This stitch is supposed to look like the foot of a lark. It has 2 short toes with a long middle toe, created using a spike stitch. This is a popular stitch for blankets.
This stitch is made in multiples of 4 plus 1, but to make it fit our square counts, I’ve added an extra stitch on one side.
You can purchase the ad free, printable version of the pattern on Ravelry for just £2.40 which includes a weekly update with the next square
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-50-stitches-cal
This pattern is written in US terms, but you can find the UK term translation below
UK Translation
Double crochet (dc) = treble crochet
The Pattern
You need a 3.5 mm hook
Chain 32
Row 1. In the 4th chain from your hook make a dc (turning chain counts as a stitch). Dc in the next chain. *Chain 1, skip a chain then dc in the next 3 stitches* Repeat between * and * until the end of the row – 30 stitches
Turn
Row 2. Chain 1 (doesn’t count as a stitch) and make the alternate turning chain in the first stitch. In the next stitch make a dc, *chain 1 and skip a stitch, then dc in the next 3 stitches* repeat across the row – 30 stitches
Turn
Row 3. Chain 1 and make the alternate turning chain in the first stitch. Chain 1, skip a stitch, *dc in the next stitch. Around the chain 1 in row 1 make a spike stitch, then dc in the next stitch, chain 1 and skip a stitch* repeat between *and* across the row. Dc in the last stitch.
Your skipped stitch should always be over the middle dc in the group of 3 in the row below.
Turn.
Row 4. Chain 1 and make the alternate turning chain in the first stitch. *dc in the next 3 stitches, then chain 1 and skip a stitch* repeat between *and* across the row. Make a dc in the last stitch.
Turn
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Row 5. Chain 1 and alternate turning chain in the first stitch. * Around the chain 1 in row 3 make a spike stitch, then dc in the next stitch, chain 1 and skip a stitch, then dc in the next stitch.* repeat between *and* across the row. End the row with a dc
Turn
Row 6. Chain 1 and make the alternate turning chain in the first stitch. Dc in the next stitch, then chain 1 and skip a stitch, *dc in the next 3 stitches, chain 1 and skip a stitch* repeat between *and* across the row. Make a dc in the last 3 stitches.
Turn
Row 7. Repeat row 3
Row 8. Repeat row 4
Row 9. Repeat row 5
Row 10. Repeat row 6
Row 11. Repeat row 3
Row 12. Repeat row 4
Row 13. Repeat row 5
Row 14. Chain 1. Make the alternate turning chain in the first stitch, then make a dc in each stitch across – 30 stitches
Tie off
The Border
Make a sc in every stitch across the top and bottom. In the sides make 3 sc in rows 1 and 14 and 2 sc in the side of all other rows. Remember to add an extra stitch in the corners for the turn
The Interlocking Border
If you are joining as you go, we need to add the interlocking border and weave it into the border of the previous square so they are joined together. Use a 4mm hook for this part of the border on all squares.
Start the border in the extra corner stitch on the bottom left hand side with a standing single crochet, and then single crochet in the next corner stitch.
*Chain 4, skip the next 3 stitches, single crochet in the next two stitches* repeat this pattern across the bottom edge until you reach the next corner (you should have 6 loops). Make a single crochet in all 3 corner stitches, then carry on the pattern above. Do this for 3 sides.
When you get to the top left corner, single crochet in the 3 corner stitches then chain 4. Pull up a loop, and then insert your hook into the top right loop of the previous square. Hook the loop from your chain 4 and pull it up through the loop on the adjoining square. Pull your loop tight, skip 3 and then single crochet in the next 2 stitches of the adjoining square.
You should have joined the first 2 loops together. Repeat this for all 6 loops until you get back to the bottom left hand corner. Single crochet in the corner stitch, and then join into the standing stitch.
You can now tie off and weave in your ends.
If you would like to close the gap between the corners of your squares, you can do this with a single stitch. I show you how in this video
If you have any questions about the pattern or the CAL, then come on over to the Facebook group – 50 Stitches where you can show us your completed squares too.
