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The crossed double crochet stitch is a pair of double crochets worked out of order: you skip a stitch, work a dc in the next one, then reach back and work a dc into the skipped stitch, crossing over the first. Each pair makes a small X. A row of them looks like a line of cables, and the single crochet rows between them keep the fabric flat and even.
The result is a firm, textured fabric that holds its shape well, which suits bags, cushions, and borders.
It's rated beginner. The only new motion is working that second dc over the first.
Watch: Crossed Double Crochet Stitch Video Tutorial
Watch where the hook goes for the second dc of each pair: into the skipped stitch, with the hook passing in front of the dc you just made.
What You Need
A worsted weight yarn with a 4.5mm (US 7) hook matches the swatch. A smooth, light-colored yarn shows the X shapes while you learn; the crossed stitch is hard to read in a dark or fuzzy yarn.
Abbreviations (US terms): ch = chain; dc = double crochet; sc = single crochet; sk = skip; TC = turning chain; st = stitch; 2Cdc = two crossed double crochet (skip the next stitch, dc in the following stitch, then dc into the skipped stitch, working over the dc you just made).
Stitch multiple: multiple of 2 + 2 stitches (chain a multiple of 2 plus 4). The swatch chains 26 for 24 working stitches. More terms are in 70 crochet abbreviations and definitions.
Crossed Double Crochet Stitch Written Pattern
Size: 6"x6"
Gauge: 4x4 in DC = 11sts x 9 rows
Yarn: 17g of DGY worsted weight recycled silk
Crochet Hook Size: 4.5mm
Abbreviations: CH - Chain; DC - Double Crochet; SC - Single Crochet; SK - Skip a Stitch; TC - Turning Chain; 2Cdc - Two Crossed Double Crochet: sk next st, 1 DC in to next st, 1DC into skipped st working over previous DC; ST - stitch
CH 26
Row 1: Sk 3 (counts as DC) *2Cdc over next 2 CH; rep from * ending one DC in last CH. Turn.
Row 2: CH 1 (counts as SC), sk 1, SC in each st to end, working last in top of TC. Turn.
Row 3: CH 3 (count as DC), sk 1, *Work 2Cdc over next 2 sts; repeat from * ending DC into TC. Turn.
Rows 4-17: Repeat Rows 2-3.
Weave in ends.
Step-by-Step: How the Stitch Works
- Chain 26. Skip the first three chains; they stand in for the first dc of Row 1.
- For the first crossed pair, skip one chain and work a dc into the next chain. Now yarn over and insert the hook into the chain you skipped, passing the hook in front of the dc you just made. Finish the dc normally. The second stitch crosses over the first and makes the X.
- Repeat over every two chains to the end, then work one plain dc in the last chain. You now have 24 stitches: an edge dc, eleven crossed pairs, and an edge dc.
- Row 2 is a row of single crochet into every stitch, including the top of the turning chain. This row flattens the crosses and gives the next row a clean base.
- Row 3 repeats the crossed pairs, starting with a ch 3 and ending with a dc into the turning chain. Rows 2 and 3 alternate from there, so the Xs line up in neat columns.
Tips and Common Mistakes
- Keep the first dc of each pair a touch loose. The second dc wraps around it, and a tight first stitch makes the cross bunch up.
- Count after every crossed row. The most common slip is skipping two chains instead of one, which drops a stitch and tilts the edge.
- The right side is the face where the Xs sit raised and slant the same way. Row 1 and the odd rows are worked on it.
- The sc rows pull in slightly compared with the dc rows, so the edges can scallop a little. Blocking fixes it; so does a looser sc.
What to Make With the Crossed Double Crochet Stitch
The firm fabric suits a worsted weight tote or market bag, a cushion cover, or a chunky cowl in bulky weight where the Xs show large. In DK or sport weight it makes a tidy textured scarf. It also works as a border row on a plain blanket; the alternating sc rows mean it lies flat along the edge. If a blanket is the goal, how to crochet a blanket covers sizing and yarn amounts.
Related Stitches
- Double Crochet Stitch — the basic stitch the cross is built from.
- Cross Double Crochet Stitch — another version of the crossed pair, worked without the sc rows.
- Crochet Cable Stitch — the next step if you like the cabled look.
- Browse every crochet stitch tutorial
Yarn for This Stitch
The swatch is worked in worsted weight recycled silk, and a smooth worsted weight yarn keeps the Xs readable. For a lighter scarf, sport weight on a smaller hook works well; Darn Good Twist Sport Weight Silk Yarn, hand-dyed by artisans in India, gives good stitch definition for this one.
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.
Crossed Double Crochet Stitch FAQ
Is crossed double crochet reversible?
Not quite. The back shows the crosses as softer diagonals. It's close enough for a scarf, but there is a better side.
Does crossed double crochet curl?
No. The sc rows between the crossed rows keep it flat, which is one reason this version is easy to work with.
Is it beginner-friendly?
Yes. You need chain, sc, and dc. The cross is one new hook placement, and the video shows it clearly.
