The Box Stitch: A Beginner Crochet Tutorial

The Box Stitch is a simple crochet stitch that even beginner crocheters can complete! It is worked up with a two row repeat and uses just the most basic stitches. With just a little practice, a crocheter of any skill level can learn how to crochet this beginner crochet stitch.

I have a tendency to really favor my favorite stitch combinations and just use them over and over again. When you find something you like, you use it all the time right? Some great examples of this would be the Braided Puff Headband and the Braided Puff Coffee Cozy, which both use the braided puff stitch as the main texture.

Because I know I can get into a rut, I wanted to try learning and using some new stitch combinations in my designs for this year. Don’t get me wrong, I will still be using my favorites, but I wanted to mix it up a bit more.

The Box Stitch

One of these new to me crochet stitches is the box stitch. This stitch is such an easy beginner level stitch to learn, but I loved learning to create the texture of this stitch. Plus, some crocheters get intimidated by stitch combinations that switch back and forth between stitches, like the even moss stitch or lemon peel stitch. If that’s you, the box stitch is a perfect option since you don’t switch back and forth quite as much!

To create the box stitch, you will be using the most basic level crochet stitches: the chain, single crochet, and double crochet. As long as you can count to five, you should be able to crochet this fun stitch!

Don’t forget to pin this post!

Supplies:

You really only need the two basic crochet supplies to learn how to crochet the box stitch.

• Yarn
• Crochet Hook

You are able to crochet the box stitch with any yarn and hook combination. If you are unsure where to start, I use a worsted weight yarn (4 medium) and an I-9, 5.5mm hook in the video and pictures of this post. However, please use whatever combination you are most comfortable with and remember to adjust as needed.

How to Crochet the Box Stitch Video Tutorial:

Notes and Tips for Crocheting the Box Stitch:

• Chain 1 at the beginning of single crochet rows does NOT count as a stitch.
• Chain 3 at the beginning of double crochet rows does count as a stitch.
• The base row is not necessary when crocheting the box stitch, but I find it does make it easier to crochet and not curl as much.
• New to crochet? Make sure you know how to chain, how to single crochet, and how to double crochet before trying this stitch.
• When crocheting the double crochet rows, remember that you are working around the chain spaces and not in the chains themselves.
• The directions are all using US terms.

How to Crochet the Box Stitch Written Instructions:

To crochet the box stitch, you need to follow the basic directions below:

• Chain a multiple of 5 plus 3 more.
• Base Row: In the second chain from the hook, single crochet. Single crochet in each stitch across. Chain 1 & turn.
• Row 1: *Single crochet into the first two stitches. Chain 3, and skip 3.* Repeat from * to * across your entire row. End the row by single crocheting in the final two stitches. Chain 3 and turn.
• Row 2: *In the next chain 3 space, double crochet 5 times.* Repeat from * to * across the entire row. End the row with a double crochet in the final stitch. Chain 1 and turn.

Repeat Rows 1 and 2 alternating until you have reached the length desired. I recommend finishing on a Row 1 repeat.

Easy Box Stitch Pattern Ideas:

When it comes to the box stitch, you have lots of options for projects that are a little more airy in design. You could use a lighter weight yarn to create some beautiful and almost lacy designs, or with a chunkier yarn, it’s possible to crochet some heavier weight projects. The overall texture will be the same, but the feeling will be different.

Here are some fun project ideas for how to use the box stitch:

• Placemat
• Table Runner
• Blanket
• Cardigan
• Wall Hanging
• Book Cover
• Bag

These would be fun projects to experiment with and create your own pattern! However, just remember to follow the directions above to crochet the box stitch, and you’ll be set for your own beautiful project!