Decorative Crochet Stitches

It’s good to have something as useful as crochet stitch library at hand, especially if we are creating our own designs. This one is full of amazing decorative stitches.
Working with two or three colors of yarn gives you a lot of room for experimentation, and you are not confined to simple stripes! You can easily create stitches that resemble rows of flowers, even if you are a beginner. They work great as borders, but also as blankets, especially baby blankets. You can make a beautiful handmade gift that will be cherished for years. Take a look at examples below and search for links to free patterns under the pictures.
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Cute Decorative Crochet Stitches – Free Patterns
Fantail Shell Stitch
The Fantail Shell stitch is a hybrid of the shell stitch and the v stitch. It’s a lovely textured stitch that’s also very versatile. Can be used for a variety of projects such as beanies, blankets, and clothing. It’s perfect to use up your yarn leftovers!
- DESIGNED by: Divya Bhat
- PROJECT TYPE: stitch
- CRAFT: crochet
- SKILL LEVEL: upper beginner
PHOTOS by Divya Bhat / ravelry.com
Find original free pattern on desamourdesigns.com or read more about it on Ravelry.
Iris Stitch
This is a step-by-step tutorial for crocheting the iris stitch. It contains a written pattern, a video tutorial, and three unique colorways that Crochetpedia created. Iris stitch is one of the simplest crochet stitches to learn because it only requires chain and double crochet. You’ll get the hang of it quickly, so give it a shot!
- DESIGNED by: Crochetpedia
- PROJECT TYPE: stitch
- CRAFT: crochet
- SKILL LEVEL: upper beginner
PHOTOS by Crochetpedia / ravelry.com
Find original free pattern on crochetpedia.com or read more about it on Ravelry.
Blossom Stitch
This stunning stitch in the pictures below will give you all the texture you need to create an eye catching and intricate project, while still keeping it fairly simple to make. Have fun with this one and don’t forget to let me know in the comments below which color you’ve used and what project you’ve chosen to make!
- DESIGNED by: crochetcloudberry.co.uk
- PROJECT TYPE: stitch
- CRAFT: crochet
- SKILL LEVEL: upper beginner
PHOTOS by crochetcloudberry.co.uk / ravelry.com and Instagram
Find original free pattern on crochetcloudberry.co.uk and the bottom photo is here.
Sunflower Crochet Stitch
Do you like sunflowers? They are surely the symbol of summer, as well as the state flower of Kansas, in fact, did you know that it’s called “The Sunflower State”? Make this stitch to create gorgeous summer project, that will look like a meadow of blooming sunflowers. It’s a lovely addition to many projects, or you can make a project like a bigger blanket or bed spread out of it!
- DESIGNED by: nanascraftyhome
- PROJECT TYPE: stitch
- CRAFT: crochet
- SKILL LEVEL: upper beginner
PHOTOS by nanascraftyhome / nanascraftyhome.com
Find original free pattern on nanascraftyhome.com
Crochet Diamond Trellis Stitch
This beautiful diamond stitch in the pictures below was made by maisieandruth and it has a stunning raised texture, that’s achieved in part by simply working the front post double crochet throughout the pattern. It’s also aa really beginner friendly pattern that’s a wonderful base for many projects!
- DESIGNED by: maisieandruth
- PROJECT TYPE: stitch
- CRAFT: crochet
- SKILL LEVEL: upper beginner
PHOTOS by maisieandruth / maisieandruth.com
Find original free pattern on maisieandruth.com
Easy Puff Stitch
This amazing puff stitch is full of texture and chunkiness, while still being breathable and super nice in touch. The tutorial contains instructions for an easy puff stitch variation. Feel free to make it with any kind of yarn and corresponding hook you want.
- DESIGNED by: Crochetpedia
- PROJECT TYPE: stitch
- CRAFT: crochet
- SKILL LEVEL: upper beginner
PHOTOS by Crochetpedia / ravelry.com
Find original free pattern on crochetpedia.com or read more about it on Ravelry.
The Gem Stitch
The gem stitch is a fantastic and super easy stitch, that can be used to create endless projects, like for instance blankets, cushions, table runners, sweaters, beanies and so on. The possibilities are simply endless! Feel free to play with the colors and make so many projects as you can think of out of this stitch!
