The Tornado Stitch is a thick double-sided crochet stitch for beginners. Scroll down for ideas on how to use this stitch, along with the step-by-step crochet blanket stitch pattern.
No time right now? Pin this Tornado crochet stitch tutorial for later!
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What to make with the Tornado Crochet Stitch
The thick rich texture of the Tornado crochet stitch has me dreaming of cozying up by the fireplace. Both sides of this stitch look a little different, but they’re equally pretty, which makes it a fun choice for a crochet blanket stitch or oversized winter cardigan. The possibilities are endless for this beginner-friendly crochet stitch pattern.
Right side Wrong side
Crochet Stitch Bundle
This easy crochet stitch is part of the Spring Stitch CAL (crochet along). Join the fun and discover all-new crochet stitches here.
All stitch tutorials are available on our blogs but if you want a printable PDF version for easy recording and to take notes etc. You can grab the bundle with all 30 stitches here.
Sometimes it’s just easier to have a stitch dictionary on hand when you’re deciding on your next project rather than having to search online and remember where you saved that stitch you want to use.
Before You Start
Materials
- 5.5 mm / US I– 9 hook.
- Worsted weight yarn. I used WeCrochet Swish, it has an amazing stitch definition which really helps when learning new stitches.
- Tapestry needle to weave in the ends. I love this set as it has different eye sizes for different yarn thicknesses and it comes in a small tube which is very convenient so I don’t lose them.
Size
The pattern is written for a 15cm by 15cm / 6” by 6” square.
Stitch Multiple
The pattern doesn’t need a stitch multiple.
Gauge
The gauge for this pattern is 13 st by 13 rows in stitch pattern for a 10 cm by 10 cm square (4” by 4”). Confused on how to make or measure gauge? Check out my detailed post all about crochet gauge.
Abbreviations
This pattern uses US notations.
- st = stitch
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- yo = yarn over
- skip = miss
- sl st = slip stitch
Special Stitches
Tornado st = Yarn over, insert hook in designated st, yarn over, pull up a loop, with 3 loops on hook, yarn over and pull through 2 loops, yarn over, insert hook behind post you created, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through all 4 loops on hook.
Notes
Work instructions between [ ] the indicated number of times or until the end of the row.
The final number of stitches is indicated at the end of the row between < >.
The turning ch 1, ch 2, ch 3 don’t count as a stitch throughout the pattern except if mentioned otherwise.
Stitches above a ch-1 space are worked in the ch-1 space.
The pattern is written in crochet shorthand. For example:
- “sc 1” means to single crochet in the next stitch,
- “sc 2” means to single crochet in each of the next 2 stitches,
- and “2 sc” means to single crochet twice in the next st.
All pictures show left-handed crochet. All stitches are symmetrical and can be worked by both right- and left-handed crocheters.
The Tornado Crochet Stitch Tutorial
With your 5.5mm / US I- 9 hook ch 22,
Row 1: In the 3rd st from the hook tornado st, tornado st across, turn.Row 2: Ch 1, sl st across, turn.
Row 3: Ch 2, tornado st in the back loops of every sl st, turn.
Repeat Row 2 and 3 until you reach 15 cm / 6″.
Blocking
When you’re done with the crocheting part, make sure to weave in all the ends.
To make your stitch pattern even prettier and help straighten your edges block your project lightly.
Don’t skip this step as it can make a huge difference. Read my detailed tutorial on why block, how-to, and all my tips and tricks if you need help.
