Today we’ll learn how to crochet the Alpine Stitch, and ya’ll, it’s one of my favorites!
This easy stitch pattern creates so much beautiful texture. It’s perfect for tons of projects, including hand towels, scarves, pillows, blankets, and more! I think it looks great in both solid and striped yarns.
The only stitches you need to know are chain, single crochet, double crochet, and front post double crochet. This pattern is suitable for a determined beginner.
Just so you know, there are a different methods for crocheting the Alpine Stitch. Some start with an even or odd number of chains, some alternate front post double crochet with half double crochet, and others even use front post treble crochet.
Honestly, that’s one of the things I love about crochet. There are a multitude of ways to make the same thing. I always like to say, “There’s no such thing as the way, only a way.”
The pattern I will show you today is a 4 row repeat. You will work two setup rows, and then begin the repeat.
Front post double crochets are worked around the post of the double crochet two rows down, and the regular double crochet is worked into the top of the next single crochet.
Sounds complicated, but I promise it’s actually really easy once you get the hang of it.
Below you will find written and photo instructions for how to crochet the Alpine Stitch, as well as a video tutorial at the bottom of this post. By the way, if you like video tutorials, I post a new one every Friday. You can subscribe to my channel here so you never miss out.
Materials
You can use any yarn and hook you have on hand, but for this tutorial I’m using the following:
- worsted weight yarn
- H-5.0mm hook
- Scissors
- Yarn Needle
Stitches
This tutorial uses US crochet terms.
- Chain – ch
- Single crochet – sc
- Double crochet – dc
- Front post double crochet – FPdc
Pattern Notes
- Chain 1 does not count as a stitch.
- Chain 2 does count as a stitch.
- The last sc in row 3 and beyond will be worked into the top of the turning chain.
- Turn your work at the end of each row.
Alpine Stitch Crochet Tutorial
Foundation Chain: To begin, chain an odd number of stitches. (I used 17 for my swatch.)
Row 1: Sc into 2nd ch from hook and each stitch across.
Row 2: Ch 2, (counts as one dc now and throughout), dc next stitch and each stitch across.
Row 3: Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch, now and throughout),sc in base of ch 1, sc in each stitch across.
*Remember: The last sc will be worked into the top of the turning chain, now and throughout
Row 4: Ch 2, *FPdc around next st two rows down, dc in top of next sc, repeat from * across, dc in turning ch.
Let’s take a closer look at that below.
Row 5: Ch 1, sc in base of ch 1 and each stitch across.
Row 6: Ch 2, *dc in top of next stitch, FPdc around dc from two rows down, dc in next stitch, repeat from * across, dc in turning chain.
Repeat rows 3-6 until your piece reaches the desired length. Finish off with one row of sc.
Pro tips:
1. Make sure you keep count! It’s easy to drop stitches, especially if you forget to place your last single crochet into the turning chain.
2. Make sure your regular double crochets are going in the right spot. Since every other stitch will be a dc, you can check placement by looking at the top of your single crochet row. The arrows in the photo below show the open stitches. Those are “taken” by the FPdc next to it.
3. The Alpine stitch likes to curl. Blocking makes a world of difference! You can also lessen this by bulling the first loop of your FPdc up to the height of the row you’re working on. (See my video for more detail on this.) A slight word of caution though, this can make your stitch pattern slightly less defined.
Alpine Stitch Video Tutorial
Below you’ll find a video showing you exactly how I crochet the Alpine Stitch.
Let’s hang out! Be sure to subscribe on YouTube, and follow along on Pinterest!
Drop me a comment and let me know what you made!