C2C Lemon Peel Stitch Free Pattern & Video Tutorial

Introduction to the Lemon Peel Stitch

The Lemon Peel Stitch creates a delightful dense textured fabric that resembles the pitted surface of a lemon, hence the name. When combined with the corner to corner (c2c) crochet method, this adds visual interest and versatility to the already beautiful stitch.

a crochet swatch of the corner to corner lemon peel stitch crocheted in soft cotton yarn

This tutorial will guide you through the process of learning the Lemon Peel stitch and using the c2c method. I will provide you with everything you need and a free pattern, to learn this beautiful stitch and make your first project, a handy dishcloth.

What is Corner to Corner Crochet?

The c2c method has become very popular and much loved in the crochet community for it's stunning diagonal patterns and its versatility. Its rise to fame originated with the c2c Block Stitch, but now more and more crochet stitches are finding their way into c2c projects.

Items made in this method grow from one corner to the opposite making this type crochet not only beautiful but also very adaptable.

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Benefits of Crochet Lemon Peel Stitch

If you are looking for a stitch that is both durable and attractive, then the Lemon Peel stitch is a great option. The versatility of this stitch lends itself well to a wide variety of projects including blankets and scarves. It's added durability when crocheted in cotton yarn, makes it perfect for dishcloths and washcloths.

Crocheted in the C2C Lemon Peel stitch the Limoncello baby blanket is another great project to try...

Free C2C Lemon Peel Stitch Tutorial & Dishcloth Pattern

Beginners and experienced crocheters alike will benefit from this simple tutorial. I will guide you through the process of learning the Lemon Peel stitch combined with the c2c method and making your first project a handy dishcloth. We will begin by discussing the essential materials needed for this versatile stitch pattern and introduce you to the stitches and techniques to crochet the Lemon Peel stitch. I will also cover troubleshooting tips and tricks to help you perfect your project.

colourful crochet dishcloths in a basket with natural dish scrubbers

Is This Pattern Suitable For Beginners?

It certainly is. A beginner that is comfortable with the basic stitches and is ready to try something a little more challenging, can easily master the Lemon Peel stitch and the c2c technique, as it uses only simple straightforward stitches. The dishcloth pattern provides you with a great opportunity to practice and perfect these stitches whilst making something both beautiful and useful.

Looking for more easy stitch tutorials? Check out the stitch directory. New stitches are added frequently so check back often.

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Equipment

Let's start by getting everything we need ready. Just like most crochet projects, we'll only require a few crochet supplies -

Yarn: I recommend a worsted (Aran) or DK weight yarn in soft cotton or acrylic to practice with, cotton is best for dishcloths
Crochet hook: An ergonomic hook is comfortable to hold, go for the size recommended on your yarn ball band or your pattern
Scissors: Any small sharp scissors will do

Choosing Your Yarn

I crocheted these swatches in Stylecraft Savannah. It comes in a gorgeous variety of colours and I love it for its soft handle and self striping nature. The softness makes this an ideal choice for washcloths.

If you are making a dishcloth with your swatch, there are so many wonderful choices when it comes to choosing your yarn. Lily Sugar 'n Cream and Paint Box Yarns Cotton Aran are great choices.

Exploring the Lemon Peel Stitch Pattern

Now, let's take a look a the beautifully textured stitch pattern we'll be learning. Though it might look complicated at first glance, the lemon peel effect is surprisingly simple and easy to master and only uses single and double crochet stitches. We simply alternate from single crochet to double crochet, super simple even a beginner can master this stitch.

Before we begin let's familiarize ourselves with the basic stitches for this pattern -

Double Crochet: Yarn over and insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through 2 loops, yarn over and pull through remaining loops
Single Crochet: Insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through all loops

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Stitches 'n' Dishes

Why make your swatch with cotton yarn? Crochet dishcloths are not only functional but also great for the environment. They can be used for various kitchen tasks from wiping counters to washing dishes. Their durability makes them more sustainable than disposable cloths and not only that they make thoughtful handmade gifts for family and friends.

Crochet in soft cotton for beautiful face cloths. Paired with some artisan soaps and crochet scrubbies and you have yourself a home spa mini hamper. I am sure you know someone that would love a gift like that, or maybe just indulge yourself.

