In this free step-by-step crochet tutorial I show how to make the box stitch. This stitch is a lacy, multicolor crochet stitch. The fabric turns out to be slightly thick but breathable. It is also a textured crochet stitch that adds interest and depth to the project. It works great for scarves, crochet summer tops and tanks, and other summer crochet projects. This stitch can also be used in decorative crochet projects for the home.
This crochet stitch tutorial includes detailed photo instructions. The box stitch is an eight-row repeat. 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 single crochet.
Making this stitch requires some effort, and some parts in the beginning might seem a bit tricky, but the end result is totally worth it! I made this box crochet stitch tutorial using two colors of yarn, but it also looks great in one color or more than two colors. I hope that you will give it a try!
Materials and tools
Yarn: For this tutorial I use Hjertegarn DIAMOND mercerized cotton 100% 8/4 50g yarn, colors: 3304 (lilac) and 3803 (light lilac). 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
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Photo instructions for the box crochet stitch
Row 1
1. Start by chaining multiples of ten plus two with dark lilac yarn.
2. Make a single crochet in the second chain from your hook.
3. Then skip four stitches and make a double crochet.
4. Make four more double crochets in the same stitch.
5. Then chain one.
6. Make five more double crochets in the same stitch.
7. Skip four stitches and make a single crochet.
8. Then skip four stitches and make five double crochets, one chain, and make five more double crochets in the same stitch. Skip four stitches and make a single crochet.
9. Keep working in the same way until the end of the row.
10. Your row should end with a single crochet. Then chain one.
Row 2
11. Turn your work around. Now you will have to work in the first stitch.
12. So, make a single crochet in the first stitch.
13. Next you will have to make front post single crochets. So, insert your hook bringing the post of the first double crochet in the previous row to the front.
14. Then yarn over.
15. Pull the yarn through. Now you have two loops on your hook.
16. Yarn over and pull the yarn through both loops on your hook. You have just made a front post single crochet.
17. Make four more front post single crochets in the next four stitches.
18. Then chain one.
19. Make five front post single crochets in the next five stitches.
20. Then make a front post single crochet in the single crochet of the previous row.
21. For the rest of the row work in the same way: make five front post single crochets, chain one, make five front post single crochets and then make one front post single crochet in the single crochet of the previous row.
22. In the end of the row make one single crochet in the last stitch.
23. Change yarn color to light lilac: chain one with the light lilac yarn.
24. Pull the end of the dark lilac yarn to tighten up. Your light lilac yarn is ready to use.
25. Chain four and turn your work around.
Row 3
26. Make a double crochet in the first stitch.
27. Then chain three.
28. Make a single crochet in the chain one space of the previous row (the one that is between front post single crochets).
29. Then chain three.
30. Skip five stitches and make a double crochet in the front post single crochet of the previous row.
31. Chain two.
32. Then make the second double crochet in the same stitch.
33. For the rest of the row work in the same way: chain three, make a single crochet in the chain one space of the previous row, chain three, skip five stitches, make a double crochet in the front post single crochet of the previous row, chain two and make a double crochet in the same stitch.
34. In the end of the row, make a double crochet in the last stitch and chain one.
35. Then make the second double crochet in the same stitch. Chain one and turn your work around.
Row 4
36. Make a single crochet in the first stitch.
37. Chain one.
38. Make a single crochet in the second double crochet in the previous row.
39. Chain three.
40. Then make a single crochet in the single crochet of the previous row.
41. Chain three.
42. Make a single crochet in the first double crochet in the previous row.
43. Chain two.
44. Make a single crochet in the second double crochet in the previous row.
45. Work in the same way until the end of the row.
46. In the end of the row make a single crochet in the double crochet in the previous row and chain one.
47. Then make a single crochet in the third chain of the turning chain in the previous row.
48. Chain four and turn your work around.
Row 5
49. Then make four double crochets in the space between chain four and a double crochet in row 3.
50. Then make a single crochet in the chain one space in row 1 (the one that is between double crochets).
51. Make five double crochets in the chain two space in row 3 (the one between two double crochets), chain one and make five more double crochets in the same chain two space.
52. Next make a single crochet in the chain one space in row 1.
53. For the rest of the row work in the same way.
54. In the end of the row make five double crochets in the chain one space in row 3. Then chain one and make a double crochet in the last stitch of the previous row.
55. Chain two and turn your work around.
Row 6
56. Then make five front post single crochets in five double crochets in the previous row. Make a front post single crochet in the single crochet in the previous row.
57. Next make five front post single crochets in five double crochets in the previous row, chain one, make five front post single crochets in the next five double crochets in the previous row and one front post single crochet in the single crochet of the previous row.
58. Work in the same way until the end of the row. In the end of the row make five front post single crochets in five double crochets in the previous row, chain one and make a single crochet in the last stitch.
59. Then change yarn color and chain one.
Row 7
60. Turn your work around and make a single crochet in the first stitch.
61. Then chain three.
62. Make a double crochet in the front post single crochet of the previous row, chain two and make one more double crochet in the same stitch.
63. Then chain three.
64. Make a single crochet in the chain one space of the previous row.
65. Work in the same way until the end of the row. In the end of the row make a single crochet in the last stitch. Then chain one.
Row 8
66. Make a single crochet in the first stitch.
67. Then chain three and make a single crochet in the first double crochet of the previous row.
68. Chain two and make a single crochet in the second double crochet of the previous row.
69. Then chain three and make a single crochet in the single crochet of the previous row.
70. Work in the same way until the end of the row.
71. The row should end with a single crochet in the last stitch.
72. Then chain one and turn your work around.
Row 9
73. Insert your hook in the space between chain four and a double crochet four rows below (in row 5).
74. Complete making a single crochet.
75. Then make five double crochets in the chain two space between two double crochets in row 7, chain one and make five more double crochets in the same chain two space. Make a single crochet in the chain one space between the double crochets in row 5.
76. Keep working in the same way until the end of the row.
77. In the end of the row make a single crochet in the chain one space between double crochets in row 5. For the rest of the pattern repeat rows 2-9.
Finished box crochet stitch
78. Done!
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