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The crochet V stitch is a row of little Vs, each one made of two double crochet that share a base and spread apart at the top. The rows stack so every V sits in the gap of the one below, which gives the fabric a soft, open lattice.
It's a beginner stitch. If you can double crochet and chain, you can make a V stitch tonight. It's also one of the fastest ways to cover ground, because every V is three stitches wide but you only insert the hook once.
The one thing that makes it work is the chain 1 in the middle of each V. That chain makes the space you'll crochet into on the next row. Every V goes into a chain 1 space, never into a double crochet.
Watch: Crochet V Stitch Video Tutorial
Watch where the hook goes on row 2: under the chain 1 at the center of each V, not into the tops of the double crochet on either side.
What You Need
Yarn: The pattern calls for medium (worsted) weight, which makes a quick, cozy swatch. A DK or sport weight gives a lighter, drapier fabric for shawls. Smooth, light-colored yarn shows the V shapes best while you learn.
Hook: US H/5 mm for worsted; US G/4 mm for DK.
Abbreviations (US terms): ch = chain, st(s) = stitch(es), sk = skip, sp = space, dc = double crochet. [1dc, ch1, 1dc] in one stitch is one V stitch.
Stitch multiple: The pattern's foundation rule is an even number of chains to measure 6 inches, plus 4. The swatch starts with 25 chains.
Crochet V Stitch Written Pattern
Size: 6x6 Inches
Gauge: 4" = 5 "V" Stitches | 6 Rows
Yarn: Medium Weight Yarn
Crochet Hook: US H/5mm Crochet Hook
Abbreviations
Ch – Chain
St(s) – Stitch(es)
Sk – Skip
Sp – Space
Dc – Double Crochet
Foundation
Ch 25 or any even number of sts to measure 6" and add 4 more chains for the foundation.
Row 1: sk 4 ch sts, work [1dc, ch1, 1dc] in 5th ch from the hook, *sk 2 ch sts, [1dc, ch, 1dc] in next st. Repeat from * across until the last ch st. 1dc in the last st.
Row 2: ch3 (counts as a dc st), turn, [1dc, ch1, 1dc] in every ch1 sp across. End with 1dc in turning ch.
Repeat row 2 for a total of 9 rows.
Fasten off and weave in all ends.
Block to 6x6 square.
Step-by-Step: How the Stitch Works
- Make the first V. Chain 25. Skip 4 chains (they stand in for the first double crochet) and work a double crochet, chain 1, double crochet all into the fifth chain from the hook. That's one V.
- Space the Vs along the chain. Skip 2 chains and work the next V into the following chain. Repeat across.
- Finish the row. One plain double crochet in the last chain keeps the sides straight.
- Row 2 goes into the spaces. Chain 3, turn, and work a V into the chain 1 space at the center of each V below. Slide the hook under the chain, not into it. End with one double crochet into the top of the turning chain.
- Repeat row 2. Every row is the same. Each new V sits in the middle of the old one, so the Vs stack in straight columns.
Tips and Common Mistakes
- Count Vs, not stitches. The swatch has the same number of Vs on every row. If you gain or lose one, you worked into a double crochet instead of a space, or missed a space at the edge.
- Don't skip the edge double crochet. The single double crochet at each end keeps the sides from slanting. The last one goes into the top of the chain 3, which is easy to miss.
- Keep the chain 1 relaxed. A tight center chain squeezes the V closed and makes the next row a struggle.
- It's a yarn-efficient stitch. The open centers cover more fabric per yard than plain double crochet, a good choice when you have a single skein.
What to Make With the Crochet V Stitch
V stitch is quick and open, which makes it a favorite for larger pieces:
- Throw blanket in worsted weight. See how to crochet a blanket for sizing.
- Triangle shawl in sport or DK weight, increasing one V at each edge.
- Baby blanket in DK, kept light by the open lattice.
Related Stitches
- Double Crochet Stitch — the base stitch of every V
- Fan and V Stitch — the next step, alternating Vs with fans
- Crochet Shell Stitch — five double crochet in one space instead of two
- Browse every crochet stitch tutorial
Yarn for This Stitch
V stitch drapes beautifully in a sport weight recycled silk, especially for a shawl or wrap. Darn Good Twist Sport Weight Silk Yarn is hand-dyed by artisans in India and works on a US G hook. For a quick throw, go up to the worsted weight yarn collection.
If you'd like a new skein to practice on every month, Yarn of the Month sends three hand-dyed skeins with a knit and crochet pattern written for them, $29 a month plus shipping.
Crochet V Stitch FAQ
Is the crochet V stitch reversible?
Nearly. The front and back of a V stitch fabric look almost identical, so you can use either side as the right side.
Does the V stitch use less yarn than double crochet?
Yes. The chain 1 spaces and skipped stitches mean each row covers more width with fewer stitches, so a V stitch blanket uses less yarn than a solid double crochet one of the same size.
What's the difference between V stitch and shell stitch?
A V is two double crochet with a chain between, in one space. A shell is usually five double crochet in one stitch. Vs make an open lattice; shells make a solid, scalloped fabric.