- DESIGNED by: crochetml.com
- PROJECT TYPE: stitch
- CRAFT: crochet
- SKILL LEVEL: upper beginner
PHOTOS by crochetml.com / crochetml.com
Find original free pattern on crochetml.com
How to Crochet A Snuggle Stitch Blanket
This stitch in the pictures below is a super beginner friendly and super fast to make stitch, that can be used for endless different projects, like blankies, sweaters, dresses and so on. I love the finished result, it’s super cool and so modern looking!
- DESIGNED by: meetmeatmikes
- PROJECT TYPE: stitch
- CRAFT: crochet
- SKILL LEVEL: upper beginner
PHOTOS by meetmeatmikes / meetmeatmikes.com
Find original free pattern on meetmeatmikes.com, the top photo is here and the bottom photo is here.
How to Crochet The Cupcake Stitch
Wondering how to make your projects even more cute? How about this adorable cupcake stitch by Hopeful Honey? Rows of little sweets create lacy texture, which will be perfect for delicate baby blankets or table runners. As you can see below, pink palette works great, because it makes the cupcakes look like they are chocolate flavor with whipped cream on top. Try out different combinations of colors, though, to see what will suit your needs best.
- DESIGNED by: Hopeful Honey
- PROJECT TYPE: stitch
- CRAFT: crochet
- SKILL LEVEL: upper beginner
PHOTOS by Hopeful Honey / hopefulhoney.com
Find this free pattern on hopefulhoney.com.
Brick Crochet Stitch
If some stitches are too girly, and the other too abstract, this one may fit right up your alley. Brick stitch designed by MyPicot is a very simple idea, and that’s exactly what makes it so versatile. Mix and match different colors, change them up between “bricks” and play with them like you would with Legos! Take a look below to get inspired. Dense structure of this technique makes it perfect in every project that needs sturdy and thick stitches.
- DESIGNED by: MyPicot
- PROJECT TYPE: stitch
- CRAFT: crochet
- SKILL LEVEL: intermediate
PHOTOS by MyPicot / mypicot.com
Find this free pattern on mypicot.com.
You may also like this article – Secret Paths Crochet Shawls.
Crochet Flower Stitch
Summer reminds us of the best time in a year – everything is colorful, the flowers are in full bloom, we enjoy the sun and gorgeous weather. This amazing stitch will be a great base for a summer blanket, wrap, or shawl. Its lacy structure is truly one of a kind, and each row goes up and down, creating fun color changes. Make the most of this fantastic design by MyPicot, but first – take a look at the photos and admire final effect!
- DESIGNED by: MyPicot
- PROJECT TYPE: stitch
- CRAFT: crochet
- SKILL LEVEL: intermediate
PHOTOS by MyPicot / mypicot.com
Find this free pattern on mypicot.com.
Crochet Butterfly Stitch
I absolutely love these little, sweet butterflies, because they are so colorful and fun! You need only a very small amount of yarn to make these cuties, so gather up your yarn leftovers and try it. Can you believe that these butterflies are made as you go? I couldn’t believe it myself, because usually this kind of stitch requires making an applique first, and then sewing it on. See below how cleverly designers from MyPicot did it!
- DESIGNED by: MyPicot
- PROJECT TYPE: stitch
- CRAFT: crochet
- SKILL LEVEL: upper beginner
PHOTOS by MyPicot / mypicot.com
Find this free pattern on mypicot.com.
If you like butterflies, check out our article about them – Fun And Easy Crochet Butterflies.
Tulip Stitch Afghan Square
I love simple stitches that create familiar shapes, but you must remember, that it’s all about the right use of colors. Take a look below at Oombawka Design’s fantastic tulip stitch, but imagine that colors would be in different places. It wouldn’t look like tulips, right? That’s why choosing the right colors for your project is so important. This lovely technique is very easy to make, so if you are a beginner, grab your crochet hook and try it now!
- DESIGNED by: Oombawka Design
- PROJECT TYPE: afghan square
- CRAFT: crochet
- SKILL LEVEL: upper beginner
PHOTOS by Oombawka Design / oombawkadesigncrochet.com
Find this free pattern on oombawkadesigncrochet.com, or read more about it on Ravelry.
If you need help with changing colors, I recommend you this article – How to Change Colors in Crochet.