Personalise your dishcloth by experimenting with different colours, or try different stitches. Adding a simple border to your cloths can make them truly unique. Just a simple round of single crochet or shell stitch can take your simple washcloth to the next level.

Video Tutorial

For those that are visual learners a video tutorial is available to compliment this guide. It will show you step by step how to crochet the Lemon Peel Stitch, learn the c2c technique and add a simple border to your project ideal when making a dishcloth.

The C2C Lemon Peel Stitch One

Materials

Stylecraft Savannah

5mm hook

Darning needle

Gauge

Not essential for this project, finished cloths measure approx. 9 inches square

Abbreviations US Terms (UK conversion)

Dc – double crochet (treble crochet)

Dc2tog – double crochet 2 together (treble crochet 2 together)

Ch – chain

Sl st – slip stitch

St(s) – stitch(es)

Yo – yarn over

Blo – back loop only

Difficulty

Easy

Yarn Weight	Hook	Yardage (approx..)
Fingering (4ply)	3mm	127
Light worsted (DK)	4mm	110
Worsted (Aran)	5mm	90

About the yarn: Yarn used was Stylecraft Savanna, which is a super soft, self-striping, aran weight yarn. It is 100% cotton and each 100g ball is approx. 165m (180yds). You can, however, use different yarn weights, I have included instructions for 4ply, DK and Aran for this pattern.

Special Stitches & Techniques

Back loop only: When you look at the top of a crochet stitch it has a front loop and a back loop, for this technique you will be working into the back loop only
Dc2tog: Yo, insert hook into stitch and pull up a loop, yo and pull through 2 loops, yo and insert hook into next st and pull up a loop, yo and pull through 2 loops, yo and pull through remaining loops

Pattern Notes:

Read pattern carefully before starting
US terms are used throughout
This dishcloth is crocheted in Lemon Peel stitch from corner to corner
Ch3 or ch2 at the start of a row during increases, counts as dc, however we will not work into the top of this stitch at the end of the row, instead work into the chain space created between the ch3 and previous stitch
How many stitches you need around your blanket for the border depends on your tension, too many stitches will make your edges wobbly and too few will make your work pull in, adjust accordingly
If you are a beginner, instructions for each stitch are listed at the end of the pattern
If you have an odd number of stitches sk 2 sts at the end and then join to 1st sc

Start Crocheting Here...

Increases

Foundation row ch4, sc in 4th ch from hook, dc in same st, turn

Row 1 ch3, sc in same st, dc in next st, sc in ch sp, dc in same sp, turn

Row 2 ch3, sc in 1st st, dc in each sc from previous row, sc in each dc from previous row, ending with sc and dc in ch sp

Repeat row 2 until swatch/dishcloth is 9 inches or required size. Measure across one of the right angle edges.

Decreases

Row 1 ch2, sk 1st and 2nd st, sc in next and every dc from previous row, dc in every sc from previous row until 1st remains, dc2tog in last st and ch sp

Repeat row 1 until 5 stitches remain, sk2, sc in next st, d2tog over next st and ch sp, turn

Single Crochet Border (optional)

Round 1 with 6mm hook and right side facing loosely sl st around the swatch, putting 1 st in each corner, join with sl st to 1st sl st.

Round 2 working in blo for this round, with 5.5mm hook ch1 (does not count as sc), in sc in same st, sc in each st around with [sc, ch2, sc] in each corner, join with sl st to 1st sc

Common Mistakes & How To Avoid Them

It is easy to end up with uneven edges if you miss count your stitches, or your tension is uneven. Always ensure your stitch count is correct at the end of each row. Good tension is something that comes with practice. Practice and patients are key to mastering this technique. Creating a neat edge can be achieved by incorporating correct turning chains and paying attention to the first and last stitches of each row.

Expanding Your Skills

Once you have mastered the Lemon Peel c2c stitch, you are ready to make more complex projects. Try combining with other stitches and techniques. There are lots of other c2c stitches to try out and learn. The Limoncello Baby blanket utilizes this stitch and would be a great next project. This blanket pattern will be released very soon, so check back often.

Want to learn more stitch patterns?

More dishcloth patterns for you to try...