Iris Stitch Crochet Patterns and Inspiration
If you are looking for an easy reversible stitch, the crochet iris stitch will be perfect for you! It’s made with basic stitches and works very fast because it’s a one-row repeat. Every beginner will be able to do it, so don’t waste any more time and learn with me!
If you want to learn more, read my articles, check out my Roundup Series, or try my Free Crochet Patterns and Stitch Tutorials!
How to crochet Iris Stitch
This stitch looks quite similar to V-stitch, but it differs a little. While all variations, such as double or puffy V-stitch, result in one stitch on each side of the “V”, iris stitch has two stitches! It creates a module that is rounded at the top, so we end up with something between a shell and a V-stitch.
To learn this technique, check out my video tutorial and free crochet pattern, as well as three unique colorways, which are available here:
How to Crochet Iris Stitch + Video
What can I use this stitch for?
Iris stitch is lacy and reversible, and these two features make it perfect for lightweight blankets and accessories. Whether you choose fine yarn or a bulky one will highly impact the overall vibe of the piece, so try it in many different options before choosing one. Baby blankets, bedspreads, scarves, shawls – all of them will look great with this stitch.
You can learn more about yarn weights and yarn ball types in my articles.
Crochet Iris Stitch Patterns and Inspiration
Crocheters use this easy technique in a lot of projects, because it works up fast and looks great on both sides. Today I’ve gathered for you a bunch of ideas and free crochet patterns to use if you want to hone your skills. Links to these patterns, as well as the authors’ pages, are always linked under the photos.
Iris Stitch Tutorial by Just Be Crafty
Brittany chose pastel colors for her iris stitch swatch, and they look very yummy next to each other. Soft pinks and delicate seafoam green create a timeless pattern. Use these colors in various ratios to make the project lean more towards a typically girly or sea-inspired colorway.
Photo by Brittany from justbecrafty.com
This free crochet tutorial is available on justbecrafty.com.
Iris Stitch Crochet Tutorial by Lullaby Lodge
Marled yarns create unusual color changes, and you can see the perfect example in the photo below. Catherine from Lullaby Lodge chose Stylecraft Serene Aran yarn, which is a medium-weight wool blend. When you pair such yarn with the iris stitch, you can expect the speckles to be even more prominent than usual.
Photo by Catherine from lullabylodge.com
This free crochet tutorial is available on lullabylodge.com.
Iris Stitch Project by Yarncrafted
This type of color coordination makes me gasp! The crocheter behind Yarncrafted used as many as 10 different colors to create this seamless transition. As you can see in the first photo, finishing the iris stitch project with a single crochet border is a great idea; even more so when the colors mimic the palette used in the center.
Photo by @yarncrafted.official on instagram.com
Photo by @yarncrafted.official on instagram.com
To make a similar blanket, use my free crochet iris stitch tutorial.
Iris Granny Square Blanket by Gootie (Agat Rottman)
Can you crochet iris stitch in the round? Of course, and in the case of Gootie’s project, you will create a square blanket. She, too, used a self-striping yarn, which provides fun colorful effects with no additional yarn ends to weave in. Isn’t it cute?
Photo by Gootie (Agat Rottman) on ravelry.com
Photo by Gootie (Agat Rottman) on ravelry.com
Find this free crochet pattern on madebygootie.com, or read more about it on ravelry.com.
Iris Placemat by K.A.M.E. Crochet
You don’t need expensive home decor to refresh your space – sometimes, a handmade accessory is enough to create the vibe you’re looking for. K.A.M.E. Crochet’s iris stitch placemats look very elegant in comparison with how little work they require. Choose your favorite colors or make a couple of sets for various occasions.
Photo by K.A.M.E. Crochet on ravelry.com
Photo by K.A.M.E. Crochet on ravelry.com
Find this free crochet pattern on kamecrochet.com, or read more about it on ravelry.com.
