The pineapple stitch is one of the most recognizable motifs in crochet lace. Each column of pineapples is built from a four-row repeat that fans out wide, then tapers back to a point, then fans again — creating that unmistakable stacked, tropical shape across the fabric.
Crochet Pineapple Stitch
It requires patience through the four setup rows to establish the structure, and then the repeat becomes logical and readable. This is a project for makers who are comfortable with double crochet, chain spaces, and multi-step row instructions. The payoff is fabric that looks genuinely intricate and holds its shape well across a range of project types.
Customization Ideas
- Before you start, consider what you are making — the stitch pattern is fixed, but everything else is adjustable.
- Width: The foundation chain is a multiple of 12 plus 2. Add or subtract in multiples of 12 to change the width. More repeats for a blanket or wrap; fewer for a table runner or scarf panel.
- Yarn and hook: DK weight on a 5 mm hook produces a defined, moderately open lace. Fingering weight on a smaller hook creates finer, denser pineapples — beautiful for shawls and delicate accessories. Worsted weight opens the pattern up considerably and works well for a bold decorative blanket.
- Color: Solid or tonal yarns show the pineapple structure most clearly. Gradients work well if the color shift is gradual — fast-changing variegated yarn tends to visually compete with the motif and flatten the lace effect.
- Projects: Shawls, rectangular wraps, table runners, cushion covers, and decorative blanket panels are all natural fits. The stitch lies flat without blocking, though wet blocking significantly improves drape and opens the lace further.
Materials and Tools
- DK weight yarn (Weight 3)
- 5 mm crochet hook (Size H)
- Scissors
- Yarn needle
Abbreviations
- ch — chain
- sc — single crochet
- dc — double crochet
- st — stitch
- sp — space
The Pattern
Foundation Chain
- Chain a multiple of 12 plus 2.
Row 1
- Single crochet in the 2nd chain from hook.
- Chain 3.
- Skip 5 chains.
- Work [double crochet, chain 1] 4 times into the 6th chain.
- Work one more double crochet into the same space.
- Chain 3.
- Skip 5 chains.
- Single crochet in the next chain.
- Repeat across the row.
This row creates the first pineapple fan. The repeated dc-and-chain combinations form the decorative shell, and the chain-3 spaces on both sides create room for future shaping.
- If you’re still learning how to read crochet patterns, no stress! Follow the video tutorial below and use the written pattern below as you get more comfortable!
Row 2
- Chain 3 (counts as first dc). Work 2 dc in the first stitch.
- Chain 1.
- Single crochet in the next chain-1 space.
- Chain 3. Single crochet in the next chain-1 space.
- Chain 3. Single crochet in the next chain-1 space.
- Chain 3. Single crochet in the next chain-1 space.
- Chain 1.
- Work a double V (2 dc, chain 1, 2 dc) into the sc stitch below.
- Repeat across the row.
- Finish with 3 dc in the last stitch.
The arch bumps begin forming here. The double V cluster becomes the center support column for all future pineapple shaping — keep it well-placed and your columns will stay aligned.
Row 3
- Chain 3. Work 2 dc in the first stitch.
- Chain 2.
- Single crochet in the next chain-3 space.
- Chain 3. Single crochet in the next chain-3 space.
- Chain 3. Single crochet in the next chain-3 space.
- Chain 2.
- Work a double V into the chain-1 space of the previous row’s V.
- Repeat across the row.
- Finish with 3 dc in the last stitch.
The pineapple section begins narrowing. The shorter chain spaces shape the motif inward while the double V stays centered.
Row 4
- Chain 3. Work 2 dc in the first stitch.
- Chain 3.
- Single crochet in the next chain-3 space.
- Chain 3. Single crochet in the next chain-3 space.
- Chain 3.
- Work a double V into the previous row’s V.
- Repeat across the row.
- Finish with 3 dc in the last stitch.
The pineapple narrows further. After this row the structure is set and the repeating section begins. Count chain spaces before moving on.
Rows 5–8 — The Repeat
These four rows produce the signature stacked pineapple columns and are repeated continuously until the project reaches your desired length.
Row 5
- Chain 1. Single crochet in the first stitch.
- Chain 3.
- Work a fan of 5 dc separated by chain-1 spaces into the arch bump (chain-3 space).
- Chain 3.
- Single crochet in the chain-1 space of the double V.
- Repeat across the row.
- Finish with single crochet in the last stitch.
This row recreates the wide pineapple fan — the broadest point of the motif. Make sure chain-1 spaces remain visible between each dc.
Row 6 (similar to Row 2)
- Create side shell sections with 3 dc.
- Form 3 arch bumps per pineapple section.
- Separate sections with chain-1 spaces.
- Work double V clusters as established.
This row rebuilds the framework around the fan. Consistent stitch placement keeps the columns clean and the lacy arches even.
Row 7 (similar to Row 3)
- Use chain-2 spaces.
- Create 2 arch bumps per pineapple section.
- Continue double V placement as established.
The pineapple motif begins narrowing again toward the point.
Row 8 (similar to Row 4)
- Use chain-3 spaces.
- Create 1 arch bump per section.
- Continue double V placement as established.
This completes the pineapple shaping cycle. The motif is now ready to fan out again from Row 5.
Repeat
- Repeat Rows 5–8 continuously until the project reaches the desired length.
- The pineapple columns will stack vertically throughout the fabric.
Tips
- Count your foundation chain carefully before starting Row 1. The multiple of 12 plus 2 is exact — one chain off and the pattern repeat will not close properly at the end of the row. Count twice before you begin.
- Keep the double V in its lane. The double V cluster is the vertical spine of each pineapple column. Working it into the correct chain-1 space in every row is what keeps the columns stacking cleanly rather than drifting sideways. If your columns look crooked, this is usually where to look.
- Block when finished. The pineapple stitch looks good off the hook and noticeably better after wet blocking. Pinning the piece to size and letting it dry flat opens the lace, evens the fan shapes, and significantly improves drape — especially in natural fibers.
FAQ
1. Is the pineapple stitch appropriate for intermediate crocheters? Yes. Comfortable knowledge of double crochet and chain spaces is all that is required technically, but the pattern demands attention through the four setup rows and consistent stitch placement in every repeat row. It is not a television project for the first few repeats. Once the structure becomes readable in your fabric, it moves more quickly.
2. What is a double V stitch? In this pattern, the double V is worked as: 2 dc, chain 1, 2 dc — all into the same space. It creates a small inverted-V cluster that acts as the center spine of each pineapple column, anchoring the fan in each repeat.
3. My pineapple columns are drifting out of alignment. What went wrong? The most common cause is working the double V into the wrong chain space. In every row, the double V should be worked into the chain-1 space of the previous row’s double V — not into an adjacent arch space. Check this placement before each V on the next row and the columns should realign.
4. Can I use a different yarn weight than DK? Yes, with adjustments. Lighter weight yarn (fingering or sport) on a smaller hook creates finer pineapples with more drape — good for shawls and delicate accessories. Heavier yarn (worsted) opens the lace further and makes a bolder, more graphic version that suits decorative home projects. The pattern repeat and row structure stay the same; only the scale changes.
