Ever wanted to learn how to crochet a corner to corner (aka C2C) blanket before? This type of crochet practice is growing ever-popular thanks to a re-emergence of the art of crochet through social media – and in this guide, I’ll take you through how to crochet C2C with ease.
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What does C2C in crochet mean?
C2C stands for ‘corner to corner’ crochet, and is actually fairly self-explanatory. It involves building a piece starting in one corner by forming small squares, or tiles, increasing for a number of rows before decreasing and finishing your work in the opposite corner. The most impressive part of this is that despite the detailed look of C2C, it really only uses some of the simplest crochet stitches.
Once you’ve mastered this technique, you’ll be amazed at the range of projects you can use it on! The structure of C2C makes it perfect for building square or rectangular projects, so you’ll often see this stitch for larger items like blankets and scarves. You may even find patterns for wall hangings and other decorative items.
Let’s take a look at how to do it!
How to C2C crochet – where to start
C2C crocheting is a great place to start if you have never done crocheting before. It only requires you to learn how to do three basic stitches!These are the double crochet stitch, the slip stitch, and the chain stitch.
Pick your yarn and the hook you are most comfortable with, or the one closest to hand, and let’s get started!
Most guides on how to C2C will have you start with what will be the bottom right corner of your piece and have you work your way towards the top left corner. Of course, as you become more adept and confident with your hook, you’ll be able to alter patterns so you can start in any direction you feel comfortable.
C2C patterns are usually presented as numbered graphs. Numbers are aligned on grids making the pattern pretty easy to follow, even for a novice. A great tip is to mark alongside a number on the grid to track your progress. It’s a handy trick when pausing in the middle of a large piece.
C2C grids are really easy to find online. Or, if you’re super creative and fancy a challenge, you can try making your own grid from scratch. Just make sure to number your grid and mark any color changes carefully!
Some C2C abbreviations, explained
Symbols on crochet patterns usually include a key or legend with the letters and numbers assigned to each stitch. The main abbreviations and terms you’ll find are as follows:
4-tr cl = 4 Treble Cluster
Sl-st = Slip stitch and symbolizes a chain
Tr = Treble crochet
Dc = Double crochet
Hdc = Half double crochet
Sc = Single crochet
Fo = Finish off
Yo = Yarn over
Chain = Ch (this can have a number next to it, such as Ch 3, to indicate how many stitches you need in a chain)
A word to the wise, don’t risk getting confused by the terminology! UK and US terms sometimes use the same term for different stitches. Be sure to check which terminology your pattern creator has used.
Starting your C2C piece – how to crochet a C2C square or rectangle
Right – let’s really get into how to crochet corner to corner. Here’s a few handy steps to help you get into the process – and don’t worry if your work isn’t perfect right away!
Using increase rows in C2C
When starting with C2C, you’ll kick things off with increase rows. This is where you’ll need to start building up tiles in diagonal rows – and once you’ve increased to the point where you’re at a size you’re comfortable with, you’ll need to decrease again.
Believe me, this is likely easier in practice than it is to read up on! Therefore, I highly recommend you practice along with this guide, especially if C2C is completely new to you. Here are the steps you’ll need to follow for the first two rows, and then repeat.
First Row
- Ch 6 (chain six stitches together)
- Dc into your Ch 4 (fourth chain), using your hook
- Dc again into the next two chains
Second Row
- Ch 6
- Dc into your Ch 4, using your hook
- Sl-st (slip stitch) to Ch 3, and turn from the first row
- Ch 3
- Dc three to Ch 3, and turn your chain
For all rows beyond here, simply follow the process. It takes a bit of practice, but once you’ve tried increasing once, you’ll likely start to feel the knack for it.
From here, of course, you’re going to need to know how to decrease and complete your C2C – so that’s where we’re heading to next.
Using decrease rows in C2C
Firstly, don’t worry if it doesn’t look like you’re decreasing anything – what this stage of the process offers is the chance for you to take tiles off your rows.
It’s crucial to decrease properly so that you can make sure your edges are nice and flat. Essentially, decreasing rows in C2C ensures that your crochet effectively ‘finishes’ somewhere, and doesn’t tail on forever!
When you’re working to a set pattern or grid, you’ll normally start decreasing rows when you get to the broadest side.
Up to this point, you’ve been increasing all the way. Still following me? Great – here’s your step by step guide to C2C decrease (keeping in mind our glossary from above!).
- Don’t Ch 3! Instead, Sl-st for every Dc you come across
- Then, Sl-st and turn the chain
- Ch 3
- Dc three in Ch 3, then turn into your last row
Where might I use increase and decrease rows?
