Get to Know the Overlapping V-stitch

This stitch and I go way back. Some of the earliest swatches I made show that I was playing with placing long spike V-stitches in different configurations – staggered, diagonally, or stacked. But nothing I tried hit the mark. It wasn't until I discovered the Overlapping V-stitch in Dora Ohrenstein’s Crochet Every Which Way Stitch Dictionary that I solved the riddle. I had been using too many chains or stitches between Vs! The secret to making this fabric look great is keeping all the stitches snug together.

The Overlapping V-stitch consists of 3 stitches (dc, ch 1, dc) worked in the same chain-1 space of the V-stitch 2 rows below. I would describe it but a video is worth a thousand words – click the image below to watch the Overlapping V-stitch video on YouTube.

Watching the video, I'm sure you noticed, this stitch can be a bit fiddly. But the effort is worth it for the gorgeous fabric it creates.

I used this exceptionally beautiful stitch in my Kindred Blanket pattern, which was released in 2022. In this blanket, I paired the Overlapping V-stitch with a ribbed border to create a wonderfully textured fabric that is also reversible.

In the blanket, each row begins and ends with half-double crochet in the third loop only to create the ribbing on either end of the blanket. In the middle of every row, overlapping V-stitches are worked into chain spaces two rows below to create columns of interlocking stitches. Once the desired length is achieved, ribbing is added to the top and bottom.

Overlapping V-stitches create a dense but flexible fabric, making this a great blanket to curl up under.

This stitch would also work well with other housewares like pillows and baskets. I’ve even considered pairing this stitch with a fingering-weight yarn to make the cuff on a sock. What would you make with this stitch?

I hope you enjoyed this new stitch tutorial. I’m planning to do more videos like this in the future. If you have a stitch that you think I should cover, I’d love to hear about it. Reply to this email to let me know!

Next week, I’m looking forward to sharing a new pattern (along with a few new videos too). Get ready, the Ribbon Lace Cowl is coming your way!

Sign Up to Test Crochet the Butterfly Motif

Thanks to everyone who has signed up already to test the butterfly motif for my Butterfly Waltz Baby Blanket. I’m so excited by your response to my latest design. You all made my day!

I’m still looking for a few more folks to test this pattern. If you’re thinking about it but not quite sure, here’s a little more information that I’m hoping might help you decide.

Though the motif may look complicated, if you have some experience with post stitches, it should be no problem. In addition to the pattern, you’ll also receive a detailed photo tutorial to help you see how and where to make each stitch.

Those who have tested for me before know that I try very hard to provide my testers with a clean, professionally edited version of the pattern. And you can be assured that your feedback will be thoughtfully considered. Your comments will help me create a final pattern that is free of errors and easy to understand. I’ll also be considering everyone’s feedback as I make the video tutorial. I don’t know what I would do without my fantastic group of pattern testers! You all rock!

If you’re interested in joining the team for this test, simply reply to this email to let me know, and I’ll be in touch with you when the pattern is ready for testing (no later than March 1). Feedback will be due March 8.

And if you know of anyone who might like to test this motif, please send them this newsletter or have them contact me at crochet@jenniferolivarez.com. Thanks again for all your support!

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