Stitch Swatch Sampler Swatch 8: Checkerboard Stitch

SWATCH 8:  CHECKERBOARD STITCH

Checkerboard Stitch

Ch 14 (multiple of 4, plus 2 turning chains)

Row 1:  Sc in 3^rd ch from hook and in each st across.  12 sts.  Turn.

Row 2:  Ch 1, sc in first 2 sts, dc in next 2 sts.  *Sc in next 2 sts, dc in next 2 sts.  Rep from * across row.

Rep Row 2 nine times more, until you have 10 rows total. 

Last row:  Ch 1, sc in each st across row.  Break off.

Checkerboard Stitch Pro Tips:

• ·         As for single crochet, work the last stitch into the turning chain instead of the last stitch; this will give a more straight, even edge.  In general, use single crochet pro tips.
• ·         Note that normally you will be working a sc into a dc or a dc into a sc when working this stitch pattern.
• ·         If you have trouble getting the correct gauge on this stitch pattern, use whatever hook size will give you the stitch gauge (12 sts=4”).  Adjust the row gauge by working more or less rows (making sure your first and last rows are in plain sc).  If it helps, you could work two sc rows at each end instead of one…whatever works.

Stitch Swatch Sampler Swatch 7: Up and Down Stitch

SWATCH 7:  UP AND DOWN STITCH

Up and Down Stitch

Ch 14 (Multiple of 2, + 2 turning chs)

Row 1:  Sc in 3^rd ch and in each st across.  Turn.  12 sts.

Row 2:  Ch 1, sc in first st, (dc in next st, sc in next st) 5 times, sc in last st.  Turn.

Rep Row 2 until you have 11 rows, then rep Row 1.  Break off.

Abbreviations:  ch  chain  sc  single crochet  st  stitch  dc  double crochet  rep  repeat

Up and Down Pro Tips:

• ·         As for single crochet, work the last stitch into the turning chain instead of the last stitch; this will give a more straight, even edge.  In general, use single crochet pro tips.
• ·         Note that normally you will be working a sc into a dc or a dc into a sc when working this stitch pattern.
• ·         It may help to chant, “Single, double” over and over again as you do this stitch pattern.  If there are people around, you have my permission to just think it.
• ·         If you have trouble getting the correct gauge on this stitch pattern, use whatever hook size will give you the stitch gauge (12 sts=4”).  Adjust the row gauge by working more or less rows (making sure your first and last rows are in plain sc).  If it helps, you could work two sc rows at each end instead of one…whatever works.