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    Home » Stitch Tutorials

    Updated: Jun 5, 2023 by Jess Coppom ·

    Video Tutorial: How to Crochet the Side Saddle Stitch

    143.5K shares

    The side saddle crochet stitch has a lovely, repetitive look that is both airy and substantial at the same time. Check out this video tutorial to learn how to do it step-by-step!

    A crochet pattern made using Side Saddle stitch with a crochet hook and yarn skein.

     This post contains affiliate links.

    Jump to:
    • Modern Side Saddle Crochet
    • Side Saddle Stitch Video Tutorial
    • Side Saddle Stitch Written Instructions
    • How to Start Side Saddle Crochet
    • Final Thoughts
    • Side Saddle Stitch FAQs
    • Invitation to our Facebook group
    • How to Crochet a Side Saddle Stitch

    Modern Side Saddle Crochet

    I've been attempting to learn new interesting crochet stitches lately and this is one that is definitely worth taking the time to figure out.

    The side saddle crochet stitch combines single crochets, double crochets and chains, yet it looks so unique. It has a beautiful, geometric pattern when viewed straight on, but the texture that appears from the side angle is what I really love.

    An in-progress pattern using the Side Saddle crochet stitch with a hook.

    I will say that at first, the side saddle crochet stitch requires a bit of concentration. The repeat pattern is not quite as straightforward as the Suzette stitch or the moss stitch, but I explain the "logic" of the repetition in the video, so hopefully once you internalize that, you'll be able to repeat it with no problem.

    The finished crochet pattern using the Side Saddle crochet stitch.

    I originally found the side saddle stitch in the book "Basic Crochet Stitches*," which has become a fantastic resource when I'm looking for just the right stitch for a project.

    I love it because it includes both written instructions and stitch charts so you can reference whichever works for you. I show you a bit of the book in this tutorial video as well.

    (The book calls this stitch "sidesaddle cluster stitch", but I've also seen people call it the "side saddle stitch.")

    Related: Design Your Own Project with These Easy Blanket Stitches

    A pink crochet pattern created using Side Saddle crochet with a hook and a potted plant.
    An in-progress pattern made with Side Saddle crochet cluster stitches with a hook, yarn skein.

    Related: 27+ Best Crochet Hat Patterns for Winter

    Side Saddle Stitch Video Tutorial

    Learn how to crochet the side saddle stitch in this beginner video tutorial.

    Side Saddle Stitch Written Instructions

    If you prefer learning from written crochet instructions, here's how to work the side saddle stitch.

    Abbreviations - US terms

    ch - chain
    sc - single crochet
    dc - double crochet
    sk - skip
    dctog - double crochet together
    cluster = dc4tog

    How to Start Side Saddle Crochet

    This stitch is worked in multiples of 5 + 1 (add 1 more for base chain).

    Row Repeat

    Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from the hook, *3 ch, dc4tog over next 4 ch, 1 ch, 1 sc into next ch; rep from * to end; turn.

    Row 2: 5 ch, 1 sc into first cluster, *3 ch, dc4tog all into next ch 3 gap, 1 ch, 1 sc into next cluster; rep from * ending with 3 ch, dc4tog all into the ch 3 gap, 1 dc into last sc, sk turning chain; turn.

    Row 3: 1 ch, sk 1 st, 1 sc into next cluster, *3 ch, dc4tog into next ch 3 gap, 1 ch, 1 sc into next cluster; rep from * ending last rep with 1 sc into turning chain; turn.

    Repeat row 2 and 3.

    A crochet pattern using the side saddle cluster crochet stitch with a plant above it.

    Final Thoughts

    The side saddle stitch is a drapey crochet stitch that creates a textured yet flexible fabric.

    Whether you're designing a baby blanket, vest, washcloth, or even a sweater, this is an excellent stitch to add to your repertoire.

    Side Saddle Stitch FAQs

    If you still have questions about the side saddle stitch, read on to find the answers you need.

    How strong is the side saddle stitch?

    The side saddle stitch is flexible but fairly sturdy, making it a strong stitch. It does have gaps between clusters, so if you're making a bag that will need to hold small items, you may need to choose a denser stitch or add fabric lining to the inside of your bag.

    Does the side saddle stitch use a lot of yarn?

    Like a lot of textured crochet stitches, the side saddle cluster stitch uses more yarn than airier, more open stitches. Your pattern should tell you how much yarn you'll need to finish your project.

    Did you try this?


    Leave a ★ review and tag @MakeAndDoCrew on Instagram and Facebook!

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    See more crochet stitch tutorials →

    That was so fun! Now what?

