Ready to try a crochet technique that builds your fabric diagonally from one corner to the other? That’s exactly what corner to corner crochet (often shortened to C2C) does! Instead of crocheting in straight horizontal rows, you’ll work in little blocks — adding tiles diagonally until your project reaches the opposite corner.

This method is perfect for colorwork images, stripes, blankets, scarves, and even blankets with reusable “graphgan” charts (like pictures made from tiny blocks of color). Let’s walk through the basics so you can start crocheting C2C with confidence.

What Makes C2C Special

• You build your project in square blocks instead of rows
  
  

• Start in one corner and work diagonally to the opposite side
  
  

• Works beautifully with color charts and pixel‑style patterns
  
  

• Great for blankets, wall hangings, scarves, and more
  
  

Once you get the rhythm of building blocks, it’s super satisfying! And because C2C stitches are all worked in a predictable sequence, you can easily translate pixel art into yarn.

What You’ll Need

Before you begin your first C2C project, gather:

• Yarn (worsted weight is perfect for beginners)
  
  

• Crochet hook sized to your yarn (check your yarn label)
  
  

• Scissors
  
  

• Yarn needle for weaving in ends
  
  

• Optional: a printed chart if you’re working a design
  
  

Stitches & Abbreviations (US Terms)

• ch = chain
  
  

• dc = double crochet
  
  

• st(s) = stitch(es)
  
  

• sl st = slip stitch
  
  

How to Crochet Corner to Corner — Step‑by‑Step

Corner to Corner crochet works in blocks. Each block is made from a small group of stitches — usually 3 double crochets. You build these in a diagonal pattern, adding one new block on each repeat until you reach your desired width, then descend.

Here’s how that works:

Step 1 — Start with a Foundation Chain

Make a foundation chain of 6 chains.

Step 2 — First Block

In the 4th chain from hook, work:

• 3 dc,
  

  

• ch 6, skip 3 chs, dc 3
  

  

• sl st into corner of previous square (image below)
  

  

This is your first C2C block!

Step 3 — Increase Diagonally

To start your next block, you’ll:

1. Chain 3,
   

   

2. dc 3 in chain space from first block
   
   

You now have two blocks diagonally — from bottom left to top right.

Increasing Blocks

To keep growing diagonally:

1. Start each diagonal row with a “first block” (ch 6, skip 3, dc 3), sl st to the corner of the next block
   

   

2. Chain 3.
   
   

3. In the chain‑2 space of the last block you made, work:
   
   

• 3 dc.
  
  

Repeat this in the newest chain‑2 space on each row. Each time you create a new block diagonally, you’re increasing the size of your work.

Reaching Your Width

When your piece is as wide (or tall) as you’d like, you stop increasing and start decreasing to finish your corner‑to‑corner shape. The easiest way is to start skipping the “first block” of the block instead of adding a new one, so your squares taper down again on the opposite side. 

Sl st along the 3 dc’s from the previous block to get to the corner. Then you can start with the ch 3, dc 3 in chain loop blocks. 

This gradual decreasing gives C2C its signature shape, and helps make a square/rectangle.

Why the C2C Technique Rocks

• You can follow graph charts (pixel by pixel) to create pictures or words

• Block construction feels so satisfying once you get the rhythm

• Great for crocheters who like math‑free colorwork

• Works beautifully with variegated yarns, stripes, and planned color changes

Project Ideas Using C2C

Here are some fun projects where C2C shines:

• Afghan blankets with cute animals or photos
  
  

• Holiday throw with text or patterns
  
  

• Long C2C scarves
  
  

• Wall art with pixel charts
  
  

• Baby blankets with pictures
  
  

• Custom gifts featuring names or shapes
  
  

Tips for a Smooth C2C Workflow

Use stitch markers to mark the start of each block — they help you track progress!
Keep your blocks tidy by counting chains and dc clusters.
Try using bobbins or small yarn balls if you’re doing multi‑color work.
Remember: each block is worked into the chain‑3 space of the block from the row below. That’s your rhythm.

Final Stitch 

Once you know how to crochet corner to corner, you unlock a whole new way to make crochet—one that feels more like building a pixel graph with yarn! Whether you’re working a simple striped throw or a detailed image blanket, corner to corner crochet is fun, flexible, and endlessly creative.

So grab your hook, pick a design, and start building blocks — corner to corner!