How to Crochet the Floret Stitch (Video + Written Pattern)

The floret stitch is a two-row pattern: a plain row of double crochet, then a row that alternates double crochet with slip stitch. The slip stitches pull the fabric down and the doubles pop up between them, so each dc looks like a small bud sitting on a flat ground.

It's an intermediate stitch, mostly because working a double crochet into a slip stitch takes a little care. The stitches themselves are simple and the pattern is easy to memorize.

The one thing that makes it work: keep the slip stitches loose. A tight slip stitch is almost impossible to get a hook into on the next row, and that's where most people give up on this stitch.

Watch: Floret Stitch Video Tutorial

Watch how loosely the slip stitches are made on Row 2 and where the hook goes into them on Row 3; that's the part that makes or breaks the stitch.

What You Need

Yarn: the swatch uses worsted weight recycled silk. A smooth, light-colored yarn makes the slip stitches easy to find on the following row; fuzzy yarn hides them.

Hook: 5.0 mm (US H-8). If your slip stitches come out tight, go up a size rather than fighting them.

Stitch multiple: the pattern lists a multiple of 7 + 3. The swatch chains 24 and works 22 stitches in every row, counting the turning chain on the dc rows.

Abbreviations (US terms): CH = chain; DC = double crochet; SlSt = slip stitch; SK = skip. The crochet abbreviations guide has the rest.

Floret Stitch Written Pattern

Size: 6"x6"

Gauge: 4x4 in DC = 16sts x 8 rows

Yarn: Medium Weight Yarn - 19g of DGY Worsted Weight Recycled Silk

Crochet Hook Size: 5.0mm

Stitches worked over a multiple of 7 + 3

Abbreviations:
CH - Chain
DC - Double Crochet
SlSt - Slip Stitch
SK - Skip a Stitch

CH 24

Row 1: Working into the 4th CH from the hook DC. DC into all remaining stitches. Turn. (22 sts for all rows)

Row 2: CH 1, SK 1, *DC, SlSt* and repeat ** to the end of the row. Turn.

Row 3: CH 3, DC into each SlSt and DC from previous row. Turn.

Rows 4-16: Repeat rows 2 and 3.

Step-by-Step: How the Stitch Works

1. Row 1 is a solid base. Chain 24, dc into the 4th chain from the hook, and dc into every chain after it. The skipped chains count as the first dc, giving 22 stitches.
2. Row 2 makes the buds. Chain 1 and skip the first stitch. Then dc into the next stitch and slip stitch into the one after. Keep alternating dc, slip stitch to the end of the row.
3. Notice what happens. The slip stitches pull the row flat, so each dc between them stands up as a small bump. That's the floret.
4. Row 3 covers the buds. Chain 3 and dc into every stitch across, both the slip stitches and the doubles. Open each slip stitch with the hook tip before you yarn over so you don't split it.
5. Repeat Rows 2 and 3. Each bud row sits between two solid dc rows, so the florets line up in neat horizontal bands up the fabric.

Tips and Common Mistakes

• Make every slip stitch loose on purpose. Pull the loop up a little taller than feels natural; it will tighten on its own when you work into it.
• Row 2's chain 1 doesn't count as a stitch and Row 3's chain 3 does. Count 22 at the end of each row until that feels automatic.
• The buds push out more on one face. Decide early which face is the right side and keep it consistent when you seam.
• If the fabric looks pinched in the bud rows, your slip stitches are too tight or your hook is too small; go up a size.
• Floret is denser than plain dc, so it uses a bit more yarn; the swatch lists 19 grams of worsted.

What to Make With the Floret Stitch

Floret stitch makes a firm, cushioned fabric with a soft texture, good for things that get handled:

• Baby blanket in worsted or DK weight; the bumps are small enough to be soft against skin.
• Scarf or cowl in sport weight silk, where the buds catch the light.
• Washcloth or hot pad, a small project to practice the slip stitch tension. For more texture stitches to pair it with, see our 15 essential crochet stitches guide.

Related Stitches

• Double Crochet Stitch — every other row of the floret stitch, on its own.
• Slip Stitch Back Loop Stitch — practice for working slip stitches with even tension.
• Crochet Puff Stitch — a bigger, rounder bump if you want more texture.
• Crochet Bobble Stitch — the next step up in raised stitches.
• Browse every crochet stitch tutorial — the full Stitch Learning Center index.

Yarn for This Stitch

The swatch was worked in worsted weight recycled silk, and the worsted weight yarn collection is where to match it. For a lighter scarf, Darn Good Twist Sport Weight Silk Yarn makes smaller buds with a bit of shine on each 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.

Floret Stitch FAQ

Is the floret stitch reversible?
Not quite. The buds show on both faces, but they push out more on one side, so most people treat that side as the right side.

Why is Row 3 so hard to work into?
The slip stitches are too tight. Work them loosely on Row 2, use a slightly larger hook, and open each one with the hook tip before you yarn over.

Is the floret stitch beginner-friendly?
Close. The stitches are only dc and slip stitch, and the pattern is two rows. The one skill is keeping the slip stitches loose.