How to Crochet Brick Stitch Pattern for Beginners

Brick stitch crochet is so called because it resembles a wall built of brick. It creates a lovely textured fabric, and if you make it in more than one color, it will look even more like bricks, with rows of mortar in between them. Quite a few stitches have been given the name brick stitch, with differing ways of creating them. It can be called interlocking block stitch, stacked single crochet, or even bead stitch. It is a simple stitch, made mainly from single crochet, with an occasional spike stitch in between them.

Brick Stitch Crochet Tutorial

What is Brick Stitch?

Crochet brick stitch, uses single crochets to create a unique texture resembling stacked bricks. The pattern uses rows of tight single crochets with spike stitches for the mortar. Brick stitch is versatile and suitable for projects like blankets, scarves, and bags. The design allows for colorful creativity as each "brick" row can be a different hue, creating a vibrant or gradient effect.

Materials for Brick Crochet Stitch

• Yarn: Variegated yarn gives an interesting look to this stitch. If you are looking for a very defined texture, use thick yarn, such as chunky or bulky yarn. (# 5 weight) If you want a more delicate look, use a finer yarn, such as double knitting (DK) or worsted weight yarn. (#3 or #4 weight)
• Hook: Choose a hook suitable for the thickness of your yarn. Because this is a thickly textured pattern, I would suggest you go for a hook that is one size larger than what the pattern suggests. This is to create a fabric with more drape. If you use a worsted weight yarn, try a 5.5 mm crochet hook.
• Scissors
• Yarn needle or tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Abbreviations for Brick Stitch

All instructions are written in US terms.

• ch = chain crochet stitch
• dc = double crochet stitch
• sc = single crochet stitch
• sl st = slip stitch
• st = stitch
• sk = skip
• rep = repeat

Special Stitches Needed for Brick Stitch Pattern

How to Crochet Brick Stitch Tutorial, Step-by-Step

Try out each of the 3 versions of brick stitch with a small sample to see which one appeals to you the most before you begin your main project.

If you make your samples into squares of about 15 cm, you can then use them as crochet washcloths!

Row 1:

1. Start with a foundation chain which is a multiple of 4+2. (The starting chain of my sample is 18 stitches.)
2. Ch1, sc into each chain.

Row 2:

1. ch1, sc into each st.
2. Change yarn, but don’t cut that first color!

Row 3:

1. Ch1, sc into each stitch in the new color.

Row 4:

1. Ch1, sc into each st.
2. Change back to the first color. Just carry it loosely up the side and start using it again.

Row 5:

1. Ch1, 1 sc into each of the first 2 stitches.
2. Then work a sc spike st into the first stripe.

To work the spike stitch, insert hook into the sc exactly below (ie 3^rd sc) and make a sc through that stitch.

You must work this stitch really loosely so that your work doesn’t pucker up. This is what creates the illusion of the mortar between the bricks.

Skip the sc stitch where you have worked the spike stitch because you have used the stitch 2 rows below.

3. Then *3 sc, 1 spike stitch.
4. Continue from * to the last 2 stitches, 2sc at the end of the row.

Row 6:

1. Ch1, turn 1 sc into each stitch across the row.
2. At the end of this row, join your new color or bring up your alternate color from rows 1 and 2.

(Wrong side of work)

Row 7:

1. Ch1, sc into each stitch.

Row 8:

1. Ch1, sc into each stitch.

Row 9:

1. Bring up your ‘mortar’ color again. Ch 1.
2. Your very first st after the turning chain will be spike stitch.
3. Then *sc into next 3 sc, 1 spike st into next st.
4. Repeat from * along the row. (Your spike st must line up with the center of the previous ‘brick’ to create a staggered effect.)
5. Your final stitch in this row will also be a spike stitch.

Rows 10 & Beyond

Repeat rows 3 – 9 until your work is the required length.

Tips for Crocheting Brick Stitch

Every few rows, do keep checking that you have the same number of stitches that you started with. It is very easy to unintentionally increase or decrease when working on this crochet stitch pattern.

