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!
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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.
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.
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.”)
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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.
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.
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.
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.
More Crochet Stitch Tutorials
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How to Crochet a Side Saddle Stitch
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
Abbreviations and Glossary (US Terms):
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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.
Overall Pattern Notes
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.
Helen says
In the video, she does yarn under instead of yarn over. Does this matter?
Phyllis Morelli-Baumach says
Do you think this would work with a multicolor yarn? I love this pattern , I used it for a white afghan. Thank you
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Oh yes! I think it would be beautiful in a multicolor yarn. I bet it’ll be a totally different look than your white afghan. 🙂
Cat says
Loved this pattern. Thank you! Just a small note, I noticed a small error in the written pattern. On row two, the chain 1 just before the last DC at the end of row is missing.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Thanks so much for pointing that out, Cat! I’ll correct the written pattern right now. I appreciate your eagle eyes!
Kim says
Hello,
Can you please tell me how I can get the book?
Thanks much!!
Cindy says
Will it eventually be available in ebook format (particularly for Kindle)? Thank you!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hmm. I hadn’t thought of that, Cindy. What would you like to have in an eBook format? Specific tutorials? Patterns? I’d love to know.
Thanks for opening my eyes to a new possibility for how I could share my patterns and tutorials!
Jess
Deana says
My great grandmother made an adult size afghan for my mother with this stitch (I’ve been looking for it for YEARS) and I’m thinking of making her a new one for her birthday- do you have any idea how much yarn would be needed? I just really want to make sure I get enough- but don’t want to drown in extra.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hmm. Well, how big would you want it to be? If you want a throw-sized afghan (as in, not a whole bedspread), I’d buy somewhere around 1500-2000 yards assuming you’re using worsted weight yarn. That’s just a rough guess. 🙂
Patricia June says
I you buy your yarn at Hobby Lobby, there’s no problem in taking back extra skeins you haven’t used.
Gayle says
I would like to make a blanket for a new baby. Can you help with how many base chain stitches
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Gayle,
For this stitch, you’ll want to start with multiples of 5 stitches and then add 2 to that number. So it depends on the size you want and the thickness of your yarn, etc, but you can just chain any number of stitches that fit that criteria. (So like, 37, 52, 67, etc).
Does that make sense?
I’d love to see your blanket when you finish! I think this will be a lovely stitch for a baby.
Selebgram says
Always loved it 🙂
Claire says
Thank you so much for sharing these simple crochet stitches that look so beautiful,. I will certainly do both the Suzette stitch and the Side saddle stitch. I am really looking forward to my finish project to see how gorgeous it is to the non crocheter and to myself.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
It’s my pleasure, Claire. Thank you for your kind words. It’s so fun to learn a new stitch isn’t it? I love how different crochet can look depending on the combo of stitches you use.
Happy crocheting!
Jess
Tracey says
Hi, what yarn are you using? I love the colour! How many skeins did you use for the blanket?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Tracey,
The yarn is “I Love This Yarn” from Hobby Lobby. I think the color is called light peach. I am actually doing a sampler blanket with different colors and stitches, so I’m not quite sure on the amount yet. I do love this yarn though because it’s really affordable, soft and easy to work with.
Hope that helps!
Jess
Elaine says
Why are the edges different on the side saddle stitch?,
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Elaine,
That’s how the pattern has to work in order to be reversed on the next row. I explain more about it in the video 🙂
Jess
Maria says
What kind of border do you recommend for the side saddle pattern? I’m trying to make a baby blanket.
Cat says
You need to chain 1 at the end of row two (just before the last DC)
Jen Bruck says
So to make this into an afghan I am using multiples of 5 plus 1, correct? How many stitches did you do for your base chain for the example afghan?
Thank you 🙂
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Jen,
So you’ll want to do multiples of 5 + 1 and then + 1 more for the base chain. (So an example in the video is 15 + 1 + 1 = base chain.)
My afghan (which is pretty small because it’s for my 3-year-old) is 122 stitches across for the base chain.
Hope that is helpful!
Jess
Peck Barbara E says
Thanks for all the instructions. What kind of yarn and needle did you use? Love the color!!!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Barbara,
I used “I Love This Yarn” from Hobby Lobby for this tutorial. I think the hook was a size J, but I can’t quite remember. If you look at the label on the back of the yarn, you can see a suggested hook size and I’m pretty sure that’s what I used. 🙂
Happy crocheting!
Jess
Joan Tisdell says
Thanks so much for an easy to follow informative tutorial! A pattern for a tee jumper for adults using this side saddle stitch and 4 ply yarn would finish things off nicely!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
I agree! That’s a great idea, Joan. I’m happy your found the tutorial helpful!
Joan Steuer says
Where can I find the video instructions for the side saddle please?
Joan Steuer says
Where do I find the “moderation”?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Joan!
The video is above this comment area. The written instructions for the side saddle stitch can be found right below that. Is that what you’re asking about?
🙂
Jess