Crochet the Lemon Peel Stitch (Grit Stitch)

The lemon peel stitch creates a nice texture.  This stitch works with any weight yarn.  I especially love this stitch in really chunky, bulky yarn, but it looks great in lighter weight yarn as well.

Try the lemon peel stitch in Bernat Blanket Jumbo yarn. You’ll love how soft and cozy it is!

Also called the grit stitch (where do they come up with these names?) it’s one of my favorites. I love that it works up so quickly.

Once you have done a couple of rows, you’ll see how easy and versatile the lemon peel stitch is.  It’s great for any project, such as blankets, scarves, hats and sweaters.  

Because the Lemon peel stitch doesn’t leave gaps or holes, it’s a nice stitch for baby items.

You’ll find the edges stay nice and straight with this stitch, which is always a bonus! Straight edges are especially necessary when you aren’t making a border. The lemon peel stitch doesn’t require a border.

Try using 2 or more colors to really see the definition of the stitches.  It’s the perfect stitch for making striped patterns.

Try it out!  The video below uses the lemon peel stitch with jumbo yarn. This will help you to see where to place the stitches in each row.  You can also use it to make the blanket from my pattern!

Enjoy!

Chain any odd number of chains.

Row 1

Skip the first chain

Single crochet in the 2nd chain. I use the back bump of the chain to give a nice, finish to the bottom edge.

Double crochet in the next chain.

Alternate single crochet and double crochet across the chain.

End with a double crochet.

Chain 1, turn.

Row 2 (and every row after this)

First, single crochet in the first stitch.  The single crochet will be made in the double crochet from the previous row. You can tell it’s the double crochet because it’s a puffier stitch than the single crochet.

Next, double crochet in the next stitch.  The double crochet will be made in the single crochet from the row below. You can tell it’s a single crochet because it looks like a little triangle.

This is what gives the lemon peel stitch it’s unique texture.

Place a single crochet into the double crochet from the row below. After that, place a double crochet into the single crochet from below. Continue this pattern across the row.

Finally, end the row with a double crochet.

Every row begins with a single crochet and ends with a double crochet.

Chain 1, turn.

Repeat row 2 for the rest of the lemon peel stitch pattern.

Enjoy using the lemon peel stitch in your next project!

After making a blanket with this stitch, the texture this makes looks like flower blossoms. Try using a combination of colors to really enhance the texture. Have fun!

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