V-Stitch Crochet: How to Make the V-Stitch

To make a classic crochet V-stitch (V-st), work (1 double crochet, chain 1, 1 double crochet) all into the same stitch or space, then skip 2 stitches before working the next V-stitch. Because the two skipped stitches offset the two new stitches you added, the fabric stays completely flat while forming stacked vertical columns of open, lacy Vs that work up rapidly on a foundation chain multiple of 3 + 1.

US vs. UK terminology note: In US crochet terms, a classic V-stitch is worked as (dc, ch 1, dc) into the same stitch or space. In UK crochet terms, where a US double crochet is called a treble crochet, the exact same V-stitch is written as (tr, ch 1, tr).

V-Stitch Quick Reference

How to Make a V-Stitch Step by Step

If you know how to chain (ch) and double crochet (dc), you already know every motion required for the V-stitch:

1. Work the first leg (1 dc): Yarn over, insert your hook into the target stitch or ch-1 space, yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), then [yarn over, pull through 2 loops] twice.
2. Create the center window (ch 1): Yarn over and pull through the active loop on your hook to make 1 chain stitch. This single chain pushes the tops of the two legs apart to form the open point of the V.
3. Work the second leg (1 dc in the same place): Yarn over, insert your hook into the exact same base stitch or space, and complete a second double crochet.

1. Skip 2 stitches before the next V-stitch: Because your (dc, ch 1, dc) group occupies the width of 3 stitches (2 dc posts + 1 ch), you must skip the next 2 stitches along the foundation chain (or skip straight to the next ch-1 space on Row 2) before making your next V-stitch. That is the key difference between a dc increase vs V-stitch: a standard dc increase adds width without skipping stitches, whereas the V-stitch skips 2 stitches to keep your stitch count constant.

V-Stitch Practice Swatch (Multiple of 3 + 1 With Verified Math)

To see how the foundation chain, skipped chains, and edge stitches fit together with zero leftover chains, let's work a 4-column V-stitch practice swatch across 3 rows.

Foundation Chain (Ch 16 for 4 V-Stitches + 2 Edge Stitches)

• Formula: Chain a multiple of 3 + 1. For 5 groups of 3 plus 1, make a slip knot and chain 16 (5 × 3 + 1 = 16 ch).
• How all 16 chains are used on Row 1:
  • Chains 1–4 from hook (4 chains skipped): Stand in for your right-hand 1 dc edge stitch (3 ch) plus 1 skipped base chain (1 ch) = 4 chains used (12 chains remain).
  • Chain 5 from hook (1 chain): Holds your 1st V-stitch (dc, ch 1, dc) = 1 chain used (11 chains remain).
  • Chains 6–14 (9 chains): Repeat *skip 2 chains, work 1 V-stitch in the next chain* 3 times (3 × 3 = 9 chains used; 2 chains remain).
  • Chains 15–16 (2 chains): Skip 1 chain (Chain 15) and work 1 dc into the last chain (Chain 16) to form your left-hand edge border stitch = 2 chains used (0 chains remain).

(Note: Why do some patterns say Multiple of 3 + 2 instead of 3 + 1? In a 3 + 2 pattern, you simply skip 2 chains instead of 1 chain before working the final edge dc into the last chain. Both formulas produce the exact same number of V-stitches!)

Row 1 (4 V-sts + 2 edge dc = 14 stitches/spaces)

1. Work (dc, ch 1, dc) into the 5th chain from the hook (your first V-stitch; the 4 skipped chains count as 1 edge dc + 1 skipped chain).
2. *Skip the next 2 chains, work (dc, ch 1, dc) into the next chain*; repeat from * 3 times across (you now have 4 V-stitches).
3. With 2 chains remaining at the end of the cord, skip 1 chain and work 1 dc into the last chain.
4. Check your count: 1 right edge dc (skipped chs) + 4 V-stitches (4 × 3 = 12 sts/sps) + 1 left edge dc = 14 stitch units.

Row 2 (4 V-sts + 2 edge dc)

1. Chain 3 and turn (ch 3, turn): This ch 3 turning chain counts as the first edge dc of Row 2.
2. Work into the center of each V-stitch: Skip the first dc leg of the V-stitch below and insert your hook directly into the ch-1 space at the center of the first V-stitch. Work (dc, ch 1, dc) into that ch-1 space.

1. Continue across: Work (dc, ch 1, dc) into the center ch-1 space of each of the remaining 3 V-stitches across the row (4 V-stitches total). Important: Always work inside the ch-1 space between the two legs of the same V—never into the gap between two separate V-stitches, or your columns will shift and gain stitches.
2. Work the final edge stitch: Work 1 dc into the 3rd chain of the previous row's starting chain (the top of the turning chain).

Row 3 (4 V-sts + 2 edge dc)

• Repeat Row 2: Ch 3, turn (counts as first edge dc), work (dc, ch 1, dc) into the ch-1 space of each V-stitch across (4 V-sts), and work 1 dc into the top of the ch-3 turning chain.

Keeping the Edges Straight in V-Stitch Rows

Because V-stitches slant outward, a row of V-stitches without border posts will have jagged, scalloped sides. That is why every flat V-stitch pattern frames the row with one vertical dc post at each end:

• At the start of every row: Your ch 3 turning chain stands straight up as the right-hand border post. Never work an extra stitch into the base of that ch 3—jump straight into the ch-1 space of the first V-stitch.
• At the end of every row: After working your last V-stitch into the final ch-1 space, you must work 1 dc into the top of the previous row's turning chain. Forgetting this final dc is the #1 reason beginners get a diagonal or narrowing edge; clip a stitch marker into the 3rd chain of every ch 3 turning chain as soon as you make it so the target is impossible to miss.

4 Popular V-Stitch Variations

Changing the center chain or the stitch height gives you four distinct fabrics from the same technique:

Where to Use the V-Stitch (And Blanket Sizing Tips)

Because you only insert your hook into the large ch-1 spaces from Row 2 onward, you can crochet the V-stitch almost by feel without looking down at every stitch. It is a favorite for:

• Baby blankets and striped throws: Alternating yarn colors every 1 or 2 rows turns the stacked Vs into a modern chevron/rick-rack pattern. Ready to make one? Follow our step-by-step V-stitch baby blanket pattern.
• Custom-width blankets and scarves: Want to calculate the exact starting chain for a stroller blanket, throw, or king bedspread using your own yarn and gauge? Enter your swatch gauge and Multiple of 3 + 1 into our pattern repeat calculator.
• Summer tops, beach cover-ups, and market bags: Worked in cotton or linen-blend yarn, the open ch-1 windows keep garments cool and breathable.

Frequently Asked Questions