Ready to learn the crochet alpine stitch? This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to make one of the most beautiful stitches for blankets and give you tips for using this stitch in patterns.
UPDATED: OCTOBER 4, 2023 BY BRITTANY
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The crochet alpine stitch is a one-of-a-kind stitch that creates a highly textured, and thick fabric. It’s perfect for making cozy blankets!
The alpine stitch is also very versatile. You can pair it with your favorite light or medium-weight yarn and let your imagination run wild.
Keep in mind that the alpine stitch creates a thick fabric, so it’s an excellent choice for projects that require durability. It’s not reversible, so it’s best suited for projects where both sides won’t show at the same time.
In the rest of this tutorial, we’ll explore all aspects of the crochet alpine stitch: what it is, how to crochet it, and what projects it’s best suited for. Plus I’ll answer some frequently asked questions so you don’t have to go searching for the answers you need.
Here’s a quick overview of the topics we’ll cover in this article:
- What is the Crochet Alpine Stitch
- Crochet Alpine Stitch Tutorial
- Alpine Stitch Multiple
- Alpine Stitch Abbreviations
- Crochet Alpine Stitch Step-by-Step Video
- How do I start a project with the crochet alpine stitch?
- Can I use any type of yarn for the alpine stitch?
- Is the alpine stitch suitable for beginners?
- What are the most common projects to make with the alpine stitch?
- Is the alpine stitch reversible?
What is the Crochet Alpine Stitch?
The crochet alpine stitch is a special kind of crochet pattern that creates a fabric with a lot of texture and thickness. The best thing about the alpine stitch is that you can use it with your favorite light or medium-weight yarn.
The alpine stitch is not just pretty; it’s tough too. It creates a thick fabric, which means it’s great for projects that need to stand up to some wear and tear. If you’re making something you want to last a long time, like a rugged blanket for camping trips or a sturdy tote bag, the alpine stitch is your friend.
One thing to keep in mind is that the alpine stitch isn’t reversible. That means the backside of your project won’t look the same as the front.
Crochet Alpine Stitch Tutorial
The crochet feather stitch offers versatility when it comes to yarn selection, but it truly shines with light or medium-weight yarns due to its inherent thickness. If you opt for a bulky or super bulky-weight yarn, brace yourself for an exceptionally plush fabric!
To showcase the stitch pattern to its fullest, opt for a sleek and smooth yarn that accentuates every intricate detail of the design. Alternatively, you can experiment by combining it with a slightly textured yarn for an added layer of intrigue to your project.
Supplies
- Yarn: For practice, use medium-weight yarn. You’ll only need a small amount to make a practice swatch.
- 6.5 mm Crochet Hook
Crochet Alpine Stitch Pattern Notes
- There is a clear right and wrong side to fabrics worked in the alpine stitch.
- This crochet pattern is written in US terms.
- Ch 1 at the beginning of single crochet rows does not count as a stitch. Ch 2 and ch 3 in other rows do count as a stitch.
Stitch Multiple
The crochet alpine stitch multiple is an even number of stitches. This means that the total number of stitches in the first row has to be an even number for the rest of the pattern to work out.
Two Ways to Start the First Row
There are two ways to crochet the first row of the alpine stitch. The first way is to make foundation double crochet stitches. This technique combines the starting chain and first row into one quick and tidy row. If you’re not familiar with foundation crochet stitches, check out our article here.
The second way to crochet the first row of the alpine stitch is to start with a foundation chain and make a double crochet in every stitch.
No matter which method you choose, make sure the total number of half double crochet stitches (or foundation half double crochet) is an even number. That way the stitch pattern will work out.
Stitch Abbreviations
- Ch Chain
- Dc Double Crochet
- FPdc Front Post Double Crochet
- Hk Hook
- Rem Remaining
- SC Single Crochet
- St(s) Stitch(es)
Row 1: Ch an even number of stitches. Sc in 2nd ch from hk and in each rem ch. Ch 3 and turn.
Row 2: 1 dc in every st. Ch 1 and turn.
Row 3: 1 sc in same st as ch 1. 1 sc in each rem st. Ch 2 and turn.
Row 4: *FPdc next dc from two rows below (sk sc from last row). 1 dc in next sc. Rep from * to end of row. Ch 1 and turn.
Row 5: 1 sc in same st as ch. 1 sc in each rem st. Ch 2 and turn.
Row 6: *1 dc. FPdc next dc from two rounds below (sk sc from last round). Rep from * to last 2 its. 1 dc in last 2 sts. Ch 1 and turn.
Repeat: Rep rows 3-6 until your project measures the length you want. Ending on an odd number row for a flat edge that matches the beginning.
Finishing Row:
Ch 1 and turn. 1 sc in same st as ch 1. 1 sc in each rem st. Fasten off.
Crochet Alpine Stitch Step-by-Step Tutorial
Video not displaying? Watch this tutorial on YouTube instead.
Left-Handed Tutorial on YouTube
