C2C Crochet Pattern

Let’s learn how to corner-to-corner crochet, with my easy c2c crochet pattern tutorial! Together, we will walk through the basics to help you learn how to c2c crochet, as well as what exactly it is, and how to make some beautiful crochet projects using this stitch. This stitch is a great c2c pattern tutorial for beginner crocheters, and advanced alike!

I am so excited to help you learn how to corner-to-corner crochet, with these easy step-by-step instructions. Let’s get started!

corner-to-corner crochet pattern tutorial

What is Corner-to-Corner Crochet (C2C)?

Corner to corner is abbreviated as “C2C”. The corner-to-corner crochet is a type of crochet stitch pattern that is worked by starting in one corner and working your way diagonally to the opposite corner. The stitch made using the corner-to-corner stitch pattern has the appearance of almost a basket weave type look when it is completed.

The corner-to-corner crochet technique is made in diagonal rows, which can be accented by changing colors. You can also create a variety of patterns by changing colors in strategic locations.

The main stitches used in a corner-to-corner crochet pattern are a chain stitch, a slip stitch, and a double crochet stitch. The stitches together give you the beautiful pattern known as c2c or corner-to-corner crochet.

Why you’ll love learning how to C2C crochet!

I believe that you will love learning how to c2c crochet because it makes a beautiful crochet pattern, that can be used for a variety of crochet projects. Plus, once you get the hang of c2c crochet, it is a very easy stitch pattern to work.

What You Can Use it For

As I mentioned above, there are a variety of crochet projects you can make using the c2c crochet stitch pattern. Not only can this corner-to-corner crochet stitch be used to make square projects, but it can also be used to make rectangle projects or triangle projects.

Some of the best crochet projects to use c2c crochet stitch for are baby blankets, crochet blankets, triangle shawls, rectangle shawls, washcloths, dish towels, square motifs to make a bag, a type of “granny square project”, or any other crochet project that you wish to make.

Using the c2c crochet pattern, to make different crochet projects is a lot of fun, because the corner-to-corner crochet pattern works up quickly, because of the diagonal method in which it is created.

Corner-To-Corner Stitch (C2C) Pattern: The Basic Technique

Before you begin learning how to make the corner-to-corner crochet stitch, there are a few basic stitch techniques that you need to know first. Let’s take a look at what stitches are involved in order to make a c2c crochet project.

Basic Skills to Know First

The main basic crochet skills that you will need to know before you begin making a corner-to-corner crochet project are the chain stitch (ch), a slip stitch (sl st), and how to make double crochet stitches (dc).

Chain Stitch

A chain stitch is the foundation stitch of most crocheted projects. You can watch this quick video and how to make a chain stitch.

Slip Stitch

The next did you want to know in order to make the C2C crochet pattern is the slip stitch. The slip stitch is a great stitch to use dab join different stitches together. And that is exactly what it is used for in this crochet stitch pattern. To learn exactly how to make a slip stitch, check out my learning how to crochet tutorial.

Double Crochet

The final stitch that you will need to know for making the C2C crochet pattern is the double crochet stitch. This stitch is what creates each box in the corner-to-corner crochet stitch pattern. This is another basic crochet stitch that you can see how to make in this short video, or in the learning how to crochet tutorial.

The Diagonal Box Stitch

Once you get the hang of these three basic stitches, the chain stitch, the slip stitch, and the double crochet stitch, you can now learn how to make the box stitched used in this diagonal pattern. I am so excited to walk you through the step-by-step photo tutorial below, to learn how to crochet the corner-to-corner pattern. Let’s get started!

Supplies You’ll Need

Before you begin crocheting, there are a few materials you will want to gather, to make your crochet project. Let’s look at the supplies you will want to have on hand.

Yarn

When you are practicing your c2c crochet pattern, it is a good idea to use a medium-weight, or worsted-weight yarn, that is nice and smooth. When you are learning a new crochet pattern, you will want to avoid using bulky weight yarn, because it is harder to see your stitch pattern with those types of yarn.

Crochet Hook

The next item you will want to have on hand in order to make the crochet pattern, is a crochet hook. Now the exact size of crochet hook that you use will depend on the specific yarn you are working with, as well as how loose or tight your stitches are naturally. Typically, a good size of crochet hook to start with, is going to be a size H or size I.

Scissors

It’s also a good idea to have some scissors on hand so that you can cut the yarn of your project when you are done.

How to C2C Crochet

Step 1: Make the First Box Stitch

Chain 6 stitches.

