The iris stitch is a beautiful variation on the V-stitch and creates a lovely lace effect. When paired with a lightweight yarn, the results can be simple and stunning. Don’t let this stitch fool you though, it’s incredibly easy using chains and double crochet. Today I’m going to break this stitch down with labeled photos and a detailed walk-through so that you can learn this beautiful stitch and use it within your own crochet projects.

Find the tutorial below…

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For this tutorial, you will need the following materials:

• A worsted weight, or DK weight yarn of your choosing (I used WeCrochet/Knit Picks Dishie “Blush”)
• A crochet hook to compliment your yarn choice (The hook I used is a 5mm Furls Streamline Ebony)
• Scissors and yarn need if you would like to fasten off and weave in your ends

Terms:

• CH (chain)
• DC (double crochet)

Tutorial Notes:

• This stitch is worked in multiples of 4 + 3 more chains for the foundation chain. For example: Chain 8, plus 3 more chains. I will explain this more in depth later in the tutorial.
• The iris stitch can have a beautiful drape when paired with the appropriate yarn. For tutorial purposes, a worsted weight yarn will help display the stitches and placement more clearly. When you are comfortable with this stitch, I recommend using a DK or fingering weight to really allow the elegant drape and stitch work to shine through.
• This stitch shows up well with a solid colour yarn but can also work nicely with a variegated yarn.
• For teaching purposes, I will be referring to each iris stitch as an “iris cluster”.
• Turning CH 3 will be worked into the swatch throughout the tutorial. You will be stitching into the chain 3 space, not the chain stitches.

Explaining The Multiples:
Multiples are how many chain repetitions of a particular number you will need to complete the pattern. The iris stitch uses multiples of 4 which on it’s own, wouldn’t make a very big swatch or project. You would need to use multiples of 4 to create an appropriate length for your project (4, 8, 12, etc.) Once you reach the length required using that multiple, you will need to add some extra chains for your foundation. In this case, 3 extra chains. Often these will represent a turning chain or a specific single stitch. It’s important to fully read the pattern so you know how to use those extra chains after your multiples are complete. In this case it translates to 1 DC.

Iris Stitch Tutorial:

The first row is worked directly into your foundation chain. All rows that follow will be worked into the chain spaces of each iris stitch. As the rows grow, the stitch repetition can become relaxing and comfortable making it a simple but fun project to work on.

Let’s begin with a small swatch:

Begin by chaining 16 +3 chains (the extra 3 chains after your CH 16 represent CH 3 turning/1 DC)

Row 1:

Into the 5th chain from your hook, place 2 double crochet, chain 1, 2 double crochet. Skip the next 3 chain stitches. Into the next chain, place 2 double crochet, chain 1, 2 double crochet. Skip the next 3 chain stitches. Into the next chain, place 2 double crochet, chain 1, 2 double crochet. Skip the next 3 chain stitches. Into the next chain, place 2 double crochet, chain 1, 2 double crochet.

There should be 2 unworked chain stitches remaining.

Skip one chain stitch and place 1 double crochet into the last stitch.

(4 iris clusters each containing 4 DC and 1 CH stitch, one CH 3 [at the beginning], 1 DC stitch [at the end])

CH 3 and turn.

If your row one looks a little wibbly and wonky, that’s normal and okay! You’ve put a lot of stitches into a foundation chain and things will begin to even out after row 2.

Row 2:
For this row and each row after, you will be working your iris clusters into the chain space of the clusters from the previous row.

Into the CH 1 space of the first iris cluster, place 2 DC, CH 1, 2 DC. *Skip over the next 4 DC. Into the next CH 1 space, make 2 DC, CH 1, 2 DC.* Repeat from * to * for the next two iris clusters. At the end of your row, place 1 DC into the last CH 3 space.

(4 iris clusters each containing 4 DC and 1 CH stitch, one CH 3 [at the beginning], 1 DC stitch [at the end])

CH 3 and turn.

Row 3:
Repeat row 2

And that’s it! To extend the length of your swatch, simply continue repeating row 2 until you have reached your desired length. If you’d like to fasten off and weave in your ends after completing a row, you can do so as your normally would.

I really love this stitch. It’s so simple and pretty and I find it really enjoyable to crochet. Feel free to experiment with different yarns and weights to see how this stitch works up. I do feel the iris stitch displays the best with fingering weight yarn or a DK weight yarn because it allows the yarn to drape nicely. It also creates a nice and light finished piece to enjoy. You may find your own preference though!

What Can You Make With This Stitch?

• Scarves
• Neck Warmers
• Blankets
• Table Runners
• Placemats
• Curtains
• Skirts
• Cardigans and sweaters

These are just a few ideas; there are many more! Keep in mind this stitch is fairly open and airy which can change the use for a project. It would make a nice spring scarf but wouldn’t do a great job at keeping you warm during the winter months. The iris stitch being so a pretty and elegant, how will you use it in your projects?

I hope you had fun learning how to crochet the iris stitch with me and that you found this tutorial helpful. Would you do me a favour? If you could take a minute to share this post with your crochet friends or save it to your favourite Pinterest board, I would be so appreciative!

Looking for more stitch tutorials? CLICK HERE. If you’re looking for pattern inspiration, check out the FREE PATTERN section on my blog or click my shop banners below for ad-free, printer friendly digital downloads. Happy Crocheting!