This pretty crochet stitch remains one of the most popular crochet stitch tutorials here on The Unraveled Mitten! I’ve just updated this post with a brand new video tutorial for this fun stitch.
Updated 7/2020
Here we are in the last week of our National Crochet Month Celebration! I hope you have enjoyed all the stitches so far!
If you are new here, in celebration of National Crochet Month, every Friday in March I have been sharing a new crochet stitch with you. What better way to advance our skills than to learn new stitches right?
Week 1: Offset V Stitch
Week 2: Back and Front Loop Half Double Crochet
Week 3: Trinity Stitch
Week 4: Balanced Shell Stitch
This week I had a hard time picking a stitch to share with you. I swatched quite a few of them before I settled on the Iris Stitch. This is the same stitch I used on the lace portion of the Petoskey Lace Cowl.
I would qualify this as an easy crochet stitch. If you have mastered your basic stitches and want to move on to something a little more interesting, give this one a try.
The Iris Stitch is a great one for watching TV and crocheting. There is only a one-row repeat and beyond the foundation row, all your stitches are placed in spaces and not in a stitch. I love crochet stitches like this. They are so relaxing and easy to memorize.
This elegant crochet stitch would be great for a variety of different projects: blankets -why does my brain always go there first? Probably because I always wish I had the patience to make them haha – scarves, sweaters, it looks great paired with basic stitches as an accent and pretty much any other project you can dream up.
Materials
-I used Caron Simply Soft in the color Strawberry, which is a #4 worsted weight yarn
-5mm crochet hook
As always please feel free to use any yarn weight and hook combo you want!
Abbreviations
-I use US terminology
-ch(s): chain(s)
-dc: double crochet
-st(s): stitch(es)
-sp(s): space(es)
Notes
Ch 3 counts as 1 dc
Want printable instructions for this crochet stitch and more? Check out my new ebook below!
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Instructions
Ch a multiple of 4 + 1, plus 2
Row 1: (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in 5th ch from hook. *Skip 3 sts, (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch. Repeat from * across until 2 chs remain. Sk 1 ch, dc in last. Turn.
Row 2: Ch 3. Skip 2 sts. *(2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in ch 1 sp, skip 4 sts. Repeat from * across until 3 sts remain. Skip 2 sts, Dc in last. Turn
Repeat row 2 until your piece is the desired size.
That is all there is to it! Easy right?
Are you going to try this stitch?
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The stitch is beautiful. Would you email me directions for joining your group. Thanks Linds
I just made this in a baby Afghan and turned out just beautiful… Thank you so much for being so giving..
I want to make this using 2 different colors. What would the pattern be?
Very fun and pretty to crochet 😄
I love the Iris Stitch, so pretty.
Thanks for sharing all of your ideas!
I am using this stitch for a shawl. My foundation rows are dbl crochet (row 1) and half dbl crochet (row 2). I started with the Iris st. on row 3. Do you have any suggestion on how I could decrease gradually?
Juanita
What is the best way to join a series of blocks made with the iris stitch?
Your beginning chain. How many for a twin bed.
so really you are adding 3 to the end of your work
So at the beginning of this pattern it says “ch a multiple of 4 + 1, plus 2”. Does that mean to chain in multiples of 7? Or in multiples of 5 plus 2 extra stitches at the end?
Chain in multiples of 4 then at 3 at the end.
I am wondering how many skeins I would need for a couch blanket or I guess you’d say a throw.
Thank you
Ann
How many chains in the beginning/foundation row?
Like this pattern
This stitch is from the book The Crochet Bible. By Betty Barnden, published by Krause Publications in 2004- its on page 78. But yea, great pattern, I love it.
Yes I definitely didn’t invent this one. It’s in a couple of my stitch book too.
A video instruction would be awesome!
Do you have a PDF of the stitch patterns?
When u say chain a multiple of 4+1, plus 2 what does that mean?
Chain any multiple of 4 (4,8,12,16,20,24….) a d then chain 3 more.
Thank you Heather for asking that question. When I read directions like that, it always stumps me.
I’d like to make this stitch for a prayer shawl, but can’t find directions for one. Could you please send me one?
Thank you so much
I have finished the throw using iris stitch but want to add a border. I have tried to do a single crochet stitch all the way around but doesn’t work on the scalloped edge. Any suggestions. I’m new to the crochet world so needs to be simple.
Chain 1, skip 1, sc in next for 1st round of border? That usually works then sc on all on 2nd round
Worked like a charm!! Thank you!
I am in the process of making a baby blanket using this stitch. My question is there a way to finish it so both ends look the same? The starting chin will be a straight edge but the last row will be scalloped. Or is that just how it is? Do you have a border you could recommend that would work with this. Thank you and I absolutely love the stitch and it is quite simple!!!
Thank you for this easy yet lovely delicate pattern! I’m making a baby blanket and needed something easy.
I knitted a sweater for my Great-Grandaughter, & thought I’d make a headband for her & her mother in the same yarn–R.H. Baby Soft,color Key West, which is a med. green, soft lilac, & soft aqua–in the Iris St. Oh, they are so pretty. I wish now I made the sweater in the Iris St. too.
