The boxed bead crochet stitch is one of the most unique stitches I have ever tried. It has a nice texture but still has a good drape.
The main feature of this stitch is a slanting cluster worked around the post of the previous stitch. Then the cluster is boxed in when you add an extended single crochet. It has a 2-row repeat so it’s easy to memorize. It does take a bit of patience to master at first though due to the placement of the extended single crochet stitches.
This crochet stitch would be suitable for any project where you want to add warmth and texture like baby blankets, scarves, or even a hat.
How to Crochet the Boxed Bead Stitch
Abbreviations
- US Terminology
- Ch(s): chain(s)
- St(s): stitches
- Sc: single crochet
- esc: extended single crochet (video tutorial linked)
- Insert hook into stitch indicated, yo, pull up loop, yo. Pull through 1 loop, yo, pull through last 2 loops
- dc: double crochet
- Slcl: slanted cluster
- (yo, insert hook around stem of previous dc from right to left, yo pull up loop) 3 times in same place, yo, pull through first 6 loops, yo. Pull through both loops.
Notes
- Chain multiple 3 + 2
- Odd rows = wrong side
- Ch 2 counts as 1 esc
Row 1: Sc in 3rd ch from hook (skipped 2 chs count as 1 esc). sc in next, *esc in next, sc in next 2. Repeat from * across until 1 ch remains. Esc in last. Turn.
Row 2: Ch 2, *dc in next, slcl, skip next sc, esc in next, repeat from * across. Turn
Row 3: Ch 2, *sc in next 2, esc in next, repeat from * across. Turn
Repeat rows 2 & 3 for pattern
2024 Crochet Along: Square 1
This is our first stitch of the Terrific Textures Crochet Along! This is a year-long CAL running here on The Unraveled Mitten, we are learning a new textured crochet stitch every week other week. Around the end of October, we will join our stitch sampler squares into a cozy blanket.
Don’t want to jump around to see each square?
You can purchase the PDF version of this pattern in my shop. It includes the materials list, all 20 squares as well as instructions for the joining and border.
You can find written instructions for this stitch above. You’ll notice that the instructions are written so you can use this stitch in other places besides this CAL. You can find my notes on how I made my 12-inch square listed here:
- 120 yds worsted weight yarn + 5.5mm crochet hook
- Gauge: 4 sts on even row or 6 sts on odd row in pattern x 5 rows = 2 in
- Finished square before blocking: 11.5 in x 11.5 in
This is what I did:
- Chain 35 to start
- Do listed repeat until your square is square, for me this was 27 rows. You will end on a row 3.
Border Instructions: Do not finish off, ch 1, sc evenly around placing (sc, ch 2 sc) in each corner space. Join to top of 1st sc with sl st. Finish off weave in ends. Block to 12 inches. (34 sc on each side)
I pre order the 2024 CAL but, can’t find my email with the PDF.. What should I do???
Ik stel me zo voor dat je dan dezelfde instructies volgt, maar bij de volgende baan gebruik je de steken van de vorige baan alsof het de lossen ketting is. Volgens mij kan je dan gewoon verder.
Tik fout, niet oplossen ketting, maar de lossen ketting.
Ik weet niet wat er gebeurd, mijn antwoord veranderd bij verzenden. Het gaat uiteraard om de ketting van lossen waarmee elk patroon begint.
Ik denk dat ik begrijp wat je zegt (dankzij google translate en een goede gok dat je in het Nederlands schrijft – tech brengt ons dichter bij elkaar!). Ik zou ervoor moeten zorgen dat mijn wiskunde goed is op mijn startketen. Ik herinner me dat er op dat patroon een paar jaar geleden een noodzaak was om de steek op bepaalde rijen aan te passen, omdat het type steek misschien niet perfect overeenkomt met het vorige type steek, of misschien niet goed leidt naar het volgende type steek in het patroon. Ik ben echter in voor een uitdaging! (Ik hoop dat google translate fatsoenlijk werk levert op mijn rammelende woorden!)
Thank you, Heather, for organizing these crochet-alongs, and for all of the teaching and ideas you provide all year!
Question for you, and anybody reading: my first crochet-along was the one 2 years ago that varied the stitches in rows each month. I LOVED that! Probably mostly because I am not so great yet at making squares the same size ? but also loved the texture that it gave across the length of the blanket. What would I need to keep in mind if I used the stitches this year but crocheted in rows instead of blocks? I’m imagining that might be more complicated since the next stitch would have to be built upon the previous stitches rather than squares being put together at the end.
Starting that crochet-along a couple of years ago got me back into crocheting regularly, and for that I am so grateful! Bless you in all you do!
I was thinking the same thing. I’m horrible at making squares the same size.