Powder Iris Blanket by Wietske Meindertsma
Try out the iris stitch in a free lacy blanket pattern from Wietske. In this version, iris stitches are disrupted by the panel of zig-zaggy stitch variation. 100% cotton Scheepjes Cahlista yarn in Aran-weight can be heavy, but the lacy pattern definitely helps remove some of that weight. Do you prefer the blue or the pink one?
photo by Wietske Meindertsma on ravelry.com
Photo by Wietske Meindertsma on ravelry.com
You can download this free crochet pattern directly from ravelry.com.
Iris Triangle Shawl by Gootie (Agat Rottman)
We have seen the iris stitch worked in rows and in the round, so it’s only fair to include the triangular version here. Gootie’s beautiful lacy shawl is very straightforward, featuring mostly iris stitch with some puffs and openwork to enhance the color changes. She chose the stunning Scheepjes Whirl yarn in Blackcurrant Squeeze Me colorway.
Photo by Gootie (Agat Rottman) on ravelry.com
Photo by Gootie (Agat Rottman) on ravelry.com
Find this free crochet pattern on madebygootie.com, or read more about it on ravelry.com.
Drawstring bag Iris by Ieva Linkeviciute
Ieva’s project caught my eye because it’s uncommon to spot a bag pattern among so many blanket patterns. The premise is simple: a rectangle with the bottom closed off, naturally scalloped edging, and a cute drawstring. You don’t need much to make something out of the ordinary.
Photo by Ieva Linkeviciute from ravelry.com
Photo by Ieva Linkeviciute from ravelry.com
Find this free crochet pattern on nordichook.com, or read more about it on ravelry.com.
Iris Stitch Blanket by DebraAnn
The sophisticated strawberry cream colorway reminds me of a sweet dessert or rows of roses in full bloom. Whatever it is for you, I bet you can agree that this color palette is timeless and classic. If you are looking for gift inspiration, this blanket can be a fantastic option for a mother, because it’s versatile and feminine. As you can see, Debra finished it off with a subtle white edging.
Photos by @me_and_a_granny on Instagram: top, bottom
Debra used this free video tutorial by Blossom Crochet on youtube.com.
Iris Stitch In a Square Hotpad by Gootie (Agat Rottman)
There are so many stitches that can be worked in the round, but I think iris is one of the most beautiful of them. In the photo you can see a square by Gootie in a lovely violet hue, and I can see with my mind’s eye what kinds of projects it could turn into. Maybe a bedspread, or a decorative placemat?
Photos by Gootie (Agat Rottman) on ravelry.com
You can find this free crochet pattern on madebygootie.com, or read more about it on ravelry.com.
Iris Stitch Baby Blanket by Sweet Pea Blankies
Florida-based crocheter behind Sweet Pea Blankies decided to combine the simplicity of the iris stitch and a subtle sequence of blues and greens. I can see it in any nursery, whether it’s a boys’ or little girls’ room. Acrylic yarn is a great choice, because it has the softness it needs to come in contact with a baby’s skin, but is also machine washable.
Photos by @sweetpeablankies on Instagram: source
To make a similar blanket, use my free crochet iris stitch tutorial.
Grey and Yellow Iris Stitch Blanket by Mimi Monk
Dividing colors with a thin stripe of white is a foolproof way for creating an interesting pattern, and Mimi knows it well! Just take a look at the photo and see how good the classic combination of grey and yellow is. Remember that a crochet baby blanket doesn’t need much decoration, and that a simple white border made with basic stitches often looks great.
Photos by @crochetstory_bymimi on Instagram: top, bottom
To make a similar blanket, use my free crochet iris stitch tutorial.
Iris Stitch Blanket by Mimi Monk
Mimi’s blankets often use iris stitch, so what I found on her profile was lots and lots of inspiration. The blanket in the photos below is intended for a baby girl, and it’s ready with a matching amigurumi toy and a hat. Isn’t it a lovely idea? If I were an expecting parent, I would love to have such a cute set to welcome my newborn into the world.