I’m sure I’ll be making more things with this pattern.
I have just finished a dish cloth and just love this pattern.i am considering making a throw for Grandaughter when the weather here gets cooler. Had no problems with the pattern whatsoever. Best wishes.
What does it mean when it says chain in multiples of 4+1 us 2? Does that mean multiples of 7?
Chain any multiple of 4 and then add 3 more chains.
At the end of row 2 are you doing the DC in a stitch or the turning chain?
In the turning chain.
I’d love to see a video, I’m a visual learner and beginner
I have not tried this st.but I sure like the sound of it,would also like to see a video if you have one
I’m new to this site in fact your the first one I’ve ever tried. I like your simple patterns however, I have a question before I even get started,
I’m making baby face cloths and dish cloths using 100% cotton size I hook. To start you’re telling me to ch in increments of 4 then +1 , plus 2. For baby wash cloths I usually ch 31. So is that what your saying; basically In other words 4×7=28 then + 3?
Heather, Thanks so much for clarifying that initial chain for me. I’ve started my Iris lap blanket and the stitching is coming out perfectly! You are also right when you say that it is such an easy stitch that it can be done while watching TV. The stitch is so simple yet it produces such a delicate and beautiful pattern. I love it! Thank you for making this new stitch available to the crochet world! I can’t wait to follow you and see what else you can teach me.
😣 I’m a crocheter but I don’t understand the foundation row. I want to make a throw. I just need to know how many chains for a rough idea….please help
Hi Patty, just make your foundation chain the width you want your blanket to be (plus another couple inches) using the multiple in the instructions start the stitch pattern.
I’m confused by your instructions on the initial chain. If you mean that we should chain in multiples of 4+1, plus an additional 2 chains, why not just say chain in multiiples of 5, plus 2 ? If you mean that we should chain in multiples of 4, plus 1 and plus 2 more, then why not say chain in multiples of 4 plus 3? I understand what the +1 (or 2, or 3, etc) means. It is the “+1, plus 2” combination that confuses me. Can you clarify your instructions please?
Chain a multiple of 4 and then add the 3 more chains. The +1 is an extra chain to make it symmetrical, start with a dc and end with a dc, and the plus 2 is for the turning chain of the foundation row.
Oh ugh. I am new to the crochet world and I wanted to try this as a blanket. But I am already stuck on the +1 stuff. Also how many would I start my chain to make a blanket. (This pattern is for a scarf, right?)
Do you have a video for us newbies?
Thanks tons! I can’t wait to get started on this and I LOVE the color as well.
One more thing. How do you determine how many skeins/yards you need for this pattern or a blanket pattern?
OMG thank you for clearing that up. I was making diagrams and I was still messing up. Thanks!
You’re welcome!
I’m back to crochet after doing none for about 20 yrs…so in the “Iris Stitch” how many chains do I need to make a sample? 11 or 15 or 19? Thanks in Advance!
Welcome back! Any of those numbers will work.
the V stitch and the offset V stitches have been my go to stitches for several years. I am now happy to add the Iris stitch to the list!! I did find however that the Iris stitch shows up better in the lighter colored yarns. I am making a scarf in the stitch for my doctor using a pale green and it is showing up so beautifully. I have a good friend Iris for whom I made a swatch in Caron’s Simply Soft in what else but Iris! It is lovely but the stitch doesn’t shine like it does in the paler green color. She loved it anyway and is going to use the stitch in an afghan for for her great grand daughter.
You have some really great patterns, Heather. Keep up the good work. I love all your new stitch patterns. I’ve been collecting most all of them.
I’ve been knitting since I was around 5 yrs. old, & learned to crochet,but never picked up on the crocheting until I was around 45-50. (I’m now 73, so I’ve had a bit of practice!) I love doing them both!
Thanks again for the great patterns.
Is there a video tutorial?
I would like to know if you have a printable version of this pot holder. I am not able to do the tutorials, need written instructions. Thank You.
I’m having a difficult time following the instructions. I think it’s because I’m a hands on person. Do you happen to have a video that I can follow along with? It’s a beautiful stitch that I want to use in a scarf. Thank you! God bless!
We have just learned that our first grandchild will be a girl & she is going to be called Iris, so I am very grateful for this wonderfully clear tutorial!
My name is Iris, so when I saw that there is a stitch with my name, I just had to see what it looked like. It’s a beautiful stitch and I can’t wait to try it. Best wishes on the birth of your first grandchild. Iris
If we ever have a girl (2 boys so far), her name will be Iris so this is awesome!
Thank you for news stitches. I am in my 80s and I crochet everyday. I make all kinds of things for babies and young children which are given away to needy families. I love doing this and feel very blessed to do it. I have become known for my ministry and find bags of yarn hanging on my Apt door which I use in my projects. I also do some of my items for adults.
Hello Nancy! I too crochet for donations many different things, especially for newborns. I live in Texas
Crochet Hugs for ya!
Ada.
Wonderful done Dear! I love your way of presenting these stitches – simple and elegant, ease to learn from your tutorials. Thank you for sharing!.
