The crochet primrose stitch is a relatively easy stitch to learn and perfect for beginners. This stitch is used to create a beautiful texture in any crochet project!
It adds a beautiful shell look when you work it up and makes any project a little more appealing to the eye.
The primrose stitch looks great in almost any crochet project, but we especially love it in blankets.
The Yarn That’s Perfect for a Primrose Stitch
I crocheted this tutorial with worsted weight yarn (#4 weight yarn) from Hobby Lobby and a size J crochet hook (6 mm), but you can use any yarn weight and the corresponding hook size to match that yarn weight to get the same results.
This stitch does not require the use of a particular weight of yarn – any weight will do!
However, if you are a beginner, I would recommend Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice or Red Heart Super Saver, both of which are four weight yarns. Either yarn is a great alternative to mimic the results of this stitch, inexpensive and easy to find in most craft stores.
Components of The Primrose Stitch
The primrose stitch – a modification on the shell stitch – is perfect for beginner crocheters who want to get learn an intermediate-level stitch. It adds a beautiful texture to any crochet project.
To be able to create this stitch pattern you will need to know three basic crochet stitches which are the single crochet (sc), half double crochet (hdc), and double crochet (dc).
Here are tutorials for each stitch in case you’d like a refresher on them:
Anyway, enough chatting… are you ready to learn this fun stitch? Here is the full and free crochet primrose stitch tutorial… with pictures!
Primrose Stitch Crochet Tutorial
Skill Level: Intermediate
Materials
- A crochet hook corresponding to the size yarn you are using – (I used a 6 mm J hook in this tutorial)
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
- Any brand or weight of yarn (this example shows a four weight yarn)
Crochet Stitch Abbreviations
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- hdc = half double crochet
- dc = double crochet
Notes
- To change sizes, chain a multiple of three, then add two more chains to whatever starting chain size you have crocheted.
- The stitch tutorial is written in standard US terms
The Pattern Steps
Foundation Row: Ch a multiple of 3 plus 2 then 1 sc, ch 2, 1 sc in 3rd chain from hook, * skip next 2 chs, 1 sc, ch 2, 1 sc in next ch, repeat from * across, ending with 1 hdc in last ch, turn.
Row 1: ch 3, * 3 dc in next ch 2 space (shell), repeat from * across, ending with 1 dc in top of turning ch, turn.
Row 2: ch 2, * 1 sc, ch 2, 1 sc in 2nd dc of next shell, repeat from * across, ending with 1 hdc in top of turning chain, turn.
Finishing: Repeat rows 1 & 2 to achieve the primrose pattern.
Share Your Finished Crochet Projects
I hope you enjoyed this crochet tutorial! If you do make any crochet projects with the primrose stitch, please post them on Instagram with the hashtag #easycrochetcom, so I can see your creations!
Do you want more tutorials like this? We have similar tutorials for the Spike Stitch and Sand Stitch, so you can add even more stitches to your crochet library.
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask! I am more than happy to assist in any way possible.
Share This Tutorial on Pinterest
If you found this article useful, consider sharing it on Pinterest with one of the images below. You can always follow along with us on Pinterest as well. We share tips, tricks and exclusive crochet patterns all the time on there.
More Free Crochet Stitches to Learn
- How to Crochet the Shell Stitch (Step-by-Step Instructions)
- How to Crochet the Waffle Stitch
- How to Corner-to-Corner Crochet (C2C) for Beginners
- How to Crochet Back Loop Single Crochet
- How to Half Double Crochet Two Stitches Together or Half Double Crochet Decrease
- Must Try Textured Crochet Stitches
- How to Make a Slip Knot in Crochet
- How to Triple Crochet (tr)
- Bobble Stitch Crochet Pattern
How do you start the pattern when you want to change from dbl at end of a row
Hi Lisa,
Are you referring to when you start the next row after you do a row of the 3dc clusters?
Krista
I’ve used this pattern to make a scarf. It’s beautiful and the pattern is easy.
Hi , when you created this pattern how BIG did you make the afghan ??? And how many skeins ( # of ounces) did it take to make it ??? Please I MUST know so I get the correct amount of yarn & of the same dye lot I need !!! Tysm =o)
Hi Heather,
I never measured my blanket and since it was so long ago I don’t remember. I should make another though to get the correct measurements!
