Tired of the Granny Stripe? Try These 5 Easy Crochet Stitches

Ready to give these granny stripe alternatives a try?

Below you’ll find step-by-step instructions for each stitch, along with notes to help you get started. Pick your favorite, grab some yarn, and see how a small change can give your projects a whole new look.

// 1: Checkerboard Stitch

This is an easy one-row repeat that swaps 3-dc groups for 2-dc groups for a lighter, modern look. Once you get the “chain 1, skip 1, two doubles in the space” rhythm, it flies—perfect for quick blankets or stash projects.

Description: What happens when you go from 3-dc groups to 2-dc groups? A granny stripe alternative that’s modern, fresh, and works up even faster than the original!

Starting Chain: Multiple of 3 + 2

Notes:

• Starting ch-3 counts as first dc + ch 1.
• Dc 2 = dc in each of the next 2 chains.

Row 1: Dc in the 4th ch from the hook, dc 1, (ch 1, sk 1, dc 2) across row, turn.

Row 2: Ch 3, 2dc in next ch-sp, (ch 1, 2dc in next ch-sp) across row, placing the last 2dc in the tch sp, turn.

Rep Row 2 to the desired length.

// 2: Interlocking Block Stitch

Worked with three colors, this stitch creates little “nests” of color by crocheting into the stitches two rows below. Keep your loops tall and your tension loose for the clean, woven effect; a foundation single crochet base helps keep row two nice and stable.

Description: We’ll stick with groups of 3-dc groups in this granny stripe alternative. But, instead of placing those groups in chain spaces, they’ll go into the stitches 2 rows below. The result: nested stitches and a beautiful, closed fabric.

Starting Foundation Single Crochet: Multiple of 6 + 4 chains

Notes:

• Starting ch-4 does not count as a stitch.
• Change color each row – DO NOT fasten off any colors until instructed.
• Dc 3 = dc in each of the next 3 stitches.

Row 1: With A, (sk 3 sc, dc 3) across row, cc to B on the last st, turn.

Row 2: With B, ch 4, sk 3 dc, dc 3 into the sk’d sts from the previous row (working around the ch-sp), (ch 3, sk 3, dc 3 into the sk’d sts from the previous row) across, cc to C on the last st, turn.

Rep Row 2 to the desired length, changing color at the end of each row. Once you’ve reached your desired length, fasten off the 2 colors no longer in use. Continue with the same color as the last row.

FINAL ROW: Ch 1, (sc 3, dc 3 into the sk’d sts from the previous row) across. FO at the end of this row.

// 3: Clever Cluster Stitch

A simple two-row repeat that alternates rows of single crochet with soft clusters for geometric texture. It needs a bit of fabric before the pattern shows off, but once the clusters stack, it looks gorgeous—especially in tonal yarns.

Description: 3-dc groups are transformed into clusters for this geometric monochrome stitch. Use a tonal yarn to complete your Clever Clusters for a uniform fabric with an inviting depth of color.

Starting Chain: Any multiple of 2

Notes:

• Starting ch-3 counts as first dc + ch 1.
• Special Stitch – Cluster (clu): (Yo, pull up a lp in the indicated sp, yo, pull through 2 lps) 3 times, yo, pull through all 4 lps on hook.

Row 1: Sc in the 2nd ch from hook, sc 1, (ch 1, sk 1, sc in next st) to last st, sc in last st, turn.

Row 2: Ch 3, sk 2 sc, (clu in next sp, ch 1) to last 2 sc, sk next sc, dc in last sc, turn.

Row 3: Ch 1 , sc in st at base of ch, sc in next ch-sp, (ch 1, sk next clu, sc in sp between clusters) to tch, ch 1, sk next clu, sc in tch sp, sc in 2nd ch of tch, turn.

Rep Rows 2-3 to the desired length.

// 4: Granny Spike Stitch

Colorful and full of movement, this one might be the fan favorite. You’ll change colors each row and work a spike (a tall dc) into the middle stitch two rows below to create that playful step effect; let the yarns float up the edge to keep things tidy.

Description: Think of this stitch as the Interlocking Block Stitch’s cooler cousin. The addition of spike stitches adds movement to this stitch pattern, drawing the eye through playful stair-steps of color. This is a great one for stash busting or having some fun with color palettes.

Starting Chain: Multiple of 4 + 2

Notes:

• Starting ch-3 does not count as a stitch.
• Change color each row – DO NOT fasten off any colors until instructed.
• Special Stitch – Spike (spike): Dc in the stitch 2 rows below.

Row 1: With A, 3dc in the 6th ch from the hook, (ch 1, sk 3*, 3dc in next st) across row, ending the last rep at *, 2dc in the last ch, cc to B on the last st, turn.

Row 2: Ch 2, (dc, spike, dc) in next ch-sp, [ch 1, (dc, spike, dc) in next ch-sp] to last clu, ch 1, 2dc in tch, cc to C on the last st, turn.

Rep Row 2 to the desired length, changing color at the end of each row. Once the desired length is reached, fasten off all colors.