Almond Ridges

You’re going to be nuts for this new stitch tutorial… pun totally intended and I’m NOT sorry! The almond stitch uses a four row stitch repeat to build up a beautifully ornate pattern that’s much simpler to crochet than it looks!

If you can manage the slip stitch and a half treble, you’re good to go! As with most ridge patterns, you’ll be crocheting into the back loop only (BLO) for the majority of the work. It can take a little time to get used to that, but if you work mindfully at first, it will quickly become simple. More of a visual learner? Why not check out my step-by-step video tutorial?

I totally adored seeing this stitch work up and had countless ideas for patterns going through my head. If you’re looking for a new stitch to create a modern baby blanket, some textured and scrubby washcloths or a graphic hat or cowl then this is perfect. It’s easily adaptable, just make sure you use multiples of 8 and remember that it takes four rows to create the full repeat.

HAPPY TO HALF TREBLE?

While the Almond Ridges pattern is simple to pick up, it relies on you having knowledge of the UK half treble/US half double. This neat little stitch adds more height than a UK double/US single but less than a UK treble/US double so it’s the perfect midpoint. Because of this, it’s sturdier than than a UK treble, but still adds a decent amount of height to your project.

It works perfectly for Almond Ridges because it creates a firm fabric with plenty of stitch definition to show off the ornate pattern.

LET’S TALK ABOUT THE YARN…

For this tutorial I used the absolutely gorgeous MillaMia Naturally Soft Aran in Dusk. I’m a big fan of MillaMia and you may have heard me talk about it on countless occasions. Not only is the yarn soft, squishable and an absolute joy to crochet with – the colour palettes are SO my thing. Lots of muted neutrals and pastels. What a DREAM!

It works really well with the Almond Ridges pattern because it provides clear stitch definition and really lets the stitches shine. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option then Paintbox Simply Aran works well. However, if you can afford it a natural wool or cotton blend will add a luxurious twist to your project that works well with such a fancy stitch pattern!

MATERIALS & TOOLS NEEDED

Yarn: Milla Mia Naturally Soft Aran in Dusk

Hook: 5mm

Scissors

Darning Needle

PATTERN NOTES

Written in UK terms.

Ensure your Slip Stitches aren’t too tight.

From rows 2 onwards you will be working into the BLO of each st.

CROCHET TERMS

Chain (ch): Yarn over, pull through one loop on hook

Slip Stitch (ss): Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull yarn through stitch and loop on hook

Half Treble (htr) Yarn over and insert your hook into the chain or stitch, yarn over and pull through (you will have three loops on the hook) yarn over and pull through all three loops on the hook

Stitch(es) (st(s))

Back Loop Only (BLO)

Back Loop Only Slip Stitch (BLOss)

Back Loop Only Half Treble (BLOhtr)

Unsure of the differences between UK and US terms? Need a refresher on how to do your stitches? In my ‘How to crochet: A handy reference guide’ EBook I help you with all of these terms and you can always have them to hand! You will also get exclusive access to free video instructions. Learn more about the eBook here.

WRITTEN PATTERN

Chain in a multiple of 8 plus 5

(In the video, I have done 24 + 5 = 29)

Row 1: Ss in 2nd ch from hook and next 3 chs. *4 htr, 4 ss; repeat from * to end. Turn.

Row 2-3: Ch 1, 4 BLOhtr, 4 BLOss; repeat from * to end.

Row 4-5: Ch 1, *BLOss next 4 sts, 4 BLOhtr; repeat from * to end. Turn.

Repeat row 2-5 until you reach your desired height.

Final Row: Ch 1, 4 BLOhtr, 4 BLOss; repeat from * to end.

VIDEO TUTORIALS

00:00​ Intro

01:14​ Foundation Chain

01:52​ Row 1

04:00​ Row 2

06:18​ Rows 3 & 4

08:20​ Rows 5 & 6

09.53 Repeat Rows 3 to 6

10:32​ How to count your rows

If you LOVE textured stitches, why not try one of these next?

Want to keep up with what’s new on Bella Coco Crochet? The best way is to sign up to my newsletter, you get a weekly inbox that’s packed full of patterns, crochet chat and more!