If you love crochet stitches that combine texture, simplicity, and beauty, the Alpine Crochet Stitch is one you’ll absolutely want to master!
This stitch combines basic single crochet (sc) and double crochet (dc) stitches with front post double crochet (FPdc) rows to create a raised, mountain-like texture — making it a perfect choice for cozy blankets, elegant washcloths, and stylish scarves. Once you get the rhythm, it’s soothing and satisfying — and you’ll love seeing those “mountain peaks” form row by row.
Whether you’re a beginner ready to explore textured stitches or a seasoned crocheter looking for a new favorite, this step-by-step Alpine Stitch Tutorial (with video!) will guide you through everything you need to know.
Why You’ll Love the Alpine Stitch
✨ Texture that pops: Creates a beautiful, 3D look reminiscent of mountain peaks.
? Versatile and modern: Works beautifully for blankets, scarves, hats, baskets, and garments.
? Beginner-friendly: Uses simple stitches — if you can single and double crochet, you can make this!
? Perfect for color play: Alternating yarn shades brings even more depth to the stitch
FAQs About the Alpine Crochet Stitch
Q: Is the Alpine Stitch good for beginners?
Yes! If you’re comfortable with single and double crochet stitches, this stitch is an excellent next step.
Q: Can I use this stitch for a baby blanket?
Absolutely. The texture is cozy yet soft — just choose a gentle yarn like acrylic or cotton-blend for baby projects.
Q: Why is my fabric curling?
You might be pulling your post stitches too tight. Try pulling the loop higher before completing the FPdc to help it lie flat.
Q: What projects work best with this stitch?
Blankets, scarves, hats, and even baskets look incredible in the Alpine Stitch. It’s also a great choice for decorative home items.
Want an Ad-Free PDF Download of this pattern?
This pattern is available in my shops:
Yarn Recommendations
For this tutorial, we used worsted-weight cotton yarn, which gives beautiful stitch definition and is perfect for textured stitches like this one.
Some top yarn choices include:
? WeCrochet Dishie – affordable, durable, and comes in gorgeous color packs.
? Village Yarn Cotton Yarn – soft and sturdy for everyday use.
? Premiere Home Cotton Yarn – soft and sturdy for everyday use.
? Sugar’n Cream Cotton Yarn – classic choice with endless color options.
Want to go softer or chunkier? Try a bulky or super bulky yarn for plush washcloths and cozy throws. You can also experiment with bamboo or linen blends for a luxe spa-style washcloth.
Whatever yarn you decide to use, the free Alpine Stitch Washcloth pattern will make it easy to get creative with your crochet project. So grab some yarn and get crafting!
Check out some of my patterns for inspiration!
Chateau Knit Cowl
Campside Cardi Easy Free Knit-Look Crochet Pattern
Happily Ever After Crochet Clutch Pattern
Coffee Cozy Crochet & Knit Pattern
How to Crochet Herringbone Stitch
Knit and Crochet Honeycomb Stitch Patterns
What You Will Need to Learn the Crochet Alpine Stitch
Crochet Hook:
Notions:
Removable stitch markers if needed
Yarn needle to weave in ends
Scissors
Yarn:
WeCrochet Dishie
100% Cotton Yarn, Worsted Weight Yarn, 190 yards per 100 grams
Care: Machine Wash Cold /Tumble Dry Low
Yardage:
205 yards with border (2 balls)
Abbreviations/Stitches:
blo – back loop only
ch – chain
dc – double crochet
Fpdc – front post double crochet
sl st – slip stitch
st(s) – stitch(es)
Stsc – stacked single crochet
Gauge:
Gauge is not critical for this project.
Measurements/Sizes:
Washcloth finishing size with ribbing is 13 inches x 12 1/2 inches
Skill Level:
Beginner Crochet
Alpine Stitch Notes:
It’s not necessary to have a starting chain on the single crochet rows for the body of the alpine stitch or on the ribbing border. It can be added or omitted and won’t make much of a visual difference.
Special Stitches:
While the Alpine Stitch is worked in the same way as a front post double crochet stitch, there is one significant difference that is important to note. There are photo and video tutorials for this step below.
Tip for Alpine double crochet stitch height: When working the front post double crochet stitches, adjust your technique to create more height, ensuring the fabric lies flat.
Yarn over and insert hook from front to back to front around the post of the next stitch, yarn over and pull up the loops to the hight of the current row (this is where the adjustment is essential, it must be pulled up higher than a normal post stitch, yarn over and pull through two loops, yarn over and pull through the remaining loops on the hook.
Video Tutorial to Crochet the Alpine Stitch:
Ready to learn by watching? The full step-by-step video tutorial shows you exactly how to crochet the Alpine Stitch, adjust for stitch height, and keep your fabric even. Perfect for visual learners!
