Loop Yarn Criss Cross Stitch Tutorial

Anyone can knit!

Loop yarn is a fun new yarn that has unique preformed loops built into the yarn.  With loop yarn, you can knit without needles and using only your fingers. This tutorial shows how to make the criss-cross stitch using loop yarn.  The criss-cross stitch in knitting is an advanced stitch.  We recommend learning the basic loop yarn stitches, Garter Stitch and Stocking Stitch before attempting this stitch.

Right now, there are a least four different brands of loop yarn - Bernat Alize Blanket EZ yarn, Big Twist Loopity Loop Yarn, Red Hearts Loop-It Yarn and Lion Brand Off The Hook Yarn. Links to purchase yarn are at the end of this article.

This loopy, puffy yarn makes it extremely fun, quick and easy to knit blankets, scarfs, pillows, cowls and more. It makes knitting easy and fun for children, pre-teens, teenagers and even adults.

This is another tutorial in our series of how to knit with loopy yarn. Please watch this video and read on to learn how to knit the criss-cross stitch.

At the end of this article, you will find other tutorials on how to knit with loop yarn.

HOW TO KNIT THE CRISS CROSS STITCH With Loop YARn

When knitting with loop yarn you will start with a foundation row. To make the foundation row, on a flat surface count out the number of desired loops according to the pattern.

For the Loop Yarn Criss Cross stitch, always have an even number of loops. The rest of the yarn is called the working yarn.

Row 1:

For this stitch, always cross one loop in FRONT of the next loop to the right or the left depending on the direction you are stitching.

To start the first row, take the last loop in your foundation row and cross it over the 2nd to the last loop in the foundation row as shown below in the photo. Note: We are not using the working yarn yet.

Next, we begin to use the working yarn.  Take the first loop in your working yarn and insert it from back to front through the rightmost loop. This would be the 2nd to the last loop from your foundation row.

Take the next loop in your working yarn and insert it into the loop you crossed over in the first step. Now you should have the first two loops you crossed over stitched with the working yarn. You are finished with these loops for now.

Continue by crossing the next two loops from the foundation chain. Cross the rightmost loop over the one to the left.

Again take the next loop in the working yarn and insert it through the loop that is on the right from back to front.

Continue by inserting the next loop in the working yarn through the loop on the left.

Continue across the row in the same manner. Cross the next two loops with the rightmost one over the left and then inserting the working yarn first in the loop to the right and then the one on the left.

At the end of the row, do not turn your work. Loop yarn is always worked with the right side of the project facing you.

Row 2:

Row two starts by skipping the first loop in the previous row and leaving this one unworked. We will pick this loop up when we come back after the next row. In the photo below, I am pointing to the loop to skip.

For this 2nd row, take the leftmost loop and cross it over the loop to it's right. Starting with the 2nd loop in the row, remember we are skipping the first one, cross that loop over the 3rd loop from the previous row. Always cross the loop in FRONT of the other loop.

Insert the working yarn into the loop on the left of the crossed loops. Then insert it into the loop on the right. Always insert the working yarn from back to front.

Continue across the row by crossing the leftmost loop over the loop to the right and inserting the working yarn from left to right.

When you get to the end of the row, skip the last loop leaving it unworked.

Row 3:

Continue with row three by taking the unworked yarn from the previous row and crossing it over the last loop from the previous row. I am pointing to the unworked loop to the last row.

Cross the two loops and then insert the working yarn from back to front through the loop on the right and then the one on the left.

Continue back across the row as you did for the previous row. At the end of the row, you will work in the first loop that you skipped at the beginning of row 2.

Repeat row 2 & 3 until your project is the completed size. That's all there is to working the criss-cross stitch with loopy yarn.

Knitting with loop yarn is fun and easy. Even kids can do it!

Other LOOP YARN stitch TUTORIALS:

• Loop Yarn Stocking Stitch Tutorial (Stockinette Stitch)
• Loop Yarn Garter Stitch Tutorial
• Loop Yarn Tutorial - How to Attach a New Skein
• Loop Yarn Tutorial - How to Bind Off (Ending your Project)
• Loop Yarn Loopy Stitch Tutorial

LOOP YARN PROJECT Ideas and patterns:

We have many loop yarn project ideas so follow the link for a complete list.  Below are some featured loop yarn patterns.

• Criss-Cross Scarf or Cowl Tutorial - This is a fun project to make with the loop yarn criss-cross stitch.
• Loop Yarn Project - Garter Ridge Pillow - This pillow is a wonderful project for a beginner.
• Loop Yarn Textured Blanket Tutorial - Learn how to make this fabulous textured blanket with our free tutorial.  
• Make a fun Loop Yarn Heart Pillow with this free video and photo tutorial.  We give step by step instructions and a downloadable chart.
• This fun Loopy Yarn Bath Rug is a super soft bath rug made with our own loopy stitch.  Click to find the full video and photo tutorial and instructions for the new stitch.

You can find other Loop Yarn Project ideas and tutorials on our Pinterest Board Loop Yarn - Tutorials and Projects.