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The lemon peel stitch alternates single crochet and double crochet across every row. Because each row starts with a single crochet, the sc always lands on top of a dc and the dc on top of an sc, which gives the fabric a pebbly surface like the skin of a lemon.
It's a beginner stitch, and one of the first texture stitches many people learn. There's one row to memorize, both sides look the same, and it lies flat.
The one thing that makes it work: an even stitch count. With an even number of stitches, every row ends on a dc and the next row starts with an sc on top of it, so the stitches keep alternating without you thinking about it.
Watch: Lemon Peel Stitch Video Tutorial
Watch the start of Row 2: the chain 1 does not count as a stitch, and the first sc goes into the last dc of the row below. That's the moment the pattern locks in.
What You Need
Yarn: the swatch uses worsted weight recycled silk. The stitch works in any weight; sport and DK give a finer pebble, bulky gives a chunky one. A smooth, light-colored yarn makes it easy to tell the sc from the dc while you learn.
Hook: 5.0 mm (US H-8).
Stitch multiple: the written pattern lists a multiple of 7 + 3. The practical rule is an even number of stitches; the swatch chains 25 and works 24 stitches per row.
Abbreviations (US terms): CH = chain; SC = single crochet; DC = double crochet. If either stitch is new, start with our how to crochet for beginners guide.
Lemon Peel Stitch Written Pattern
Size: 6"x6"
Gauge: 4x4 in DC = 14 sts x 12 rows
Yarn: Medium Weight Yarn - 24g 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
SC - Single Crochet
CH 25
Row 1: Beginning in 2nd CH from the hook, *SC, DC -- in next stitch* Repeat ** across. CH 1 and turn.
Rows 2-19: *SC, DC* repeat ** across.
Step-by-Step: How the Stitch Works
- Chain 25. Single crochet into the 2nd chain from the hook, then double crochet into the next chain. That's one repeat.
- Keep alternating sc, dc, sc, dc to the end of the chain. You'll finish on a dc with 24 stitches in the row. Chain 1 and turn.
- Start Row 2 with an sc. The chain 1 doesn't count, so the first sc goes into the last stitch of Row 1, which was a dc. Then dc into the next stitch, which was an sc.
- Work across. Every sc sits on a dc and every dc sits on an sc. The short sc pulls the taller dc down a little, and that's what makes the bumps.
- Repeat the same row for as long as you like. There are no right-side or wrong-side rows; the pattern is identical every row and the texture shows on both faces.
Tips and Common Mistakes
- Don't count the turning chain as a stitch. If you do, you'll start on the wrong stitch and get sc over sc, which flattens the texture.
- Count 24 at the end of every row, at least for the first few rows. The pattern won't look wrong right away if you lose a stitch, but the edges will slant.
- Keep the sc a touch loose and the dc a touch snug so the rows stay level. If your dc are very tall, the row will look wavy.
- The fabric is reversible and lies flat, so you don't need to track a right side unless you're adding a border that has one.
- Because half the stitches are dc, lemon peel grows faster and uses a little less yarn than all-sc fabric of the same size.
What to Make With the Lemon Peel Stitch
Lemon peel is sturdy, flat, and the same on both sides, which makes it a workhorse stitch:
- Dishcloths and washcloths in cotton or a cotton blend; the bumps give a little scrub.
- Blanket in worsted or bulky weight; it's an easy stitch to keep going for hundreds of rows. Our how to crochet a blanket guide covers sizes and borders.
- Beanie worked flat and seamed, or in the round with the same sc-dc rule.
- Scarf or cowl in sport weight silk for a lighter pebbled fabric.
Related Stitches
- Single Crochet Stitch — one of the two stitches you alternate here.
- Double Crochet Stitch — the other one.
- Crochet Even Moss Stitch — a similar pebbled texture made with sc and chain spaces instead.
- Shallow Single Crochet Stitch — another one-row beginner texture to try next.
- Browse every crochet stitch tutorial — the full Stitch Learning Center index.
Yarn for This Stitch
The swatch was worked in worsted weight recycled silk; the worsted weight yarn collection matches it. For a scarf or cowl, Darn Good Twist Sport Weight Silk Yarn gives a finer pebble with a soft sheen on the dc 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.
Lemon Peel Stitch FAQ
Is the lemon peel stitch reversible?
Yes. Every row is the same, and the sc-over-dc texture shows equally on both faces, so there's no wrong side.
Does the lemon peel stitch curl?
No. The mix of short and tall stitches balances the fabric, so it lies flat without a border.
Is lemon peel the same as the griddle stitch?
Yes. Griddle stitch is another name for alternating sc and dc with each row offset, and some patterns also call it the sc-dc stitch.
