How To Crochet The X Stitch For Beautiful Round-based Projects

The Crochet X Stitch adds a subtle yet striking texture to your projects, thanks to its unique yarn-under technique.

Quick to learn and perfect for creating plush toys, accessories, or decorative pieces, this versatile stitch offers both beauty and practicality for crocheters of all skill levels.

The X Stitch is ideal for crafting durable, eye-catching items worked in rounds, including plush toys, baskets, and more. Its neatly crossed pattern stands out while offering strength and adaptability.

With a slight variation on the single crochet, it’s an appealing option for any creative endeavor.

Credit Cathérine Crochet

Step-by-Step Pattern

Materials

To recreate the Crochet X Stitch, gather the following supplies:

• Yarn: Any yarn will work, but for beginners, a medium-weight worsted yarn is recommended.
• Hook size: Choose a hook size appropriate for your yarn (commonly 5mm or as recommended on the yarn label).
• Optional tools: Stitch marker (to keep track of rounds), scissors, and a yarn needle for weaving the ends.

Stitch Guide

Before diving into the X Stitch, it helps to understand these basic terms and techniques:

• Chain (ch): Create a foundation of chains by yarning over and pulling through.
• Slip Stitch (sl st): Insert the hook into the stitch, yarn over, and pull it through both loops.
• Single Crochet (sc): Insert the hook into the stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over again, and pull through both loops.
• X Stitch (xs): A slight modification of the single crochet, with one key difference: instead of yarn over, you use yarn under when pulling the working yarn through. This subtle change creates the distinctive X texture.

Notes

• Gauge: The X Stitch tends to be slightly tighter than the traditional single crochet. If your stitches feel too tight, consider using a larger hook for easier tension.
• Customization: This stitch is perfect for round-based projects (like amigurumi or coasters), but you can experiment with it in flat pieces, too!
• Consistency: Pay close attention to your “yarn under” technique—it’s the key to achieving the crisscross effect.

Pattern Instructions

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process for mastering the Crochet X Stitch. We will simulate working in the round.

Foundation Steps:

1. Create a starting chain
   • Make a short foundation chain using the number of stitches recommended by your specific project (for practice, start with 12 chains).
2. Join into a round
   • Use a slip stitch to join the last chain to the first chain. Be cautious not to twist the chain.

The X Stitch

• Basic single crochet setup
  • Insert your hook into the next stitch of the chain as you would for a traditional single crochet.
• Yarn under instead of over
  • Place the working yarn under the hook (instead of over). Pull the yarn back through the stitch to the front.

• Complete the stitch
  • Yarn over the hook (as usual) and pull through both loops on the hook.

• Repeat in the round
  • Keep working this technique into each stitch around. The slight modification of yarning under will naturally create the unique “X” shape in the stitches.

Finishing Touches

• Joining the rounds: To close each round, slip stitch into the first X Stitch, then chain 1 to continue to the next round. Using a stitch marker can help you keep track of where each round begins.
• Customizing the project: Once you’ve mastered the X Stitch in a simple practice round, apply it to other round-based crochet projects, like plush toys or textured coasters.

Pattern Question:

Q: Do I need to count a specific number of stitches to use the X Stitch?

A: No, the X Stitch doesn’t require a specific stitch count. Simply follow the yarn-under technique to create the unique cross pattern, making it versatile for various round-based projects.

Conclusion:

The Crochet X Stitch is a fun and rewarding technique that transforms simple projects into something truly special. Its easy-to-learn nature and visually stunning results make it a go-to choice for crafters looking to elevate their designs.

Video Tutorial