How to Crochet the Open Catherine’s Wheel Stitch
If you love crochet stitches that have a texture but are still easy enough to enjoy row after row, the Open Catherine’s Wheel Stitch is such a fun one to try.
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This pretty stitch creates an airy version of the classic Catherine’s wheel texture, making it a perfect choice for light blankets, shawls, and breezy summer crochet projects.
For this open catherine’s wheel stitch tutorial, I created two samples to compare how the stitch looks and feels with different yarn weights: one using a lighter-weight 3 yarn and another using a worsted-weight 4 yarn.
Here is an image of both samples, side-by-side:
I honestly liked both versions, but they each have a slightly different personality. The worsted-weight sample gives the stitch a fuller, more defined texture, while the lighter-weight version has a softer drape and a more delicate look.
For a warm-weather project, especially something like a shawl, I would personally choose the lighter version because it feels airier and more comfortable to wear.
Speaking of light and pretty crochet stitches, while you’re here, you might also like to check out these tutorials: Openwork Crochet Star Stitch, Diamond Lace Crochet Stitch, and Stacked Shell Crochet Stitch.
Quick Tutorial Summary
- Stitch name: Open Catherine’s Wheel Stitch – an airier version of the Catherine’s Wheel Stitch
- Skill level: Easy
- Foundation multiples: 11 + 3 chains
- Row repeat: Row #2 to #7
- Best for these projects: Light blankets, shawls, and summer clothing.
- Tutorial type: Written instructions plus stitch diagram and step-by-step photos.
- Pattern construction: Turning rows worked horizontally.
- Stitches used: Chains (ch), single crochet (sc), and double crochet (dc).
- Recommended yarn: Cotton yarns, worsted-weight or lighter in two or more colors, for best stitch definition.
Stitch Diagram
Open Catherine’s Wheel Stitch Written Instructions:
In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through the Open Catherine’s Wheel Stitch with written instructions, a stitch diagram, and step-by-step photos so you can clearly see how each row comes together.
The pattern is worked horizontally in turning rows using only chains, single crochet, and double crochet stitches, with a repeat from Row 2 to Row 7.
For the best stitch definition, I recommend using cotton yarn in two or more colors, preferably worsted weight or lighter, so those beautiful open wheel shapes can really stand out.
All stitches used in this tutorial are very common, but if you need, you can get my Free, Printable Guide to Abbreviations & Terms (PDF download).
Foundation and Row 1 (C1):
Ch any multiple of 11 plus 3, then sc in 6th ch from hook, *ch 4, sk 4 chs, sc in next ch, ch 2, sk 2 chs, dc in next ch, ch 2, sk 2 chs, sc in next ch. Rep from * until 8 chs rem, ch 5, sk 4 chs, sc in next ch, ch 2, sk 2 chs, dc in last ch, ch 1, turn.
Row 2 (C1):
Sc in 1st dc, *[(dc, ch 1) x6, dc] in next ch-4 sp, sk next ch 2 sp, sc in next dc st. Rep from * to last, sc in last ch-5 sp, ch 3 with C2 (counts as a dc here and throughout), turn.
Row 3 (C2):
*dc in sp right before 1st dc st, (dc in sp bet next 2 dc sts) x2, ch 2, sc in sp bet next 2 dc sts, ch 2, (dc in sp bet next 2 dc sts) x3, sk next dc and sc, rep from * across, dc in last sc, ch 5, turn.
Row 4 (C2):
sk first 3 dc st, *sc in next dc, ch 2, dc in next sc, ch 2, sc in next dc, ch 4, sk 4 dc sts, rep * until 3 dc sts rem, ch 2, dc in last dc st, ch 4, turn.
Row 5 (C2):
[(dc, ch 1) x2, dc] in first ch 2 sp, sk next ch-2 sp, sc in next dc st, *[(dc, ch 1) x6, dc] in next ch-4 sp, sk next ch-2 sp, sc in next dc st. Rep from * to last, [(dc, ch 1) x3, dc] in last ch-2 sp, ch 3 with C1, turn.
Row 6 (C1):
dc in sp bet two 1st dc sts, (dc bet next 2 dc sts) x2, *sk next sc st, dc in sp right before next dc st, (dc in sp bet next 2 dc sts) x2, ch 2, sc in sp bet next 2 dc sts, ch 2, (dc in sp bet next 2 dc sts) x3, rep from * until 1 sc and 4 dc sts rem, (dc in sp bet next 2 dc sts) x4, ch 5, turn.
Row 7 (C1):
sc in 2nd dc st, *ch 4, sk 4 dc sts, sc in next dc st, ch 2, sk next ch-2 sp, dc in next sc st, ch 2, sk next ch-2 sp, sc in next dc st, rep from * until 6 dc st rem, ch 4, sk 4 dc sts, sc in next dc st, ch 2, dc in last dc, ch 1, turn.
Repeat rows 2-7 to the desired project length.
This is it for the open Catherine’s wheel stitch… six row-repeats and you have a beautiful and textured stitch to work with two or more colors of yan. I hope you enjoyed the stitch.
Explore More Crochet Stitches
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