In the 4th, chain stitch from your hook, work a double crochet stitch. Double crochet in each of the 2 remaining chain stitches.

Step 2: Work Row 2

Chain 6 stitches.

In the 4th, chain stitch from your hook, work a double crochet stitch. Double crochet in each of the 2 remaining chain stitches.

Turn and join with a slip stitch to the top of the chain 3 made on the first box stitch.

Chain 3 stitches.

Make 3 double crochet stitches, around the chain 3 stitches made on the first box stitch.

Step 3: Work Row 3

Chain 6 stitches.

In the 4th, chain stitch from your hook, work a double crochet stitch. Double crochet in each of the 2 remaining chain stitches. (box 1 made)

Turn and join with a slip stitch to the top of the chain 3 made on the first box stitch.

Chain 3 stitches.

Make 3 double crochet stitches, around the chain 3 stitches made on the first box stitch.

Join with a slip stitch to the next box from the previous row. (box 2 made)

Chain 3 stitches.

Make 3 double crochet stitches, around the chain 3 stitches made on the first box stitch. (box 3 made)

Step 4: Continue Increasing

To continue increasing your corner-to-corner crochet project, you will simply repeat row 3, above, following the instructions for box 1 to make the first box in the row, box 3 to make the last box in the row, and box 2, to make all of the boxes in between.

Then, when your project has reached your desired size, it is time to begin decreasing your c2c crochet project.

Step 5: Start Decreasing

Make your final row, which will be the widest point on your corner-to-corner crochet project.

Chain 1, turn.

Slip stitch in the last double crochet stitch made on the previous row, and in the next two double crochet stitches.

Slip stitch in the chain 3 space made, in the last box on the previous row.

Chain 3 stitches.

Make 3 double crochet stitches around the chain 3 spaces in the previous row.

Join that block with a slip stitch to the next chain 3 space on the previous row. Your first decrease block is now complete.

Chain 3 stitches.

Work 3 double crochet stitches around the next chain 3 space on the previous row.

Join with a slip stitch to the next chain 3 space on the previous row.

Repeat the above steps until you come to the last decrease box space.

Chain 3 stitches.

Work 3 double crochet stitches around the next chain 3 space on the previous row.

Join with a slip stitch to the next chain 3 space on the previous row.

Turn.

Step 6: Continue working Decrease Rows

Continue working on the above steps, creating the first decrease block, middle decrease blocks, and final decrease block stitch, which will decrease the number of stitches in each row, as you continue, until you come to the last row.

Step 7: Work the Last Box Stitch

Chain 1

Turn

Slip stitch in the next three double crochet stitches.

Slip stitch in the last chain 3 space made on the last box on the previous row.

Chain 3 stitches.

Make 3 double crochet stitches in the chain 3 space in the last box on the previous row.

Join with a slip stitch to the first box made on the previous row.

Cut the yarn leaving a long tail. Pull the yarn tail through the loop, to finish off. Weave in the ends of the yarn tail.

You can also watch this video to see how the c2c crochet stitch is made!

Increasing vs Decreasing

Increasing and decreasing is key to making the correct shape with your corner-to-corner crochet pattern. I have given you instructions above on how to work the increase and decrease blocks, but let’s look at these in further detail.

How To Corner To Crochet Increase

When you get to each end of your c2c crochet project you will need to choose either to increase, decrease, or keep the rows of your crochet project even. Let’s first look at how to make an increase row in your c2c crochet pattern.

Chain 6 stitches at the end of your row. This is what will allow you to add more blocks to your c2c crochet pattern.
In the 4th chain stitch from your hook, make a double crochet stitch.
Double crochet in the last 2 chain stitches.
Join with a slip stitch to the chain 3 space made in the last block on the previous row.

You can follow these simple steps at both ends of your c2c crochet pattern to increase the total number of blocks made in each row.

How to Corner to Corner Crochet Decrease

When you are ready to decrease the overall number of boxes in your c2c crochet pattern you can follow these easy steps.

Chain 1 stitch.
Turn work.
Slip stitch in each double crochet stitch from the last block made in the previous round.
Slip stitch in the chain 3 space from the block in the previous round.
Chain 3 stitches.
Make 3 double crochet stitches around the chain 3 space in the previous round.
Join to the next block with a slip stitch.

The rest of the boxes will be made in the traditional way as you work the rest of the row. When you turn the project, you will repeat the above steps to make the first box of the next row.

How Do You Know When To Start Decreasing?

