How to crochet seed stitch + color change
The crochet seed stitch is a beginner friendly stitch that consists of 1 single crochet + 1 double crochet in one row and 1 double crochet + 1 single crochet in the next row.
By alternating rows with the two stitches, you will create a beautiful texture that will look great in a wide range of crochet projects.
Additionally, the fact that it’s a simple two row-repeat pattern it is a relaxing and satisfying stitch to work with.
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Table of Contents
Is the crochet seed stitch easy for beginners?
Absolutely! The seed stitch requires very basic skills, which are the single crochet and double crochet stitches.
If you are a beginner looking to learn a new combination of stitches that’s great for textures and color-work, then the seed stitch is for you.
The techniques you should know
The crochet seed stitch is a simple combination of single crochet and double stitches. Additionally to those two stitches you will also need to know how to chain.
Here are the written instructions for those three stitches:
- Chain (ch): insert the hook in next stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop.
- Single Crochet (sc): Insert the hook in next stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over again, pull through both loops.
- Double Crochet (dc): Yarn over, insert the hook in next stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop. Yarn over again, pull through two loops, twice.
Projects you can crochet with the seed stitch
The crochet seed stitch creates a closed-work and solid fabric that’s great for a variety of projects. Here are some project ideas that will look great with the seed stitch:
- Garments: such as sweaters and tops.
- Wearable accessories: such as simple scarves, pocket scarves and cowls.
- Home accessories: blankets, pillows, kitchen towels and washcloths.
Seed stitch color change method
The crochet seed stitch is great for color work. Here is how you change colors for rows:
The first option is to switch to color 2 when you have two loops left on the hook at the end of the row. Then, you will carry the previous yarn as you go by making the stitches with the new yarn over the strand of the previous color.
The second option is to cut the yarn at the end of each row. But with this option you will have to deal with weaving in all the ends afterwards.
How to crochet the seed stitch
Here are the spelled out instructions for the crochet seed stitch. If you are more comfortable with the stitch abbreviations, check the “print” version below.
Crochet an even number of chains. For the pictured swatch we will chain 20.
Make row 1: Single crochet in the 2nd chain from the hook, *dc in next chain, single crochet in next chain, repeat from the asterisk across, chain 2, turn.
Note: see “color change instructions” if you are using two different colors of yarn.
Make row 2: (double crochet, single crochet) until you have 1 stitch left, double crochet, chain 1, turn.
Make row 3: (single crochet, double crochet) until you have 1 stitch left, single crochet, chain 2, turn.
Repeat rows 2 and 3 to the desired project length.
Pattern notes
Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions to create your swatch, here is the information you will need to know.
- Skill level: Beginner
- Row multiples: two row-repeat
- Stitch formula: 1 sc + 1 dc in one row and 1 dc + 1 sc in the next row.
- Turning chains 1 and 2 don’t count as a stitch.
- There is no right or wrong side for this stitch when working with back-and-forth rows.
Pattern abbreviations:
- ch (s): chain (s)
- sc: single crochet
- dc: double crochet
- sl st: slip stitch
- st: stitch
Materials you will need:
- Crochet hook – the size used in this tutorial was 4.50 mm (US 7) Clover Amour hook.
- Yarn – the crochet seed stitch will look good with most yarn weights, I used worsted weight (#4) for this tutorial.
- Smalll and sharp yarn scissors.
- Stitch Markers – depending on the project, they will come handy so you can keep track of your rows and stitches.
- Tapestry needles – for weaving in your ends. I like the bent tip needles.
Crochet seed stitch instructions
Here is the step-by-step instructions on how to crochet the seed stitch with stitch abbreviations.
Materials
- Worsted weight yarn
Tools
- 4.5 mm (US 7) crochet hook
- Scissors
- Stitch marker
- Tapestry needle
Instructions
- Crochet any even number of chains for the foundation. For the pictured swatch we will chain 20
- Row 1: sc in the 2nd ch from hook, *dc in next ch, sc in next ch, repeat from the asterisk across, ch 2, turn [19]
- Row 2: (dc, sc) until you have 1 stitch left, dc, ch 1, turn [19]
- Row 3: (sc, dc) until you have 1 stitch left, sc, ch 2, turn [19]
- Repeat rows 2 and 3 to the desired project length.
Notes
- See “color change instructions” if you are using two different colors of yarn.
- You will find some patterns that count the turning chain as a stitch. But with these instructions you’re not doing so.
- Turning chains 1 and 2 don’t count as a stitch.
- The edges will look better when you use 2 chains as a turning chain instead of 3. And if you don’t count them as a stitch. By doing this, you avoid a gap.
- Level of dificulty: Beginner
- The instructions in this tutorial were written in US terminology.
- To create the crochet Seed Stitch, you will alternate “1 sc + 1 dc” in one row with “1 dc + 1 sc” in the next row.
- There is no right or wrong side for this stitch when working with back-and-forth rows.
Other tutorials you will like
- Crochet Moss Stitch with diagrams
- Crochet Alpine Stitch tutorial with pictures
- Two ways to crochet the popcorn stitch.
Final thoughts
The crochet seed stitch will be an amazing new skill for you. Whether you are thinking about making something small or a larger project, I hope this tutorial was helpful.
Drop a comment below if you have any questions or if you just would like to say “hi”. Another way to reach out to me is by joining my community group on Facebook.
If you use any of my patterns or tutorials for a project, please tag me @zamiguz or use the hashtag #zamiguzmakers. I would love to see what you make.