Crochet Apache Tears - Stitch of the Month

Apache Tears is a crochet stitch frequently found in large projects. Think throws, bedspreads, and decorative cushions. But you can also adapt this stitch pattern to use in shawls, scarves, hats, bags, and so much more.

For the most eye-catching results, use different colors to crochet Apache Tears. You can keep things simple and use just two colors or go wild with a complete rainbow palette. Apache Tears is in fact an overlay mosaic crochet stitch pattern, which means you work each row from right to left on the front side of your project, changing color every row. If you are crocheting a flat project, like a blanket or throw, you join your new yarn on the right-hand side of each row, work across, then fasten off on the left-hand side. For the next row, you join your new color on the right-hand side again and repeat the process. This stitch features single crochets (double crochets in UK terminology) worked in the back loops of the previous row. The ‘tear’ effect is then created by working double crochets (UK treble crochets) in the front loops of 2 rows below. By varying the spacing of these ‘tears’, you can create all sorts of exciting geometric motifs.

Free pattern: Crochet Apache Tears

Time to get started! We will show you how to crochet a swatch that you can then use as the basis for your next crocheted accessory. Let's start with the materials you need to crochet the swatch.

Materials needed:

- 1 ball of Stylecraft Special DK in six different colors. We opted for 1114 Sunshine, 1711 Spice, 1833 Blush, 1432 Wisteria, 1302 Denim, and 1316 Spring Green.
- Crochet hook 4.5 mm

Stylecraft Special dk 1432 Wisteria

Tulip Etimo Rose Crochet Hook 4.50mm

Abbreviations used (US terms; UK in brackets)

ch – chain
st(s) – stitch(es)
sc – single crochet (UK double crochet)
dc – double crochet (UK treble crochet)
BLO – back loop(s) only
FLO – front loop(s) only
rep – repeat

For the swatch, we worked 41 sts and 28 rows.
Use a standing sc to join your yarn at the start of each row, as follows: place a slip knot on your hook, insert your hook through both loops of the 1st st, yarn over, pull a loop up onto your hook (2 loops on hook), yarn over, and pull through both loops.

Continue in pattern until you reach the desired length.

Video tutorial: Crochet Apache Tears

Dive into your next Apache Tears project

Surprised at how easy Apache Tears is to crochet? And just think of all the fabulous things you can make with it! Like our Yarnplaza Dream Blanket 3.0, the pattern for which you can find for free on our blog. For a complete matching set, you can also find the patterns and kits for the Dream Cushion 3.0 (in 2 sizes, plus a round version) and the Baby Dream Blanket 3.0 for your little one at Yarnplaza. Or let your inner designer run free and create your very own Apache Tears design. Once you have finished your project, we would love to see it. You can share photos with us via our Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Dream Blanket 3.0 CAL Crochet Kit 1 Shark Grey (Main Colour)

Reversible Baby Dream Blanket 3.0 Crochet Kit 1 Birch Stroller Blanket

Crochet Pattern Dream Cushion 3.0 Square 40x40cm

Crochet Pattern Reversible Dream Cushion 3.0 Square 40x40cm

See you next month for a brand-new Stitch of the Month!