If you are following a specific pattern, no matter if it has written pattern instructions or a pattern graph, it will instruct you on how many increase rows to make, and when to begin decreasing your project.

However, if you are not following a specific pattern, and are making a normal corner-to-corner blanket, or afghan, you can simply create the number of increase rows until the crochet project reaches your desired size. Then you can begin decreasing the crochet project.

How To Change Colors in C2C Crochet

There are a few different ways you may change color for your c2c crochet pattern. Let’s take a look at a few of the different ways you might go about changing the colors of yarn for your crochet project.

How to Join a New Color

Let’s start with the basics of how to join a new color to your c2c crochet pattern. The best way to do this, when you are ready to change colors, is simply to pull up a loop of your new color yarn. This serves to join them, without tying them together before you join.

Then, tie a knot, and work around the old yarn for a few stitches, so that you are sure any ends are hidden securely.

Beginning a Row With a New Color

For this pattern, a fun way to make the diagonal pattern stand out is to begin a row with a new color. When you do this, you will want to start the new color with the first chain stitch, as you increase your rows.

However, if you are working a decrease row, you will want to wait until your first chain stitch and slip stitches are complete. Then change colors by pulling up a loop of the new color as you slip stitch into the chain 3 space, and then make your chain 3 stitches. This way your new color doesn’t show up very strangely as you make your slip stitches.

Changing Colors Mid Row

Another option to change colors is to change them mid-row. This is often used when you are making a specific pattern. Because the c2c crochet pattern is made up of small boxes, this is an ideal pattern to make pictures, of color patterns out of.

When you change mid-row, you will want to change the color when you are making the slip stitch to join one block to the next. Then continue with the new color, ideally working over the old color for a few stitches.

Carrying the Yarn

The best way to work with multiple yarn colors is to carry your yarn, so that you don’t have a ton of yarn ends, to weave in when you are finished.

Now, carrying your yarn colors does not mean that you are using color A and working over color B the entire project until you are ready to switch.

Rather, it is best to work with color A, then change to working with color B, but work over color A for a few stitches, while you maneuver color A to where you will want to pick it up again next.

Carrying the yarn is the most ideal way to change colors. You’ll just want to be sure that you are working around the color not in use, and getting it to the right location, in the easiest way possible, and without it showing through where you don’t want it to be.

When to Cut Your Yarn

There is nothing that says you can’t cut your yarn, after you are done using it. Then join the color again when you need it. However, if you are going to use it again, near the location of where it was previously left, it might be wise to wait and cut the yarn when you are completely done with that yarn color.

I believe this is the best time to cut your yarn when you are completely finished with that color in your project. But it is important to point out that there are times when it makes more sense to cut the yarn, and then join it later. This is typically when the places where you are using that yarn color are far apart.

Basically, when to cut your yarn will depend on your preference and the location of that color on your c2c crochet pattern. You can use your preference and best judgment to determine what is best in your situation.

How to Weave in Ends for C2C Crochet

The best way to weave in the ends of your yarn when making a c2c crochet project is to carry the old yarn for a few stitches and work around the old color. This way you are hiding your yarn tail, without having to work too hard.

However, if you are unable to weave yarn ends by working around them, then you will want to go back and weave in the yarn tail using your crochet hook.

The best way to do this is to use your crochet hook and pull the yarn tail in and out through your stitches of the same color yarn. I sometimes pull the yarn tail through a loop on my crochet hook, to help secure it in place as I’m weaving in the yarn tail.

Adding Borders to a C2C Blanket

If you wish, you may choose to add borders around your c2c crocheted blanket. There are many different pattern options to choose from. It depends on what look you are going for.

Corner to Corner Crochet Stitch Variations

In the above pattern, I have given you the instructions to make the C2C crochet pattern using a chain stitch, slip stitch, and double crochet stitch. This is the most common type of corner-to-corner crochet pattern. However, you can make this C2C crochet pattern, using different stitch variations. Let me show you a few popular stitch alternatives to the double crochet stitch.

C2C Half Double Crochet

Another easy crochet stitch variation to use when making a c2c crochet pattern is the half double crochet stitch. The only difference is that you will replace the double crochet stitches with a half double crochet stitch. Then, rather than chaining 3 stitches, chain 2 stitches.

C2C Popcorn and Bobble Stitches

The other stitch variation is to make a popcorn or bobble stitch in place of the 3 double crochet stitches. Using these stitches will give your crochet project even more texture. With these stitches, you can still chain 3 stitches.

