How to Crochet Apache Tears: Free Crochet Pattern

Updated May 28, 2026

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Learn how to crochet the Apache Tears stitch with my free step-by-step pattern and video tutorial available in both right and left-handed versions. If you love trying new stitches or are equally a fan of texture I think you will love this stitch! The Apache Tears stitch is a striking crochet technique that creates a cascading, diagonal effect.

About This Stitch

This visually dramatic stitch is achieved through front post double treble (FPtr), which add depth and texture, making it an excellent choice for blankets, scarves, and home décor projects. The beauty of Apache Tears lies in its colourwork, where different shades highlight the stitch’s dynamic, zigzagging pattern.

This stitch is ideal for advanced beginners to intermediate crocheters who are comfortable working with post stitches and changing colours. It is typically worked in multiple colours, but a monochrome version still showcases the unique texture.

Pattern Use Ideas

Blankets
Scarfs
Home Decor

Materials & Tools

Yarn: I used Yarn and Colors Fabulous, however you could substitute this for any chunky weight yarn. I love Paintbox Yarns Simply Chunky.
In the video I used Peach, Cream, Ecru and Jade Gravel.
Hook: This yarn advises to use a 5mm (H-8) but I will use a 5.5mm (I-9) so the stitches are easier to see. Reference your yarn label for the recommended size
Scissors
Darning Needle

Pattern Notes

Written in UK terms but switchable to US terms below.
This pattern can work in whatever multiples you wish for your design. I will work a multiple of 7 which means I will have 6 stitches and then a tear. If you want your tears stitched more closely, then work in a smaller multiple. If you want the tears spaced further apart, increase your multiple.
You will work in one direction only always keeping the right side of the work facing you. Do not turn in your work.
Video tutorial can be found at the base of the post.

Pattern Support

The fastest way to get pattern support is to ask in our dedicated facebook group for Bella Coco Crochet patterns. This is the best place for you to connect with other crocheters.

Please note, if you wish to change and adapt this pattern in any way, this must be done at your own exploration and we cannot offer assistance with this.

FAQs

Is this stitch suitable for beginners?

I always say if you like the look of a stitch, try it. If you’re comfortable with basic stitches like chain, double crochet, or treble crochet, you’ll likely pick it up quickly. I also recommend watching the video tutorial alongside following the written pattern. Lastly, take your time, practice slowly, and don’t worry if it feels tricky at first.

How do I keep count of my stitches?

Using stitch markers can make a huge difference, especially at the beginning and end of rows or rounds. Counting regularly after each row will also help you spot mistakes early before they become harder to fix. If you’re still struggling, add stitch markers after every 5 or 10 stitches.

My edges are uneven! What am I doing wrong?

Uneven edges usually happen when stitches are accidentally added or missed at the ends of rows. Pay close attention to where the first and last stitches go, and count your stitches often to make sure the total stays consistent. Using stitch markers can help with this. CLICK HERE for more help starting and ending rows with confidence.

What should I do if I make a mistake?

Mistakes happen to every crocheter! If you notice an error a few stitches back, gently pull out the stitches to the problem area and try again. In the crochet world, we call this frogging, and it’s all part of the learning process.

Why do my stitches vary in size?

This will be your tension. If you struggle with your tension and find your crochet stitches are inconsistent, or they get tighter or looser, I can help fix this with the golden loop! CLICK HERE to help fix your tension issues.

How long does it take to learn a new crochet stitch?

Some stitches click immediately, while others take a little more practice. Give yourself time to repeat the stitch pattern slowly, and don’t be afraid to pause and replay tutorials. Practice makes progress.

Convert Pattern Terms

Here you can quickly switch between UK and US crochet terms. This will make following the pattern easier as all terms will be converted to your preferred version.

view in UK terms

view in US terms

Crochet Terms & Abbreviations

Chain(s): ch(s): Yarn over, pull through loop on the hook.
Double Crochet(s): dc(s): Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, you will have two loops on the hook. Yarn over, pull through remaining two loops.
Slip Stitch(s): ss(s): Insert hook, yarn over, pull through stitch and loop on hook.
Stitch(es) (st(s)

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Free Crochet Pattern: Apache Tears

You are viewing this pattern in UK terms.