You may prefer to work in a single color for a textural effect only. It is a good idea to play around and experiment with different color combinations to see which effect you like the most.

Variations of Brick Stitch

Double Crochet Brick Stitch

This variation uses double crochet instead of the single crochet in the previous version. This version is definitely more textural than the previous one, so it will work well in only one color. It gives the illusion of a brick wall by using texture rather than color.

Once again, color choice is up to you, you can decide what color you want your bricks to be and what color you want your mortar to be, or you can simply stick to one color for texture only. This version is just as easy as the last one.

• Start with foundation ch of 4+3. My sample is 19 sts.
• Row 1: Dc in third ch from hook and then into each ch along the row.
• Row 2: Ch1 and turn. Sc into first st. Now sc into the front loop only rather than through both loops of the stitch. Last stitch, regular sc. This creates a pronounced ridge that separates your bricks.

Change color now if you want to. I have worked this sample in just one color to show you the texture it creates.

• Row 3: Ch2 and turn. Dc into first st. Dc into front loop only of the dc 2 rows down. (You are working into the ridge you made previously -this is your spike stitch). Then work normal dc into the next 3 sts. Continue to end of row, end with 3 dc sts.
• Row 4: Repeat row 2.
• Row 5: Ch2 and turn. Dc into first 3 sts, work a spike st (dc)  front loop only of dc from 2 rows below. (Into you ridge you created in row 4.) This spike st must work out to be in the center of the previous row’s ‘bricks’ to offset the pattern. End with 1 normal dc.

Repeat this sequence until your fabric is the required length.

Brick Stitch (Crazy Crochet Stitch)

There is a very different version of the brick stitch, which doesn’t involve the ‘brick and mortar look but rather changes the angle of your stitches to give the brick-like effect.

Begin by working a foundation chain that is a multiple of 3 + 1. My sample is 16 sts.

Row 1:

1. 3 dc in the 4th ch from the hook
2. *Sk3, sc in the next ch, ch3, 3 dc in the same chain
3. Repeat from * till the last chain stitch.
4. Sc in the last chain.

Row 2:

1. Ch 3 and turn
2. 3 dc in the sc from the previous row
3. Sc in the next ch-3 space, ch 3, 3 dc in the same ch-3 space
4. Repeat the preceding step across the row until you reach the row's final ch-3 sp.
5. In the final ch-3 of the row, work 1 sc.

Row 3 & Beyond:

Use the instructions for row 2 to complete all extra rows for the brick stitch until you have reached the desired length of your piece.

It's a very easy stitch pattern to learn, and once you've mastered it,  and can be done without too much concentration!

To be honest, this one looks more like crazy paving than like bricks to me, but you can see how the little squares you have formed lie in opposite directions to give a ‘paved’ effect. And it is officially called brick stitch!

Tips For Crochet Brick Patterns

The tension that you use for this stitch is really important. In this particular instance, not so much for the final measurements of the item, but you do need to work loosely for the mortar stripes to give the item the appropriate appearance and to prevent the fabric from pulling up too tightly. You want it to look like a smooth brick wall, don't you?

Try out different color combinations and see which of the available patterns appeals to you the most.

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

What Can I Make with Brick Stitch?

A brick crochet stitch is a great option for use when crocheting items such as clothing, blankets, scarves, shawls, bags, ponchos, and pillow coverings.

Brick Stitch - In Conclusion

The unique pattern of brick stitch gives the effect of interlocking bricks, which can be used for a wide range of projects. Here you have learned various ways to create a brick stitch that can be used for accessories, garments, and home décor.

The brick stitch can be made with different yarn weights and color combinations to make it wonderfully adaptable. Working with it will also give you practice and insight into working with different color combinations, which is always a great skill to hone.

In addition, the simple, rhythmic repeat of stitches can be soothing and help you relax and think. This can turn your crafting time into a form of therapy.

I do hope you can continue your crochet journey with us, being inspired to create new things, just one stitch at a time.