Pattern Instructions for an Alpine Stitch Washcloth:
Row 1 (wrong side): Ch 40 for your starting chain. Starting in the first chain sc in each sts across, turn. (As an alternate, this first row can be done as a foundation single crochet)
Row 2 (right side): Stsc in first, dc in each stitch across, turn.
Row 3: Sc in each st across, turn.
Row 4: Stsc in the first st, *Fpdc around the dc sts from the previous dc row, dc in next st*; repeat from * to * until the last stitch, dc in the last stitch, turn.
Special Note: When working the front post stitches on the right side rows, bring the stitch up to the same height as your row (the height of regular double crochets also worked on this row) before doing the last yarn over, see the photo tutorial below. This creates the first Alpine Stitch Row.
Row 5: Single crochet in each stitch across, turn.
Row 6: Stsc in the first st, *dc in next st, Fpdc around the dc sts from the previous dc row*; repeat from * to * until the last st, dc in last, turn.
Row 7: Single crochet in each stitch across, turn.
Alpine Stitch Section Repeats: Repeat Rows 4-7 six more times or until desired height of your washcloth. If creating the washcloth border, continue to the next steps and do not cut the yarn
Instructions for the Alpine Washcloth Ribbed Border:
This will be worked on the top and bottom edges of the washcloth.
Row 1: Ch 5, sc in the first chain from hook and across towards the end of the row to the washcloth edge, sl st 2 sts along the blanket edge (these do not count as sts), turn. 5 sts
Row 2: Skip the two sts from the blanket edge, working in blo sc in the remaining loops of each st across until the last st, sc in both loops of the last st, turn.
Row 3: Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch), sc through both loops of the first st, blo sc in each st across, sl st in the next 2 sts along the blanket edge, turn.
Repeats: Repeat Rows 2-3 across one side of the blanket, and cut yarn.
After completing one edge of the washcloth, repeat on the opposite edge by turning the washcloth around and attaching the yarn to the opposite corner of the washcloth.
Repeat the instructions from above along the long edges of the washcloth. To start, insert hook and sl st to the corner of the previous ribbed edge and work 2 sl sts per row along the edge of the washcloth.
Finishing the Alpine Crochet Stitch Washcloth:
Weave in all yarn and enjoy your new washcloth with an amazing crochet texture. This is such a beautiful stitch to use for blankets, hats, and garments.
The Alpine Stitch is incredibly versatile! Here are a few crochet project ideas to try:
- ? Alpine Stitch Washcloth – a great first project to practice your tension and technique.
- ? Alpine Stitch Scarf – show off the texture in your favorite yarn colorway.
- ? Blankets and Throws – create rich texture that feels soft and luxurious.
- ? Hats and Baskets – use the stitch in the round for projects with structure and charm.
Take a peek at the Teton Crochet Basket and the Robin Duster to see this stitch in action!
How to Use Your Alpine Crochet Washcloth:
Now that you’ve created your free crochet washcloth pattern with the alpine stitch, it’s time to use it! Here are some creative ways to make the most of this cozy project:
1. Use your alpine-stitched washcloth in the kitchen! Relying on a traditional terry cloth can rough your delicate dishes and cookware. Instead, use your crochet washcloth – it’s gentle on surfaces yet provides ample scrubbing power!
2. Make a relaxing spa day out of cleaning the bathroom. Put on your favorite album, light a few candles, and grab your alpine-stitched washcloth for an at-home spa experience while you give your sink and tub a much-needed scrub.
3. Turn cleaning into an enjoyable activity with the whole family! Invite young and old people to craft their own washcloths, as it’s a great introduction to learning to crochet.
Or for really little ones, make it a game to use them together for a friendly cleaning competition. It may even inspire a few helpful habits in the long run.
Love making crochet washcloths and want to learn more about crochet stitches?
I love crocheting washcloths, are here is why: Not only are they useful around the home, but they’re also relatively quick and easy to crochet. And they can be made with a variety of materials like cotton or bamboo yarn.
If I’m going to take the time to learn a stitch pattern, I don’t just want a small useless swatch. So why not create something while learning?
If you loved this crochet tutorial, check out my free patterns: How To Crochet the Moss Stitch + Free Washcloth Pattern or the Infinity Crochet Washcloth Free Pattern or learn How To Do The Extended Single Crochet Stitch (esc) In 4 Easy Steps. All of these crochet patterns also come with a video tutorial.
Want to create a beautiful blanket in various sizes with the Alpine Stitch? Head over to Alpine Stitch Textured Baby Crochet Blanket Free Pattern.
