The granny stripe stitch is a timeless classic that’s as fun to crochet as it is versatile! If you love the look of granny squares but prefer working in rows, this easy stitch is perfect for you. Whether you’re making a cozy blanket, a lightweight scarf, or a colorful shawl, the granny stripe stitch works up beautifully with any yarn.
In this tutorial, I’ll show you step-by-step photos and a video tutorial so you can master the granny stripe stitch with confidence. Grab your hook and yarn, and let’s get started!
Don’t forget to check out my granny stripe stitch blanket pattern, linked at the bottom of this post (coming soon!).
Pin This To Your Pinterest Crochet Board for later SAVE
*This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. All opinions are my own.*
What’s the Difference Between Granny Squares and the Granny Stripe Stitch?
Traditional granny squares and the classic granny stripe stitch share the same double crochet clusters technique, but the main difference is that they are worked in different ways. A granny square is crocheted in the round, starting from the center of the square and expanding outward in a square shape, often with chain spaces at the corners to create that signature blocky look.
The granny stripe stitch, on the other hand, is worked in turned rows, creating a continuous striped fabric with the same granny clusters but without the corner shaping. If you love the look of granny squares but want something that works up in straight rows, the granny stripe stitch is a great alternative!
What can I use the Granny Stitch for?
This stitch pattern is great for a wide variety of crochet projects and patterns. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:
- Baby blankets / crochet blankets
- Decorative pillow
- Lightweight scarf
- Shawls and wraps
- Crochet sweaters and tops
- Crochet market bags
- And so much more!
Terminology & Abbreviations:​
This tutorial uses US crochet terms.
- CH(s) = Chain(s)
- DC(s) = Double Crochet(s)
- DC Cluster(s) = Double Crochet Cluster(s)/3 Double Crochet Stitches worked into the same stitch or space
- SC = Single Crochet
- SK = Skip
- SL ST = Slip Stitch
- SP = Space
- ST(s) = Stitch(es)
Materials Needed:
- Yarn: Choose a smooth, worsted weight yarn (4) for practice.
- Crochet Hook: I’m using a 6.0 mm hook for this tutorial
- Notions: Scissors, yarn needle for weaving in ends.
​Note: This stitch can work with other yarn and crochet hook combinations. If you’re unsure how to choose the right hook size for your project check out my How to Choose the Right Hook Size for Your Project Tutorial.
​
If you like crochet stitch diagrams, check out the end of this post to see the stitch diagram for the granny stripe stitch.
Pattern Notes:
- This pattern is worked back and forth in turned rows.
- CH 3’s at the beginning of rows count as the first stitch of that row.
- Placing a stitch marker in the top of the CH 3 turning chains can help make
finding them easier when you need to work into them in the next row.
Disclaimer
This tutorial is for personal use only. Please do not resell, distribute, duplicate, or share any part of this tutorial in any printed or digital form, or claim this tutorial as your own work.
Granny Stripe Stitch Video Tutorial
For visual learners, I recommend checking out my step-by-step crochet granny stripe stitch video tutorial below or watch it on YOUTUBE HERE.
How to Crochet the Granny Stripe Stitch: Step-by-Step Instructions
Foundation Chain
Start by chaining a multiple of 3 + 2 for your desired project width. For this tutorial, chain 20 to practice.
First Row
Single crochet (SC) in the 2nd chain (CH) from the hook and in each remaining CH across. You should have 1 less stitch than the number of chains you used at the end of the row (I did 20 chains so I have 19 stitches at the end of Row 1.)
Row 2
CH 3 and turn (placing a stitch marker in the top of your turning chain can help you keep your edges straight). Double crochet (DC) in the first SC.
Skip (sk) 2 stitches (sts), work 3 double crochets in the next ST (DC Cluster)
Continue to skip 2 stitch and work dc cluster in the next ST until 3 STs remain.
SK 2 STs, work 2 DC into the last ST.
Row 3
CH 3 and turn. DC Cluster into the first space between the DC Clusters of the previous row below.
SK DC Cluster, work 3 DC STs in the space between the next two DC Clusters below.
Continue to work SK DC Cluster, work 3 DC STs in the space between the next two DC Clusters below across. DC into the top of the last ST.
Row 4
CH 3 and turn. DC in the first ST.
DC Cluster into the space between the DC Clusters below.
SK DC Cluster, work 3 DC STs in the space between the next two DC Clusters below.
Continue to work SK DC Cluster, work 3 DC STs in the space between the next two DC Clusters below across. Work 2 DC into the top of the last ST.
Subsequent Rows of Granny Stripe Stitch
Continue to repeat Rows 3 and 4 until you have reached your desired finished size for your project. I recommend ending your project on an even-numbered row and adding a row of single crochet stitches at the end of your project so that the end is symmetrical with the beginning.
How Do I Count My Stitches?
In many projects using cluster stitches, they will count the number of clusters that you have created rather than the number of stitches. I.e. 25 clusters or 25 DC Clusters, adding any extra stitches separately i.e. 25 DC Clusters, 4 DCs. Alternatively, if your pattern has the actual stitch count then you would count the tops of your stitches (the little V’s at the top) from one side to the other to count your stitches (don’t forget the turning chain!).
How to Change Colors In Granny Stripe Stitch
There are endless color combinations that can give you a different look to your granny stripe pattern. Using different colors is a great way to add visiual interest as well as a to keep a more experienced crocheter engaged and interested.
When changing colors, work in your old color to the last stitch before you intend to change colors. Start the double crochet and drop the old color before you complete the last yarn over for the stitch. Yarn over with the new color to complete your stitch. And that’s it! If you would like to learn more about color changes in crochet, check out my How to Change Colors Seamlessly in Crochet tutorial.
Looking for a cozy blanket pattern to make using the Granny Stripe Stitch? Check out my new free pattern the Easy Breezy Granny Stripe Blanket.
Check out some of my other recent stitch tutorials!
Join The Loopy Lamb Crochet Community Facebook Group to connect with other crafty friends and share your fabulous projects made with this crochet stitch.
Don’t forget to follow me on your favorite social media platforms so you always know when crochet product reviews, crochet tutorials, new free crochet patterns are posted here on the blog as well as sneak peeks and crochet inspiration. Happy Crocheting friends!
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/TheLoopyLamb
Instagram: www.instagram.com/TheLoopyLamb
YouTube: The Loopy Lamb YouTube Channel
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@theloopylamb
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/theloopylamb
Become a Newsletter Subscriber: Sign Up for the newsletter here.
