Corner To Corner Crochet (C2C) Step by Step Made Easy

Corner to corner crochet, often just called C2C, is a fun trend that is growing in popularity. As long as you can work a few basic crochet stitches, you will not have a problem learning this technique. It is simply a matter of adjusting your conventional style of working back and forth along rows to working diagonally, from one corner to the opposite corner.

Corner To Corner Crochet Tutorial for Beginners

Most crochet projects require you to work horizontally across the rows of the pattern. With corner to corner crochet (C2C), you will be starting in one corner, increasing across your project until the midpoint, then decreasing until you run out of stitches on the opposite corner.

As with conventional crochet, you can choose to create many small blocks which you will later stitch together, or you can work it as one large project.

What Is Corner To Corner Crochet?

Although this method of crocheting has been trending recently, it is actually not a new technique; it has been around for decades. C2C crochet is great for putting a graphed pattern or image into a project because it makes little squares.

These little squares are called “tiles” in C2C lingo!

C2C can be used to make triangles, diamonds, squares, and rectangles, which can then be sewn together to make many different things, or can just be used as is.

A blanket or Afghan rug made from C2C is often called a “Graphgan” because it is worked from a graph pattern.

Many crocheters are reluctant to try this method out because they feel intimidated because it is worked on the diagonal. Also, when first exploring the concept, you may find a lot of patterns that are complex, beautiful, and detailed with graphs that look very difficult.

Don’t be discouraged! Start small and master the technique, then move on to those complicated patterns. Ignore any perceived problems; they are all in your mind! In this article, I will explain step by step how to get started with C2C crochet.

Abbreviations for Corner to Corner Crochet

The abbreviations for corner to corner crochet are exactly the same as those for ordinary crochet.

To start, you will need to know how to work chain stitch, slip stitch, and double crochet. Here are the abbreviations I will be using in this tutorial:

• C2C- corner to corner crochet
• dc- double crochet stitch
• ch- chain stitch crochet
• Sl st- slip stitch crochet
• inc- increase crochet
• dec- decrease crochet
• YO- yarn over

I will be using US crochet terms throughout.

Supplies

• Yarn.
• Crochet hook suitable for that yarn.
• Scissors
• Yarn or tapestry needle with a large eye for weaving in ends.
• Ruler - Not essential, but useful for crossing out each row after working it. This helps you keep your place in the pattern.
• Stitch markers.

How To Read C2C Patterns

Most corner to corner crochet patterns include a graph pattern and, sometimes, written instructions.

The graph or grids, which is also called a C2C chart, helps you see what the whole corner-to-corner pattern looks like. The graph pattern is like a "map" for crochet.

Line-by-line written instructions tell you exactly how many tiles to crochet next to each other in each diagonal row. This means that you don't have to count the pixels on the graph pattern anymore.

Not every C2C crochet pattern has written instructions, but many of them do. The fastest way to C2C crochet is often to follow a written pattern and compare it to the graph pattern. When you use both together, you'll also be less likely to make mistakes.

The C2C chart is read in a different way than most crochet charts. It is read diagonally.  You can start reading the chart from any corner, but I'll show you how to do it from the bottom right.

• Row 1: Start at the "1" at the bottom right of the chart and read diagonally up to the "1" at the top right. Work a block in the color that was given. 1 block or tile.
• Row 2: Start at the "2" on the right side of the chart and read diagonally down to the "2" at the bottom of the chart. Do the blocks in the color shown on the chart. 2 tiles.
• Row 3: Start at the "3" at the bottom of the chart and read diagonally up to the "3" on the chart's right side. Do the blocks in the colors that are written on the chart. 3 tiles.

Keep reading the chart back and forth in diagonal rows to make blocks as shown on the chart. My simplified image shows only 4 rows to midpoint, but however big your graph is, just continue in the same manner.  Your work will increase until you reach the widest part of the chart, then it will start to decrease until you are left with only 1 block/tile.

It really is helpful to cross off each diagonal row on the chart as you complete it, as this helps you keep your place in the pattern.

What Yarn Is Best For Corner to Corner Crochet for Beginners?

Any yarn can be used as long as you have a suitable crochet hook for that yarn. However, most C2C patterns are designed for DK yarn or worsted weight yarn.

See which hook is recommended for your chosen yarn - the ball band on the yarn will tell you which size is best. If you are using Worsted weight, you will need a crochet hook size around size 6-9, G-I, or 4-6 mm.

Stitches Used In C2C Crochet

If you are just learning corner to corner crochet, double crochet stitch is the easiest to work. Most C2C patterns are written for double crochet. You will also need to be able to work chain stitch and slip stitch.

Chain Stitch:

• Start with a slip knot.  Insert the hook into the loop formed by your slip knot.
• Wrap the working yarn over the hook from back to front. This is called yarn over and is written yo in crochet patterns.
• Now grab that yarn wrap with the hooked part of your crochet hook, and pull it through the loop already on your hook. That makes one chain stitch.    

