Watch how to crochet the Apache tears pattern

Follow along with the crochet video above to learn how to weave texture and pizzazz into your crochet projects. The Apache Tears crochet pattern has several unusual features. Similar to a spike stitch, double crochet stitches are worked into a row below for a "teardrop" effect. Another unique feature is that each row is crocheted from right to left without turning. Sometimes this is called a train blanket for the way the rows plow across in one direction like a train. Working this way requires joining and tying off the yarn at the beginning and end of every row, leaving a decorative fringe on two sides of your work. In the video above you'll learn to finish the fringe in two different ways to use in scarves, throws, and other fun crochet projects. Get creative with your color changes and you'll have a versatile new technique in your crochet toolkit.
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Notes
Work any width in multiples of 10 stitches plus 1.
For a fringe, do not work in ends as you go.
Use any number of colors and any number of rows per color.
Shown in 3 colors, 1 per row.
Materials
Any size yarn in colors A, B, C (shown in worsted weight)
Appropriate size hook for yarn
Abbreviations - US terms
ch chain
dc double crochet stitch
sc single crochet stitch
rep repeat
Written Pattern
Foundation chain
With color A chain a multiple of 10 stitches + 1. (41 shown)
Set-up row 1
Continuing with color A and starting in second ch from hook sc across. Tie off, do not turn. Be sure to leave long enough tails to trim even.
Set-up row 2
Continuing with color A join yarn to first sc from previous row, ch 1. Starting in same stitch sc in back loops across. Tie off, do not turn.
Begin switching colors as desired. Shown changing colors every row.
Leftward row
Join yarn to first sc from previous row, ch 1, starting in same stitch sc in back loops to next dc inclusive (9 sc for the first repeat), *skip next stitch and instead work 1 dc in unworked front loop of next stitch 2 rows below, inserting hook from top to bottom (see video). Ch 1, skip (2 sts in working row skipped), 8 sc in back loops. Rep from * to end, ending mid-repeat with a sc or dc as needed. Tie off, do not turn.
Leftward repeats
Continue working in pattern changing colors each row and shifting the dc one stitch to the left of the previous row. You’ll have one more sc on the right and one fewer on the left every row. When the next leftmost dc reaches the last 2 stitches, sc in the last stitch instead of ch 1.
Last leftward row
This row sets up switching the dc’s from leftward to rightward. Join yarn to first sc previous row, ch 1, starting in same stitch sc in back loops to first dc exclusive, *ch 1, skip dc, dc in ont loop of next stitch 2 rows below, skip (2 stitches in working row skipped), 8 sc in back loops. Rep from * to end, ch1, skip dc, dc in front loop of next stitch 2 rows below. Tie off, do not turn.
Rightward row
Join yarn to first sc previous row, ch 1, starting in same stitch sc in back loops to last sc exclusive, *ch 1, skip sc, dc in front loop of next stitch 2 rows below, skip ch (2 stitches in working row skipped), 8 sc in back loops. Rep from * to end, finishing the row with 1 sc in back loop. Tie off, do not turn.
Rightward repeats
Continue working in pattern, changing colors each row and shifting the dc one stitch to the right of the previous row. You’ll have one fewer sc on the right and one more on the left every row.
Last rightward row
This row sets up switching the dc’s from rightward to leftward. Join yarn to first sc previous row, ch 1, starting in same stitch sc, *dc in front loop of next stitch 2 rows below, ch 1, dc (1 stitch in working row skipped), 8 sc in back loops. Rep from * to end, tie off, do not turn.
Repeat from first leftward row to desired length.
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