Free Crochet Stitch Tutorial Tulip Stitch
This version of the beloved tulip stitch makes it easy to work it in rows, so don’t limit yourself when it comes to width. You can crochet a lovely baby blanket, and a matching hat to make it even cuter, so consider it an idea for a baby shower gift. Designer behind Crochet’n’Create always comes up with adorable baby clothes, so be sure to explore her website for more free patterns and inspiration. Below you can see two color palettes for the tulip stitch.
- DESIGNED by: Crochet’n’Create
- PROJECT TYPE: stitch
- CRAFT: crochet
- SKILL LEVEL: upper beginner
PHOTOS by Crochet’n’Create / crochetncreate.com
Find this free pattern on crochetncreate.com.
Tulip Throw
As you can see in the photo, alternating tulips with basic crochet stitches makes the whole thing look really stunning. Adding white yarn in between makes the rows of tulips pop even more! If you are looking for a statement piece, you can be sure that this throw won’t go unnoticed.
- DESIGNED by: Grace Alexander, this version by ViviLion
- PROJECT TYPE: blanket
- CRAFT: crochet
- SKILL LEVEL: upper beginner
PHOTOS by ViviLion / ravelry.com
Find this free pattern on web.archive.org.
You may also like this article – Fun Crochet Coasters Patterns.
Crochet Strawberry Stitch
Looking for a juicy stitch to spruce up your crochet projects? You may like this fun strawberry stitch by Naztazia, then! It requires basic skills in tunisian crochet, but I’m sure you will get it, even if you’ve never tried it before. Naztazia’s tutorials are very comprehensive and each step is well explained, so don’t worry about that. Now take a look at the photos below and think about the perfect project to use it in!
- DESIGNED by: Naztazia
- PROJECT TYPE: stitch
- CRAFT: crochet
- SKILL LEVEL: intermediate
PHOTOS by Naztazia / naztazia.com
Find this free pattern on naztazia.com.
Neutral and Versatile Crochet Stitches – Free Patterns
How to Easily Crochet Jasmine Stitch
- TUTORIAL by: Crochet Beja
- PHOTOS by: lindseysophie / Instagram.com
- PROJECT TYPE: stitch
- CRAFT: crochet
- SKILL LEVEL: intermediate

PHOTOS by @lindseysophie / Instagram.com
To learn Jasmine Stitch, you can use free tutorial on crochetbeja.com, or read more about it on Ravelry. If you want to know how to work it in the round, check out this video tutorial by wiwinwinartist on YouTube – it’s in Indonesian, but each step is nicely presented.
See the photos on Instagram – top photo is here and bottom photo is here.
The Pansy Stitch
This delicate stitch may not look interesting at first sight, but after a while you can see its beauty and versatility. Lacy panel, divided with a couple of rows of basic stitches, creates a nice combination of solid texture and openwork. As designer behind Desert Blossom Crafts intended, this stitch will be perfect to incorporate as a detail in crochet cardigan, or delicate lacy blanket. Just see below how nice it looks in neutral off-white color!
- DESIGNED by: Desert Blossom Crafts
- PROJECT TYPE: stitch
- CRAFT: crochet
- SKILL LEVEL: upper beginner
PHOTOS by Desert Blossom Crafts / desertblossomcrafts.com
Find this free pattern on desertblossomcrafts.com.
You may want to check out our article on 50+ Best Crochet Cardigan Patterns.
Decorative Crochet Stitches with Video Tutorials
Reversible Moroccan Hearts Crochet Stitch
Moroccan aesthetics and heart motif? Yes, please! This clever stitch is for those of you, who love abstract patterns and want to play with colors. Designers behind Tejiendo Perú show us step by step how to make this lovely stitch, so check out their video and make your own version. Below you can see their color combination – do you like it?
- DESIGNED by: Esperanza y Ana Celia Rosas
- PROJECT TYPE: stitch
- CRAFT: crochet
- SKILL LEVEL: upper beginner
Stills from video by Esperanza y Ana Celia Rosas / youtube.com
Find this free video tutorial in Spanish on youtube.com, or check out English translation in our post – How to Crochet Reversible Moroccan Hearts Stitch.
How to Crochet Quilted Stitch
When I saw this stitch for the first time, I thought about sweet puffy candy, because these modules look just like it! What’s more, these puffs are arranged diagonally, which makes them even more fun and interesting. I’m sure that this stitch would look great in one color, too, so consider using it in your projects. Take a look below to see pastel color palette Esperanza and Ana Celia chose for their project.
