How to Make the Alternate Single Crochet Stitch – Free Pattern and Tutorial

Do you like to learn new crochet stitches or stitch combinations? With crochet, there are always little variations you can try that give your piece a completely different look. Today we are going to look at the Alternate Single Crochet stitch by using it in two different-sized square patterns.

While the basic single crochet stitch can be somewhat time-consuming for many because it does take a bit of time for your projects to move along, the alternate single crochet stitch has just enough of a variation to it that you’ll spend more time admiring the texture than anything else!

We’ll walk through how to make the alternate single crochet stitch step-by-step down below, but first, let’s talk about how you can use this stitch.

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This pattern was featured in the Sampler Poncho Crochet-along hosted by Itchin’ for Some Stitchin’!

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Introducing the Alternate Single Crochet Square

If you’re new to crochet, the alternate single crochet stitch is a great way to get your feet wet with textured stitches. It also teaches beginners more about the parts of the crochet stitch because you’ll see how the simple act of changing your hook placement is one of the common ways you can change the look of your crochet projects.

The regular single crochet stitch provides a nice sturdy fabric for many types of projects. By alternating making the stitches in just the back and front loops only, you’ll see a change in the drape of your project. Not only is the new texture pretty to look at, but it also has a softer, more flowy feel to it.

What Can You Make With the Alternate Single Crochet Stitch?

You can use the alternate single crochet in practically any project, like blankets, garments, and accessories. Use it in rows, make it in the round – it’s very versatile.

When I got invited to participate in the Sampler Poncho CAL by Itchin’ for Some Stitchin’, I knew that the alternate single crochet stitch would be a great addition to the rest of the stitches being featured. And after you’ve made your poncho, you’ll have a bunch of square patterns that you can pull from to make a cozy blanket too.

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You can buy the ad-free, PDF of this pattern on Etsy, Ravelry, and LoveCrafts.

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About the Stitches

Before you can get started with this alternate single crochet stitch square, here are some details you need to know.

Skill Level: Easy / Beginner

Materials:

• Medium Worsted Weight Yarn, such as Caron One Pound
  • 7″ (17.8cm) square – 36 yards
  • 8″ (20.3cm) square – 51 yards
• H-8 (5mm) Hook
• Scissors
• Yarn Needle

Gauge: single crochet 14 st x 14 rows = 4″ square

Finished Dimensions:

7″ x 7″ (17.8cm x 17.8cm) square

8″ x 8″ (20.3cm x 20.3cm) square

Stitch Abbreviations:

• ch – chain
• sc – single crochet
• FLO – front loop only
• BLO – back loop only
• fsc – foundation single crochet (optional)
• rep – repeat
• * * – repeat instructions between asterisks as directed

Pattern Notes:

• US Terms (US to UK terminology conversion)
• Ch 1 at the beginning of each row does not count as a stitch
• To maintain the same texture, if you have an odd number of stitches in your project, alternate your first stitch in each row from BLO sc to FLO sc. If you have an even number of stitches in your project, always begin with the BLO sc stitch

How to Make This Beginner Stitch Sampler Square

7″ (17.8cm) Square

Row 1: fsc 25. Turn. (25)

Or chain 26
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc to end of the row. Turn. (25)

Row 2: ch 1, *BLO sc, FLO sc,* rep from * to * to end of the row. Turn. (25)

Row 3: ch 1, *FLO sc, BLO sc,* rep from * to * to end of the row. Turn. (25)

Row 4-25: rep row 2-3

Fasten off and weave in ends.

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8″ (20.3cm) Square

Row 1: fsc 28. Turn. (28)

Or chain 29
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc to end of the row. Turn. (28)

Row 2: ch 1, *BLO sc, FLO sc,* rep from * to * to end of the row. Turn. (28)

Row 3-28: rep row 2

Fasten off and weave in ends.

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Missed the crochet-along? No problem! You can get all 24 size-inclusive patterns in the Sampler Poncho Bundle. Check it out here.

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Purchase the Alternate Single Crochet Stitch Pattern

You can buy the ad-free, PDF of this pattern on Etsy, Ravelry, and LoveCrafts.

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More Patterns Using Front and Back Loop Stitches

• Loops Hat
• Loops Cowl
• Ocean Waves Ripple Shawl

I love seeing your finished projects! If you enjoyed making this beginner-friendly stitch sampler square, I’d love to see yours on Instagram. To be sure I don’t miss it, please tag me @remingtonlanecrochet when you share your photos!