In this free step-by-step crochet stitch tutorial I show how to make the vertical fishbone crochet stitch. This stitch is a solid, textured crochet stitch. It creates dense, durable fabric and works great for potholders, washcloths, decorative pillow covers, laptop sleeves, bags and other projects that need structure and durability.
This crochet stitch tutorial includes detailed photo instructions. The vertical fishbone crochet stitch is a two-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 double crochet-front post double crochet together stitch and a front post double crochet-double crochet together. This crochet stitch might seem a bit confusing at first, but after a couple of rows, it will get easier.
Materials and tools
Yarn: For this tutorial I use Soft FRAYA Cotton 8/4 100% Organic cotton 50g – 180 m yarn, color: blue agave. 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 vertical fishbone crochet stitch
Row 1
1. Start by chaining multiples of six plus four. 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. Continue making double crochets in every stitch until the end of the row.
Row 2
4. Chain one and turn your work around.
5. Chain one does not count as a stitch. Make a single crochet in the very first stitch.
6. Then continue making single crochets in every stitch until the end of the row.
Row 3
7. Chain three and turn your work around. Chain three counts as a double crochet. Next you will make a double crochet-front post double crochet together. You will work in the next stitch and around the post of the third double crochet two rows below.
8. So, yarn over.
9. Insert your hook in the next stitch and yarn over.
10. Pull the yarn through. Now you have three loops on your hook.
11. Yarn over.
12. Pull the yarn through the first two loops on your hook. The first leg of the double crochet-front post double crochet together is ready.
13. Yarn over.
14. Skip the turning chain and two double crochets of the first row and insert your hook bringing the post of the third double crochet forward. Yarn over.
15. Pull the yarn through. Now you have four loops on your hook.
16. Yarn over.
17. Pull the yarn through the first two loops on your hook. Now you have three loops on your hook. The second leg of the double crochet-front post double crochet together is ready.
18. Yarn over and pull the yarn through all three loops on your hook. You have just made a double crochet-front post double crochet together!
19. Next you will work in the next three stitches (don’t skip any).
20. So, make three double crochets in the next three stitches. Next you will make a front post double crochet-double crochet together. So, this time the first leg will be a front post double crochet and the second leg will be a double crochet.
21. Yarn over.
22. Insert your hook bringing the post of the same double crochet two rows below forward and yarn over.
23. Pull the yarn through. Now you have three loops on your hook.
24. Yarn over.
25. Pull the yarn through the first two loops on your hook. Now you have two loops on your hook. The first leg of the front post double crochet-double crochet together is ready.
26. Yarn over.
27. Insert your hook in the next stitch and yarn over.
28. Pull the yarn through. Now you have four loops on your hook.
29. Yarn over.
30. Pull the yarn through the first two loops on your hook. Now you have three loops on your hook and both legs are ready.
31. Yarn over.
32. Pull the yarn through all loops on your hook. You have just made a front post double crochet-double crochet together!
33. Make a double crochet in the next stitch.
34. Then repeat: make a double crochet-front post double crochet together. Make the first leg in the next stitch and then make the second leg working around the post of a double crochet two rows below (skip five double crochets from the double crochet where you have previously worked, and work around the post of the sixth double crochet).
35. Then make three double crochets in the next three stitches.
36. Make a front post double crochet-double crochet together working around the same double crochet where you have just worked (the first leg) and then work in the next stitch (the second leg).
37. Make a double crochet in the next stitch and 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 last stitch.
Row 4
39. Chain one and turn your work around.
40. Make a single crochet in the very first stitch.
41. Continue making single crochets in every stitch until the end of the row.
Row 5
42. Chain three and turn your work around. Chain three counts as a double crochet. You will repeat row 3. So, you will make a double crochet-front post double crochet together.
43. So, for the first leg start making a double crochet in the next stitch.
44. Then for the second leg make a front post double crochet around the middle double crochet out of three two rows below.
45. Then make three double crochets in the next three stitches.
46. In the same way as before, make a front post double crochet-double crochet together working around the post of the double crochet where you have just worked (the first leg) and then work in the next stitch (the second leg).
47. Make a double crochet in the next stitch. Then continue working in the same way until the end of the row.
48. At the end of the row, make a double crochet in the last stitch. For the rest of the pattern repeat rows 4 and 5.
Finished vertical fishbone crochet stitch
49. Done!
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