The Crochet Boxed Block Stitch is a beautifully textured design that creates an elegant boxed effect, perfect for blankets, scarves, and decorative throws. The alternating spaces and clusters give it a modern look while still being cozy and warm. Whether you’re making a baby blanket or a larger afghan, this stitch works up quickly and looks stunning in both solid colors and stripes.
The Crochet Boxed Block Stitch is the perfect choice for anyone looking to create pieces with a clean, structured, and sophisticated look. Its repeating block pattern gives your work a unique charm while maintaining the softness and comfort that crochet projects are known for. This stitch strikes the ideal balance between beauty and practicality eye-catching in design, yet simple enough to memorize after just a few repeats.
Another great advantage of this stitch is its versatility. You can work it in solid colors for a timeless, classic style, or experiment with bold color combinations to achieve a more modern and playful effect. It adapts beautifully to different yarn types from soft cotton for baby blankets to heavier yarns for bedspreads and home décor items. No matter your choice, the result will always be elegant and professional.
Stitches Used (US Terms)
-
Single Crochet (SC): Insert hook into stitch, yarn over (YO) and pull up a loop, YO and pull through both loops on hook.
-
Double Crochet (DC): YO, insert hook into stitch, YO and pull up a loop, YO and pull through two loops, YO and pull through the last two loops.
-
Front Post Double Crochet (FPDC): YO, insert hook from front to back around the post of the next DC, YO and pull up a loop, complete as a regular DC.
-
Back Post Double Crochet (BPDC): YO, insert hook from back to front around the post of the next DC, YO and pull up a loop, complete as a regular DC.
Pattern Instructions
Foundation:
With white yarn, ch 103. (For custom sizes, use a multiple of 5 plus 3 chains.)
Row 1: SC in the 2nd ch from hook and in each stitch across. Ch 1, turn.
Row 2: SC in each of the first 2 sts, ch 3, skip next 3 sts, SC in the next 2 sts. Repeat from * to end. SC in each of the last 2 sts. Ch 3, turn.
Row 3: Work 5 DC into each ch-3 space across, skipping over the SCs. End with 1 DC in the last SC of the row below. Ch 1, turn.
Row 4: SC in the first 2 DC, ch 3, skip the next 3 DC, SC in the next 2 DC. Repeat from * across. SC in each of the last 2 sts. Ch 1, turn.
Continue repeating Rows 3 and 4 until your project reaches the desired length.
Border
-
Prepare for Border: Weave in all loose ends with a tapestry needle before starting.
-
Round 1: With white yarn, join in the top left-hand corner. Ch 3, then work 1 round of DC evenly around the entire blanket. In each corner, work 5 DC. On the sides, place 2 DC into the side of each DC row and 1 DC into each SC row.
-
Round 2: When you return to your starting point, work 5 DC around the starting corner. Continue in the same direction, alternating FPDC and BPDC around the blanket. In the corners, maintain this alternating pattern but work 3 stitches into the same corner post.
-
Example: If you approach a corner with a FPDC, work FPDC–BPDC–FPDC into the corner post, then continue with the opposite stitch next.
-
-
Rounds 3–4 (and more if desired): Continue working alternating FPDC and BPDC, matching the post stitches to the row below so the raised ridges stay consistent. In each corner, work 3 alternating post stitches into the corner post.
-
Finishing: Complete as many rounds as you want for your desired border height (5 rounds recommended). Join with a sl st to the starting stitch, fasten off, and weave in any remaining ends.
Tips for Success
-
Use high-contrast colors for striking striped designs.
-
Keep your tension even for a uniform boxed look.
-
Block your finished piece for crisp edges.
