Corner to Corner (C2C) crochet is a technique that allows you to create a larger piece of fabric constructed of small blocks starting at one corner and then working to the opposite corner of the project (hence the name). C2C is a great way to create color patterns using a grid in rectangular projects such as afghans or blankets (also known as graphgans).
What stitches do you need to know for C2C?
C2C consists of double crochet stitches, chains, and slip stitches. You begin by creating a block of double crochet that will be the bottom right corner of your chart. Each row is read diagonally. You will increase the number of blocks with each row (Row 2 has 2 blocks, Row 3 has 3 blocks, etc.) until you reach the widest part of the project. Then you will continue working back and forth in diagonal rows decreasing the number of blocks each row until you reach the top left corner of the chart.
How to work the double crochet C2C increase
As you begin working from the corner, you will increase the number of blocks each row.
Increase Row 1: Ch 6, DC in 4th ch from hook and in next 2 ch (1 block made). 1 block.
Ch 6
DC in 4th ch from hook
DC in next 2 ch. 1 block
Increase Row 2: Ch 6, , DC in 4th ch from hook and in next 2 ch (1 block made), sk the next 3 DC, sl st into the top of the ch-3 Tch, ch 3, 3 DC into the same space (2nd block made). 2 blocks.
Ch 6
DC in 4th ch from hook
DC in next 2 ch
Sk the next 3 DC
Sl st into the top of the ch-3 Tch
Ch 3
3 DC in the same space. 2 blocks
Increase Row 3: Ch 6, DC in 4th ch from hook and in next 2 ch (1 block made), *sk next 3 DC, sl st into the top of the ch-3 Tch, ch 3, 3 DC into the same space (2nd block made), rep from *. 3 blocks.
Ch 6
DC in 4th ch from hook
DC in next 2 ch
*Sk next 3 DC, sl st into the top of the ch-3 Tch
Ch 3, 3 DC in the same space.
Rep from * across
Rep Row 3, increasing 1 block each Row.
How to work the double crochet C2C decrease
Once you reach the widest part of your project (from corner to corner), you’ll need to start decreasing the number of blocks in your project.
Decrease Row 1: Ch 1, sl st in next 3 DC, sl st into ch-3 Tch, ch 3, 3 DC into the ch-3 Tch of prev row, continue creating blocks across the row, ending with a sl st in last ch-3 Tch.
Ch 1
Sl st in next 3 DC
Sl st into ch-3 Tch
Continue creating blocks across the row
Ending with a sl st in last ch-3 Tch
How to read a C2C chart
Unlike most crochet or stitch charts, the C2C chart is read diagonally. You can start reading the chart at any corner, but in terms of numbering, our chart begins in the right bottom corner.
Row 1: Begin at the “1” on the bottom of the chart on the right side, and read the chart diagonally up toward the “1” on the right side. Work a block in the designated color. 1 block.
Row 2: Begin at the “2” on the right side of the chart, and read the chart diagonally down toward the “2” at the bottom of the chart. Work blocks in the designated color on the chart. 2 blocks.
Row 3: Begin at the “3” on the bottom of the chart and read the chart diagonally up toward the “3” on the right side of the chart. Work blocks in the designated colors on the chart. 3 blocks.
Continue reading the chart back and forth in diagonal rows, creating blocks of color as designated on the chart. Work increases until you reach the widest part of the chart (Row 48, 48 blocks), then continue reading the chart back and forth diagonally working decrease rows until you are back to 1 color block in Row 95.
How to change colors with C2C
To change colors in a C2C colorwork chart, work to the final double crochet of the block in the old color. Attach the new color by pulling the new color through on the sl st to the ch-3 Tch, ch 3 in the new color and complete the rest of the double crochet for that block in the new color.
Attach the new color by pulling the new color through on the sl st to the ch-3 Tch
Ch 3 in the new color
Complete the rest of the double crochet for that block in the new color
How to manage your yarn as you work color changes
If you choose to change colors and create a “graphgan” in your C2C project, managing different strands of yarn is often the greatest battle. To avoid carrying the yarn long distances, each section of color should be attached to its own ball of yarn. YES, this means you have a lot of loose strings attached to this project, and the likelihood of getting tangled is high. Wrapping yarn around a set of bobbins will help you keep it as tangle-free as possible, especially when you turn the project at the end of a row.
Trust us, yarn bobbins are very helpful!
Tips and tricks for C2C
- Mark the row: Print the color chart, and mark the row you are on with highlighter or red pen (it can take a lot of practice reading charts diagonally).
- Weave ends in same color: Weave in loose ends in the stitches worked in the same color (otherwise they will show), and do your best to weave in as you go (otherwise you will have a lot to do at the end).
- Wait on weaving ends: Avoid weaving in ends until after you have completed a few rows, in case you need to pull on some yarn tails to tighten up holes in your C2C project.
- Be consistent: Practice getting your gauge so that each block is as close to square as possible (this might require tighter chains or looser double crochets, do what works for you).
- Practice on a smaller project: Practice your color changing before you commit to a large graphgan project. Here is a great chart to begin practicing with.
- Manage your yarn! Don’t let it get tangled. We can’t emphasize enough how useful it is to have these yarn bobbins as a part of your project. They will help you avoid much tangled frustration.
- Block your project when finished: You’ll be amazed how much it helps your color blocks lay flat. We recommend steam blocking with a hand steamer (or an iron, but don’t let it touch!) for projects made with Brava. Learn how to block your crochet here.
Patterns Using C2C
Ready to try it out? Here’s a few graphgan patterns to make!
Create Your Own Graphgan
If you would like to create your own color graphgan, you can use this empty chart to create your pattern. With Brava Bulky, each block measures approx 1 inch.