- DESIGNED by: Esperanza y Ana Celia Rosas
- PROJECT TYPE: stitch
- CRAFT: crochet
- SKILL LEVEL: intermediate
Stills from video by Esperanza y Ana Celia Rosas / youtube.com
Find this free video tutorial in Spanish on youtube.com.
Unicorn Stitch
If you are an amigurumi fan, you will love this stitch by Tejiendo Peru’s team. You must have seen adorable curly cues, which are often attached to amigurumi unicorns as a mane or a tail, right? Well, our designers decided to incorporate them in this unique stitch, and the effects are visible in the photos below. What a fantastic way to make three-dimensional crochet surface! What would you use this stitch for?
- DESIGNED by: Esperanza y Ana Celia Rosas
- PROJECT TYPE: stitch
- CRAFT: crochet
- SKILL LEVEL: upper beginner
Stills from video by Esperanza y Ana Celia Rosas / youtube.com
Find this free video tutorial in Spanish on youtube.com, or check out English translation in our post – How to Crochet Unicorn Stitch.
If you like unicorns, be sure to check out our article – The Best Unicorn Crochet Patterns.
Easy Crochet Stitch For Baby Blankets
Dense stitches are the best for baby blankets, because little toes and fingers doesn’t get tangled in openwork. In addition, fun surface like the one you can see in the photo below, is a nice tactile exercise for little one’s mind. You can make it in solid color, or use two, or more, if you like. Esperanza and Ana Celia always come up with the best ideas, right?
- DESIGNED by: Esperanza y Ana Celia Rosas
- PROJECT TYPE: stitch
- CRAFT: crochet
- SKILL LEVEL: intermediate
Stills from video by Esperanza y Ana Celia Rosas / youtube.com
Find this free video tutorial in Spanish on youtube.com
Crossed Leaves Stitch
I absolutely love cable stitches, and I always wonder why this technique is so seldom employed in crochet. Now, this fantastic 3-dimensional stitch you can see below, will look equally beautiful in pink, violet or blue. I’m sure that you can experiment with multicolored yarn, though, because this stitch looks like it’s very versatile. Designer behind Majovel Crochet created a tutorial, will allow you to make your own version.
- DESIGNED by: Majovel Crochet
- PROJECT TYPE: stitch
- CRAFT: crochet
- SKILL LEVEL: intermediate
Stills from video by Majovel Crochet / youtube.com
Find this free video tutorial with English subtitles on youtube.com
You may also like this article – Sweet Llama and Alpaca Crochet Patterns.
Raised Treble Diagonal Rib Stitch
Ribbing is one of the most interesting techniques in crochet, because it’s an easy way to create a structured surface. HappyBerry Crochet made a tutorial on this lovely raised stitch, so take a look below and click on the link to try it out! I’m sure it will look great in bolder colors, too, but this sweet pastel mint would be perfect for a baby blanket. What do you think?
- DESIGNED by: HappyBerry Crochet
- PROJECT TYPE: stitch
- CRAFT: crochet
- SKILL LEVEL: upper beginner
Stills from video by HappyBerry Crochet / youtube.com
Find this free video tutorial in English on youtube.com.
Decorative Crochet Motifs – Free Crochet Patterns and Tutorials
Crochet Popcorn Stitch Motif
This pink motif you see below, uses popcorn stitch to create fun texture. You can use it in many different projects, or treat it as a project on its own, and turn it into a centerpiece, for example. If you’ve never tried popcorn stitches before, it’s a great opportunity to learn, so try it today.
- DESIGNED by: oum_maryam_randa_crochet
- PROJECT TYPE: stitch
- CRAFT: crochet
- SKILL LEVEL: upper beginner
PHOTOS by @oum_maryam_randa_crochet / Instagram.com
Find video tutorial in Arabic on youtube.com. More photos are available on Instagram – top photo is here and bottom photo is here.
You may also like this article – Waffle Stitch Crochet Patterns.
Pineapple Stitch Motif
Pineapple stitch is a beautiful, classic theme, which is very popular in crochet world. You can find countless examples of it, but one thing is common – it’s a lacy motif, surrounded by fantastic openwork. This mint beauty you see in the photos is Rhondda’s version in the shape of a square. You can join them as you like, turning it and arranging in symmetrical patterns, or just use it as a decorative element in a bigger project. The sky is the limit!
