How to make Bavarian Stitch

The Bavarian crochet stitch, also known as the Bavarian square or the “Wheel Stitch,” is a beautiful and intricate crochet technique that creates a textured, layered, and geometric design. It involves working rounds of increasing and decreasing to create the distinctive raised layers. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started with the Bavarian stitch:

Materials you’ll need:

• Yarn of your choice
• Appropriate crochet hook size for your yarn
• Scissors
• Yarn needle

Instructions:

1. Start with a Magic Ring: Make a magic ring by wrapping the yarn around your fingers, then inserting the hook under the first loop, yarn over, and pull through to create a loop on the hook.
2. Round 1: Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch). Work a set of double crochet (dc) stitches into the magic ring:
   • Chain 2 (counts as the first dc).
   • Work 11 more double crochet stitches into the ring.
   • Slip stitch into the top of the beginning chain-2 to join the round.
3. Round 2: Chain 2 (counts as the first dc). Work 2 dc stitches in the same stitch as the join from the previous round. Now, you will start working in pairs of stitches.
   • Skip the next stitch.
   • In the next stitch, work 3 dc stitches.
   • Repeat the * pattern (skip one, 3 dc in the next) around until you have 12 groups of 3 dc stitches.
   • Slip stitch into the top of the beginning chain-2 to join the round.
4. Round 3: In this round, you’ll be adding another layer of stitches around the existing stitches.
   • Slip stitch to the space between the first and second dc of the first group from the previous round.
   • Chain 2 (counts as the first dc). Work 2 dc stitches in the same space.
   • Work 3 dc stitches in the space between the second and third dc of the same group.
   • In the space between the next pair of stitches from the previous round, work 3 dc stitches.
   • Repeat the * pattern around.
   • Slip stitch into the top of the beginning chain-2 to join the round.
5. Repeat Round 3: Continue repeating Round 3, working 3 dc stitches in the space between each pair of stitches from the previous round. You’ll notice that the raised layers begin to form.
6. Changing Colors (Optional): If you want to change colors for different layers, you can do so at the beginning of a round. Simply join the new color with a slip stitch, then proceed with the chain-2 and the 3 dc stitches in the same space.
7. Finishing: Keep repeating Round 3 until your Bavarian square reaches the desired size. You can make a single square or create multiple squares to join together later.

Remember that practice makes perfect, especially with more intricate stitches like the Bavarian stitch. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempts don’t turn out exactly as you envisioned. As you become more familiar with the pattern and the stitches, you’ll be able to create stunning Bavarian crochet projects.