Start Here: Beginners' C2C (Corner to Corner) with Workshop Tutorials & Patterns

Learn how to crochet corner to corner, often called C2C, with step-by-step video tutorials for squares, rectangles, increases, decreases, borders, and specialty variations. Start with the basic method, then explore different stitches and project styles.

If you are brand new to crochet and need to know how to hold the hook, select the yarn, and get started on a fresh new hobby, you can check out this Crochet for Absolute Beginners' Workshop here.

Start Here: Learn Basic C2C

This concept is highly addictive, as the crochet pattern starts in one corner and gradually expands outward until you decide it's wide enough. Whether it's a square or a rectangle, once both sides decrease, each row reaches the final corner faster.

New Method of Stitch Concept

Over time, corner-to-corner has changed the way it's completed. The original method caused crocheters to get diamond shapes instead of stable edges. I figured out that the edges need to be anchored in place rather than resting between posts. It prevents the edging from collapsing and changing shape.

Let me show you how this method is done, and you can see how the edges are handled. This introductory tutorial will get you started and show you the square and rectangle methods. You will also learn how to apply a border.

How to Increase in C2C (Both Square & Rectangles)

To increase the corner-to-corner distance, the start and end of a row have to be farther apart. The video will start exactly where we need to start without mansplaining.

The video will show you how to work both sides of the row. When you begin a new row and are increasing, start with chain 6. This will be the starting point of a row, and a new box will be added to the row.

When you fill in all the indentations across the row, the other end of the row will also expand outward.

Watch how it is done below. With each row, you will gain an extra box in both the X and Y directions.

How to Decrease C2C Squares

When the width of one side matches the size you want, you are ready to decrease. If you are doing the square, both sides will decrease simultaneously.

Decreasing on a square versus a rectangle isn't the same method. Both sides of the rows need to be handled. The beginning of the row changes by shifting across with slip stitches, then anchoring to the top of the existing chain. Previous methods had crocheters slip-stitch between the chain space and the post. It's what made corner-to-corner turn into weird shapes.

At the end of the row, you don't want to build an extra box at the end. It's easy to just keep crocheting and accidentally make an extra box at the end of the row. It's something to watch for. Even experienced crocheters, like me, can add an extra box by accident, and you will notice it after you turn.

The video below will start when you are making a square corner-to-corner.

C2C Rectangle

Rectangles have one side longer than the other. Once one side is the size you need, the pattern will alternate between two different instructions.

In the first row, the beginning starts with chain 6, meaning the row will be gaining a box on that edge. Gain same row; you will not be building an extra box at the end of the row. It's this row that causes the rectangle shape to grow in one direction.

On the second row, we have to slip stitch across the existing stitches, into the anchor position, and then begin. It's this that causes the row not to increase on that edge and work up flat. On the other side of this row, you will be doing an increase box at the end. This causes the blanket to grow in one direction while the other edge stays flat.

When the blanket reaches the final length in the other direction, begin decreasing both rows as shown in the video below.

The video below will start when a rectangle appears. Keep playing to show you how the decrease happens for both sides after the length is finished.

Choose Your C2C Style

Selecting the right type of corner-to-corner stitching is a matter of personal choice and application. Each one has its own benefits.

Traditional Crochet C2C

The traditional method, if you watched the tutorials, is the one most commonly used. The texture appears on both sides and may use crochet techniques.

Learn everything, such as squares and rectangles, and how to do it in the video below.

Half Double Crochet C2C

For tighter stitching, which may be better for young children, use half-double crochet instead. This stitch won't be as easy to get fingers and toes between the stitches; you can even do graphgan work with pictures with this, but keep in mind the squares won't be as big, and you may need to add more to the graph or make the border bigger. You can decide.

Watch the video below to see how to do the square, the rectangle, and add a border to this stitchwork.

Single Crochet C2C

Corner-to-corner and corner-to-corner aren't the same method. In real life, the corner-to-corner method in the moss stitch is probably the best. It can also create self-striping play with self-striping yarn.