    • Pin this post: Save this to your Pinterest crochet board so you can easily find it again.
    • Share your work on Instagram or Facebook: Tag @MakeAndDoCrew and use #MakeAndDoCrew to show us your stitchin'!
    • Leave a comment: Say hello and share your feedback below.

    Invitation to our Facebook group

    Come discuss using the side saddle stitch and lots of other projects and techniques in our Make & Do Crew Facebook group. Here thousands of helpful crocheters answer each other's questions and share their stitches. Come join us here.

    The sidesaddle cluster crochet stitch has a lovely, repetitive look that is both airy and substantial at the same time. Check out this video tutorial to learn how to do it step-by-step!
    5 from 1 vote
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    How to Crochet a Side Saddle Stitch

    The side saddle crochet stitch has a lovely, repetitive look that is both airy and substantial at the same time.
    Gauge: na
    Measurements/Sizes: na
    Approx Time (varies by skill level): 5 hours hrs
    Yarn Cost: $2-4
    Author: Jess Coppom

    Materials

    Yarn

    • Any yarn

    Other Supplies

    • Crochet hook

    Abbreviations + Glossary (US Terms)

    • ch – chain
    • sc – single crochet
    • dc – double crochet
    • sk – skip
    • dctog - double crochet together
    • cluster = dc4tog
    Want some company while you crochet?

    Get support (and camaraderie!) in the Make & Do Crochet Crew Facebook Group. Search “Make and Do Crochet Crew” on Facebook.com.

    Permissions + Copyright

    Please do not publish or share this pattern as your own. You may make items to sell with this pattern. In exchange, please link back to this page. Do NOT use my photos as your own sales photos.

    Instructions

    How to Crochet a Side Saddle Stitch

    • This stitch is worked in multiples of 5 + 1 (add 1 more for base chain).
    • Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from the hook, *3 ch, dc4tog over next 4 ch, 1 ch, 1 sc into next ch; rep from * to end; turn.
    • Row 2: 5 ch, 1 sc into first cluster, *3 ch, dc4tog all into next ch 3 gap, 1 ch, 1 sc into next cluster; rep from * ending with 3 ch, dc4tog all into the ch 3 gap, 1 dc into last sc, sk turning chain; turn.
    • Row 3: 1 ch, sk 1 st, 1 sc into next cluster, *3 ch, dc4tog into next ch 3 gap, 1 ch, 1 sc into next cluster; rep from * ending last rep with 1 sc into turning chain; turn.
    • Repeat row 2 and 3.

    Overall Pattern Notes

    Scroll up on the page for the step-by-step video tutorial.

    More Unique Crochet Stitches with Tutorials

    143.5K shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Diane says

      January 21, 2021 at 6:27 pm

      I would like to make a baby blanket with the side saddle stitch. I am using 3ply bernat softee baby yarn. What size hook should I use and how many chains should I start with?

      Reply
    2. Diane says

      January 21, 2021 at 6:21 pm

      For a baby blanket what size would you recommend? How many chains should I start with?

      Reply
    3. Nora Carrington says

      October 10, 2020 at 2:14 pm

      Side Saddle Stitch Video Tutorial [initial caps, red, large text]
      above is not a link; it's plain html text.

      It should be a link and it should link here:

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5B3E7M23Jx0

      Reply
    4. Karolina Valko says

      February 15, 2020 at 1:46 am

      Hi Jess,

      I am planning to make a baby blanket with saddle stich but I do not know which border should I make for it. Could you please help me with this? I am also wondering how much meters I need for a baby blanket. I know depends on the size but let´s say 90*70cm?
      Thank you for yor kind reply!
      Karolina

      Reply
    5. Milk says

      August 12, 2018 at 1:52 pm

      Hello!

      Quick question, do you think this stitch would use up more or less yarn than a puff stitch?
      Thanks so much for all your work and patterns! I'm hooked ?

      Reply
    6. Joyce says

      June 13, 2018 at 8:11 am

      Thanks look very easy I watch few didderent side Saddle. Afghan . They all little different . I believe I like this one the best
      I try the other I did lots tear out . And start over lots . I was about ready to give. I try one more time
      Joyve

      Reply
    7. Courtney says

      May 17, 2018 at 6:22 pm

      Hello! I was wondering, before I attempted to work it out through trial and error, if you have instructions on how to increase and decrease while completing this stitch? Thanks so much!

      Reply
    8. Char. says

      May 03, 2018 at 7:02 am

      Hi Jess I really like this stitch and I have started a bolero for my granddaughter from another pattern using this stitch instead. My problem is that I can't figure out how to increase/decrease this stitch. Is there a way to do that? Your help would be appreciated. Thanks

      Reply
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