Learn how to Convert a C2C Graph to a single crochet stitch with this complete tutorial by Nana’s Crafty Home!
I love crochet colorwork and have shared many free crochet color work patterns here on my blog. One of my favorite ways to incorporate color work into my designs is with the C2C crochet (corner to corner crochet) method.
However, sometimes I want to change up a c2c graphgan design and use it another way perhaps with a sc tapestry crochet project. Since c2c uses blocks of stitches you will need to adapt or convert your graph to the stitch desired.
C2C graphs are worked from one corner of the graph to the opposite corner in a diagonal direction or on the bias. When we switch it up to a standard style crochet stitch we would work the graph from side to side in rows.
The Desert Cactus C2C crochet chart I am showing below is one I have shared previously on the blog as a free pattern. I used the standard double crochet method for my original corner to corner blanket. Each c2c square, “block” or “pixel” shown in the graph represents 3 double crochet stitches worked as a block. The approximate finished size for the blanket using the double crochet c2c technique is 33″ wide x 43″ tall.
If I were to make this as a single crochet tapestry project I could just say that each “block” = 1 sc stitch to get a much smaller finished project. I would end up with a much smaller finished project at a size of approximately 11.75″ wide x 12.50″ tall. This would be great if I am looking for a placemat or wall hanging size.
However, if I want to get a larger finished project in single crochet stitches you would want to work each block or square of your graph with 2 single crochet stitches across in two rows of single crochet. Basically each block or pixel in the graph would represent 2 sc stitches for 2 rows.
In the examples below I am using a heart c2c graph. All the squares shown below use the same yarn and the same size hook. The middle square is using the method of 2 sc stitches across and 2 sc rows to create. The finished size is approximately 30% smaller than the original dc c2c block shown on the left.
So, taking that method to my Desert Cactus graph I would end up with a finished project approximately 23″wide x 30″ tall. You could increase the size slightly by increasing the size of your crochet hook and add a border to get closer to the original size.
The square on the right is much smaller – approximately half the size of my middle square at 4″ width x 3.75″ height – great size for a coaster!
How would you use 2×2 sc method on a C2C Graph? Â
Taking the Heart C2C Graph as an example you can see that there are 13 total blocks for the first row. Multiply 13 x 2 for the total number of single crochet stitches for row 1 = 26. For your beginning chain you will add 1 to that total.
13 x 2 = 26 + 1 for your beginning chain.
You will begin row 1 by working a single crochet in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch to the end for a total of 26 sc stitches in grey.
You will turn for row 2 and repeat each stitch for 26 single crochet stitches in grey.
Row 3 will be row 2 of your chart and you will see you have 6 grey blocks at the beginning of this row. Multiply 6 x 2 = 12 grey single crochet stitches. Then you have 1 white block which would = 2 white single crochet stitches. Then 6 more grey blocks = 12 grey single crochet stitches.
Row 4 would be a duplicate of row 3.
In written pattern form:
Ch 27
Row 1: 26 grey
Row 2: 26 grey
Row 3: 12 grey, 2 white, 12 grey
Row 4: 12 grey, 2 white, 12 grey
Here’s another example using the beginning of another graphghan I have on my website as a free c2c crochet pattern- the Sunflower C2C Throw.
You can see there are a total of 60 blocks across which means you would multiply by 2 and add 1 for your foundation chain.
Ch 121
Row 1: 38 blue, 14 orange, 12 yellow, 2 orange, 8 yellow, 2 orange, 6 yellow, 2 orange, 2 yellow, 8 orange, 16 blue, 10 green. (120)
Row 2: 10 green, 16 blue, 8 orange, 2 yellow, 2 orange, 6 yellow, 2 orange, 8 yellow, 2 orange, 12 yellow, 14 orange, 38 blue. (120). Note: Duplicate row 1 in the opposite direction – each stitch will be the same color as the stitch from the previous row.
Row 3: 36 blue, 4 orange, 10 yellow, 4 orange, 10 yellow, 2 orange, 6 yellow, 4 orange, 4 yellow, 6 orange, 6 yellow, 4 orange, 14 blue, 10 green.
Row 4: 10 green, 14 blue, 4 orange, 6 yellow, 6 orange, 4 yellow, 4 orange, 6 yellow, 2 orange, 10 yellow, 4 orange, 10 yellow, 4 orange, 36 blue.
Here is an example of the Sunflower Daze Afghan done in single crochet stitches by Darlene P and it looks just beautiful!
I have found a couple of ways to keep track of which row you are working easily. You can split your blocks into 2 or 4 with a ruler, mark off each side of your graph as you complete the rows, or mark your front side with a stitch marker so that you always know when you are on that side you are working a new color row.
If any of this is confusing or you would like to see this in action check out my video tutorial! Â If you aren’t able to view the video here on my blog you can also find it on YouTube. Â Subscribe to my YouTube Channel to get notified whenever I post a new video.
The great thing about using this method is you can use it with any chart you find that you love and it doesn’t have to be a c2c graph! You could use a cross stitch pattern, pixel art graph or even latch hook charts! So many free graph patterns out there you can use for your own projects. You could even get creative and make your very own graph with my tutorial using a free service called Stitch Fiddle.
I have several free c2c crochet graphs available and you can check them out to see if any take your fancy. And, if you are interested in learning more about tapestry crochet I have a complete tutorial to help you get started.
What is your favorite crochet color work method? Â Have you tried c2c and just can’t seem to get the hang of it? Â I have a beginning C2C tutorial that you may find helpful as well. Â Are there color work techniques you haven’t tried yet but would love to learn? Â Let me know if there are others you would like to learn – I am always looking for ideas for new tutorials.
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I hope you found found instructions to be helpful and you may want to check out these additional resources:
- 1. How to add a sc border to a c2c project
- 2. How to crochet a rectangle in c2c
- 3. Tapestry Crochet Tips & Tricks
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Hi! Thank you so much for being here! I am Tonya the designer behind Nana's Crafty Home. As a wife, mother, Nana of 9 & with 2 fur babies, my days are filled with love, laughter, hugs and yarn! Here you will find colorful and creative crochet designs for yourself or loved ones. My hope is that you will be inspired to learn and create along with me!