Crochet stitch tutorial
This is the alpine stitch. It looks like cabling. It’s a four-row repeat.
What is the alpine stitch?
The alpine stitch is a textured crochet stitch made with front post double crochet. Rows of single crochet alternate with rows of double crochet and front post double crochet, and the raised posts line up in offset columns to form diamonds that look like cables.
It looks more complex than it is. There are only four rows to remember, and two of them are plain single crochet. The fabric has body, so it works well for bags, blankets, scarves, and anything else that needs structure.
Stitches you need to know
- ch Chain
- sc Single crochet
- dc Double crochet, worked into the top of a stitch
- fpdc Front post double crochet, worked around the post of a stitch from the front instead of into its top
- sk Skip
This tutorial uses US terms. Here’s how US and UK crochet terms compare, and here’s our full list of crochet abbreviations.
New to crochet? Start with how to start crocheting.
How to crochet the alpine stitch
Note: chain at beg of row does not count as a stitch unless indicated.
Foundation Chain: Ch a multiple of 2 plus 1 (minimum 7).
Setup Row: Dc in 3rd ch from hook (skipped ch count as first st) and in each ch to end.
The hook goes into the 3rd ch from the hook.
The finished setup row of dc.
Row 1 (WS): Ch 1, sc in first st and in each st to end.
Note: When working this the first time, be sure to work into the top of the skipped ch as your last stitch.
Row 1 finished.
Row 2 (RS): Ch 2, dc in first st, sk st, fpdc around next dc 2 rows below, * dc in next st, sk st, fpdc around next dc 2 rows below; rep from * to end.
The opening dc in the first st, with the ch 2 beside it.
The target dc 2 rows below, marked, just below the sc you skip.
Yarn over, then insert the hook front to back to front around the post.
Pull the loop up to the height of the current row.
Row 2 ends on an fpdc.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in first st and in each st to end.
Row 3 is a wrong-side row, so the posts you just made are on the back while you work it.
The first sc goes into the top of the fpdc that ended Row 2.
Row 3 finished.
Row 4: Ch 2, sk st, fpdc around first dc 2 rows below, dc in next st, * sk st, fpdc around next dc 2 rows below, dc in next st; rep from * to end.
After the ch 2 and the skipped first st, the hook goes around the first dc 2 rows below.
Row 4 ends on a dc. The posts sit one stitch over from the Row 2 posts.
Rep Rows 1-4 for pattern.
On the repeat, Row 1 is worked with the posts on the back. The last sc goes into the top of the fpdc that opened Row 4, not the ch 2 beside it.
On Row 2 of the repeat, the target dc sits between two Row 4 posts.
One diamond row in progress.
What the front and back look like
Swatch shown in Cascade 220 Superwash Merino Worsted, color 119 White Pepper.
Common alpine stitch problems
Why is my fabric curling?
Go up a hook size for the foundation chain, and keep your wrong-side sc rows relaxed. Pull up the first loop of each post stitch as high as a regular dc. Then give the finished piece a gentle block.
Why are my diamonds uneven?
The diamonds only line up when every fpdc is the same height. Pull each one up to the height of the current row so it doesn’t drag the fabric down, and make sure you work around the correct stitch two rows below. Going into the stitch next to it shifts the whole diamond.
Why does my stitch count keep drifting?
Every fpdc replaces the sc behind it, so skip that stitch. If you forget, you gain one. The first and last stitches of a row are the other usual culprits. Put a marker in each end stitch, don’t miss the last stitch, and count after every right-side row until the rhythm feels automatic.
Why does my fpdc lean?
Each fpdc is anchored two rows down, so it has to reach past the sc row to get to the top of the current row. That makes it longer and looser than the dc beside it.
You work it from one side, so that loose top tilts toward the stitch you just made. One leaning post is barely noticeable. A whole row of them, all leaning the same way, is what makes the diamonds look crooked.
To keep them straight, pull up each loop to the full height of the current row before you finish the stitch, and don’t yank the last yarn over of each fpdc. Keep the same rhythm for every post, and they’ll stand upright and match.
What to make with alpine stitch
Ready for a project? This crochet tote bag pattern puts the stitch to work.
Make the tote
This textured tote pairs alpine stitch with filet crochet waves. Pattern by Olha Bykova, tech edited, in the Tech Threads issue.
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