Watch how this is completed and see what you think.

6 Double Crochet: Three-Dimensional

You can do really three-dimensional stitchwork with corner-to-corner by using 6 double crochet that bulge outward. The double-sided stitch is double-sided, so you don't need to worry about the project turning over to reveal a bad side.

Watch below how to start and finish this concept. I even included how to add a border to this stitchwork.

How to Read & Do A C2C Graph

The corner-to-corner concept can be implemented as a pictorial concept, as shown in the tutorial below. Like a pixel on a dot-matrix printer, this concept looks great from a distance but can be a bit deceiving if you are too close to the project.

In the video presentation, you will pick up the skills as follows:

• How to Read and Follow the Pictorial Graphs.
• How to Read Using Just Words to Follow
• How to Make Your Own Graphs
• How to Prepare for Colour Bobbins
• How to Change Colours - Several Techniques
• Watch a Small Sample Being Completed.

Once you pick up these skills, you can pretty much do any C2C Graph you find. It's standard information.

Fix Common C2C Problems

A very common mistake is accidentally misusing a stitch: when you should have worked 3 double crochets, you only worked 2. It happens to the best of us. Often, we don't see this until we are far too late or at the end of the project, and we get upset about it.

There is a way to fill in the stitchwork with what is called a standing double crochet; it's easier to show you how it works. You can also do the same concept corner-to-corner, crocheting corner-to-corner using a standing half double crochet instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my C2C getting wider?

It will naturally get wider if you start each row with a chain of 6 and add an extra box at the beginning of each row. If you do not intend to make your project wider, you need to start the row with the decrease, as shown in the video tutorial above.

This happens frequently to me; I can end up across the row forgetting I am supposed to be decreasing and accidentally create a new box that causes it to grow. You will notice pretty quickly when this happens. There is no fix for this if you realize it too late, as you will need to rip out your work back to the point of error and start crocheting again.

Why is my rectangle turning into a square?

You're reducing the stitches at the beginning and end of a row. For rectangles, one side needs to decrease while the other increases. It's only when the length (the longer side) is done that both ends of the row decrease.

Why are my edges uneven?

Your edges may be uneven if you are NOT using the anchor method I showed you above. If you are staying within the space on the edges, the edges will indent and won't have a clean edge look. Use the anchor method to solve this problem.

How do I know when to decrease?

When one of the edges is the length you want the item to be. If you are doing a square, you will start decreasing equally as shown in the tutorial above.

If you are doing a rectangle and the short side has got to what you needed it to be, you will start the decrease as a rectangle to get the length, then do the decrease on both edges to go back to the final corner.

Mikey's C2C Tutorial Recommendations

Choosing the right video to best match your goals is something I decide carefully for myself. My mother taught me how to crochet, and with that, I teach in the same way. I give many tips on what to look for and why. I don't want you to follow along without understanding the choices that are made.

Best for Beginners

This is the best tutorial for crocheters to start learning the corner-to-corner technique. You will learn both square and rectangular formats, plus how to add a border.

Try the C2C Brush Stitch Option

I really like the look of this optional corner-to-corner method in what I call the brush stitch. I have created several ways to do this technique, and I absolutely love how this works out. You may as well. Watch and follow.

Best for Texture - Bean Stitch / Criss Cross

Both of these stitches have me completely addicted, as I do get tired of the same look from corner to corner. I developed both of these methods, as you will learn below.

The first one is the bean stitch, and it's used in the box formations. The second is a criss-cross formation that is completely amazing with Bernat Blanket yarn and really provides a marshmallow texture and look.

Best for Blankets - Quilt-Like

You may love this concept of making smaller C2C squares and putting them together. It forms a really interesting look, nearly like a quilt in the end.

6 C2C Projects to Try

Given what you have learned above, here are 6 projects you may want to consider.

I would do the dishcloth WITHOUT changing the yarn colours, so you don't have loose ends to work with.

See All Of Our Project Choices

Discover stitches and many other projects.