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The zeroes and crosses stitch is named for what you see: a row of small open squares, a row of crossed double crochets that look like X's, then a plain row, over and over. The result is a light fabric with stripes of texture.
It's an intermediate stitch. Chains and double crochets are all you need, but the crossed row has you working backward into a skipped space, and it's easy to lose track at first.
The one thing that makes it work: in the crossed row, the second dc of every pair goes behind the first, into the space you skipped.
Watch: Zeroes and Crosses Stitch Video Tutorial
Watch Row 2: the forward dc, then the hook reaching back behind it into the skipped chain space.
What You Need
Yarn: the swatch uses worsted weight recycled silk. A smooth, light-colored yarn shows the crosses and mesh best.
Hook: 5.0 mm (US H-8), or the size that gives you the listed gauge.
Stitch multiple: the swatch starts with 28 chains. For a wider piece, add chains in pairs so the mesh row still ends on a dc.
Abbreviations (US terms): CH = chain; DC = double crochet; sk = skip; chsp = chain space.
Zeroes and Crosses Stitch Written Pattern
Size: 6"x6"
Gauge: Stockinette | 4x4 in DC = 12 Stitches | 8 Rows
Yarn: 20g or 24yds of DGY Worsted Weight Recycled Silk
Crochet Hook Size: 5.0mm (or size to achieve gauge)
Abbreviations:
CH - Chain
DC - Double Crochet
Sk - Skip
Chsp - chain space
CH 28
Row 1: 1 DC into 6th from the hook, *CH 1, sk 1, DC into next st. Repeat from * across. Turn.
Row 2: CH 3, sk next st, work two crossed stitches: 1 DC forward into chsp, 1 DC back into chsp just skipped working behind the DC so as not to catch it, *1 DC forward in next unoccupied chsp, working behind 1 DC back into previous chsp; repeat from * to end when last forward DC occupies turning chain, 1 DC into next ch, turn.
Row 3: CH 1, 1 DC into same stitch, 1 DC into next stitch and all across, working last into the turning chain. Turn.
Row 4: CH 4 (counts as 1 DC, CH 1), skip 2sts, 1 DC into next stitch, *CH 1, sk 1, 1 DC into next stitch; repeat from * ending last stitch in turning chain.
Rows 5-13: Repeat rows 2-4 three times. Bind off.
Step-by-Step: How the Stitch Works
- Row 1 makes the zeroes. Chain 28, dc into the 6th chain from the hook, then chain 1, skip a chain, dc into the next, across. The chain-1 spaces are the open squares.
- Row 2 makes the crosses. Chain 3 and skip the first stitch. Skip one chain space and dc into the next (the forward dc). Reach back behind that dc and work a dc into the skipped space. The two stitches cross, with the second behind the first.
- Repeat the pair across. Forward dc into the next empty chain space, backward dc behind it into the space before. When the last forward dc lands in the turning chain, dc into the next chain and turn.
- Row 3 is the solid row. Chain 1, dc into the same stitch, then dc across, ending in the turning chain. This flattens the crosses.
- Row 4 makes the zeroes again with chain 4, skip 2, dc, then chain 1, skip 1, dc across. From here the three rows repeat: zeroes, crosses, solid.
Tips and Common Mistakes
- Keep the backward dc behind the forward one; in front, the X looks tangled on the right side.
- The forward dc always goes into the next empty space; the backward dc goes into the one you just skipped.
- Row 3 begins with chain 1 and a dc in the same stitch, not chain 3; the shorter start keeps the edge from bulging.
- The right side is the face where the crosses look like clean X's; mark it after Row 2.
- The mesh rows save yarn; the swatch lists 24 yards of worsted for a 6-inch square.
What to Make With the Zeroes and Crosses Stitch
Zeroes and crosses makes a light, striped fabric:
- Scarf in worsted weight; the mesh rows give drape and the crosses give body.
- Lap blanket in worsted or DK weight. See how to crochet a blanket for sizing.
- Table runner in a smooth cotton or silk.
Related Stitches
- Crochet Mesh Stitch — the zeroes row on its own.
- Cross Double Crochet Stitch — the crosses row on its own, worked into stitches instead of spaces.
- Crossed Double Crochet Stitch — a close variation with the same behind-the-stitch move.
- Hot Cross Buns Stitch — another pattern that pairs crosses with open spaces.
- 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. A solid or lightly variegated color keeps the crosses readable.
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.
Zeroes and Crosses Stitch FAQ
Is the zeroes and crosses stitch reversible?
Mostly. The mesh and solid rows match on both sides; the crossed row looks cleaner on the side where the backward dc sits behind.
How much yarn does the zeroes and crosses stitch use?
Less than solid dc, since one row in three is open mesh. The swatch lists 24 yards of worsted.
What's the difference between this and the cross double crochet stitch?
Cross double crochet crosses every row into stitches. Zeroes and crosses works the crosses into chain spaces and separates them with a mesh row and a solid row, so it's lighter.