Hi Krista, how would I increase this stitch? I’m trying to make a shirt but I want to increase, almost like a triangle effect
Hi!
To changesizes chain a multiple of 3 then add 2 to whatever length you have chosen.
Happy Crocheting! 🙂
Hi. I’m a beginner and this is a beautiful stitch and the tutorials are really helpful. I do have a question, if I’m making the scarf or a shawl which way should the pattern be stitched. Lengthwise of width?
Judy
Hi Judy,
You could do either. 🙂 I would love to see it would you are done!
Krista
I am a beginner. A video is soooo helpful to watch.
Hi Melinda! I just started making videos so I will add this to the list! 🙂 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR1cIXROJAxvxfpFWaYQ_Lw
I love the name, “rescuedpawdesigns”, how did you decide on this name for your site?
Me, myself, rescued my two female Boxers, Taz and Bindi from the horrible lives they would have had if they hadn’t adopted me and came home to their loving, furever home.
Taz is 5 yo, she adopted me at age 3 mos. on Apr. 21, 2012.
Bindi is 2 yo, she just recently adopted me on Jan. 5, 2017.
Hi Joyce,
I have rescued pups and my one pup Penn has a white paw so I blended the two ideas. 🙂
I Love Love the name of your pups!
Have a great day!
I loved the pattern. I don’t know, exactly how many skeins to get for a blanket. (54×56)
Hi! I’m just finishing up a blanket using this tutorial and was wondering if it was better to end of row 1 or row 2? Thanks!
Hi Jessica,
I would end with Row 2 but it is really whatever you prefer. 🙂
Krista
Love this stich can I make square place mats with this stich and if so could you tell me how many to chain and how many rows I would need to make one
Hello, Thank you for this awesome pattern. When I first viewed the pattern I immediately thought how the color and pattern remained me of a friend I know. I will use it to make a scarf for her. Thanks again.
I love this pattern!
I have a question – I don’t get the foundation row, that method is totally new to me. Can I just chain so many stiches instead?
Thanks
hi, how many stitches across would i need to make a full sized blanket?
diane
This is a great tutorial! The only thing I would find more helpful is a way to print just the written instructions or maybe print with an option on the pictures. Keep rescuing! We just got a pup last month and she is fitting in quite nicely.
Hi Tami,
Printfriendly.com should take out the pictures for you and you will be able to print the pattern. 🙂 Enjoy your new pup!
Krista
So happy that there are amazing people like you Krista. I love creating awareness of rescuing animals, specially dogs. My husband and I rescued two furry babies almost a year ago. I can’t imagine life without them.
And of course, crocheting is one of my passions, so thank you for your great website, and cause!
Thank you so much! I appreciate your kind words!
Krista, I love this pattern, will try as time permits!
Yea! I’m glad! 🙂
Thank you for this great idea, and my own 19 year old cat is the recipient of more blankets than one cat should ever have! 🙂
I crochet a lot of blankets (24×24″ or 36×36″) for our local animal rescue / shelters. Those who work at these facilities tell me that animals who have a soft blanket are more easily socialized, less stressed and tend to find forever-homes faster. However, you want a pattern that little paws can’t get stuck in.
This is a wonderful stitch to use up all those scrap yarn pieces (puppies & kittens aren’t particular about coordinated colors!) and do something nice for your community fur-persons! It’s also a great way for new crocheters to learn AND make something wonderful!
Thanks for stopping by! I love that you make blankets for animal rescues! That is such a great idea and I am sure the dogs & cats appreciate it! Thank you again for leaving such a nice comment 🙂
Tutorials are getting me threw these beginning stages of crocheting. The pictures are a huge help. I will be attempting this stitch here in a few weeks for a blanket for one of my nieces. Thank you
You are welcome Amanda! I would love to see your finished blanket 🙂
I am unable to geton my comp. Is there another way for me to print this pattern? Want to learn this stitch. Thank you Nancy
Hi Nancy,
You could copy and paste the pattern into a word document or use printfriendly.com 🙂 Hope this helps!
This is awesome thank you for sharing I am very new to crocheting and this tutorial
is a great way for me to learn. Keep up the good work.
Hey There! I like the way this looks! I will try out the Pattern! I am a Great Grandmother, in Alabama!
looks nice, well done.
Thank you! 🙂