- DESIGNED by: Rhondda Mol for AllFreeCrochet.com
- PROJECT TYPE: stitch
- CRAFT: crochet
- SKILL LEVEL: upper beginner
PHOTOS by Rhondda Mol / AllFreeCrochet.com
Find this free pattern on allfreecrochet.com.
Drop Loop Stitch
The Drop Loop Stitch is easier than it seems at first glance. It is a great stitching technique to learn as it beautifies garments like tops or vests. Consider incorporating this stitch into your summer crochet clothing for that airy, breathable feeling. It would also make a great bikini top-throw just for some delicate beach coverage.
- DESIGNED by: Ashlea – Heart Hook Home
- PROJECT TYPE: stitch
- CRAFT: crochet
- SKILL LEVEL: intermediate
Photos by Ashlea – Heart Hook Home / hearthookhome.com
Find original free pattern on hearthookhome.com.
Offset Hearts Stitch
If you are looking for a way to upgrade your basic blanket or washcloth crochet design, this is perfect for you. Offset Hearts Stitch is a cute crochet stitch that adds a bit of loveliness to every pattern. Learning these techniques you will be able to create puff hearts in various colors across the whole fabric. And all of that charm only with two crochet ways, basic, simple and cluster V stitches.
- DESIGNED by: Crafting Happiness
- PROJECT TYPE: stitch
- CRAFT: crochet
- SKILL LEVEL: upper beginner
Photos by Crafting Happiness / ravelry
Find original free pattern and video tutorial on craftinghappiness.com, or read more about it on Ravelry.
Jacob’s Ladder Stitch
A really structured, neat looking stitch that is suitable for somewhat advanced beginners. If you already know double crochet stitches, single crochet stitches, slip stitches and chains you are ready to up your game with the Jacob’s Ladder Stitch. With this technique you will create a braid looking pattern that’s very well organized and structured.
- DESIGNED by: Naztazia
- PROJECT TYPE: stitch
- CRAFT: crochet
- SKILL LEVEL: upper beginner
Photos by Naztazia / naztazia.com
Find original free pattern on naztazia.com.
Zigzag Spike Puff Stitch
The zigzag stitch itself is always a good idea when you’re in search for a simple, yet very decorative technique. This version by Rich Textures Crochet is something more than a bazig zigzag. With this stitch you will create very thick, dense and soft fabric that has the same amazing motif on both sides. Worked in complementing colors gives a great effect that will look amazing on pillow cases or any other project you plan to use it for.
- DESIGNED by: Rich Textures Crochet
- PROJECT TYPE: stitch
- CRAFT: crochet
- SKILL LEVEL: beginner
Photos by Rich Textures Crochet / richtexturescrochet.com
Find original free pattern on richtexturescrochet.com.
Crochet Feather Stitch
This stitch is far less complicated in making that it looks like. And if you ask us, this means it is truly a beautiful and very decorative technique that will make any project even more stunning. Kelly Martinelli of hardknotlifecrochet has taken the pattern by Hooked by Robin and matched it with seashells inspired colorful yarn. The result is spectacular and very nice to the touch, as the feather stitch is lightweight and amazingly soft.
- DESIGNED by: Hooked by Robin
- THIS VERSION by: hardknotlifecrochet
- PROJECT TYPE: stitch
- CRAFT: crochet
- SKILL LEVEL: upper beginner
Photos by hardknotlifecrochet / instagram.com
Find original free pattern on hookedbyrobin.com, or read more about it on Instagram.
Houndstooth Stitch
This is a classic pattern that’s often used not only in crochet projects, but also in knitting, prints and tissue design. You just have to have this skill at your hand anytime you wish to crochet something timeless and elegant. This tutorial will teach you how to do so, especially as it comes with the video tutorial. Don’t feel limited to classic black and white houndstooth stitch, experiment with all the colors you like!
- DESIGNED by: Heart Hook Home
- PROJECT TYPE: stitch
- CRAFT: crochet
- SKILL LEVEL: beginner
Photos by Heart Hook Home / hearthookhome.com
Find the video tutorial on YouTube, or read more about it on hearthookhome.com.
English Translations of Decorative Stitch Tutorials
Explore more cute crochet stitch tutorials on our website:
- How to Crochet Decorative Puff Stitch for Blankets
- Easily Crochet Crossed Loop Alike Stitch
- How to Crochet Easy Turkish Stitch
- Learn How to Crochet 3D Marshmallow Stitch
- How to Crochet Apache Tears Stitch