.
13. Pull the yarn through both loops. You have just made a back post double crochet!
14. This is how it looks on the other side.
15. Chain two.
16. Skip two stitches and make another back post double crochet in the next stitch.
17. Chain two.
18. Skip two stitches and make a back post double crochet in the next stitch.
19. Then repeat: chain two, skip two stitches and make a back post double crochet in the next stitch.
20. Continue working in the same way until the end of the row.
21. At the end of the row make a double crochet in the turning chain.
Row 3
22. Chain three and turn your work around. Chain three counts as a stitch.
23. Next you will make a front post double crochet in the next stitch. So, yarn over.
24. Insert your hook bringing the post of the back post double crochet forward.
25. Yarn over.
26. Pull the yarn through. Now you have three loops on your hook.
27. Yarn over.
28. Pull the yarn through the first two loops on your hook. Now you have two loops on your hook.
29. Yarn over.
30. Pull the yarn through both loops. You have just made a front post double crochet!
31. Make a double crochet in the chain two space of the previous row.
32. Make another double crochet in the same chain two space.
33. Then make a front post double crochet in the next stitch.
34. Make two double crochets in the next chain two space.
35. Make a front post double crochet in the next stitch.
36. Then repeat: make two double crochets in the next chain two space and a front post double crochet in the next stitch.
37. Continue working in the same way until the end of the row.
38. At the end of the row make a double crochet in the turning chain. For the rest of the pattern repeat rows 2-3.
Finished bars and squares stitch
39. Done!
You might also like
There is much more to explore:
Save this tutorial to your Pinterest crochet board here.
