The alpine stitch creates a really thick texture, great for bags and baskets. Anything that requires sturdy sides, would suit this stitch.
This stitch is done in multiples of 2 +1. You will need a 3.5mm hook
UK translation
Single crochet (sc) = double crochet
Double crochet (dc) = treble crochet
Front post double crochet (fpdc) = front post treble crochet
The pattern
Chain 32.
Row 1. Dc in 4th chain from your hook (this is your 2nd stitch, as the turning chain counts as your first stitch) dc in each chain across (30 stitches in row)
Turn
Row 2. chain 1 single crochet in each stitch across
Row 3. Alternate double turning chain (counts as your first stitch) front post double crochet in next stitch (yarn over and insert your hook in the post of the double crochet directly below in row 1 from right to left. Pull through a loop, now complete your dc as normal). *Dc in next stitch, fpdc* repeat across the row. Dc in last 2 stitches. 14 fpdc in the row
30 stitches in total in the the row.
Turn
Row 4. 1, sc in top of the last dc of the row below. Sc in each stitch across.
Turn
Row 5. alternate turning chain, *dc in next stitch, fpdc in next stitch* repeat across the row. Dc in last stitch. 14 fpdc in the row.
Turn
Rows 6 – 27 Repeat rows 2 – 5
Your final row will be dc and fpdc
You should have 14 rows of dc/fpdc and 13 rows of sc
The Border
Make 2 sc in the side of each row of dc. Except for the first and last rows where you should make 2 sc in the side of the double crochet stitches. Ignore the sc rows. Add an extra sc in the corners for the turn.
You should have 32 sc on each side (the extra sc in the corners is included with the count on both sides) 124 sc in total.
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 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. 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, 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 seed stitch loop. Pull your loop tight, skip 3 and single crochet in the next 2 stitches of the bobble stitch 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 join into the standing stitch.
You can now tie off and weave in your ends.
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.