How to crochet the Elizabeth stitch (step-by-step tutorial)

What is the Elizabeth stitch in crochet?

The Elizabeth stitch is a textured crochet stitch known for its soft, raised appearance and gentle structure. It creates a fabric that feels cosy yet flexible, making it a lovely choice for scarves, blankets, cushions, and other warm crochet projects.

In this step-by-step tutorial, you’ll learn how to crochet the Elizabeth stitch clearly and confidently. I’ll guide you through the stitch pattern, help you maintain even tension, and share tips for achieving a neat, consistent finish—whether you’re new to textured stitches or simply want to expand your crochet stitch library.

Step by step instructions

Materials you’ll need

To crochet the Elizabeth stitch, you’ll only need a few basic materials. I’ve listed what I used below, along with suitable alternatives so you can adapt the stitch to your own project.

• Yarn: DK (light worsted) yarn
  I recommend using a smooth, light-coloured yarn when learning this stitch, as it helps the ribbed texture stand out clearly. DK yarn works particularly well for practice swatches, scarves, and blankets. I used Stylecraft Special DK for this tutorial as it shows the ribbed texture clearly.
• Crochet hook: 4.0 mm
  I used a 4.0 mm hook for this tutorial. Ergonomic hooks like Tulip Etimo Red crochet hook are especially helpful for textured stitches like this one, as they keep your tension even and reduce hand fatigue during longer sessions.
• Scissors
  For cutting yarn neatly at the end of your work.
• Yarn needle
  To weave in your ends once your swatch or project is complete.

Tip: If you tend to crochet tightly or loosely, don’t be afraid to adjust your hook size slightly to achieve a fabric you’re happy with.

To crochet the Elizabeth stitch, you don’t need a specific brand of yarn. A smooth DK yarn works best, as it helps the texture and stitch definition stand out clearly.

Yarn options:

• UK gentle readers: A beginner-friendly DK yarn from Laughing Hen
• International readers: A wide colour selection of DK yarns from LoveCrafts

Crochet skills required

Crochet stitches standard: I am using the US / International standard crochet terms.

This stitch is suitable for confident beginners and above. Before starting, it helps to be comfortable with the following basic crochet skills:

• How to make a slipknot (youtube video)
• How to crochet a foundation chains
• How to crochet the double crochet stitch 

Let’s get started

Crochet stitches standard: I am using the US / International standard crochet terms.

Tension is very important. The yarn must glide smoothly from your tension hand to your working hand — not too tight, not too loose — and follow the gauge of your hook.

First, start with a slipknot.

Foundation chains

For the Elizabeth stitch, you’ll need odd stitch counts + 3 chains. For this tutorial, I am making 17 main chains plus 3 turning chains, giving a total of 20 chains. This creates 9 Elizabeth stitches across the row. You will always need 3 turning chains at the start of each row.

Row 1

Insert your hook into the fourth chain from the hook and pull up a loop as if making a single crochet — stop here. Check that you should have 2 loops on your hook.

Yarn over, insert the hook into the same chain, and pull up a loop as if making a half double crochet. Check that you should now have 4 loops on your hook.

Yarn over and pull through all 4 loops. This completes one Elizabeth stitch. Check that you should now have 1 loop on your hook.

Secure the stitch with a chain 1. To continue, skip the next chain. Insert your hook into the following chain and pull up a loop as if making a single crochet. Check that you should have 2 loops on your hook. Yarn over, insert the hook into the same chain, and pull up a loop as if making a half double crochet. Check that you should have 4 loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through all 4 loops. Secure the stitch with chain. Continue repeating these steps across the row. Your final Elizabeth stitch should be worked into the last chain which is actually the first chain made).

Well done — you’ve completed Row 1.

Row 2

Chain 2 and turn. Check that you should now have 3 chains at the edge — the first chain secured the last Elizabeth stitch, and the next two are your turning chains. From this row onward, each Elizabeth stitch is worked into the first space between two Elizabeth stitches from the previous row. Refer to the image below for placement.

Always work your Elizabeth stitches into the first space between stitches. Your final Elizabeth stitch on each row is always worked into the turning chains. Check that each row should have 9 Elizabeth stitches.

Continue repeating Row 2 and you’ll build this beautiful texture. And there you have it — your first Elizabeth stitch project!