If you’ve never heard of the lemon peel stitch, do yourself a favor and add it to your crochet stitch arsenal.
So named for the slightly bumpy texture that looks like a lemon peel, this stitch is great for everything!
What’s the stitch
The lemon peel is a 1 row repeat that is reversable. This bumpy, lemon like, texture is made by using single crochets and double crochets. It’s a great stitch for who have a good grasp of the basic stitches*. The stitch has a dense weave to it naturally.
*If you need a refresher, you can see my post on the 6 basic stitches here
Variations
Some stitches that use a similar alternating stitch pattern are: the moss stitch, the crunch stitch, and the alpine stitch.
Supplies
- Red heart Super Saver in light grey
- You can use any yarn you like
- H/5mm hook
- Any hook you like
- Snips
- Yarn or tapestry needle
Abbreviations
- St = stitch
- Ch = chain
- Dc = Double crochet
- Sc = single crochet
Lemon Peel Stitch Tutorial
Work in multiples of 2 +1. (I.e. 6, 8, 12, 14, plus 1, 14+1= 15)
Foundation row. Ch 17.
Row 1. Put 1 sc 2 ch from the hook, put a dc in the next ch, *make a sc, put a dc in the next st,* repeat *-* til the end of the row. <16>
Row 2. Ch 1, put a sc in the same st, put a dc in the sc from the previous row, * 1 sc in the dc from the previous row, put 1 dc in the sc from the previous row,* repeat from *-* to the end of the row. <16>
Tip: you should always start with a sc and end with a dc.
Row 3-8. Repeat row 2. Be sure to put the dcs in the sc from the previous row, and the scs in the dcs from the previous row.
Snip the yarn, tie off, and weave in the ends to finish the swatch.
If there’s some crochet terminology you need to brush up on or learn then check out my glossary of crochet terms
Extras
Make it in cotton for a washcloths or use a scrubby yarn to put this bumpy texture to work. It can easily be used for bags, book covers, or thicker blankets and scarves since it’s naturally dense. If you use a larger hook size it has a beautiful drape to it. So it could be nice to use on baby blankets and shawls that you want warm, but not too hot.
I highlighted the rows so you can identify them a bit more easily, just bear in mind that single crochet stitches should be on top of double crochets and vise versus.
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Stay stitching!
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