Free Apache Tears Crochet Pattern

Materials Needed & Measurements:

• Suggested Yarn: 100% cotton yarn
• Yarn Measurement: Light worsted #3/8ply/DK
• Crochet Hook: 3.5mm (E 4)
• Needle: Yarn needle (for weaving in ends)
• Scissors: For cutting yarn
• Pattern Measurements Without Fringe: 5.5″ x 4.5″ (13cm x 11cm)

Abbreviations:

• Ch = Chain
• St(s) = Stitch(es)
• Sl St(s) = Slip stitch(es)
• SC = Single crochet
• SC BLO = Single crochet in back loop only
• Drop down DC = Drop down double crochet (worked into the unworked front loop two rows below)
• A and B = Any two contrasting colours of your choice

Instructions for Apache Tears Crochet Pattern Stitching:

Starting the Pattern:

1. Chain a multiple of 6 plus 3 to begin. For example, chain 27 (6 x 4 + 3 = 27).
2. Row 1:
   • With colour A, SC in the second stitch from the hook and each stitch across.
   • Fasten off and cut the yarn, leaving a 2-inch tail for the fringe.
3. Row 2:
   • Do not turn; continue working on the right side.
   • Join colour B by making a slip knot and joining the new color to the first stitch of the previous row.
   • SC in the first stitch, SC BLO (back loop only) in the next stitch, and repeat SC BLO across the row, ending with a SC in the last stitch.
   • Fasten off and cut the yarn.
4. Row 3:
   • Join colour A to the first stitch of the previous row and SC.
   • Begin the “Tears” design: Work a drop-down DC in the next stitch, SC BLO in the next 5 stitches.
   • Repeat the pattern from * until the end of the row, ending with a SC in the last stitch.
   • Cut the yarn.
5. Row 4:
   • Join colour B.
   • SC in the first stitch, SC BLO in the next stitch, work a drop-down DC, then SC BLO in the next 5 stitches, and continue in the same pattern across the row: drop-down DC, SC BLO in 5 stitches, until the last 4 stitches, where you finish with SC BLO in 4 stitches, and a SC in the last stitch.
   • Cut the yarn.
6. Row 5:
   • Join colour A.
   • SC in the first stitch, SC BLO in the next 2 stitches, work a drop-down DC, then SC BLO in the next 5 stitches, repeating the pattern with drop-down DCs and SC BLO across.
   • Finish with a SC in the last stitch.
   • Cut the yarn.
7. Row 6:
   • Join colour B.
   • SC in the first stitch, SC BLO in the next 3 stitches, work a drop-down DC, then SC BLO in the next 5 stitches, repeating the pattern across. End with a SC in the last stitch.
   • Cut the yarn.
8. Row 7:
   • Join colour A.
   • SC in the first stitch, SC BLO in the next 4 stitches, work a drop-down DC, then SC BLO in the next 5 stitches, continuing the pattern across.
   • End with a SC in the last stitch.
   • Cut the yarn.
9. Row 8:
   • Join colour B.
   • SC in the first stitch, SC BLO in the next 5 stitches, work a drop-down DC, then SC BLO in the next 5 stitches, continuing the pattern across the row.
   • End with a SC in the last stitch.
   • Cut the yarn.
10. Rows 9-19:
    • Repeat the pattern starting from Row 3 (i.e., alternating colors and continuing with drop-down DC and SC BLO as described earlier).
11. Row 20:
    • Work SC BLO in each stitch, except for the very first and last stitches, with the same color you started with to make both sides of the piece look similar.

Fringe:

• Cut all yarn ends to approximately 1 inch long.
• For a fluffier fringe, untwist the individual yarn threads.

Key Points for Stitching:

• Drop-down DC: This stitch creates the signature “tears” effect and involves working into the front loop two rows below the current row. It adds depth and texture to the design.
• SC BLO: Single crochet in the back loop only, creating a textured surface with defined stitches.
• Alternate Colors: Each row uses a different color (A or B), except when completing the border (Row 20), where the starting color is used for symmetry.

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