Crochet from corner to corner? Totally righteous! With these easy-peasy steps, you’ll be reading C2C graphghan patterns like a pro in no time!
1. Get Groovy with C2C Basics
- Corner-to-corner crochet starts at—yep, you guessed it—a corner! Then, it works diagonally to the opposite corner, building small blocks as you go. Use half-double crochet for a mini C2C or double crochet for the classic look.
2. Make Friends with the Pattern Chart
- C2C patterns are all about the graph or grid, where each square is a block of stitches. Think of it like pixel art! Each symbol or color on the chart tells you which yarn color to use. I like to use color charts but others that you see around might be different.
3. Find Your Starting Point
- Look for Row 1 on the chart or written instructions—that’s where the magic begins! This will be the first corner of your fabulous project. I recommend adding a marker to the first square in the front so you don’t get lost.
4. Row, Row, Row Your Crochet
- Each diagonal row on the chart is numbered on both sides, starting from the corner. Use a ruler or a row counter to keep track of where you are. No more losing your place!
5. Spot the Stitch Spot
- The chart shows you how many squares are in each row. Just add one block on each end with each new row until you hit the widest part of your groovy design.
6. Color Me Happy!
- Got some rad color changes? Watch for those color-coded blocks. Follow the chart like a road map, and swap yarn colors as needed to keep things looking fab. My patterns also include written instructions with a color legend, showing the row number, color, and how many blocks of that color as you go – feel free to browse my free crochet patterns here!
7. keep it clean and crisp
- If you decide to go with a single sided graphghan, make sure to put a marker on the “front” and watch Cozy 2 Crochet’s video to create clean crisp lines between your color changes. This is how I make most of mine, it just looks right.
7. Know Your Stitch Groove
- Each C2C block is made with chains and either half-double or double crochets. Want a mini masterpiece or something bigger? Go mini C2C (chain 5, 3 hdc to start, chain 2, 3 hdc to keep going) or standard C2C (chain 6, 3 dc to start, chain 3, 3 dc continuing). Check out my other blog posts for a deeper dive!
8. Time to Downsize
- Once you reach the widest part, it’s time to decrease! Start trimming by one square at both the beginning and end of each row. This creates the opposite corner of your retro project.
9. Wrap It Up, Buttercup!
- Finish your final row, cut the yarn, and weave in those loose ends. Your C2C graphghan creation is complete and ready to show off!
Don’t forget to check out my awesome free crochet patterns for a multitude of graphghan patterns, newly added all the time. Happy collecting!
