Stitch Library Learn How to Crochet the Side Saddle Stitch Updated May 28, 2026 Written by Sarah-Jayne Fragola This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, I may earn a small commission. Click to see full details of my Privacy Policy. Pin it now, make later!90Shares Learn how to crochet the side saddle stitch with my free step-by-step pattern and video tutorial. The crochet side saddle stitch is a beautiful, textured stitch pattern. Known for its unique, staggered design that resembles interlocking “saddles,” this stitch creates a dynamic look that’s ideal for blankets, scarves, and even clothing. While it might look complex, the side saddle stitch is surprisingly approachable once you get the rhythm down, making it a rewarding choice for those who want to expand on their personal crochet stitch library. TABLE OF CONTENTS1. Pattern Use Ideas 2. Materials & tools3. pattern Notes4. Gauge & Size 5. Crochet Terms & Abbreviations 6. Special Stitches7. Pattern Support8. FAQs 9. Is this stitch suitable for beginners?10. How do I keep count of my stitches?11. My edges are uneven! What am I doing wrong?12. What should I do if I make a mistake?13. Why do my stitches vary in size? 14. How long does it take to learn a new crochet stitch?15. Free Pattern: Crochet Side Saddle Stitch 16. Additional Information17. Video Tutorials18. Right-handed19. Left-handedVIEW MORE▼ Pattern Use Ideas The side saddle stitch is versatile and works beautifully in projects that benefit from both texture and structure. Here are some ideas for crochet projects that suit this stitch well: Blankets and Throws: The textured look of the side saddle stitch creates a cozy, intricate effect, making it perfect for blankets that will add warmth and style to any space. Scarves and Shawls: With its eye-catching texture, this stitch creates striking accessories. Scarves and shawls with the side saddle stitch stand out and add extra warmth, making them ideal for cooler months. Pillows and Cushions: Add dimension to home decor by using the side saddle stitch for pillows or cushion covers. Its texture brings a modern yet cozy vibe to any room. Bags and Totes: The side saddle stitch provides a sturdy fabric, making it great for creating bags that maintain their shape. It’s an ideal choice for market totes, handbags, or even small clutches. Beanies and Ear Warmers: This stitch gives hats and ear warmers a snug, warm texture that’s perfect for winter accessories, providing both style and function. Cardigans and Sweaters: If you’re comfortable with garment-making, the side saddle stitch can add a beautiful element to cardigans or sweaters, especially when used as a panel or accent section. Materials & tools Yarn: Caron Simply Soft in the colour Sage Hook: 5mm Scissors Darning Needle pattern Notes Written in UK terms but switchable to US terms below. Skill Level: Intermediate Stitch Multiple: 5 + 2 Video tutorial can be found at the base of the post. Gauge & Size Please check your specific patterns for the gauge needed. If you are just practicing this stitch the gauge isn’t important. Crochet Terms & Abbreviations Chain(s): ch(s): Yarn over, pull through loop on the hook. Slip Stitch(s): ss(s): Insert hook, yarn over, pull 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 remaining two loops. Stitch(es) (st(s)) *__*- Repeat instructions Special Stitches Beginning Treble Crochet 4 Together: begtr4tog: yarn over and insert your hook into the next ch, yarn over and pull through, yarn over and pull through two (two loops remaining on hook); yarn over and insert your hook into the next ch, yarn over and pull through, yarn over and pull through two (three loops remaining on hook), yarn over and insert your hook into the third ch, yarn over and pull through, yarn over and pull through two (four loops remaining on hook), yarn over and insert your hook into the next ch, yarn over and pull through, yarn over and pull through two (five loops remaining on hook), yarn over and pull through all five loops together, and then chain one to secure. These stitches will be referred to as a cluster. Treble Crochet 4 Together: tr4tog: This is the same as the beginning Treble Crochet 4 Together; however, your stitches will be worked into the ch-3 sp from previous row. How to Crochet – A Handy Reference Guide eBook 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. 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. Free Pattern: Crochet Side Saddle Stitch You are viewing this pattern in UK terms. Chain in multiples of 5 +2. Row 1: dc in second ch from hook (skipped ch does not count as st), *3 ch, tr4tog over next 4 ch, 1 ch (this secures the cluster), dc in next ch; rep from * across. Turn. Row 2: 5 ch (counts as ch sp), *dc in top of tr4tog cluster from previous row, 3 ch, tr4tog in 3-ch sp from previous row, 1 ch; rep from * across until 1 st rem, tr in last st. Turn. Row 3: 1 ch (does not count as st), skip first st, dc in top of first cluster, *3 ch, tr4tog in ch sp from previous row, 1 ch, dc in top of next cluster; rep from * across, working final dc in ch sp. Turn. Rep Rows 2 and 3 until desired height. Fasten off and sew in ends. Additional Information Row 2: Instructions Working your treble crochet into the last stitch of the previous row. Photo Needle indicates the stitch to work into. Row 3: Instructions You will be left at the chain 5 space from the previous row, see photo for reference. Instructions dc into ch5 space. Photo How you work will look once you have done the double crochet into the chain 5 space. Video Tutorials Right-handed Or you can watch on YouTube Left-handed Or you can watch on YouTube 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 KEEP ON making Don’t miss a thing! Sign up to our newsletter, grab a cuppa and find out about the latest posts and projects. First name Email address Thanks! Please check your inbox (and junk) to confirm your subscription! Pin it now, make later!90Shares Further Reading... Learn How to Crochet a Flat Circle May 19, 2025 How to Crochet a Solid Hexagon: Free Pattern & Tutorial February 14, 2023 How to Crochet Cluster Stitch: Free Pattern & Video February 20, 2020 5 Comments Colleen Pimm March 26, 2019 at 1:16 am Why can’t you do more rows I have a had to redo mine a million times cause I’m not good enough at crocheting to be able to repeat 2 and 3 how are you supposed to go from ro 3 to row to again I don’t understand why you can’t do a few more rose to make it easier on us Reply Crocheter May 7, 2021 at 3:03 am There’s no description for the tr4tog stitch, which is the most important part. I’m having trouble finding this part written down anywhere, can you add a description please? Reply Thaissa June 21, 2021 at 1:03 am Hi Bella, how are you? First of all I want thank you for this amazing blog full off interesting materials. I’m in love. Now let me ask you something, is it possible to make this stitch in circle so I would not back, just keep it going? Kisses and hugs ♡☆ Reply Akilamok June 16, 2022 at 11:37 pm Can you advise if the terms (double crochet, treble etc) are English or American terms. Reply Carol Sims August 20, 2022 at 1:17 pm I would like to use the side saddle stitch in place of the C2C pattern I am making which is a wall hanging for a count down to Christmas. I just cannot get the C2C but this stitch looks close enough to it. I would be changing colors for the graph. Is this possible? Reply Leave a Reply Cancel Reply Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