Photos by @crochetstory_bymimi on Instagram: top, bottom
To make a similar blanket, use my free crochet iris stitch tutorial.
Baby Girl Iris Stitch Blanket by Beth Bea
What I love the most about easy reversible stitches is the fact that even beginners can use them in their projects. Take a look at the beautiful baby blanket by Beth, who chose three delicate colors to go side by side in wide stripes. Although this cutie calls for proper finishing, such as adding an edging or pom-poms, it will be a good choice for those of you who wouldn’t call yourselves seasoned crocheters yet.
Photos by @beaa.crochet on Instagram: top, bottom
To make a similar blanket, use my free crochet iris stitch tutorial.
Striped Iris Stitch Blanket by Corine van Wijk
How to keep the memory of the seaside when you live far away from it? You can make a simple blanket that combines the colors of the water, sand, and seafoam. Corine chose the yarn in these three colors – white, sand, and marine – and created a lovely striped blanket. Take a look at the bottom photo to see it and get inspired!
Photos by @corine_vanwijk on Instagram: top, bottom
To make a similar blanket, use my free crochet iris stitch tutorial.
Iris Stitch Examples by Heather Fiege and liefgehaakt
Have I mentioned the importance of swatching before? I guess I have! That’s because it’s very, very important and makes your life much easier. Try out your stitches before starting a bigger project to see how they look with your yarn of choice, is it lacy enough for your liking, etc! In the photos, you can see projects by the two different talented crocheters, but they could pass as the work-in-progress photos, right?
Top photo by @fallingforcrochet on Instagram: source, bottom photo by @liefgehaakt on Instagram: source
Iris Stitch Blanket by neat_sweet_petite
Multicolored yarn for the win, and I mean it! Birgit, who is the author of the crochet piece below, shows how easy working with this type of yarn can be. Color flow is almost seamless, which is hard to achieve when working with many skeins… and don’t get me started on all of those loose ends to weave in! No, thanks!
Photos by @neat_sweet_petite on Instagram: top, bottom
To make a similar blanket, use my free crochet iris stitch tutorial.
Ella’s Lullaby Blanket by Gootie (Agat Rottman)
One of the most interesting designs is the ones where different stitches appear next to each other in a balanced way. If you combine it with planned color changes, as Gootie did in her project, you will end up with a truly stunning crochet design. Take a look below and just imagine how this blanket could change depending on the palette you choose.
Photos by Gootie (Agat Rottman) on ravelry.com
You can purchase this crochet pattern on ravelry.com.
I am interested in the reversible stitch you describe, but I can’t ‘see’ any links for the very nice patterns on this page. I see blank areas, but no links. If there are links in those places, it might be that I am unable to see them because the link doesn’t stand out clearly on the white background! Sorry, no insult intended, but I have trouble seeing dark on dark colours or pale colours on a white background. They are washed out…
Hi Vyncent! Links to patterns are incorporated in the text, under the photos and in the paragraphs, and should be visible as pink font. If you still have problems with finding or seeing them, please send me screenshots to [email protected], so I can see what the problem might be in your case. Blank areas between the paragraphs could be advertisements being blocked by AdBlock or similar browser extension, but it shouldn’t block the text of my post.
Thank you for your reply! I can direct you to your response as an example. I am sure your eye sight is better than mine. Just after you request “Please send me screenshots to…” I assume you have typed your email address, but what I see in that area is a faint blur at best. I see that you have some text in large letters that are pink. Those I can make out because they are both bigger and seem darker, but the other areas where you have I guess links, I am unable to see anything but a blank space. There is not much contrast between the white background, and the pale pink making it hard to read those areas. I apologize. I like some of your patterns, but my sight is just not able to see what you have in the blank areas… I don’t mean to be a bother. Just wanted to check out some of the nice patterns you show. Your work is beautiful… Sorry… I won’t bother you about this any more.
Great Ideas !!
thank you!!