The Left/Right Treble Cross Stitch is different than other cable stitches since you create a reversible fabric, which could offer two projects in one if using a striping yarn.
This textured stitch is made with just four treble crochet and two double crochet stitches. By working the 3rd and 4th treble crochet in front of the first two treble crochet, you create a left leaning cross, whereas working the last two treble crochet behind the first two creates a right leaning cross.
To create your own crochet project in rows that you turn, you’ll need a multiple of 10+2.
This means that you’ll start with a chain or foundation row of 10, 20 or any multiple of 10 plus 2 more stitches.
For example, a swatch can be made with 22 stitches which covers the beginning 2 double crochet and two repeats of two sets of cross stitches followed by two double crochet.
To make a project in the round, use a multiple of 10.
I enjoy using a chainless starting double crochet to reduce the gap at the beginning of rows, but it can be substituted with a ch 3 or ch 2, as long as the second double crochet is placed in the second stitch.
This stitch tutorial is being shared by Courtney, from Creations By Courtney.
Creations By Courtney is your destination for discovering stylish and practical crochet garment and accessory patterns for curating a handmade closet.
Courtney offers size-inclusive garment designs for every body with tips to customize for a truly unique handmade item.
Additionally, Creations By Courtney wishes to help each crocheter improve their skills by including techniques to minimize seaming, use of foundation stitches within a project rather than just the first row, and combinations of common stitches to create visual interest or texture.
Join Courtney in creating your dream closet of favorite handmade items to strut confidently through life.
Find Courtney here:
- Ravelry – https://www.ravelry.com/designers/creations-by-courtney
- Instagram – www.instagram.com/creationsbycourtneyllc
- Pinterest – www.pinterest.com/CreationsByCourtney
Techniques and Abbreviations Used:
ch: chain
sc: single crochet
dc: double crochet
CSDC: chainless starting double crochet
tr: treble crochet
LC: left leaning 2 over 2 treble cross
RC: right leaning 2 over 2 treble cross
FO: fasten off
st(s): stitch(es)
Chainless Starting Double Crochet: pull up a loop to the height of standard dc, twist yarn around hook (YO made), insert hook in first st, YO, pull up a loop, [YO, pull through 2 loops] twice
Left leaning 2 over 2 treble cross – over the next 4 stitches, skip next 2 sts, tr in next 2 sts, working in front of sts just made, tr in each of skipped sts.
Right leaning 2 over 2 treble cross – over the next 4 stitches, skip next 2 sts, tr in next 2 sts, working behind sts just made, tr in each of the skipped sts.
Treble Cross Stitch Written Instructions
How to Crochet 2 over 2 Treble Cross Stitch
Starting with a row of 32 single, turn
CSDC in first st, dc in next st
Skip 2 sts, tr in next 2 sts
Working behind the tr just made, tr in each of skipped st (RC made)
Skip 2 sts, tr in next 2 sts
Working in front of tr just made, tr in each skipped st (LC made)
Work dc in next 2 sts
Repeat Steps 3-7 two more times, turn
CSDC in first st, dc in next st, [RC, LC, dc in next 2 sts] 3 times, turn
Repeat Step 9 until desired length
Ch 1, sc in first st, sc in each st to end, FO
Helpful Tips:
- Due the height difference of the double crochet and treble crochet stitches, starting and finishing with a row of single crochet will help to create a straight edge.
- To measure gauge for a sized project, be sure to use a straight ruler and measure from the edge of a double crochet across the cross stitches to the edge of the following double crochet.
- You can complete both treble crosses in the same direction followed by 2 treble crosses in the other direction, or all treble crosses in the same direction to create a different zig zag pattern.
- If you tend to crochet loosely, it can help to slightly pull completed loops.
- If you tend to crochet tightly, work on loosening your loops to prevent the stitches from pulling downward.
- If you would like to use this stitch in the round, it helps to start and end with one double crochet to maintain the 10 stitch repeat, i.e. CSDC in first dc, *RC, LC, dc in next 2 sts; repeat from * 4 times, RC, LC, dc in last st, sl st to join, turn
Project Ideas:
Making Waves Waistcoat by Creations By Courtney
Golden Waves Throw by Yarnspirations
Save this stitch for later or to share!
