If you know how to double crochet, you can easily learn the corner to corner (C2C) crochet stitch! Once you know this stitch, you can make anything your imagination can dream up-whether you use it to create a modern pattern (like this rug) or your favorite 8-bit character.

Follow along to learn:

How to read a pixel graph
How to crochet a C2C project
How to add a non-skid, no-sew backing to your rug

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For more free crochet patterns visit www.leftinknots.com

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Required supplies:

Bernat Maker Home Decor yarn: 3 skeins of Aqua, 1 skein of cream

6.0 mm crochet hook (I like Clover Amour)

Scissors

Yarn needle

Optional Supplies:

Non-skid fabric (I found mine at Joann Fabrics)

Old towel

Fabric glue

Iron

Pins

The finished size of this rug is approximately 31" x 21"

Step 2: Learn to Read a Pixel Graph

A C2C (corner to corner) project is constructed exactly how it sounds. You start at one corner of your square or rectangle and work toward the other. That means that your first row will have 1 pixel, your second row will have two, etc.

The pixel graph is "read" in a serpentine direction (back and forth as indicated by the arrows in the image above). It is easiest to print the pixel graph and mark the rows as you complete them so that you can keep track of color changes.

When you reach row 27 in this project, you will start decreasing your pixels on the top edge of the project, but you will continue increasing pixels along the bottom edge until you reach row 39. Instructions for increasing and decreasing will be explained in this tutorial.

Step 3: Crochet Your First Row/pixel

Crochet Abbreviations:

YO: yarn over hook

sl st: slip stitch

ch: chain stitch

SC: single crochet

HDC: half-double crochet

DC: double crochet

Instructions:

Tie a slip knot

Ch 5

Row 1: DC in third chain from the hook and DC across (3 total)

Congratulations! You made your first pixel!

Step 4: Crochet an Increase Row

Row 2: Ch 5, DC in third ch from the hook and across (first pixel), rotate your pixel from row 1 upward so that the ch 2 space is on top, sl st into the ch 2 space and pull tight. Ch 2, work 3 DC into the ch 2 space of row 1.

All increase rows will begin:

Ch 5, DC in third ch from the hook and across (3 DC total), sl st into the next ch 2 space of the previous row and and pull tight.

Step 5: Changing Colors

As you work, keep track of where you are at in the pixel graph so that you know where to change colors.

To change colors, stitch your pixel as normal. When you make your 3rd DC, pull the new color of yarn through the last two loops. This creates a clean and sharp color transition. Yarn can be cut between each color change or it can be carried (as pictured).

I do not recommend carrying yarn more than one pixel away.

Step 6: Crochet a Decrease Row

When you reach a decrease row, do not chain 5 when you turn. Instead, slip stitch across the DC stitches of the last pixel in the previous row. Ch 2, and work the first pixel of your row into the chain 2 space indicated in the picture.

Continue crocheting your pixels across as usual.

Step 7: Edging

When you crochet your final row (1 pixel), ch 1, SC around the edge of your piece with the color Aqua. Work 5 SC stitches per 2 pixels in the spaces indicated in the picture. SC, Ch 1, SC at each corner.

When you finish the SC around, join to the first SC with a sl st. Switch to color 'Cream'. Ch 1, HDC around working a HDC, ch 1, HDC into each corner space of the previous round.

Tie off yarn and weave in the ends of yarn. If you plan to add the optional non-skid backing you DO NOT need to weave in all your ends. Just those that would not be covered by the backing.

Step 8: Add a Non-skid Backing

Adding the non-skid backing:

Cut your fabric to the desired size. I left a small gap around the edge of my rug.
Fold approx. 1/2" of fabric over around the rectangle to create a "seam". Use pins to hold it in place.
On high heat, iron the seam so that it has a nice crease. Use an old towel between the fabric and iron to prevent melting.
Use fabric glue to hold your seam in place. Allow to dry.
Use fabric glue to adhere non-skid fabric to your crocheted rug. Make sure all unwoven yarn tales are concealed by the fabric. Allow to dry.

Step 9: Use It!

And you're done! This rug is washable, dryable, and adorable! Use it in your kitchen, bathroom, entryway, or anywhere else you need a touch of modern style :)

I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial and I hope that you decide to try the C2C technique. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me via my website www.leftinknots.com

Again, if you have enjoyed this tutorial I would really appreciate a vote for the contests that it is currently entered in! Thanks a bunch!