Foundation chain: Chain multiples of 7 to desired width.
Row 1: Ch 1, turn, dc in second ch from hook and each ch across.
Row 2: Ch 1, Cut and tie off this colour. Do Not Turn your work. With next colour join work to the first st from the previous row. I prefer to knot my yarn into the first stitch. Ch 1, dc in very first st, and in each st across, ch 1, cut and tie off this colour.

Row 3: Join new colour to first st of previous row and repeat row 2.
Row 4: Join new colour to first st of previous row, insert hook into first loop, yarn over and draw up a loop but do not ch 1, we will start with a tear. You should have only the 1 loop on your hook.
Row 4: Join new colour to first st of previous row, insert hook into first loop, yarn over and draw up a loop but do not ch 1, we will start with a tear. You should have only the 1 loop on your hook.

Special Stitch: Creating the Tear

The tear is a front post double treble stitch around the post of the stitch 3 rows down.
For this first row of tears we are working into the first dc from row 1. (To identify the front post, you should see Vs at the front of each st, you will insert the hook under these posts. For the very first st of the row, you might only be able to insert the hook under one front loop, that’s ok, finish the stitch as usual.)
Yarn over hook twice, insert the hook under the front post of the first st, yarn over and draw up a loop (4 loops on hook), [yarn over, pull through 2 loops] 3 times (there should be only 1 loop on the hook at the end of this stitch), one tear made.

Row 4

Row 4: Join new colour to first st of previous row, insert hook into first loop, yarn over and draw up a loop but do not ch 1, we will start with a tear. You should have only the 1 loop on your hook.
The tear is a front post double treble stitch around the post of the stitch 3 rows down. For this first row of tears we are working into the first dc from row 1. (To identify the front post, you should see Vs at the front of each st, you will insert the hook under these posts. For the very first st of the row, you might only be able to insert the hook under one front loop, that’s ok, finish the stitch as usual.) Yarn over hook twice, insert hook under the front post of the first st, yarn over and draw up a loop (4 loops on hook), [yarn over, pull through 2 loops] 3 times (there should be only 1 loop on the hook at the end of this stitch), one tear made.
Next, skip the very first st in row 3 because the tear takes this place. Work one dc into each of the next 6 stitches.
*Work tear into the stitch in the third row below, skip the next stitch on the working row because the double treble takes the place of that stitch, double crochet in the next 6 stitches; repeat from * across all stitches. Cut and tie off this colour.

5-6

Row 5: With new colour, join to first st of previous row, ch 1, work one dc in first st. *Work tear into front post of st in third row below (at this point you are working into sts from the second row), dc into next 6 sts (remember to skip the st in your active row because that is the space for the tear, the sixth dc should be in the top of the second tear from the previous row); repeat from * across, finishing with 5 dc after the last tear. Cut and tie off this colour
Row 6: With new colour, join to first st of previous row. Ch 1, work dc into first st, work dc into first tear, *work tear into the front post of the stitch in third row below (now working into row 3), skip st on active row, dc into next 6 sts; repeat from * across all sts, finishing with 4 dc stitches after the last tear. Cut and tie off this colour.

Pattern Repeat

Continue with this pattern of working dc sts from the beginning of the row through the first tear from the previous row, work a tear into the front post of the next st 3 rows down, skip one st on the active row, dc in each of the next 6 sts (or until you’ve worked the next tear) and repeat the pattern again.

Top Tip

You will get the same number of tears as your multiple before the pattern repeats. When you get to the row where you end with a tear, it would be a good idea to slip the stitch into the stitch that would normally be skipped for the tear, this will be the very last stitch of the previous row. It might look a little altered on the edge but it’ll smooth out in the end.

Video Tutorials

Right-handed

Or you can watch on YouTube

Left-handed