I have named this stitch "Raindrops" as I was told it looks like raindrops running down a window. Which I kind of think it does too. And as it happens, it was raining (a lot) during the grey February days when I was working on this pattern. So Raindrops it is.
I worked my original sample using chunky yarn on a 6mm hook, but the pattern works equally well using a DK weight yarn on a 4mm hook. You can see the two variations above. This is a very dense stitch pattern with a lovely surface texture, perfect for making cushions and bags. I think (hope) it would also make up into a super blanket in the DK weight, although I've yet to try it.
I'm writing using UK crochet terms, and the pattern is worked entirely in Half Treble crochet stitch. Some of the half trebles are normal size, some are longer and known as "Long Half Treble", as follows ::
htr [half treble]:: yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull the loop back through the stitch (three loops on hook), yarn over and pull through all three loops on hook (note :: this is equivalent to the US hdc stitch)
Lhtr [Long half treble] :: yarn over, insert hook into skipped stitch TWO ROWS BELOW, yarn over, pull the loop back through the stitch (pull the loop right up so that it is level with the current row, it'll be a long-tall stitch!) Now yarn over and pull through all three loops on hook.
To begin, make a foundation chain that is a multiple of 4, plus an extra 3.
For example, in this small sample my starting chain is 23 (20+3). For the 40cm cushion I made in chunky yarn, I chained 51 to begin (48+3).
:: ROW 1 ::
Beginning in the 3rd chain from the hook (as shown above), work a row of half trebles. Chain 2, turn.
:: ROW 2 ::
Make 1 htr in the very first stitch at the base of the ch-2, as shown above with my needle.
Chain 2, then skip 2 stitches...
..and work 1 htr into each of the next two stitches as shown above.
*Chain 2, skip 2 stitches, 1 htr into each of the next two stitches*
Repeat between ** until the last stitch....you'll be changing colours now, so when you work the last htr, the final "yarn over" of that stitch should be made with the new colour. I'll talk you through it.....ready? The final stitch of row 2 is worked as follows ::
{colour red}, yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull the loop back through the stitch (three loops on hook). Now get your next colour ready {colour green} yarn over (ie get the yarn looped over your hook, as shown above) and simply pull the green loop through all three red loops on the hook.
Your new colour will be all ready to go now for the next row.
Chain 2, and turn.
:: ROW 3 ::
As before, you work your first htr into the very first stitch at the base of the ch-2, as shown above with my needle.
You will need to work over your tail ends if you can manage it, so get a hold of them and make sure they run across the top of your work, and pass the hook underneath them when you make your first stitch. Work the first 8-10 stitches over the tail ends, then leave them dangling. You will darn them in securely at the end.
1 htr into the next stitch, again remembering to work over your tail ends (as shown above).
The next two stitches are long half trebles and will be worked down into row 1 (the skipped stitches) as shown by my needle above. I'm going to talk you through it. So yarn over and insert the hook into that lower stitch two rows below....
Then yarn over and pull up a long loop until it is level with the first two stitches you made at the beginning of this row. You will have three loops on your hook, as shown above. Now yarn over, and pull through all three loops (see, this is worked just like a htr, but the loop of the stitch is longer).
Work a second Lhtr into the next skipped stitch from two rows below (as above)
Work 1 htr into each of the next two stitches, as shown above.
*Work 1 Lhtr into each of the two skipped stitches (2 rows below), then work 1 htr into each of the next two stitches (current row).*
Repeat between ** until the end of the row. Chain 2, turn.
:: ROW 4 ::
As before, you work your first htr into the very first stitch at the base of the ch-2, as shown above with my needle.
Chain 2 and skip two stitches, then work 1 htr into each of the next two stitches (as above)
*Chain 2 and skip two stitches, then work 1 htr into each of the next two stitches*
Repeat between ** until the last stitch. Remember you'll be changing colours now, so when you work the last htr, the final "yarn over" of that stitch should be made with the new colour, just as you did at the end of Row 2.
With your new colour loop pulled through, chain 2 and turn.
:: ROW 5 ::
This is a repeat of row 3, as follows :: 1 htr into the first stitch at the base of the ch-2. Remember to work over your tail ends for the first 8-10 stitches.
1 Lhtr's into each of the two skipped stitches of the row below (as shown by my needle above)
1 htr into each of the next two stitches
*1 Lhtr into each of the two skipped stitches of the row below, 1 htr into each of the next two stitches*
Repeat between ** to the end of the row.
Chain 2, and turn.
Right, before we go any further with the pattern we're going to talk about the tail ends now, so lets look at the back of the work....
When you work the beginning of each colour-change row, you should aim to crochet over your tail ends for about 8-10 stitches, then leave them dangling. Now get those dangly ends, thread them on to a darning needle, and darn them back on themselves. Take them all the way back under the stitches to the very edge of the work.....
