How to crochet the Flame stitch (step-by-step-tutorial)
The flame lace stitch rises and falls in graceful arches, creating a rhythmic pattern that feels both delicate and bold. With its open framework and fan-like clusters, this stitch adds movement, texture, and an almost glowing elegance to any crochet project.
A rhythm of rising flames
The flame lace stitch is a study in movement and repetition, where each motif rises gently before opening into a graceful fan. Like quiet embers lifting into the air, the arches bloom outward, then settle back into delicate vertical lines that anchor the pattern with quiet strength.
What gives this stitch its character is the interplay between openness and texture. The clustered fans create soft, curved silhouettes, while the chain spaces allow light to travel through the fabric. The result is lace that feels airy yet structured — a fabric that breathes, but still holds its shape.
As you work row by row, you’ll begin to see the flames form and align, creating a repeating rhythm across your piece. Take your time and enjoy the cadence of the stitch. With every completed repeat, the pattern grows more defined — elegant, flowing, and beautifully expressive.
Step by step instructions
Materials you’ll need
To crochet the the Flame stitch , you’ll only need a few basic materials. I’ve listed what I used below, along with suitable alternatives so you can adapt the stitch to your own project.
- Yarn: DK (light worsted) yarn
I recommend using a smooth, light-coloured yarn when learning this stitch, as it helps the ribbed texture stand out clearly. DK yarn works particularly well for practice swatches, scarves, and blankets. I used Stylecraft Special DK for this tutorial as it shows the ribbed texture clearly. - Crochet hook: 4.0 mm
I used a 4.0 mm hook for this tutorial. Ergonomic hooks like Tulip Etimo Murasaki crochet hook are especially helpful for textured stitches like this one, as they keep your tension even and reduce hand fatigue during longer sessions. - Scissors
For cutting yarn neatly at the end of your work. - Yarn needle
To weave in your ends once your swatch or project is complete.
Tip: If you tend to crochet tightly or loosely, don’t be afraid to adjust your hook size slightly to achieve a fabric you’re happy with.
To crochet the Flame stitch, you don’t need a specific brand of yarn. A smooth DK yarn works best, as it helps the texture and stitch definition stand out clearly.
Yarn options:
- UK gentle readers: A beginner-friendly DK yarn from Laughing Hen
- International readers: A wide colour selection of DK yarns from LoveCrafts
Crochet skills required
Crochet stitches standard: I am using the US / International standard crochet terms.
This stitch is suitable for confident beginners and above. Before starting, it helps to be comfortable with the following basic crochet skills:
- Making a slipknot
- How to crochet a foundation chains
- How to crochet the single crochet
- How to crochet the double crochet stitch
Featured stitches
The Flame stitch
From the current position, skip the next 3 chains and [make 2 double crochet together (dc2tog), chain 3] 4 times into the next stitch, then make 1 more dc2tog into the same stitch.
Let’s get started
Tension is very important. The yarn must glide smoothly from your tension hand to your working hand — not too tight, not too loose — and follow the gauge of your hook.
Foundation chains
The Flame stitch is a multiple of 10 + 2. For this demo I will chain 30 + 2, that’s a total of 32 chains. This will help you see the beginning, the center, and the end of of each row.
Row 1 (Wrong side)
To begin the first row, work 1 single crochet into the second chain from the hook. * [Chain 3, skip the next 3 chains, and make 1 single crochet into the next chain, (chain 3, skip the next chain, and make 1 single crochet into the next chain) call this set a picot stitch, chain 3, skip the next 3 chains, and make 1 single crochet into the next chain]. Repeat * until the last chain.
Row 2
Chain 1, and make 1 single crochet into the first stitch. * [Chain 1, make a Flame stitch into the next picot stitch from previous row, chain 1, skip the next 3 chains, and make 1 single crochet into the next chain]. Repeat * until the last stitch.
Row 3
This is the beginning of the row repeat. Chain 7, this will be counted as 1 treble crochet, and chain 3 space. Skip the next chain 3 space, and make 1 single crochet into the next chain 3 space. Chain 3, and make 1 single crochet into the next chain 3 space, chain 3, and make 1 treble crochet into the next single crochet (the one between 2 flame stitches). * [Chain 3, skip the next chain 3 space, and make 1 single crochet into the next chain 3 space. Chain 3, and make 1 single crochet into the next chain 3 space, chain 3, and make 1 treble crochet into the next single crochet]. Repeat * until the last single crochet at the end of the row.
Row 4
Row 4 is the same approach as row 2, but we are now making the stitch on the row 3 layout. So, chain 1, and make 1 single crochet into the first stitch. * [Chain 1, make a Flame stitch into the next picot stitch from previous row (top of the previous flame stitch), chain 1, skip the next chain 3 space, and make 1 single crochet into the next chain]. Repeat * until the last stitch.
To continue your way up, repeat row 3 and row 4.
© Crafting with Beth.
This pattern describes a common crochet technique. While crochet stitches and methods are not copyrightable, the written instructions, photographs, and explanations on this page are original and protected by copyright.
Made with care and shared with love. You may sell finished items made from this pattern, but please do not copy, reproduce, or redistribute the written instructions. Please credit Crafting with Beth when sharing your work.
