If you want a stitch that looks complicated but works up in a simple four row repeat, the arcade stitch is a lovely one to learn.
It makes rows of open fan shapes, a little like small arches lined up side by side, and it works for scarves, blankets, and anything you want to have some drape and texture.
Quick Answer: The arcade stitch is a crochet stitch made from double crochet fans worked into chain three spaces, repeated over four rows, creating an open, arched fabric that’s good for scarves, blankets, and lighter wearables
Watch the video tutorial
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What Is the Arcade Stitch
I think the name comes from the shape.
When you crochet a row of these fans side by side, they really do look like a little row of arches, like an arcade.
It’s an old stitch, but it’s one I keep coming back to because it looks much harder than it is.
Once you get through the first repeat, your hands remember it.
What You’ll Need
- Worsted weight yarn (I used a chunky weight yarn in the video, any medium to bulky weight works)
- 5mm hook (adjust to your yarn weight)
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends
Sandra’s tip: This stitch uses more yarn than a plain single or double crochet fabric because of all those open spaces, so buy a little extra if you’re working from a pattern that calls for a solid stitch.
How to Crochet the Arcade Stitch
Foundation chain: any multiple of 6, plus 2.
Row 1 (Setup Row): Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch. *Ch 3, skip next 3 ch, sc in next 3 ch; repeat from * across, ending with ch 3, skip next 3 ch, sc in last 2 ch. Turn.
Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Work 7 dc in first ch 3 space (skip the 2 sc at the start of the row). *Skip next sc, sc in next sc, skip next sc, 7 dc in next ch 3 space; repeat from * across, ending with sc in last sc. Turn.
Row 3: Ch 4, turn. Skip 2 sts, sc on top of each of the next 3 dc, ch 3, skip 5 sts, place a cluster of 3 sc across the next few stitches (worked as sc, sc, sc), ch 3, skip 5 sts, sc on top of each of the next 3 dc, ch 1, dc on top of the last sc from the previous row. Turn.
Row 4: Ch 3, turn. Work a half fan of 4 dc into the first space, skip 1 sc, sc in next sc, skip 1 sc, 7 dc in next ch 3 space, skip 1 sc, sc in next sc, skip 1 sc, 7 dc in next ch 3 space, skip 1 sc, sc in next 3 sc cluster, and close the row with 4 dc (a half fan) to match the beginning. Turn.
Row 5: Ch 1, turn. Sc in first st, sc in next st. *Ch 3, skip 5 sts, sc on top of the next 3 dc; repeat from * across, ending with sc in last 2 sts. Turn.
Repeat Rows 2 through 5 for your desired length.
Finishing Up
Once your piece is as long as you like, finish off and weave in your ends.
If you’re using this for a scarf or wrap, a simple border of single crochet around the outer edge will keep the sides from curling and give it a clean finish.
I hope you enjoy making this one as much as I did. It really is a stitch that rewards a little patience through the first repeat.
FAQ
Is the arcade stitch hard to learn?
No. It looks complicated because of the open fan shapes, but it only uses single crochet, double crochet, and chain stitches. Once you finish the first four row repeat, the pattern becomes easy to follow.
What can I make with the arcade stitch?
It works well for scarves, shawls, blankets, and table runners since the open fan pattern gives good drape and a decorative texture.
Does the arcade stitch use more yarn than other stitches?
Yes, a bit more than a solid stitch like single crochet, because of all the open chain spaces. Buy a little extra yarn if you’re estimating amounts.
A new stitch step
- When learning a new stitch, try several yarn weights and hook sizes to understand how the stitch works and looks.
- Use light yarn colors to get the stitch to form the right shape.
- Make several swatches before starting a new project
Stay Calm and Crochet!😎
Sandra
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Hi my crochet friend!
Crochet has followed me from Argentina to Israel and through every crossroads since. Now I design calm, achievable crochet, made to feel possible.
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