Crochet Basics: Bavarian Crochet

Bavarian stitch is one of the most decorative stitches in crochet. If you're ambitious, you should definitely try it for a blanket or other projects. In other words, it's perfect for home accessories like bedspreads or pillows, so let's waste no time and start crocheting!

There are many projects that use eye-catching techniques, but the Bavarian crochet stitch is one of the most interesting ones, because you can create fantastic effects with this structural crochet stitch, especially if you want to use ombre yarn, but you can also opt for more muted colors, such as pastel or natural shades. Above all, it's perfect for home decoration, such as decorating your living room or bedroom. Check out the tutorial to learn this beautiful stitch!

Instructions

Round 1 setup: Chain 6 and join into a ring with a slip stitch.

Make a Starting Chain Loop

Round 1, Step 2: Start the First Spoke

Chain 5.

To save time weaving in the ends, wrap the yarn tail over the working yarn with each chain and as you get started. You can do this as you start each new color.

Chain 5 Working Over the Yarn End

Round 1, Step 3: Make a Treble Crochet Cluster

Work a treble crochet cluster with 4 treble crochets.

You should have five loops on the hook before yarning over and drawing the final loop through all the stitches.

Work a 4 Treble Crochet Cluster

Round 1, Step 4: Finish the First Spoke

Chain 5 and single crochet into the starting ring.

Chain 5 and Single Crochet

Round 1, Step 5: Repeat to Complete the Round

Repeat steps two through five of this round three times so you have a total of four spokes.

Join the round with a slip stitch.

Repeat Steps to Make the Bavarian Crochet Center

Round 2, Step 1: Begin Working Around the First Spoke

Round 2 setup: Chain 1 and single crochet into the single crochet from round one.

Chain 2.

Yarn over two times for a treble crochet. Insert the hook into the top of the treble crochet 4 together from round one. This is the "eye" created when you drew the loop through all the stitches. Complete this stitch in the next step.

Work Into the Loop of the Cluster

Round 1, Step 2: Treble Crochet Around the Spoke

Treble crochet 4 and chain 1.

Note: This includes the treble crochet started in the previous step.

Treble Crochet 4 and Chain 1

Treble crochet 4, chain 1, and treble crochet 4.

Repeat Groups of 4 Treble Crochet and 1 Chain

Round 2, Step 3: Anchor the Stitches

Work a single crochet into the single crochet from the previous round. This secures the shell shape.

Single Crochet to Secure the Fan of Treble Crochets

Round 2, Step 4: Repeat to Complete the Round

Repeat steps two and three, adding a shell shape to each spoke.

Join the round with a slip stitch and end off the yarn. To save time later, now is a great time to weave in the end of the first color.

Repeat the Steps to Finish the Round 2 of Bavarian Crochet

Round 3

Round 3, Step 1: Start a New Color of Yarn

Round 3 setup: Working into the first chain-1 space from the previous round, join a new color of yarn with a single crochet.

Chain 5.

Join Yarn in a Chain 1 Spaces and Chain 5

Round 3, Step 2: Make a Back Post Treble Crochet Cluster

Yarn over two times for a treble crochet. Insert your hook so it goes in front of the next treble crochet from the previous round, thus starting a back post treble crochet.

Yarn Over Two Times and Insert the Hook With the Post to the Back

Back post treble crochet 4 together. You should have five loops on the hook before drawing a loop through all and completing the stitch.

With Five Loops on the Hook, Yarn Over and Draw Through

Round 3, Step 3: Complete the Corner

Chain 5 and single crochet into the chain-1 space from the previous round.

Chain 5 and Single Crochet in the Chain 1 Space

Round 3, Step 4: Make a Back Post Treble Crochet Cluster

Back post treble crochet 8 together. You should have nine loops on the hook before drawing a loop through all and completing the stitch.

Back Post Treble Crochet 8 Together

Round 3, Step 5: Complete the Side

Chain 5 and single crochet into the chain-1 space from the previous round.

Chain 5 and Single Crochet in the Chain 1 Space

Round 3, Step 6: Repeat to Complete the Round

Repeat steps one (beginning with the chain 5) through step five, adding to each corner and side.

Join the round with a slip stitch.

Repeat to Complete Round 3 of Bavarian Crochet

Round 4, Step 1: Treble Crochet Around the Corner

Round 4 setup: Chain 1 and single crochet in the single crochet from the previous round.

Working into the "eye" of the cluster from the previous round, treble crochet 4 and chain 1 two times, then treble crochet 4.

Single crochet in the single crochet from the previous round.

Work Three Groups of 4 Treble Crochet and Chain 1 Into the Corners

Round 4, Step 2: Treble Crochet the Side

Working into the "eye" of the cluster from the previous round, treble crochet 4, chain 1, and treble crochet 4.

Single crochet in the single crochet from the previous round.

Work Two Groups of 4 Treble Crochet and Chain 1 Into the Side Sections

Round 4, Step 3: Repeat to Complete the Round

Repeat steps one (starting from the first treble crochet) and two, adding to each corner and side.

Repeat the Steps to Complete Round 4 of Bavarian Crochet

Repeat rounds 3 and 4 as many times as needed to make the size square you want. All the corners are the same, and you'll simply add more repeats of the side stitches as the piece grows.

Adding the colors in rainbow order or in a gradient of one hue (for example, working from pink to red to burgundy) really shows off the beauty of the Bavarian stitch.