Reading C2C Graphs

Often a corner-to-corner crochet pattern is presented as a crochet graph pattern, which can be used to make a crochet project. Knowing how to read these graphs is key to the success of your c2c crochet pattern.

The most important things to know about reading a c2c graph are where to begin, and what direction is it understood to work.

When you look at a c2c graph it is made up of different colored small squares, that are filled with different colors.

To read the graph pattern, you will always start in the bottom right-handed corner, and work your way to the top left-handed corner. This is true no matter what hand you use to crochet.

The first row will be worked down, the second row up, the third row down, and the fourth row up, etc. The even-numbered rows are typically referred to as the wrong side, and the odd rows as the right side of your crochet project.

How to Design Your Own C2C Crochet Graphs

You can easily design your own c2c graph if you want. You can do this by using graph paper, which is my favorite. Or you can find online programs that will let you create the graph on their platform.

Tips and Tricks for C2C

Making Rectangles in C2C

Above, we have looked at the instructions on how to make a corner-2-corner project that is a square project. But what about if you want to make a rectangle project? This is especially handy if you want to make something like a scarf or table runner with the c2c pattern.

How to Crochet a C2C Rectangle

The trick to making a rectangle is, after you have increased the project to your desired width, you will then need to work an increase block at one end, and a decrease block at the other end. Doing this is what allows your project to stay the same width and create the rectangle shape for the c2c stitch pattern.

How to Read a Written Corner-To-Corner Pattern

If your c2c pattern for a specific crochet project you want to make has written instructions in addition to a graph, you will be very happy. Let’s look at a few things noteworthy about written c2c patterns.

The Row Number

The row number will always be equal to the number of tile blocks that will need to be worked in that row.

Word or Color

The word or abbreviation that is often used will reference the color that should be used for that tile block.

The Number

The number is your guide for the number of tiles that should be worked in a given color.

RS or WS

RS refers to the right side, and WS refers to the wrong side, which are both indications of which side of the project should be facing you while you work on the stitches.

For example, a c2c pattern might look like the following:

Color Codes: BB – baby blue, P – pink, Y – yellow, O – Orange

Row 1: 1P

Row 2: 2O

Row 3: 3Y

Row 4: 4BB

Row 5: 5P

Looking at this pattern it means that the first tile block should be worked in pink, and you are making one box. The second row is made of orange, and you create two tile boxes. The third row is made of yellow, and you are making three tile boxes. The fourth row is made of baby blue, and there are four tile boxes, and the fifth row is made of pink, consisting of five tile boxes.

FAQs about Corner to Corner Crochet

Can I use any yarn/size hook with C2C crochet?

Technically, yes you can use any yarn and hook size you want to make a c2c crochet project. However, I have found the best results when using a nice, medium weight yarn, or worsted weight yarn. I like to stay away from bulky yarn because it just doesn’t look as nice. These are my personal preferences, and you might find that some yarn weights and crochet hook sizes work better for you than others do.

My tiles look a little loose, and the ch-3-spaces look a little “holey”.

The best fix for this is to use a slightly smaller crochet hook. Doing this will make your stitches a little tighter and get rid of those pesky holes.

When working a C2C project, how do I know when to start decreases?

The best way to tell when you should start making a decrease stitch is to reference your pattern. Otherwise, you can start making a decrease stitch after you have reached the desired width of your project.

How do I make a rectangle in C2C crochet?

To make a rectangle in c2c crochet, you will first want to make the project as wide as you want. Then, to make the rectangle shape, you will make the increase stitch on one end, and the decrease stitch on the other end. These two together, give it the rectangle shape.

Do I have to carry the yarn?

No, you are not required to carry the yarn. However, it is a good idea to carry the yarn, if you will be using that same color again, a short distance away.

Learn how to Crochet Corner to Corner (C2C)

Now that you have learned how to make the corner-to-corner crochet stitch, it is time for you to get started practicing, so grab some scrap yarn, and get started making the stitch for yourself! Be sure to keep the step-by-step instructions with pictures handy, until you get the hang of each part of the c2c crochet pattern. Once you learn this stitch pattern, it is a fun mindless stitch that you can enjoy making using basic crochet stitches.

Thank you so much for stopping by to learn how to corner-to-corner crochet. I hope that you have enjoyed this free crochet pattern tutorial, and now you can master this fun c2c crochet stitch!

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More Great Patterns You Will Love!

C2C Crochet Pattern

Materials

yarn medium weight reccomended
crochet hook size H or I reccomended
scissors