It’s worth mentioning that you might not need to use increase and decrease rows in all projects. Specifically, the example listed above is handy if you want to crochet a simple rectangle or square as a starting point.
As you start to read more patterns and check out more complex designs, it’s worth branching out into additional video tutorials and walkthroughs.
Reading C2C charts
Reading C2C crochet charts is actually relatively simple. You’ll traditionally start in the bottom right hand corner of any grid using increase rows, working up towards the top left.
Your increase rows are traditionally numbered vertically on the right hand side, while your decrease rows are numbered horizontally along the top.
Can I use any type of yarn for C2C crochet?
Yes – in all honesty, there’s no harm in using your favorite yarn to start with C2C. However, I’d generally recommend you look to invest in a variety of colors for your crochet box from a brand that’s well-loved and recognized.
Just as you’d make sure you have the best hooks to crochet with, it makes sense that you stock up on high-quality fabric, too.
Overall, I’d recommend looking for yarn that’s of premium quality. While C2C may seem fairly simple and may not always produce the most outlandish of results, that doesn’t mean you should avoid investing in quality resources.
Treat yourself to some high-quality yarn, and don’t be afraid to reach out to crocheting communities online – they are lovely people!
Can I change colors during C2C?
You can absolutely change colors during C2C crochet – after all, how boring would your designs be if you only ever used the same color time and again?
It’s worth mixing things up, and if you’re set on creating some unique designs, it’s worth learning how to switch from shade to shade.
If you’re following a guide, chart or graph, you’ll be informed as to when you need to switch color. Don’t panic! It’s here where you will need to make sure you change your color ahead of time, making one last dc in your base color in the previous tile.
To start, you’re going to need to complete your Dc with a Yo of your new, chosen color. This means you’ll need to avoid the temptation of Yo’ing that third Dc. Once your new color is Yo’d, make sure to Sl-St Ch 3, turn your chain at the next tile, and then Ch 3 again.
You’ll then need to triple Dc in Ch 3, yet again, turning the chain. Hey presto – you’re working with a brand new color, adding a bit more character to your design.
Swapping colors during C2C crochet can get a little bit muddled, so it’s best to try keeping your separate balls of yarn assigned to separate skeins.
This way, you can ensure you’re not twisting or knotting up your fabric, and you can access it all easily when you come back to your project.
I’d advise you to avoid trying to complete a C2C project in one sitting – it’s perfectly fine to come back to your design after a while! Just remember to store your C2C as flat as possible, otherwise it’s at risk of bending or warping.
If that happens, you’re going to need to block or steam it back into shape.
What can I make using C2C?
C2C does not have to be square!Simply by decreasing or increasing rows, it’s easy to make rectangles – but you can adapt the shape to suit your individual requirements.
As you’ll see from available patterns online, you can really go wild with a variety of different clothes, accessories, patches, and more. One of the best reasons to get into C2C, too, is the fact that your designs will be completely reversible.
You can craft C2C and flip it for display purposes or add things like beads, lace, or buttons on one side. The choice is yours!
C2C pieces can also be folded and sewn either end to make cushion covers, purses or bags. You can decide what size openings or flap to incorporate and fold accordingly.
For example, to make a zippered makeup bag, you will need a medium to small rectangle. Fold it longways and use a flap to fasten with a button of two pieces of ribbon to form a bow tie – it’s a great look!
For a cushion cover, you can choose to use a rectangle or square and simply stitch a zip on the side to open. A useful tip for cushions is to stitch your crochet square or rectangle onto a dish towel, so one side is easy to iron and an instant fix.
This means you can replicate the pattern of crocheted yarn for two items and use less yarn and time in crocheting the entire piece.
You can even create unique wall hangings in C2C, too! Consider creating your own names, phrases, characters and logos – there’s thousands of patterns online you can choose from to get started.
To ensure your wall hangings retain their shape, it’s a good idea to back them with a piece of fabric. Felt requires no hemming.
A dish towel for a larger piece or face cloth for a smaller piece works well too – plus, they have the advantage of being robust enough to attach a piece of wood, pole or piece of string to, in order to hang your wall art!
Where can I find C2C patterns and resources online?
You’re in luck – there are huge repositories of C2C crochet pattern grids for you to get into on the web. I’d normally suggest checking out social media first as a priority – for example, take a look at boards on Pinterest, and take a look out for relevant hashtags on Instagram and TikTok.
Do also make a point of browsing YouTube for tutorials you can follow along!
This guide has, after all, only been an introduction to what you could possibly achieve through C2C crochet. Let your imagination run wild – you never know what you might create!
If you’re particularly new to crochet, period, learning how to C2C crochet will open up all kinds of doors for you.
Originally posted 2022-08-03 21:39:51.
