Learn how to crochet the wonderfully textured crochet Alpine Stitch in this quick, comprehensive tutorial that includes photos, written instructions, and a video.
I love the texture of this stitch and think it is the perfect stitch for a blanket, bag, scarf/cowl, hat, or other accessories. It’s especially good for baby blankets and garments (both pullover sweaters and cardigans) as the texture feels wonderful. Try it for fall jackets, and cushion covers, too!
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Other Names for the Alpine Stitch
This stitch goes by many other names, including the raised ripple stitch and the alternating double crochet and front post stitch. But the most common name for it is the crochet Alpine Stitch.
Alpine Stitch Video Tutorial
How to Crochet the Alpine Stitch (Written pattern and photo tutorial)
What You’ll Need
Yarn: Any weight yarn will do, although it does get super thick once you get to a yarn weight 6 or 7, which might be just what you’re looking for!
Crochet Hook: Size appropriate for your yarn. If you aren’t sure about the size, check the yarn label for a recommended hook size.
Notions: Yarn needle, scissors
Notes
These instructions are in US terms. UK terms for sc are dc, dc is tr and fpdc is fptr. (A US double crochet is a UK treble crochet.)
You will be alternating fpdc and regular dc stitches, so when working a row with fpdc, if the stitch below is a fpdc, you will work a dc into it, and if the stitch below is a dc, fpdc into it.
Make sure to skip the unused sc behind the fpdc.
Never work the fpdc into the sc rows, always reach down into the dc below the single crochet row.
Ch 3 at beginning of row always counts as dc.
Stitch Abbreviations
Chain Stitch (ch)
Single Crochet Stitch (sc)
Double Crochet Stitch (dc)
Front Post Double Crochet (fpdc)
Stitch Pattern Instructions
Chain any odd number of chains.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across; turn.
Row 2: Ch 3, dc in each st across; turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in each st across; turn.
Row 4: Ch 3, *fpdc around next dc two rows below, dc in top of next st of same row; repeat from * to last st, fpdc around turning ch.
Row 5: Ch1, sc in each st across; turn.
Row 6: Ch 3, *dc in top of next st, fpdc around next dc two rows below; repeat from * to end.
Repeat rows 3-6 until desired length.
Common Questions about the Crochet Alpine Stitch
The alpine stitch does use up a good amount of yarn, but it is similar to the amount of yarn used in simple single crochet, which is also a yarn eater. Any time you work post crochet stitches you can expect to have to use up a bit more yarn.
The Alpine Stitch is a wonderful stitch for blankets! In fact, it’s part of our pattern collection of 25 best crochet stitches for blankets! The texture of this stitch makes for an especially snuggly crochet blanket.
If you are careful to bring your fpdc stitches up to the height of the row you are working, then you will find that this crochet stitch lies relatively flat. It does not have that tendency to curl as much on the sides as plain single crochet does.
To crochet an alpine stitch scarf you would chain an odd number of stitches as wide as you want your scarf to be, then follow the instructions above for working the alpine stitch. Keep in mind that while the wrong side of this stitch doesn’t look like the right side, the ws still has a nice texture to it.
The alpine stitch is an easy four row repeat that starts with an odd numbered chain. Row 1 is a row of sc, row 2 is a row of dc, row 3 is a row of sc, row 4 alternates double crochet and front post double crochet stitches. Row 5 is a row of sc and row 6 alternates dc and fpdc, in a staggered pattern from row 4. Then, you repeat rows 3-6 for the pattern.
How to Crochet the Alpine Stitch (Easy Tutorial)
Learn how to crochet the wonderfully textured Alpine Stitch.
Materials
- Any yarn of choice
Tools
- Appropriate hook for yarn
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends
- Scissors
Instructions
Chain any odd number of chains
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across; turn
Row 2: Ch 3, dc in each st across; turn
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in each st across; turn
Row 4: Ch 3, *fpdc around next dc two rows below, dc in top of next st of same row; repeat from * to last st, fpdc around turning ch
Row 5: Ch1, sc in each st across; turn
Row 6: Ch 3, *dc in top of next st, fpdc around next dc two rows below; repeat from * to end
Notes
These instructions are in US terms. UK terms for sc are dc, dc is tr and fpdc is fptr. (A US double crochet is a UK treble crochet.)
You will be alternating fpdc and regular dc stitches, so when working a row with fpdc, if the stitch below is a fpdc, you will work a dc into it, and if the stitch below is a dc, fpdc into it.
Make sure to skip the unused sc behind the fpdc.
Never work the fpdc into the sc rows, always reach down into the dc below the single crochet row.
Ch 3 at beginning of row always counts as dc.
Check out these other amazing stitches that make for beautiful blankets!