....so that they hang out at the edge (as above). Don't pull the darning threads too tightly as that will pull and distort the stitches. Keep it soft. Now you can simply snip the ends off at the edge of the work. This is a secure way of dealing with ends, plus they shouldn't work their way loose and start poking out in the middle of a row. My advice is to deal with your tail ends at the End of Each Row!!! Listen to Lucy! Be disciplined! You are changing colours every two rows with this pattern, and that will mean a LOT of dangly ends to deal with. Do it as you go along, that's my best advice.
OK, lets get back to making Raindrops.....
:: Row 6 ::
This is a repeat of Row 2, as follows ::
work 1 htr into the stitch at the base of the ch-2 (as above).
*Chain 2, skip 2 stitches, 1 htr into each of the next 2 stitches*
Repeat between ** to the end of the row, remembering to change colours with the last stitch, ready for the next row.
Carry on repeating rows 3 and 2, changing colours every other row. If this is the very last row of your work, replace the stitch pattern of rwo 2 with a complete row of half trebles to finish.
I hope I've not made this stitch sound too complicated, as it is really very easy and there is a lovely, gentle rhythm to the pattern once you get into it. It should be a great pattern for new hookers, as there is minimal counting and only one stitch to get to grips with.
You can see in the above blue sample, I ended with a row of half trebles to create a solid finishing edge. This replaces the "2htr's-chain 2-skip 2" pattern.
Here is the pattern written in traditional format, for you to copy and paste if you wish ::
To begin, make a foundation chain which should be a multiple of 4 plus an extra 3.
:: Row 1 :: starting in 3rd ch from hook, work 1 htr in each stitch to the end. Ch-2, turn.
:: Row 2 :: work 1 htr in very 1st st at base of ch-2. *Chain 2, Skip 2, htr twice*
Repeat between ** until end of row, changing colours in the very last stitch. Ch-2, turn.
:: Row 3 :: work 1 htr in very 1st st at base of ch-2. *Work 1 Lhtr into each of the 2 skipped stitches from two rows below, htr twice*
Repeat between ** until the end of the row, ch-2, turn.
:: Row 4 :: repeat as for row 2, changing colours in the very last stitch.
:: Row 5 :: repeat as for 3.
:: Row 6 :: repeat as for row 2.
Repeat the pattern as for rows 3 and 2, changing colours at the end of every other row.
When you work the very last row of your design, replace row 2 pattern with a straight row of htr's to create a solid edge to finish.
I hope you have fun with your own Raindrops, whether you decide to make a cushion, a blanket, or something else entirely. As always, I am happy to provide my tutorials for you to enjoy for free, but if you would like to buy me a coffee, well, I would love that too.....
This is such a beautiful design! Thanks as always, Lucy. I've messed around with it a bit and made it using trebles instead of half-trebles, I always seem to split my yarn and get into a muddle with htrs! It still has the lovely texture but is a bit looser, so I reckon will make a fab blanket. Will let you know!
Posted by: SarahStar | November 08, 2015 at 04:29 PM
I need some help, I'm making the cushion but it's veering off to the right and don't know where I'm going wrong. Think I'll have to start again as I'm on the fourth round of colours. I've ended up with 2 htr at one end and 1 at the other, is this the cause? I've tried to correct it by swapping over the htr but it's no veering to the left. Ahhhh! I'm quite a newbie at this and find your instructions fabulously clear, just not sure what's happened.
Posted by: Bakingannie | October 23, 2015 at 04:40 PM
I don't use the Internet to pay for thing so could I send an order and pay for it by cheque.
Posted by: Sheila Jordan | August 20, 2015 at 10:05 PM
Hi I would like to make the coast ripple blanket using Caron simply soft
Do you have a colour sequence for this
Posted by: Anne A dkins | August 03, 2015 at 10:36 PM
Love your raindrops pattern. I used it to create my monster blanket for a single bed. Pictured on my blog and of course referencing your blog :) https://clarkfamilyhandbook.wordpress.com/2015/01/13/the-mammoth-crochet-blanket-that-i-may-never-finish/
Love your site :)
Posted by: Lorna Clark | May 05, 2015 at 11:19 AM
I love your pattern and the raindrops stitch! Thank you so much for sharing!
Posted by: Deborah | April 27, 2015 at 09:07 AM
Do you have the pattern where we can print it out or buy it? I love your colors and the stitch for the pillow. I would love the pattern in USA style!
Posted by: Gloria Settle | April 08, 2015 at 12:16 AM
How many stitches would work for Dk wool thanks
Posted by: Pam caines | April 05, 2015 at 08:38 AM
My piece (16 rows done) looks like it's on the bias - slanted though the right numbers. Is it really that the foundation row is too tight? Also, how do you make your "raindrops" all line up? Mine are a bit staggered.
