Catherine’s Wheel Stitch: Free Crochet Pattern in Rows & in the Round

The Catherine’s wheel stitch is a pretty, eye-catching crochet stitch that looks far more complicated than it really is. Once you see how the stitches come together, you’ll find a simple rhythm that’s easy to repeat.

UPDATED: OCTOBER 13, 2026 BY BRITTANY
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This stitch has a lovely handmade look, with wheel-shaped clusters that make even a simple project feel special. It’s a great way to add texture and visual interest without needing advanced skills.

Whether you’re making a blanket, a scarf, or a cozy wrap, this stitch gives you a stunning result with plain yarn and a basic hook. It’s one of those stitches that makes people ask, “Wait, you made that?”

In this post, I’m sharing the written pattern for the stitch both in rows and in the round, plus a video tutorial for each so you can follow along step by step.

What is the Catherine’s Wheel Stitch?

The Catherine’s wheel stitch is a decorative crochet stitch that creates a repeating pattern of wheel-like clusters across your fabric. It’s named for its circular, spoked look, which gives the finished piece lots of dimension and texture. Because the stitch is worked in a repeating pattern, it’s very easy to memorize once you’ve completed a few rows. It works beautifully for blankets, scarves, wraps, and home décor.

Catherine’s Wheel Crochet Stitch Tutorial

The Catherine’s wheel stitch pairs beautifully with a wide range of yarn weights, from a light DK all the way up to a chunky weight depending on the look and feel you’re going for. Because the stitch relies on those dimensional clusters for its visual impact, color changes and a smooth yarn with good stitch definition will really let the pattern shine.

Supplies

• Yarn: For practice, use medium-weight yarn. You’ll only need a small amount to make a practice swatch.
• 5.5mm Crochet Hook

Pattern Notes

• The front and back of the Catherine’s wheel stitch fabrics are similar while not identical so it isn’t a truly reversible stitch.
• This crochet pattern is written in US terms.

Stitch Multiple

The Catherine’s Wheel stitch multiple is 8 + 2.

When planning a project that uses the primrose crochet stitch, chain in groups of 8 and add 2 chains only at the very end.

Catherine’s Wheel Stitch Project Calculator

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Abbreviations & Special Stitches

This stitch pattern is in US crochet terminology.

• Ch Chain
• CL Cluster**
• Dc Double Crochet
• Sc Single Crochet
• Rem Remaining
• Rep Repeat
• Sk Skip
• St(s) Stitch(es)
• YO Yarn Over Hook

**Cluster (CL): (YO and insert hook in next stitch, YO and pull through two loops) over the specified number of stitches. YO and pull through all loops on the hook.

Row 3: Make 4 dc in the loop that closed last CL. *Sc in next sc, 9 dc in the loop that closed next CL. Rep from * to end of row. Make 5 dc in the loop that closed last CL. Ch 1 and turn.

Row 4: Sc in first st. *Ch 3, CL over next 9 sts, ch 3, sc in the next st. Rep from * to end of row. End row with sc in turning ch. Ch 1 and turn.

Row 5: Sc in first st. *9 dc in the loop that closed next CL, Sc in next sc. Rep from * to end of row. Ch 3 and turn.

Repeat: Rep rows 2-5 until your project measures the length you want. End on an even number row for a flat edge that matches the beginning.

Catherine’s Wheel Stitch Tutorial

Video not displaying? Watch this tutorial on YouTube instead.

Catherine’s Wheel Stitch in the Round

The Catherine Wheel stitch can be crocheted in the round too! Use this variation of the stitch pattern to create a blanket with one continuous square or a bunch of smaller squares sewn together.

Not into blankets? Any project you can create with a granny square can be created with Catherine Wheel stitch in the round squares.

Catherine’s Wheel Stitch Pattern (Rounds)

Round 1: Ch 4 and join with a slst to first ch to form a ring. [Ch 3. 4 dc CL. Ch 3. Slst in center of the ring] four times.

Round 2: Ch 1. [12 dc in the loop that closed next CL. Slst in next slst] four times.

Round 3: Slst first 4 sts. [Ch 3. 4 dc CL. Ch 3. Slst in next slst. Ch 3. 6 dc CL (sk slst). Ch 3. Slst next slst] four times. Slst last slst.

Repeat

To continue increasing and making a larger square, repeat rounds 6 and 7. Note the italicized text will increase by one for each subsequent round you add.

If you want to stop increasing to transform your work to a tubular shape, do so on an even round. Change the number of stitches in each corner from 12 to 7 and the subsequent round will only consist of 6 dc CL.

Catherine’s Wheel Stitch Project Ideas

Ready to put your new stitch to work? Here are all of my free patterns that use the Catherine’s wheel stitch (or close variants). Each one shows a different way to use it, so you can pick the project that fits your skill level and your yarn stash.

Catherine Wheel Stitch Scarf

Catherine Wheel Stitch Hat

Catherine Wheel Crochet Baby Blanket