How to crochet the block stitch in the round

The crochet block stitch is an easy to learn stitch pattern that’s great for blankets and cowls/infinity scarves. It’s a fun, box-like stitch based on a simple 2-row repeat.

The block stitch is usually worked in rows. For my Blissful Blocks Baby Blanket, I decided I wanted to work the block stitch in the round. I absolutely love the granny stitch; the block stitch is an interesting, visually pleasing alternative to the granny stitch.

About the block stitch

The block stitch pattern is created by alternating 2 rounds. The first round – a series of single crochet followed by 3 chain stitches – provides the foundation for the second round of the pattern. In this round, 3 double crochet (and sometimes 4 or 5) are worked in each ch-3 space to create the block pattern.

What makes the block stitch so interesting is that the double crochet rounds are usually worked in one color, the main color. The foundation round is usually worked in a contrasting color. The single crochets of the foundation round peek out between the groups of double crochet for a fantastic pop of color.

Color variations

I love the color variations that can be worked with the block stitch. Use your imagination to come up with something unique. Here are just a few possibilities…

• Use a self-striping yarn for the foundation rounds.
• Choose a neutral color for the main color and a vibrant color for the contrasting.
• Use the same color for both rounds of the stitch pattern for a monochromatic look.

Let’s make a practice swatch.

As I said, this tutorial is about crocheting the block stitch in the round. To practice, we’ll use the first few rounds of my Blissful Blocks Baby Blanket.

What you need to make the practice swatch

Yarn: Any DK weight yarn will do – choose two colors, a main color (MC) and a contrasting color (CC). I used Paintbox Yarns “Simply DK” in Stormy Grey and Mustard Yellow. Simply DK is a soft 100% acrylic yarn that has a beautiful drape. I highly recommend it for baby blankets!

Hook: US size H-8 (5mm)

Tools: 1 removable stitch marker (for holding the working loop of the main color yarn) and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Stitches used/Abbreviations

Chain (ch): YO, pull through loop on hook.

Single crochet (sc): Insert hook in indicated st, YO, draw up loop, YO, pull through both loops on hook.

Double crochet (dc): YO, insert hook in indicated st, YO, draw up loop, (YO, pull through 2 loops) twice.

Other abbreviations: Place marker (pm); Remove marker (rm); Repeat (rep); Round (rnd); Skip (sk); Space (sp); Stitches (sts); Yarn over (YO)

Let’s begin.

In the photo graphic following these instructions, each step is depicted in the grid. I’ve included the steps within the instructions so you can see what the various steps look like.

Step 1 in the graphic below indicates to work the first rnd of the square as follows:

With MC, ch 4, join with slip st to form ring.

Rnd 1: Ch 2, 2 dc in ring, ch 3, (3 dc, ch 3) 3 times, join with slip st to beg ch-3. Do not turn. Pm in working loop and hold to the back of the work.

Rnd 2: With CC, make a slip knot (Step 2). Insert hook from front to back through any corner sp, pull slip knot through to front of work (Step 3). Ch 4, sc on opposite side of the same corner sp (Step 4). Ch 3, [(sc, ch 3, sc) in next corner, ch 3] around (Step 5). Join with slip st to bottom of ch-4. Cut yarn. Weave one end counterclockwise and the other end clockwise through the horizontal chains (Step 6). Do not turn.

Rnd 3: Rm and insert hook in working loop of MC (Step 7). Slip st around horizontal ch-3 directly above (Step 8). Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in same horizontal ch-3, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in corner sp, * 3 dc in next horizontal ch-3, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in corner sp; rep from * around, join with slip st to beg ch-3 (Step 9). Pm in working loop. Do not turn.

Rnd 4: With CC, make a slip knot. Insert hook from front to back through any corner sp, pull slip knot through to front of work, ch 4, sc on the opposite side of same corner sp, * ch 3, skip 3 dc, (sc between 3- dc groups, ch 3, skip 3 dc) across to corner, ** (sc, ch 3, sc) in corner sp; rep from * around, ending last rep at **, join with slip st in 1st ch of beg ch- 4. Fasten off and weave in ends. Do not turn.

Rnd 5: Rm and insert hook in working loop of MC, slip st around horizontal ch-3 directly above, ch 3, 2 dc in same horizontal ch-3, (3 dc in next horizontal ch-3) across to corner, * (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in corner sp, (3 dc in next horizontal ch-3) across to corner; rep from * around, ending with slip st in top of beg ch-3 to join. Pm in working loop. Do not turn.

Rep rnds 4 & 5 for the stitch pattern. For practice, I would recommend repeating these rnds 2 or 3 times to get the knack of making the block stitch.

Just a note about stitch placement in even-numbered rounds: There is no ch-1 between groups of 3-dc. Therefore, the sc of the even-numbered rnds will be worked between the groups of 3-dc where the chains would normally be.