Rewards
The hot cross buns stitch is a three-row texture: a row of tall treble X stitches, a row of small double crochet clusters that sit in the center of each X, and a row of single crochet to flatten everything out. The X is the cross, the cluster is the bun, and the result is a row of raised, rounded bumps with a crossed shape behind each one.
It's rated intermediate. The treble X stitch has a long set of yarn overs, and the dc3tog cluster is worked into the chain space of the X, so there's a fair amount to keep track of in Rows 2 and 3.
Watch: Hot Cross Buns Stitch Video Tutorial
Watch the treble X in Row 2 from start to finish, especially where the hook goes for the second leg and for the center chain that holds the X together.
What You Need
Worsted weight yarn with a 5.0mm (US H-8) hook matches the swatch. A smooth, light-colored yarn shows the X shapes and the clusters while you learn; dark or textured yarn hides where the chain space is.
Abbreviations (US terms): ch = chain; sc = single crochet; dc = double crochet; tr = treble crochet (written TC in the pattern); sk = skip; st = stitch; yo = yarn over; TCh = turning chain; ch sp = chain space; DC3tog = double crochet three together (a cluster); TX = treble X stitch, defined in the pattern.
Stitch multiple: multiple of 3 + 2. The swatch chains 24 for 23 sc, which gives 7 X stitches plus an edge stitch on each side. 70 crochet abbreviations and definitions covers the rest.
Hot Cross Buns Stitch Written Pattern
Size: 6"x6"
Gauge: 4x4 in DC = 11sts x 7 rows
Yarn: 15g of DGY worsted weight recycled silk
Crochet Hook Size: 5.0mm
Abbreviations: CH - Chain; DC - Double Crochet; SC - Single Crochet; SK - Skip a Stitch; St - Stitch; TC - Treble Crochet; TCh - Turning Chain; TX: Treble X Stitch - 2 YO, Ins hook and pull up a loop, yo and pull through 2 loops, yo, sk 1, insert hook and pull up a loop, *yo and pull through 2 loops* repeat three more times. CH 1, YO, Insert hook where stitches meet, pull up a loop, yo pull through two loops twice.; Yo - Yarn Over; DC3tog - Double Crochet three together; Ch Sp: Chain Space
CH 24
Row 1: Working into the 2nd CH from hook, SC across. Turn (23 SC)
Row 2: CH 4 (counts as 1 TC), TX across, end with TC in final st. Turn. (7 TX and 2 TC)
Row 3: CH 3 (count as 1 DC), DC3tog in ch sp of the first TX, CH 2 and repeat across. End row with DC. Turn. (7 DC3tog, 14 CH, and 2 DC)
Row 4: CH 1, SC across.
Rows 5-10: Repeat rows 2-4.
Step-by-Step: How the Stitch Works
- Chain 24 and sc across for 23 stitches. Turn and chain 4; this counts as the first treble.
- Treble X stitch, first leg: yarn over twice, insert the hook in the next stitch, pull up a loop, and pull through two loops once. Leave the rest on the hook. Yarn over, skip a stitch, insert into the next stitch, pull up a loop, then pull through two loops four times. You've made two legs joined at the top, over three stitches.
- Chain 1, yarn over, insert the hook where the two legs meet, pull up a loop, and pull through two loops twice. That small dc at the junction makes the second arm of the X, and the chain 1 leaves a space in the middle. Repeat across and finish with a treble in the last stitch.
- Row 3: chain 3, then work a dc3tog into the chain space of the first X. Chain 2, dc3tog in the next chain space, and keep going. Each cluster is the "bun" sitting on its cross. End with a dc in the turning chain.
- Row 4 is sc across, working into the clusters and chains so you're back to a flat row of 23. Repeat Rows 2 through 4.
Tips and Common Mistakes
- Count after Row 2. You should have 7 X stitches and the two edge trebles. A miscount here usually means the skip between the two legs was missed.
- Keep the chain 1 in the middle of each X loose enough to see. Row 3 depends on finding that space.
- The right side is the face where the clusters pop out. Row 3 is worked on it, so the clusters push toward you as you make them.
- This stitch uses more yarn than plain dc because of the clusters and the tall trebles. Budget about a quarter more than a dc project of the same size.
What to Make With the Hot Cross Buns Stitch
Its weight suits a worsted weight cushion cover, a bulky weight lap blanket, or a thick scarf. In DK it works as a textured panel on a bag front. If you're working toward a blanket, how to crochet a blanket covers how to size a chain in a multiple of 3 + 2.
Related Stitches
- Treble Crochet — practice the tall stitch before you cross it.
- Double Crochet Cluster Stitch — the cluster from Row 3, on its own.
- Zeroes and Crosses Stitch — another crossed-stitch texture.
- Browse every crochet stitch tutorial
Yarn for This Stitch
The swatch is worsted weight recycled silk, and a worsted weight yarn is the right starting point: heavy enough for the clusters to stand up, light enough to see the X behind them. For a lap blanket, bulky weight turns the buns into big, soft bumps. 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.
Hot Cross Buns Stitch FAQ
Is the hot cross buns stitch reversible?
No. The clusters show on one side; the back is flatter, with the crossed trebles visible.
Does it curl?
No. The sc row every third row keeps it flat and square.
Is it beginner-friendly?
It's a step up. You need sc, dc, treble, and a cluster, plus the treble X. Try the treble and cluster stitches on their own first, then come back.
