The title of this post was going to be something like, “Free Crochet Pattern for Southwestern Booties”, but while I was up at 1 am making said booties (hi, I’m https://www.projectarian.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/27-1.jpg and I’m a workaholic), I was also trying out a new type of stitch that I’ve never used before: the Block Stitch, also known as the Chocolate Box (thanks to this pin for the instant tutorial). I discovered that this stitch is in fact, the best stitch ever, and it needs more attention. Hence the actual title.
But don’t worry, you still get the free pattern for these easy Southwestern Style Booties, with instructions on how to make a cute tassel too!
THE BLOCK STITCH…
There are about a million things to love about the Block Stitch, but I’ll just name my personal Top Five reasons
#1. It’s super easy to do and lies flat, looking so tidy with no effort.
#2. No matter how you start a new row, it looks neat and you don’t see any obvious signs of where your row began, even when working in Rounds or changing colours.
#3. It has a similar effect to the Granny Square Stitch, but without the open gaps that the granny has. This means you can very easily work any loose ends in as you go because the high density of stitches hides those tails without a trace. That’s very good news for those of us who love using lots of colours but hate sewing in billions of threads at the end of a project.
#4. There’s something about having clusters of stitches together that is particularly pleasing to my eye, so any pattern with this feature is a winner in my books. For example, a Granny Stitched blanket with a Shell Stitched border is the ultimate classic combination in my opinion. The block stitch has little groups of 3 Double Crochets (Trebles) that are just so tidy.
#5. You get a lot of bang for your buck when it comes to being creative with colour combinations…
I love crochet. It allows virtually endless creativity and I find it fun, challenging, satisfying – but rarely relaxing.
This bootie design turned out to be so simple and therapeutic even. The only other time I can remember doing a relaxing crochet project, was when I made blocks for a Babette blanket last year (that I have yet to finish). The block stitch gives this bootie pattern an easy flow and you hardly have to concentrate on what you’re doing.
Are you feeling inspired yet? Get your pattern and go forth and Block Stitch!
In the meantime, here’s that tassel tutorial in a neat collage for easy pinning and sharing. If you need more info, you’ll get the full instructions with your pattern.
Lovely post and thank you for liking my Globetrotter Blanket!!!! ;oD
xxxx Ale
Hi Ale! Thanks for sharing your beautiful blanket for us all to enjoy – those colours are gorgeous!
~Jessie
Wow, I am so inspired. Each photo had me going, “OMG that is gorgeous and I need to make it.” Thanks so much for sharing this collection of crochet eye candy đ
Hey Patricia đ
Yay – mission accomplished! I’m really happy to hear you’ve enjoyed it, thanks for letting me know!
~J
i love it!! i started to make these last night…but they are turning out huge! i am using regular worsted weight…i guess thats why???
Thank you for this pattern
Hey Lisa,
I’m glad you like them! Yes, thicker yarn can make a very big difference in the size! I hope they work out in the end đ
xxx
I am trying to find the pattern for the block stitch, but with no luck. I saw the link, and translated the page, but still did not find the pattern (although there was a description on using a smaller yarn for the little stitch). Any help with where I can find this pattern?
This pin will show you how to do a block stitch: http://www.projectarian.com/2016/03/13/project-011-easy-needle-felting-yarn/
Here’s a pattern for an afghan using the block stitch, from a link in this post: http://8thofthe8thofthe8th.blogspot.co.za/2012/08/block-stitch-and-interlocking-block.html
Happy crocheting đ
I just wish I could get my tension that perfect.
I feel for you!! Practice makes perfect đ
I love the booties! Thanks for the pattern! I’m trying to make them now. I read that there have to be 32 stitches at the end of row 1 of the sole. Do you also count the last stitch (the stitch directly under the loop on the needle)? Because I seem to have 33 stitches if I count that one also. (Hope you understand what I mean, I’m still learning đ
I’m glad you’re enjoying the pattern! No, you don’t count the loop directly under your hook. Each time you make a stitch, it’s loop is formed behind the post, and those are the loops to count. Hope that makes sense!
I love every photo on this page! I think block stitch will be my next stash buster project. Thanks for sharing đ
I’m so happy to hear it inspired you!
Please help! I’ve redone the first row countless times and cannot get anymore than 30 stitches and that is counting the first 3 skipped chains as a DC. What am I missing? Ch3,3dc+10dc+3dc+10dc+3dc is only 30
Hi Brittany! You’re leaving out 3DC, and that’s why you’re ending up with 29 sts.
When you get to the end of the chain, the pattern instructs you to do 3DC in the last chain. Then work down the opposite side of the chain, and do ANOTHER 3DC in the 1st chain, before you carry on with your 10 DC.
So 3DC + 10DC + 3DC + 3DC +10DC + 3DC = 32DC
Side note: I have checked my pattern and that’s what it says. If your pattern says something different (does not include that extra 3DC instruction), please let me know so I can send you an updated copy.
Love all these very beautiful. The baby boots are sweet
Thanks Carolyn!
Love this block stitch pattern. Just a little confused on the bootie pattern. Starting Rnd 5 on the boot – it says to use “red yarn” after I skip the first 14sts — I have all the colors mentioned, but did not see “red” in the bootie… Should I just continue with the white?
Sorry Juliana, that’s a copy-paste typo. Yes you can just carry on with white!
Cannot get the link for boots to work. Do u have a suggestion pls?
Hi Jobie. I tried all the links and they’re working so I’m not sure what to suggest. Sorry, my technical abilities don’t extend that far đ
It’s interesting how patterns change names! I have been crocheting this stitch for 40yrs! When I first learned about it, it was called ‘The Confetti Stitch’! Then about 5yrs ago I saw it being called ‘The Box Stitch’….now I’m seeing it also called ‘the Chocolate Box stitch’! I wonder why new age groups are renaming stitches! The Confetting stitch is one of my favorites, because It can look so different with each color combination! Also because it is easy and works up fast! Joyce