How to Crochet Jacobs Ladder: FREE Pattern & Tutorial

Updated June 9, 2026

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Learn how to create faux cables with the Jacob’s ladder crochet stitch. This stitch is for crocheters of all levels and consists of, Slip Stitches, Chains, UK Double Crochet (US Single Crochet) and UK Treble Crochet (US Double Crochet). With some cleaver use of loops, you’ll be able to make faux cables to create a beautiful braided texture.

The Jacobs ladder stitch is prefect for Homeware projects (such as blankets & cushion covers), as well as accessories (such as scarves and beanies). Whatever you choose to use the jacobs ladder stitch for, you be sure to create a beautiful, cozy and fun texture.

Materials & Tools

Here are the materials and tools I used for the swatch in the video tutorial, but feel free to experiment with different yarns and their corresponding hook sizes, you will find the hook size needed on the band of the yarn.

Yarn: Hobbii Kind Feather DK (UK) / Hobbii Kind Feather DK (USA) in shades: Main Colour (MC) 02, Contrast Colours (CC) 11, 12 & 17.
Crochet Hook: 4.5 mm (US: 7)
Scissors
Darning Needle

Yarn Selection

You can choose the amount of colours you want to use for this stitch. You could let the texture speak for itself by using one colour, or you can choose to use a main colour (MC) and then use as many contrasting colours (CC) as you like! Fancy something little different? You could go for a main colour and use a variegated yarn as your contrast colour in order to create a truly unique affect. However you choose to change colors, you’ll be sure to love this stitch.

Where to Shop Yarn

Terms & Abbreviations

Stitch(s): st(s)

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

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.

Treble Crochet(s): tr(s): Yarn over, insert into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, you will have three loops on the hook. Yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through remaining two loops.

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Unsure of the differences between UK and US terms? Need a refresher on how to do your crochet 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. You can find my EBook HERE.

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

Pattern Notes

Written in UK terms but switchable to US terms above.
Video tutorial can be found at the base of the post.

Need Pattern Support? Join Our Facebook Group

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.

Free Crochet Pattern: Jacobs Ladder

Foundation Chain: With MC, chain in multiples of 5 plus 2

Row 1: Tr in fourth chain from hook (missed ch count as st) and next 3 sts, *ch 10, ss in top of tr just made. Tr in next 5 sts; repeat from * across. Turn.

Row 2: Ch 1 (does not count as st here or throughout), dc in first stitch and next 4 sts. *Push loop backward and dc in same st as loop, dc in next 4 sts; repeat from * across changing to CC in last stitch. Turn.

Fasten off MC (or you can float up your yarn if you are adding a border).

Row 3: Ch 3 (counts as tr here and throughout), tr in next 4 sts, *ch 10, ss in top of tr just made. Tr in next 5 sts; repeat from * across. Turn.

Row 4: Repeat row 2 changing back to MC in last st.

Row 5: Repeat row 3.

Row 6: Repeat row 2 changing to next CC in last st.

Repeat row 3-6 ending on row 4.

Starting at the bottom of the work insert fingers into the bottom loop, pinch the chain loop two rows up and bring it through the first loop. Then continue to work upward bringing the next loop through the current loop. This will create the cables. The final loop made will be left until you work your final row 2.

Repeat this for each line of loops.

Final rows:

Final Row 1: Ch 3, tr in each st across. Turn.

Final Row 2: Ch 1, dc in first 4 sts, *dc in next st also working through the final loop, dc in next 4 sts; repeat from * across. Dc in last stitch.

Fasten off and sew in ends.

Video Tutorials

Sometimes it may easier to watch a video tutorial whilst following the written instructions, because we all learn differently. So, here’s a step-by-step video tutorial to show you the Jacobs Ladder stitch. These videos are available in both left and right handed versions.