How To Crochet Lemon Peel Stitch

What is Lemon Peel Stitch?

The lemon peel stitch is a textured crochet stitch that creates a bumpy, yet dense fabric. It gets its name because its texture looks like lemon peel.

This stitch is made by alternating single-crochet and double-crochet stitches in the same row.

Is The Lemon Peel Stitch Beginner Friendly?

The lemon peel stitch is a great stitch for beginners to try. It only requires knowledge of basic crochet stitches such as single crochet and double crochet. 

Once you have mastered those stitches, you can easily learn how to crochet lemon peel stitch.

Abbreviations/Stitches Used

To work the lemon peel stitch, you will need to know the following abbreviations and stitches:

• ch - chain
• sc - single crochet
• dc - double crochet
• st - stitch
• rep - repeat

Materials Needed

To crochet the lemon peel stitch, you will need:

• Yarn of your choice 
• Crochet hook in the appropriate size for your yarn
• Scissors
• Yarn needle

For your reference I used:

• #3 light (DK / Light Worsted / 8py) yarn
• 3.75 mm hook

Notes

There are two ways to start this stitch and they are creating a foundation chain with either an even or an odd number. 

I will show you how to do this stitch using an odd number of chains because every row will begin with a single crochet and end with a double crochet.

When working with an even number of stitches, the start and end of each row will alternate between single-crochet and double-crochet stitches.

Step By Step Written Instructions

To start this stitch pattern you will need to make a foundation chain with an odd number. 

Foundation - Chain an odd number of stitches.

Row 1 - Sc in the 2nd ch from hook, dc in the next ch. *Sc in the next ch, dc in the next ch. Rep from * across ending with a dc.

Row 2 - Ch 1, turn. Sc in the first st, dc in the next st. *Sc in the next st, dc in the next st. Rep from * across ending with a dc.

Rep row 2 until your project is the desired length.

Photo Tutorial

For this photo tutorial, I made 13 chain stitches, but you can make any number you like just as long as it is an odd number.

Step 1 - Crochet an odd number of chains.

Step 2 - To start the first row, make a single crochet stitch into the second chain from the hook.

Step 3 - Next, make a double crochet stitch in the next chain stitch.

Step 4 - Continue to alternate between single and double crochet until you reach the end of the row. The last stitch should always end up as a double crochet.

Step 5 - Make one chain stitch and turn your work to start the second row. Note this chain stitch does not count as a stitch.

Step 6 - Make a single crochet into the same space as the chain stitch.

Step 8 - Continue to alternate single and double crochet stitches into each space, ending with a double crochet. Repeat steps 5 - 8 until your project reaches your desired length.

Helpful Tip

For every row in this pattern, the double crochet stitches are always worked into the top of the single crochets of the previous row.

Working Lemon Peel Stitch In The Round

The lemon peel stitch can be worked in a round to make items like a crochet infinity scarf, crochet cowl scarf or head bands.

When working this stitch in a continuous round, you need a foundation chain with an even number of stitches and use a slip stitch to form a ring.

The pattern worked over two rows in a series of unjoined rounds (which means that the beginning and ends of each round are not joined with a slip stitch), which makes it hard to see the start of the next. 

So, you will need a stitch marker to make the first stitch of the next round.

Foundation - Chain an even number of stitches and join the first stitch with a slip stitch. The even number of chains equals the number of stitches in each round.

Round 1 - Work a single crochet in the first chain space and place a stitch marker at the top of the stitch. Next, make a double crochet into the next chain space. 

Repeat alternating between single and double crochet until you reach the stitch maker. Your last stitch should be double crochet. 

Count the number of stitches you have made - it should match the number of your foundation chain.

Round 2 - Don't turn in your work. Work a double crochet into the space marked by the stitch marker. Move the stitch marker to the top of the double crochet stitch.  

Next, make a single crochet in the next stitch. Repeat working a double crochet and single crochet around the round until you come back to the stitch marker. Your last stitch in the round should be a single crochet.

Repeat rounds 1 and 2 until your project is the desired length.

Written Instructions For Working Lemon Peel Stitch In The Round

Foundation - Chain an even number of stitches and join the first stitch with a slip stitch. The even number of chains equals the number of stitches in each round.

Round 1 - Sc in the first stitch of the round (mark the top of the stitch with a stitch maker), dc in the next stitch. *Sc in the next st, dc in the next st. Rep from * to the end of the round, ending with a dc.

Round 2 - Dc into the sc st of the first row (make the top of the stitch with a stitch marker), sc in the next stitch. *Dc in the next st, sc in the next st. Rep from * to end of the round, ending with sc.

Repeat rounds 1 and 2 until your project is the desired length. To finish the work, slip stitch into the top of the first stitch of the last round, cut the yarn, and pull through the loop to secure.

The Classic Versus Modified Lemon Peel Stitch

The classic lemon peel stitch (in above instructions) is worked by alternating single-crochet and double-crochet stitches in the same row.

The modified lemon peel stitch (instructions below) creates a smoother and cleaner edge than the classic lemon peel stitch.

Instead of starting the row with one single crochet two are made, and the row ends with three single crochet instead of a double crochet stitch.

Modified Lemon Peel Stitch

The modified lemon peel stitch has a neater edge and gives a nice finish to items like this easy crochet dishcloth pattern and face washers without having to add a border. It is also a great stitch for blankets like this easy crochet lap blanket.