Beautiful stitch I’m going to try it when I’m done with the project that I’m doing. I self taught myself to crochet. I started with knitting and when which to crocheting I did a lot of searching to find what I needed to learn.
So I am mostly a self taught chrocet ‘er ( my mom taught me the basics) every thing else I learned on my own, my question is i have search & searched for what it means + 1 or 2 or whatever so do you count 7 (in this case) for all th chains or just at the end? Can someone explain that to me please?
For this stitch chain any multiple of 4 and then add 3 more. The extra chains are to accommodate the turning chain.
So I believe what your saying is just to add 3 more at the end of your multiples of 4. Thank you so much for the info. I’ve always steered clear of patterns that referred to that. I think this is a beautiful stitch & I’m making a pair of fingerless gloves with it.
Yes thats exactly right! It is such a pretty stitch, I bet they are going to gurn out great.
Thank you so much for your tutorials I love all these stitches & can’t wait to use them
I like this Iris St, very much. In fact I’m going to send it to my daughter. She has only been knitting for a year,& she is trying to make a curtain/valance for her livingroom window but is having trouble with the pattern. This pattern looks like it will be easier for her.
I love this pattern, easy indeed. Thank you. You are very talented.
I’m made a headband ( any width you like) by also mirroring the stitches on the opposite side of the chain and joining both ends together, making sure both sides of the chain have equal rows.
I really like this stitch! I’m in the process of making it into a baby blanket and it’s actually the first pattern I’ve used that isn’t chains or the basic granny stitch. I’m very excited about it! I did 152+3 chains for the foundation and it’s going to be a good size blanket! My tension is all over the place, but I’m still struggling with keeping it consistent. Just takes some practice! Thanks for the simple & easy to read pattern!
You’ll get it, just keep at it. I’m so glad you like it.
What would be the reason or advantage of X + x, plus x as opposed to X + (total)? I have searched for hours and can’t find it…is it for a certain type of pattern like complicated cables or something? Thanks!
I love your stitch pattern! Can’t wait to start a scarf or blanket, but it’ll be awhile till I can get to it. Sorry. I’ve got it pinned though. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Like the. Pattern of blanket do you have pattern of blanket piggy on it
Like the. Pattern of blanket
Lovely, very easy to follow. Just done a practice piece in the English terminology. Will do a scarf for my daughter. Thanks a million
What would make a nice border for this blanket? Any ideas?
I completed the blanket and is lovely. At first, I didn’t think I would like it using a worsted yarn, and an I hook, however, this wasn’t my first time at being wrong. I would say watch your tension, you could easily start to fan out, plus I mirror the bottom: sc in the sc space and chain 3 across to the last stitch sc. I blocked out to be 35″ by 38 and 1/2″. Thank you so much for this wonderful pattern, making a doll blankie for my granddaughter,
Thank you for the pattern. Please just give the number of chain stitches for a normal size baby blanket. What size will 103 stitches make? The starting row is the hardest part.
I agree it is!! Just make your chain as long as you want your blanket width to be and go from there. It is hard to say what size 103 chains will give you without knowing your yarn weight/hook size/your personal crochet tension.
Ok, I heard you loud and clear, don’t be lazy. Here we go a size I hook 5.25MM, “I Love This Yarn!” color #102 / name: Soft Pink, purchased from Hobby Lobby. I have 3 skeins, 355 each (just in case I start a baby blanket with at least 900 yards.) I chained 123, and my blanket is approx 32 inches. More details as I complete the blanket. Wish me speed as I want to finish by Thursday!. <3 🙂
if you use Light #3 yarn Bernat Softee Baby yarn, hook size G. Crochet chain 163, equals approximately 32 inches long. Will update as I go. I truly like this pattern, but love when the math is already done. Thank you for such a cute pattern!
Do you have a quick tutorial on finishing the chained or foundation row with a nice scalloped edge to match the other side?
I would suggest crocheting the same two row stitches on the opposite side of the chain, that is, using the same chain. Hope that helps.
Heather, I also drew a blank about the starting chain and apparently did it all wrong because I did multiples of seven! Evidently I then did something correctly because the second and following rows are coming out as they should!!–not a true math lover here although I do have a granddaughter who is slightly dyslexic but a math whiz!!–She teaches math in high school and currently working on her second Masters in math!!
I’m still confused on the base chain. Is it multiples of sevens, or multiples of fours and 3 at the end?
Chain any multiple of 4 and then add 3 more chains. ☺
]I have 2 great grandbabies coming this summer and wanted a baby blanket to make for them. I’m so excited to start them with this beautiful pattern.
I’m working on a baby blanket with that s stitch. Any suggestions on a border that would look good?
I was wondering the same thing. I would love to make a blanket with this pattern.
You say to start, “Ch a multiple of 4 + 1, plus 2”. Would this really just be “ch a multiple of 4 + 3?
Yes it is just another way of saying it. ?
Okay thanks, just wanted to make sure I was reading that right.
Thanks for sharing! I love how this works up, Heather!
Look beautiful ! I have to try this stitch. Do you have this on YouTube ?