How to Crochet Leaping Stripes Stitch: Free Pattern

June 16, 2026

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Learn how to crochet the leaping stripes stitch with my free step-by-step pattern and video tutorial. The Leaping Stripes Stitch is a fun and eye-catching technique that creates a gorgeous textured fabric, with its gentle movement and pretty colour play. This stitch is a great way to experiment with stripes, subtly in a modern way.

In this post, you’ll learn how to crochet this beautiful stitch with a free written pattern and an easy-to-follow video tutorial, so whether you’re a visual learner or prefer reading along, I’ve got you covered.

Close-up of a handmade crochet fabric using the leaping stripes pattern in soft pastel green and cream yarn, showcasing textured stitches and a woven appearance,

What is the Leaping Stripes Stitch?

The Leaping Stripes Stitch uses simple stitches, just double crochet, treble crochet and chains, creating a staggered, stripe-like texture that appears to ‘leap’ across the fabric. By alternating two or more colours, you get a beautiful woven effect that looks far more complicated than it actually is.

It’s a brilliant stitch to try if you:

Want to practise changing colours.
Love soothing repetition.
Or just want something that works up quickly with a lovely finish.

Materials & Tools

Yarn: in the video tutorial, I have used Stylecraft Special DK but you can use any weight yarn.
Hook: I used a 5mm hook with this yarn. Check the yarn band for the recommended hook size or adjust your hook size needed to obtain gauge.
Scissors
Darning Needle

Where to Shop for Yarn

Terms & Abbreviations

Chain(s): ch(s): 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
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 the remaining two loops.

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 below.
Skill Level: Beginner
Stitch Multiple: 4 +2
At the end of Row 1, you should have groupings of 3 tr on each end of your row and groupings of 2 tr in the middle of the work.
This pattern gives you the basic principles for the leaping stripes stitch, designed to help you create your own projects.
The video tutorial can be found at the base of the post.

Gauge & Size

Please check specific patterns for the gauge.
For a practice, swatch gauge and completed size isn’t important.
Do you struggle with tension? CLICK HERE to watch a video that can help!

Close-up of a crochet swatch using the Leaping Stripes Stitch in alternating purple and green, showcasing a textured, woven-like pattern.

Free Crochet Pattern: Leaping Stripes Stitch

You are viewing this pattern in UK terms.

Foundation chain: With colour A, Ch in a multiple of 4 +2.

Row 1: With yarn A, tr in fourth ch from hook (skipped 3-ch counts as a tr), tr in next ch, *2 ch, skip 2 ch, tr in next 2 ch, repeat from * until 1 ch remains, work tr in last ch. Turn.
Row 2: 1 ch (does not count as st here or throughout), dc in first st, 2 ch, skip next 2 tr, *working over ch sp from Row 1, tr in next skipped 2-ch from foundation ch, 2 ch, skip next 2 tr, repeat from * across, dc in top of 3-ch, changing to yarn B in last yo of last st. Turn.
Row 3: 1 ch, dc in first st, working over ch sp from previous row, tr in top of next 2 tr from two rows below, *2 ch, skip 2 sts from previous row, tr in top of next 2 tr from two rows below, repeat from * until 1 st remains, dc in last st. Turn.
Row 4: 1 ch, dc in first st, 2 ch, skip 2 tr from previous row, *working over ch sp from previous row, tr in next 2 tr from two rows below, 2 ch, skip 2 tr from previous row, repeat from * until 1 st remains, dc in last st, changing to yarn A in last yo of last st. Turn.

Repeat Rows 3 and 4, alternating colour every two rows until the desired height.

Fasten off and sew in ends.

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.

Video Tutorial

Or you can watch on YouTube

Crochet Stitches to Try Next

Close-up of crochet larksfoot stitch pattern in alternating rows of sage green and cream yarn. The stitch design features vertical elongated loops resembling bird footprints, creating a textured, repeating geometric pattern. — Larksfoot Stich

Close-up of a pink and cream crochet swatch demonstrating the houndstooth stitch pattern, showing a repeating, textured design made with alternating colours. — Larksfoot Stich

I always love to see your makes so if you try any of my patterns or follow my stitch tutorials please tag me @bellacococrochet or use the #bellacococrochet
sarah-jayne

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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.