Here is how to do the modified lemon peel stitch:

Foundation - Chain an odd number of stitches

Row 1 -  Sc in the 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch, dc in the next ch. *Sc in the next ch, dc in the next ch. Rep from * until the last 3 ch, sc in the next 3 ch.

Row 2 - Ch 1, turn. sc in the next 2 sts, dc in the next st. *Sc in the next st, dc in the next st. Rep from * until the last 3 sts, sc in the next 3 sts.

Rep row 2 until your project is the desired length.

How Do I Count Rows Of Lemon Peel Stitch

Counting rows of the lemon peel stitch is easy because the stitch pattern is very distinct.

Each row consists of alternating single-crochet and double-crochet stitches.

Simply count the number of bumps on each side of your work to determine the number of rows.

Tips For Crocheting The Lemon Peel Stitch

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when crocheting the Lemon Peel Stitch:

1. Always keep your tension consistent to create an even fabric.
2. If you want a more textured fabric, try using a bulkier yarn and a larger hook size.
3. To keep your edges straight, work the first single crochet stitch of each row in the same stitch as your turning chain.
4. Always work your double crochet stitches into the top of the single crochet stitches of the previous row.
5. If you are new to crochet, practice the stitch on a small swatch before starting a larger project.

What to Make With the Lemon Peel Stitch

The lemon peel stitch is a textured crochet stitch pattern that can be used to create a variety of items. Here are some examples:

Scarves - The lemon peel stitch creates a thick and cozy fabric that is perfect for keeping warm in colder weather.

Blankets -  The stitch pattern's texture adds interest and dimension to blankets, making them a great choice for snuggling up with.

Dishcloths - The textured fabric of the lemon peel stitch is great for scrubbing away dirt and grime from dishes and surfaces.

Bags - The lemon peel stitch creates a sturdy and durable fabric that is perfect for creating bags of all sizes and shapes.

Coasters - The texture of the lemon peel stitch makes it a great choice for coasters, as it can help absorb moisture and prevent spills.

Potholders -  The thick fabric created by the lemon peel stitch is great for protecting your hands from heat and preventing burns.

Headbands - The texture of the stitch pattern creates a stylish and unique look for headbands, making them a great accessory for any outfit.

Boot cuffs -  The thickness of the lemon peel stitch makes it a great choice for boot cuffs, as they can help keep your legs warm and cozy.

Fingerless gloves - The texture of the lemon peel stitch creates a great grip, making them perfect for keeping your hands' warm while still allowing you to use your fingers.

Sweaters - The lemon peel stitch creates a unique texture that can add interest and dimension to any sweater pattern.

Frequently Asked Questions

Crochet Stitches For Blankets

This crochet stitch is ideal for making blankets. If you're want to use this stitch to make a crochet blanket but unsure where to start, read our blog post How to Crochet a Blanket Step by Step. It walks you through the process of planning and creating a crochet blanket from scratch.

More Stitch Tutorials

If you are looking for more crochet stitch ideas you might like these:

• Moss stitch
• Lemon peel stitch
• Suzette stitch

Easy Crochet Patterns

• Easy granny square patterns
• Sunflower coasters
• Daisy granny square blanket pattern
• Rectangle crochet summer shawl
• Reusable crochet face scrubbies
• Crochet lap blanket patterns
• Double crochet Coasters and basket
• Small crochet drawstring pouch
• Small Crochet basket pattern with handles
• Long fingerless gloves crochet pattern

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Printable Pattern

How to Crochet The Lemon Peel Stitch

Learn how to crochet the Lemon Peel stitch with this step-by-step guide.

The Lemon Peel stitch is a textured stitch pattern that creates a beautiful, subtle texture with alternating single crochet and double crochet stitches.

Follow along with our easy-to-follow instructions and start incorporating this lovely stitch into your crochet projects today!

Print Pin Rate

Skill Level : Easy

Author :Harriet

What You Will Need

Yarn

• Yarn in your choice of thickness and color

Hook

• Crochet hook in the appropriate size for your yarn

Notes - for your reference I used:

• #3 light (DK / Light Worsted / 8py) yarn
• 3.75 mm hook

Gauge

• Not important for this pattern

Stitches and Abbreviations Used (US Terms)

• ch - chain
• sc - single crochet
• dc - double crochet
• st - stitch
• rep - repeat

Instructions

Classic lemon peel stitch

• Foundation - Chain an odd number of stitches.
• Row 1 - Sc in the 2nd ch from hook, dc in the next ch. *Sc in the next ch, dc in the next ch. Rep from * across ending with a dc.
• Row 2 - Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch) , turn. Sc in the first st, dc in the next st. *Sc in the next st, dc in the next st. Rep from * across ending with a dc.
• Rep row 2 until your project is the desired length.

Modified lemon peel stitch

• Foundation - Chain an odd number of stitches.
• Row 1 -  Sc in the 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch, dc in the next ch. *Sc in the next ch, dc in the next ch. Rep from * until the last 3 ch, sc in the next 3 ch.
• Row 2 - Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch), turn. sc in the next 2 sts, dc in the next st. *Sc in the next st, dc in the next st. Rep from * until the last 3 sts, sc in the next 3 sts.
• Rep row 2 until your project is the desired length.