Grand Arch Crochet Stitch

The Grand Arch crochet stitch combines oversized shells with ope chain spaces to form sweeping arches across the fabric. The large clusters of double crochet give the pattern plenty of definition while the spaces between them prevent the finished fabric from becoming too dense.

What makes this stitch interesting is the way the rows interact. Some of the single crochet stitches reach down into the shells worked two rows earlier, drawing the different sections together and helping those curved shapes emerge. Once the foundation has been established, the pattern settles into a four row repeat. It is worked back and forth in rows and has a distinct right and wrong side.

How to Crochet the Grand Arch Stitch

This pattern works in multiples of 8 + 2.

Row 1:

Work a sc in the second ch from the hook, ch 1, sk the next ch, sc in the next ch, *ch 5, sk 3 ch, sc in the next ch**, ch 3, sk 3 ch, sc in the next chapter, rep from * across ending the last rep at **, ch 1, skip the next ch, sc in to the last ch. Turn.

Row 2:

Ch 1, sc in to the first sc, *Shell in to the next ch-5 sp**, sc in the centre ch of the 3 skipped chains 2 rows below, rep from * across ending last rep at **, sc in the last sc. Turn.

Row 3:

Ch 6 (counts as a tr and a ch 2), *sc in the 4th dc of the next Shell, ch 3, sk 3 dc, sc in the next dc**, ch 5, rep from * across ending the last rep at **, ch 2, tr in the last sc. Turn.

Row 4:

Ch 3, 5 dc in the first ch-2 sp *sc in the centre dc of Shell 2 rows below**, Shell in the next ch-5 sp, rep from * across ending the last rep at **, 6 dc in the ch 6 turning chain. Turn.

Row 5:

Ch 1, sc in the first dc, ch 1, sk the next dc, *sc in the next dc, ch 5, sc in the 4th dc of the next Shell**, ch 3, sk 3 dc, rep from * across ending the last rep at **, ch 1, sk the next dc, sc in the turning ch. Turn.

Row 6:

Ch 1, sc in the first sc, *Shell in the next ch-5 sp**, sc in the centre dc of the Shell 2 rows below, rep from * across ending the last rep at **, sc in the last sc. Turn.

Repeat

Repeat Rows 3-6 until you are happy with your swatch.

Continuing the Grand Arch Stitch

As more rows are added, the alternating shells begin to produce the characteristic grand arches. The 11 double crochet shell provide the fullness while the chain spaces separate them and give the design its open appearance. Because the stitch isn’t really reversible, placing a stitch marker on the right side of your work can be useful while you’re getting familiar with the repeat.

Grand Arch Crochet Stitch FAQs

Is the Grand Arch Stitch suitable for beginners?

The Grand Arch stitch is best suited to crocheters who are already comfortable with the basic crochet stitches. The individual stitches aren’t really difficult but working into shells from two rows below and keeping track of the different chain spaces requires a little more concentration.

What is the stitch multiple of the Grand Act stitch?

The Grand Arch stitch is worked over a multiple of 8 + 2 stitches. For example, the tutorial swatch begins with a chain of 26.

How many rows are in the pattern repeat?

After the first two setup rows have been completed, Rows 2-6 are repeated. This gives the Grand Arch stitch its four row pattern repeat.

Why are some stitches worked two rows below?

Working the single crochet into a shell two rows below anchors the rows together. This changes the shape of the surrounding stitches and is an important part of creating the large arch effect that defines the pattern.