Crochet Basics: Sultan Stitch

The Sultan stitch is made up of double crochets and chains. Because of the way this stitch is worked, it works up rather quickly. Great for crocheting on the couch or while listening to an audio book. Great for last minute baby blankets – or as a 12″ square in the Stitch Sampler Afghan! The stitch multiple for the Sultan Stitch is 4 + 2 + 3. (For example 4 x 10 = 40 + 2 = 42 + 3 = 45 for foundation chain) This stitch is a four-row repeat. Once you establish the first several rows the rest is a breeze! You will always place the four double crochets into the chain-2 spaces from the previous row. The chains at the beginning of the rows DO count as stitches.

Instructions

1. Foundation row:

Start with a chain in multiples of 4 + 2 + 3. For this tutorial we will be starting with 21 chains. (4 x 4 = 16 + 2 = 18 + 3 = 21)

2. In the sixth chain from the hook place a double crochet, chain 2, and another double crochet.

3. Skip three chains, and place a double crochet, chain 2, and another double crochet in the next chain. Repeat the previous step until there are only three chains remaining.

4. Skip the next two chains, and double crochet in the last chain. Foundation row complete!

5. Row 2: Chain three and turn. This chain DOES count as a double crochet stitch.

6. Work four double crochets into each of the chain-two spaces from the previous row.

7. When you get to the end, place one double crochet in the top of the turning chain. Row 3: Chain four and turn. This chain counts as a double crochet AND a chain one.

8. Double crochet in the very first space (between the first two double crochets).

9. Skip four stitches and place a double crochet, chain 2, and another double crochet in between the next set of double crochets. Repeat the previous step to the end of the row.

10. When you get to the end place a double crochet, chain 1, and another double crochet into the space before the turning chain.

11. Row 4:

Chain three and turn. This chain DOES count as a double crochet stitch.

12. Place two double crochets into the very first chain space.

Work four double crochets into each of the chain-two spaces from the previous row.

When you get to the end, place three double crochets in the turning chain space.

13. Row 5:

Chain three and turn. This chain DOES count as a double crochet stitch.

14. Skip three stitches and place a double crochet, chain 2, and another double crochet in between the next set of double crochets. Skip four stitches, and place a double crochet, chain 2, and another double crochet in between the next set of double crochets.

15. Repeat the previous step to the end of the row.

When you get to the end, skip the last two stitches, and place one double crochet in the top of the turning chain.

For the remainder of the pattern you will be repeating rows 2, 3, 4, and 5 in order until the piece is as tall as you like. I prefer to end with a row 2 so that the first row of double crochets made matches the last row of double crochets made.

Happy crocheting!