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Learn how to crochet the bar stitch with my free step-by-step pattern and video tutorial. This beautiful crochet stitch creates a lovely woven look and textured fabric that is great for; blankets, garments and accessories. This crochet stitch creates a horizontal “bar” effect, giving your fabric a woven look. While it may seem intricate at first, once you master the simple technique, it becomes a versatile addition to your crochet skillset.
You can work this stitch in one or more colours, see below for the materials I have chosen to use for my sample piece.
Pattern Notes
- Written in UK terms but switchable to US terms below.
- When changing colours, you do not need to fasten off the yarn, instead carry the unused yarn up the edge of the work. You will be changing colour every 2 rows
- Skill Level: Intermediate
- Stitch Multiple: 3 +3
Convert Pattern Terms
Here you can quickly switch between UK and US crochet terms. This will make following the pattern easier as all terms will be converted to your preferred version.
Terms & Abbreviations
Stitch(es): (st(s))
Chain(s): ch(s): Yarn over, pull through loop on hook.
Slip Stitch(s): ss(s): Insert hook, yarn over, pull through stitch and loop on hook.
Double Crochet(s): dc(s):Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, you will have two loops on the hook. Yarn over, pull through remaining two loops.
Front Post Treble Crochet(s): FPtr(s): Yarn over, insert hook around post of stitch from front to back, yarn over, pull up a loop, you will have three loops on the hook. Yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through remaining two loops.
How to Crochet – A Handy Reference Guide eBook
Unsure of the differences between UK and US terms? Need a refresher on how to do your stitches? In my ‘How to crochet: A handy reference guide’ EBook I help you with all of these terms and you can always have them to hand! You will also get exclusive access to free video instructions. Learn more about the eBook here.
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Free Crochet Pattern: Bar Stitch
Bar Stitch Front
Bar Stitch Back
You are viewing this pattern in UK terms.
Foundation: With Colour A, Ch in multiples of 3 +3.
Row 1 (RS): with yarn A dc in second ch from hook (skipped ch does not count as st), dc each ch across. Turn.
Row 2 (WS): 1 ch (does not count as st here or throughout), dc in each st across. Turn.
Row 3: 1 ch, dc in first 2 sts, FPtr around next st two rows below, *dc in next 2 sts, FPtr around next st two rows below, rep from * until 2 sts rem, dc in last 2 sts changing to yarn B in last yo of last st. Turn.
Row 4: 1 ch, dc in first st and each st across. Turn.
Row 5: 1 ch, dc in first 2 sts, FPtr around FPtr from two rows below, *dc in next 2 sts, FPtr around FPtr from two rows below, rep from * until 2 sts rem, dc in last 2 sts changing to yarn A in last yo of last st. Turn.
You are viewing this pattern in UK terms.
Row 6: 1 ch, dc in each st across. Turn.
Row 7: 1 ch, dc in first 2 sts, FPtr around FPtr from two rows below, *dc in next 2 sts, FPtr around FPtr from two rows below, rep from * until 2 sts rem, dc in last 2 sts changing to yarn B in the last yo of last st. Turn.
Rep Rows 4–7 until desired height, omitting colour change on final row.
Fasten off and sew in ends.
Bar Stitch Step by Step Photos
Video Tutorials
Time Stamps
- Intro: 00:04
- Pattern notes and colour change instructions: 00:51
- Foundation: 01:48
- Row 1: 02:42
- Row 2: 04:43
- Row 3: 05:38
- Colour change (if needed): 09:39
- Row 4: 10:38
- Row 5: 11:39
- Row 6: 15:03
- Row 7: 15:36
Right-handed
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Or you can watch on YouTube
Left-handed
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Or you can watch on YouTube
Crochet Pattern to Try
Are you ready to turn your new crochet skill into a project? The Truly Beanie and matching Convertible Truly Wrist Warmers are a great way to showcase your new skill.
Crochet Stitch Library
I hope you enjoyed learning the bar stitch! Don’t forget I have an entire stitch library on the blog for you to explore! however, if you love textured stitches I think oyu’ll enjoy these:
Mini Basket Weave
Jacobs Ladder
Apache Tears
I always love to see your makes so if you try any of my patterns or follow my stitch tutorials please tag me @bellacococrochet or use the #bellacococrochet
sarah-jayne
