Lemon Peel Stitch Crochet:  Tutorial  

Lemon Peel Crochet Stitch by Janice Jones

When I first encountered the lemon peel crochet stitch, I was intrigued, and I had to try it out. But before I did, I wanted to look into this lovely textured stitch, and I am so glad I did.

If you have been crocheting for a while, you have no doubt encountered the odd experience of discovering new stitches only to find out that you are already familiar with the stitch, except under a different name.

Knitting, if you are curious, also has this same phenomenon. I love the name Lemon Peel – it conjures up images of summertime, lemonade, lemon in your favorite tea, and lemon bars.

Lemon Peel Crochet Stitch with yarn and hook

Should I go on?

OK, I digress.

This lovely stitch appears to be named griddle stitch, as seen in The Harmony Guides: Basic Crochet Stitches, Edited by Erika Knight.  I’ve even encountered the name small-scale stitch. Whatever you call it, your fabric is bumpy, slightly textured, and reversible.

The only explanation for the multiple names was offered by Marley Bird, who suggested, “

… there’s no standard naming system for stitch patterns such as this. As a result, designers over the years have learned the same stitch by different names. They’ve also come up with their own names for the same stitch pattern.

What Makes it Unique

Reversible Texture: Unlike some stitches with a distinct "right" and "wrong" side, the lemon peel stitch looks almost identical on both sides, making it perfect for projects where both sides will be visible.

Simple Repetition: It's created by simply alternating single crochet (sc) and double crochet (dc) stitches, making it easy to learn and memorize.

Versatile Fabric: The stitch creates a dense, textured fabric that's both durable and visually appealing.

Projects Suited for Lemon Peel Stitch

The lemon peel stitch is very versatile and can be used for a variety of projects:

  • Blankets & Afghans: Its dense texture makes it warm and cozy.
  • Scarves & Cowls: The reversible texture adds visual interest.
  • Bags & Purses: The stitch creates a sturdy fabric that holds its shape well.
  • Washcloths & Dishcloths: The textured surface is excellent for scrubbing.
  • Pot Holders & Trivets: The dense fabric provides good heat protection.

Skills Needed

If you are a beginner, don’t worry—this is a very easy stitch to master. You need only a couple of skills to make the lemon peel crochet stitch.

Basic Crochet Knowledge

It would be best if you were comfortable with holding a crochet hook and yarn.

Lemon Peel Stitch Crochet:  Abbreviations Used

Sc, sc – Single crochet

Dc, dc – Double Crochet

Ch, ch – chain

St - Stitch

* * Repeat the instruction between the asterisks for the number of times indicated.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Closeup of the lemon peel crochet stitch also called griddle stitch.

Here's a basic guide to get you started:

Foundation:  Create a chain that is a multiple of 2 + 1 or an odd number of chains.   For this Swatch, I chained 21 using 100% acrylic yarn and a number H/5.0 mm hook. If you do it this way, you will always end up with a single crochet at the beginning of the row and a double crochet at the end.  (I have seen it done differently).

Row 1:

1. Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook.
2. *Dc in the next ch, sc in the following ch.
3. Repeat from * to the end of the row. End with a Dc in last ch.
4. Turn your work.

Row 2:

1. Ch 2. Skip the first st.
2. *Sc in the next st, dc in the following st.
3. Repeat from * to the last st.
4. Sc in the top of the turning ch-2 from the previous row.
5. Turn your work.

Rows 3 and beyond - Repeat Row 2 until you reach your desired length. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Practice Tips

My best advice for mastering this and all knit, and crochet stitches is to practice, practice, practice. You may be one of those rare crafters who get it “right” after one try, but if you are like me, it takes some patience and persistence to get it right.

  • Start with a small swatch to get the hang of these new stitch placements.
  • Use a contrasting yarn color for the first few rows to help you see where your stitches need to go.
  • Don't be afraid to unravel and try again if necessary—it's all part of the learning process.
  • Explore these textured variations and see what unique creations you can stitch up!

Lemon Peel Stitch Crochet:  Conclusion

The lemon peel stitch is a fantastic stitch for crocheters of all levels. Its simplicity makes it easy to learn, while its versatility allows for a wide range of projects.

The unique texture adds visual interest and depth to any piece you create. Don't be afraid to experiment with different yarn weights and colors to create your unique variations on this classic stitch!

Pin Now, Crochet Later:  Lemon Peel Stitch Crochet

Crochet Lemon Peel stitch pin imagePin for Future Reference

More Crochet Stitch Tutorials

About Janice

Hi, I’m Janice, the voice behind Smart-Knit-Crocheting. I love to knit and crochet and even more, I love teaching others what I know.

Though I learned to knit and crochet as a child, I didn’t get serious about these amazing hobbies until I retired. I’m a certified knit and crochet instructor through the Craft Yarn Council and am working on becoming a Master Hand Knitter through The Knitting Guild Association.

I’m currently living with my husband of over 50 years and our 7 Shih Tzu dogs.

I love hearing from you, so please drop me a line and let me know what you’re working on, whether you love knitting or crocheting more, and if you have any questions. Please visit my about me page for more information.


Happy Crocheting