Iris Stitch: Crochet Stitch Tutorial

The iris stitch is a pretty crochet stitch that is made using only double crochets and chains. It is an excellent crochet stitch for beginners because it uses just two simple stitches. Plus, the iris stitch is a no fuss, one row repeat crochet stitch that is a great option for simple comfort projects that still look beautiful!

To beginner crocheters who are looking for some simple crochet stitch options, may I offer up the iris crochet stitch? Iris crochet is a perfect stitch for beginners because it uses mainly double crochet stitches placed in specific chain spaces. While the resulting stitch combination looks complicated to create, I can assure you it really is quite an easy crochet stitch to master.

The iris crochet stitch looks similar to an iris flower once it is worked in a swatch. It may also remind you of a small or more open shell stitch. However, it only requires four double crochet stitches, a chain 1, and a one row repeat to create, which makes it simpler to learn and use in your own projects.

Personally, I love how versatile the iris stitch can be as well! It has a beautiful drape in almost any yarn weight, and while it is a crochet stitch with holes, you could easily use it for so many projects. From blankets to washcloths, the limit really is your imagination and the amount of yarn on hand.

New to Crochet?

If you are a complete newbie to crochet, you will need to learn the basics before trying the iris crochet stitch. You can find what you need in my posts on how to chain and how to double crochet for beginners. Make sure you feel confident in these skills before moving onto the iris stitch.

However, those who are more advanced will still love this crochet stitch pattern as an option to use whenever they want!

Either way, don’t forget to save this post for when you are ready to get started!

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Notes & Tips for the Iris Crochet Stitch:

• The number of chains should be a multiple of 4 (8, 12, 16, etc.) plus 3 to allow for a double crochet at the beginning and end of each row. Each iris will count as 4 stitches and then the extra 3 chains give space at the ends for the double crochet stitches.
• The chain 1 in the middle of the iris stitch does NOT count as a stitch.
• It is normal for the first row to look a little off when you are starting out. Don’t freak out! This stitch really needs to have several rows completed before it starts to look right.
• Make sure you start every new row with a chain 2 and end with a double crochet. This will give the stitch swatch clean sides.
• Be sure to work the final double crochet into the chain space and not the top of the chain from the previous row. This will allow it to stretch and relax more easily.
• New to crochet? Check out my 6 Beginner Crochet Stitches post for where to start!

Iris Crochet Stitch Video Tutorial:

How to Crochet the Iris Stitch:

When you crochet the iris stitch, follow these steps for completing row 1:

1. Chain a multiple of 4 plus 3. (16 + 3 = 19 is used in the example)
2. In the fifth chain from the hook, double crochet twice, chain 1, double crochet twice more.
3. Skip 3 chains.

Repeat steps 2 and 3 until there are only 2 chains left. Then double crochet once in the last chain to complete the row.

To crochet row 2, follow these steps:

1. Chain 2 (this counts as a double crochet stitch). Turn your work.
2. Skip the two double crochets of the first “iris”. In the first chain space, you will complete [2 double crochets, a chain 1, and 2 double crochets]. Repeat the steps in the brackets in each chain space of each “iris” across.
3. Finish the row with a double crochet in the chain space from the beginning of the previous row.

Repeat the steps for row 2 as many times as desired. That’s it!

What supplies do you need to crochet the iris stitch?

The iris stitch is a quick and easy crochet stitch that needs only the basics: yarn and a hook! It works really well with so many types of yarn and hooks, but if you are looking for some ideas, you can try out some of my favorites below:

My Most Used Crochet Hooks:

I Love This Yarn:

When it comes to yarn, the iris stitch has a wonderful drape that would work well with most yarns and yarn weights. However, for thicker yarns, you may want to size up your crochet hook to allow the chain space to be large enough to work into. You may need to experiment with a crochet stitch swatch with the desired yarn and hook before starting a project. If the stitch is too dense, size up your hook to allow for more room.

My crochet stitch example pictures and video are all with an I/9 or 5.5mm hook and worsted weight cotton yarn.

Iris Crochet Stitch Project Ideas:

The iris crochet stitch would be a great option for so many easy crochet projects! Some thoughts I have are below:

• The iris stitch would be an easy blanket crochet stitch, and I think it would be a good crochet stitch for a baby blanket, especially for a little girl.
• With it’s almost lacy texture with thinner yarns, it would be a beautiful shawl!
• I think it would be a great crochet stitch for a dishcloth because it would have texture but not be too dense.
• The iris stitch would make a beautiful bag as well! It would be stretchy but still have strength to hold things well.

The options are really endless with a crochet stitch this easy and beautiful.