Slip Stitch:

1. Insert your hook into the next double crochet stitch under both loops.
2. Yarn over
3. Draw your loop through both loops of the stitch and the loop on the hook, all at the same time. You have made one slip stitch.
4. Repeat in the same manner for as many slip stitches as you need.

Double Crochet:                       

1. Chain stitch to your desired length.
2. Yarn over the hook. Insert hook into the fourth chain from the hook.
3. Wrap the yarn over the hook again. Draw this loop through the chain stitch and up onto the hook. You will now have 3 loops on your hook.
4. Bring the yarn over from back to front again, and draw this loop through only the first 2 loops on the hook. You will still have 2 loops on your hook.
5. Wrap the yarn over again and draw it through the last two loops on your hook. Your double crochet stitch is now complete. One loop remains on the hook.

How To Work C2C crochet Step-By-Step Photo Tutorial

 Firstly you need to know that the stitch you are using in corner to corner crochet is called “Diagonal Box Stitch“. And each diagonal box stitch makes a “tile”. The tiles are the squares on your graph.

For a C2C square or rectangle, you need to know how to use the diagonal box stitch to both increase and decrease stitches. By putting these two skills together, you can make your square or rectangle any size you want.

In the first tile of every row of C2C crochet, you either add or take away. There is no such thing as a first stitch that doesn't increase or decrease.

Decreasing is just another word for not increasing any more, so your project won't get wider or taller on that edge. You can also think of "decreasing" as a synonym for "reducing." As in, you're taking away one tile from each row.

How to Increase in Corner to Corner Crochet

First Increase Row:

• Create a slip knot and crochet a foundation chain of 6.
• Double crochet into the 4th chain (abbreviated 4th ch) from the hook.
• Double crochet in the next 2 chains.

This is the first row, containing 1 tile.

 Second Row:

• Chain 6.
• Turn your work.

• Double crochet in the 4th chain from the hook.
• Double crochet into the next 2 chains.

• Skip the next 3 double crochet stitches and identify the end chain. See where I have placed the silver hook.

• Slip stitch into the space created by chain 3 at end of the tile.

This is the 1st tile of the second row made. Your columns of double crochet stitches will be perpendicular.

• Chain 3.
• Double crochet 3 in the same space, and turn.

The 2nd tile is now made. This row now contains 2 tiles.

Third and Subsequent Increase Rows:

• Chain 6. Turn.
• Double crochet into the 4th chain.
• Double crochet into the next 2 chains.

• *Slip stitch into the next chain 3 space (abbreviated to ch-3-sp). (See where I have inserted the silver hook.)

• Chain 3.
• Work 3 double crochets into the same space.
• Repeat from * to the end of the row.

Repeat these steps to begin each row. As rows increase in the number of tiles, repeat the steps in each remaining tile of the row.

• Turn your work at the end of each row. 
• Your turning chain will always be 6 chains.
• Your new tiles in each row will be perpendicular to the tiles in the previous row.

To Decrease in C2C crochet:

In C2C, the word "decrease" can be a little confusing because it doesn't mean the same thing as it does in traditional crochet.

A decrease in C2C takes away one tile from each row, making a flat edge. Once you've finished the longest row in your graph, you'll do the C2C decrease stitch at the beginning of each row.

TIP: Put a stitch marker at the corner where you finished the increased rows on one side of your project. This is a reminder that you should start the next row with a “decrease” tile.

In C2C crochet, there are two steps that show how to decrease at the beginning of a row.

• Chain 1, slip stitch in the next three double crochets. This moves you along and eliminates the first tile.
• Slip stitch into the turning chain of three chains.

If you were changing colors for this decrease row, you would now instead of the beginning of this row. I used the pink color so you could see the slip stitches more clearly.

• Chain 3
• Crochet 3 double crochet in the chain 3 turning chain of the previous row.

• Continue across your row, forming the diagonal box stitches across the row. When you turn, decrease along the first stitch again.

• At the end of each decrease row, slip stitch into the last turning chain to anchor the tile down at the edge.
• Skip the last tile before turning.

By following these steps, you will build your C2C masterpiece!

Changing Colors in Corner to Corner Crochet

If your item is going to be a single color, this will not be important. But, because the beauty of C2C crochet is that you can create such lovely “pictures” in your fabric, it is worth reading about how this should work.

A simple way to change colors is to switch to the next color before finishing the last double crochet stitch of the tile.

Yarn over (leaving a long tail) and use the new color to finish the dc. Pull both tails tight so that you don’t have big loose stitches.

Then, slip stitch into the chain 3 and keep going with the new color for as many tiles as you need.

Cut the yarn each time you do color changes and weave the ends in securely, do not carry a color across the back, or your work will not be reversible.

Finishing Ends for Corner to Corner Crochet

Leave long tails when changing colors, to have enough yarn to weave in.

