Crochet Millstone Stitch - Made Easy for Beginners

Learn how to crochet millstone stitch! The millstone crochet stitch pattern is an excellent choice for a fun stitch to use in a baby blanket or just as an interesting new stitch to experiment with. I really enjoy stitches that produce interesting patterns, and this one has something about it that is different and beautiful. Whether you are a beginner looking for a new challenge or an old hand who is looking for something unusual, using this millstone stitch will open up a whole new world of crochet fun.

Crochet Millstone Stitch Tutorial

The millstone stitch seems strangely named because it really has nothing to do with actual millstones. Perhaps it is related to the geometric designs that were cut out on the surface of these stones, which were used to mill grains. I have also seen this stitch referred to as “Wavy Stitch”, but I’m sure there are many crochet stitches that have been given that name!

What is Millstone Stitch?

This stitch resembles bricks and mortar, and if you look at the pattern created by Brick Stitch, you will see the similarity. This is more gentle and flowing, and it involves creating varying stitch heights to create a delicate wavy movement. Personally, I prefer the soft, continuous look of this stitch.

Millstone stitch is best worked in at least two colors to be visible. One color represents the "bricks," and the other represents the "mortar." However, you can modify the colors for each row however you like. If you do it entirely in one color, the pattern will lose its effect.

Uses of Millstone Stitch

This stitch is excellent for making blankets since it results in a dense and elastic fabric. It is a good option for using up leftover pieces of yarn to make a scrap blanket, and it can also be used for making garments and accessories. If you wish to use up scrap yarn for the best effect, keep the “mortar” of your millstones all in the same color, and change colors for the “bricks”.

Difficulty Level

Simple/beginner, as long as you know how to work single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet.

Millstone Stitch Supplies

• Yarn of your choice, preferably in at least two contrasting or complimentary colors.
• Crochet hook suitable for the thickness of your yarn.
• Scissors.
• Yarn needle for weaving in ends.

Abbreviations

All instructions are written in US terminology.

• ch = chain stitch
• sc = single crochet stitch
• hdc = half double crochet stitch
• dc = double crochet stitch
• st = stitch

Special Skill - Changing Colors

To change the colors, simply continue the last stitch, but before you yarn over for the final time, drop the color you're working with. Take your new color and place it on top of your crochet hook. Leave the previous color!

Pull color B through the two color A loops, turn your project, and work your turning chain. Continue to work on your pattern as instructed. Repeat whenever you change colors.

Crochet Millstone Stitch, Step by Step

Millstone stitch is done in rows, with color A acting as the "mortar." The first row is made up of single crochet stitches and serves as a nice foundation for the second color. The "bricks" created with color B are actually two rows.

The repetition is as follows: two rows for "bricks", and one row for "mortar". We will repeat single crochet stitches, half double crochet, and double crochet to achieve the distinctive wavy look.

Foundation:

Start with color A and work your foundation chain in a multiple of 10 + 2. My sample is 32 stitches.

Row 1:

1. 1 sc in the 2nd chain from the hook, 1 sc in each chain to the end.
2. Change to color B at the end of this row.

Row 2:

1. Ch1, skip first st, 1sc, 1hdc, 5dc, 1hdc, 1sc, ch1, skip 1.
2. Repeat from * to end.
3. Do not ch1 after final sc but work 1sc into last st (turning chain), turn.

In each sequence of millstone stitches, you can see how the stitches vary in height.

Row 3:

1. Repeat row 2.
2. Change the color at the end.

Row 4:

1. Ch1, skip first sc.
2. *1sc into the next 9 stitches, 1dc into the skipped stitch from row 1.
3. Continue from * to end, working last dc into turning chain, turn.

This will be like forming a spike stitch. This stitch must be loosely worked so that the crochet fabric doesn’t bunch up too much.

Row 5:

1. Ch1, skip first sc, 1 sc in each st to end, last sc into turning chain.
2. Change color, turn.

Row 6:

1. Ch3, skip first st, 1dc in next 2sts, 1hdc, 1sc, ch1, skip 1. (this produces a half repeat so that your pattern is staggered)
2. *1sc, 1hdc, 5dc, 1hdc, 1sc, ch1, skip 1.
3. Repeat from * to last half repeat, 1sc, 1hdc, 2dc, 1dc in turning chain, turn.

Row 7:

1. Repeat row 6, changing color at the end.

Row 8:

1. Ch1, skip first st, 1 sc in next 4 sts, 1 dc into skipped stitch from row 6.
2. *1sc into next 9 stitches, 1 dc into the skipped stitch from row 6.
3. Repeat from * to final half repeat, 1 sc in next 4 sts, 1 dc in top of turning chain, turn.

Row 9:

1. Ch1, skip first sc, 1 sc in each st to end, last sc into turning chain, change color, turn.

Row 10 & Beyond

Repeat rows 2–9 until your crochet fabric is the length you require.

To finish off your millstone stitch swatch, fasten your yarn by cutting it and pulling the cut end through the last loop. Weave in any loose ends using your yarn needle.

Tips for Millstone Stitch

If you are only using 2 colors, you do not need to cut the yarn each time you change color. You can just carry the yarn loosely up the side of your work. This will save you a lot of weaving in ends at the end of your project. If you are using multiple colors, however, you won’t be able to do this.

Experiment with different colors to see which highlights the pattern the best.

See if you prefer the look of just two colors or if you prefer your "bricks" to change color for a rainbow effect.

Be careful to keep your tension even so that the pattern is not too loose or does not bunch up at all.

Keep counting your stitches and checking that your stones are ‘staggered’ correctly, or the effect will be lost.

What Can I Make with Millstone Stitch?

This stitch is most often used for blankets, but it can be used to make anything at all! It makes really attractive pillows, cushions, or any other home décor item. Millstone crochet stitch would also make a charming bag, would look stunning as a poncho or shawl, and would make any crochet garment appealing.

Millstone Stitch - In Conclusion

I love the millstone stitch for its graceful, organic, flowing look. This article has taught you the ins and outs of this attractive stitch and hopefully expanded your knowledge of this wonderful craft of crochet.

Find a few yarns that you like, and that will work well together, and then select a suitable crochet hook to begin a new project. Keep enjoying your crochet and making useful items, and I hope you will have fun with this fantastic crochet stitch.