How to Crochet the Rice Stitch

The Rice Stitch is a textured, thick, and unique crochet stitch. Great for washcloths, placemats, and more, let’s learn how to crochet the rice stitch with this written and video tutorial!

Crochet Rice Stitch Tutorial

The Rice Stitch is a thick crochet stitch using a combination of front post and back post stitches. It does take practice to get in a groove, and it is a bit of a yarn eater, but the end result is so worth it! If you’re trying to use up your yarn stash, this could be the stitch for you!

While this probably isn’t one of the best crochet stitches for blankets, it does work great for washcloths because of the way the post stitches create little nubs that work so well as scrubbies. Perfect for washing dishes, wiping the counter, or other tasks around the home that may require some elbow grease.

For this tutorial we are using Knit Picks Dishie cotton with a size H/5mm crochet hook.

Stitches needed to make the Rice Stitch in crochet:

Half Double Crochet

Front Post/Back Post Double Crochet Stitches

Rice Stitch Steps

1. Chain an odd number of stitches.

2. Double crochet in the 3rd chain from your hook and in each chain to the end. This should leave you with an odd number of double crochet stitches.

3. Chain one and turn your work. Place one half double crochet in the first stitch.

4. Front post double crochet around the next post, back post double crochet around the next post. Front post around the next, alternating back post/front post to the end of the row.

5. In the last stitch, place one half double crochet.

Repeat steps 3 – 5 until your piece is as tall as you like.

Helpful tips:

You should always have an odd number of stitches throughout the piece.

Always place the front posts around what looks like a back post (after turning your work) and the back posts in what look like front posts (after turning your work). See photo below.