I recently made the Granny Stripe and Cosy Stripe blankets and finished my quite large Blooming Flower cushion. That is a big pillow! Your site makes me smile and my heart feel happy. Thanks for what you do. And would you thank your family for me, too, for sharing you with all of us?
Posted by: Allison | March 24, 2015 at 04:26 AM
I bought the Rainbow yarn and buttons. Now i need the pattern for the pillow. Im making it for my granddaughter. Please share.
Posted by: cyndi nantz | January 24, 2015 at 06:27 PM
i have just bought my wool for your raindrop cushion as it is so beautiful but i am somewhat of a novice and am a bit confused as to how to make this into an actual cushion - have I bitten off more than i can chew? Do you just join up the sides - and where do we make holes for the buttons?
Posted by: Anna | December 30, 2014 at 10:07 PM
Thanx ... I love it ..
Posted by: azza | November 09, 2014 at 03:59 AM
Very very Pretty--Thank you
Posted by: Dian L. Pribonic | November 01, 2014 at 03:23 AM
You have given me a new lease of life with your wonderful designs.Just made blooming flower cushion and now planning on making 2 more bright cushions and 2 throws along with some fabric cushions to match.My sitting room looking a little worn so hope my projects will inject a bit of va va voom.Thanks so much.
Posted by: Linda Rigby | October 28, 2014 at 02:58 PM
Your creations are so beautiful but I have to say, your photographs are stunning !
Posted by: Susan Gregg | September 09, 2014 at 01:42 PM
Hi Lucy I'm fairly new to crochet therefore I appreciate your in depth tutorials.
When doing this raindrop stitch do you hook through both sides of the chain?
Looking at the picture where you place the needle in the stitch it seems that way. Hope you understand my explanation.
Heather
Posted by: Heather Landels | July 15, 2014 at 03:53 PM
I just have to say that I love your instructions. They are so clear and easy to follow. Keep up the good work girl! :)
Posted by: Diana Lovatt | July 02, 2014 at 09:00 AM
adorable stitch! i have to try this.
THANK YOU so much for sharing!
Posted by: jen | June 13, 2014 at 07:00 PM
Thank you so, so much!!
I love the blanket and is making one my self.
I saw a picture on instagram and with help from lots of friends in a Facebook crochet group in Denmark it was possible to se the pattern.
Posted by: Heidi Busk | June 09, 2014 at 08:31 PM
Thank you so, so much!!
I love the blanket and is making one my self.
I saw a picture on instagram and with help from lots of friends in a Facebook crochet group in Denmark it was possible to se the pattern.
Posted by: Heidi Busk | June 09, 2014 at 08:30 PM
My yarn pack arrived this morning and I'm trying to get to grips with the rainbow stitch. Thanks for the pattern - I've donated a "cup of coffee"!
Posted by: Sheila H-L | May 28, 2014 at 07:56 PM
Hi Lucy - I just made a donation that I'd been meaning to for some time now. I used the pattern to make a blanket in shades of orange using a DK weight (and thank you for answering my emailed question - it turned out nice and straight!) I love how it turned out. My house cleaner saw it (I work outside the home full time so need a little help, or I'd never have any time to crochet!) and wanted the pattern - so I hope this amount is enough to cover both of us - I shared the pattern and your website with her.
I also sought out the Simply Crochet magazine and love it. One of the big book stores carries it here in Canada, and it was a huge thrill to see it on the shelf. Anyway, thank you for sharing your work and your world!
Posted by: Roslyn | May 24, 2014 at 05:47 PM
Just started the Raindrops cushion pattern. Really lovely to work. Using the Stylecraft Chunky as recommended. Very pleasantly surprised at how good it is to work with. I so wish Stylecraft would bring out an Aran weight cotton yarn. Anyway have decided on using just three colours - the golden, red and navy. They work really well together - gold first, red then navy. Thank you so much for all your patterns and happy blogs. P.S. I had the same trouble as Wendy and Emma B. I shall remember when I start another cushion re the foundation chain being tighter.
Posted by: Lesley | May 07, 2014 at 03:24 PM
Luv this. Putting it on my list of projects to do.
To Wendy and Emma B: I don't think I chain tightly when I'm doing it, but my work will curve if I don't use a larger hook. I have to go up three (3) sizes from my main hook! Also, I have found starting with a foundation chain helps to eliminate the problem. You can't use it on all patterns, but it's something to try when you are starting with a solid row of SC, HDC, DC or TC (US terms). Happy hooking ladies.
Posted by: Marian | May 04, 2014 at 06:17 PM
To Wendy; I had the same problem as you, then I did a bit of research and found one explanation that makes sense: we made the foundation chain too tight and subsequent stitches becoming looser as we relax, making it look like we are increasing when we are not! The only solution is to start again from scratch with looser chain stitches. I now use a bigger hook to make the foundation chain, that seems to solve the problem for me.
Posted by: Emma B | May 02, 2014 at 02:00 AM