• When your whole project is complete, thread the yarn tails into your yarn needle.
• Insert the needle into the base of the dc stitches on that tile. (Same color.)
• Work back and forth on that tile by weaving one way, skipping one strand of yarn, then weaving back along the same tile.
• When your yarn is secure, cut the yarn close to the fabric, and give it a gentle tug to bury the tail completely.

Corner to Corner Crochet Patterns

Corner To Corner Crochet for Beginners - Variations

Most corner-to-corner patterns use double crochet and chains to create the tiles.

Because the standard C2C sts are repetitive, it is easy to remember how to do them once you know how. Most crocheters find that doing them is a relaxing, mindful activity. Once you have mastered the technique, you may like to try some variations.

Mini C2C Stitch

C2C is worked by chaining 6. then working 4 dc into that space. Mini C2C is worked by chaining 4, then working 2 hdc into the space. This makes smaller tiles and thus allows you to create more intricate and detailed designs.

You can also work other stitch variations by working shell stitch, or moss stitch into the chains, instead of Double crochet. Or you can work it with half double crochet or single crochet.

Other ideas are to make scrappy C2C projects to use up odds and ends of yarn. Simply work your stripes diagonally, and don’t bother about following a graph.

You can make multiple small C2C bocks and sew them together, or you can make one large C2C project.

How To Crochet C2C Rectangles

You may decide that you enjoy working C2C, but that you do not want to make a square. A rectangle is often a more desirable shape for a blanket, table runner, scarf, wall hanging or rectangular cushion cover.

When making a square, you will increase at the beginning of each row until the halfway point, where you will begin decreasing. When making a rectangle, you will need to begin decreasing on different rows.

In a written pattern the decreases will go like this: (The arrows show in which direction you are working.)

 My illustration is simply a small sample. You will make a larger rectangle if you are making something useful!

• ← Row 1 (1 tile)
• → Row 2  (2 tiles)
• ← Row 3  (3 tiles)
• → Row 4 (4 tiles)

Corner (begin decreasing on one side only) Work into last tile to keep that edge straight.

• ← Row 5 (4 tiles)
• → Row6 (4 tiles)
• ← Row 7 (4 tiles)

So for these rows your total number of tiles remains the same. Your sides should be straight.

Corner (begin decreasing) Now you are actually decreasing to make the top of the rectangle. shaping the side again.

• Row 8. (3 tiles)
• Row 9 (2 tiles)
• Row 10 (1 tile) Last tile and corner of the rectangle.

You'll see corner instructions in your pattern in two different places: after row 4 and after row 7. You will add to both sides until row 4, and then you will only add to one side until row 7.After that you will begin decreasing on both sides.

Obviously if you are making a large rectangle to make something useful, you will have more tiles to make your crochet fabric wider, but the rules for creating the sides remain the same, just with more repeats.

What Can I Make With C2C?

You can use corner-to-corner crochet to make anything that you can use crocheted fabric for! Blankets, wall hangings, bags, dishcloths, pillow covers, baby blankets etc. If you follow the instructions for rectangles, you can make any of the above, as well as scarves.

If you stop crocheting halfway along, before you start decreasing, you can make triangular objects, like shawls or bunting.

FAQs About C2C Crochet

What are the advantages of C2C?

• It is quick and easy to work.
• You only need to know 3 stitches.
• Because it is easy once you get the hang of it, it is super for its mindfulness qualities.
• Anything you can draw on graph paper, you can turn into a picture on your crochet blanket. You can make letters, shapes, animals or flowers. The pictures come out clearly, way better than when trying to attempt “Fairisle Crochet” the conventional way.
• It is completely reversible.
• Color changes are easy.

Does C2C have to be square?

No! As explained previously, you can use corner to corner crochet to make squares, rectangles, triangles, and even diamond shapes.

How do I read a C2C pattern?

These patterns are usually given in graph form, each square on the graph is one tile of crochet. Some designers include written instructions as well, which are easy to follow.

Can you do C2C in single crochet?

Yes! You would work it in exactly the same way as with double crochet, substituting single crochet (sc) for double crochet stitches, and separating them with only 2 chain.

Is C2C hard?

No. You will have to get used to the new way of working diagonally, but as soon as you have worked a few rows it will be very easy. It is repetitive, so you will soon be able to crochet it with very little concentration.

How much yarn will I need for a C2C blanket?

It does depend on the size of your blanket and the thickness of your yarn. But a rough guide would be approximately 1500 yards (1372 m.) of worsted weight (Double knit) yarn.

What does C2C mean?

C2C is the abbreviation for corner to corner crochet, where you are working diagonally instead of back and forth.

What is a C2C pattern?

It is a pattern written for creating crochet fabric which is worked diagonally, from corner to corner. It is usually given as a graph but is sometimes accompanied by a written pattern.

Corner to Corner Crochet - In Conclusion.

Corner to corner crochet has become very popular recently. It may look difficult, but is in fact easy because it is so repetitive. Don’t be intimidated by the thought of working from graphs! Start with something small and get the hang of the technique. Then you can work your way up to large projects with beautiful images crocheted into them. You may never want to return to conventional crochet!