Diagonal Box Stitch
The pattern of the stitches look a little bit like corner-to-corner crochet, also called diagonal box stitch, but the effect is achieved when working in rows rather than on the diagonal. Some designers have mixed up the two, so there are occasionally patterns that describe the crazy stitch instructions but call it the c2c stitch. If it's worked on the diagonal (with the first "row" being just one box, the next two boxes, etc.") then it's the corner-to-corner stitch; if it's worked in true rows then it's the crazy crochet stitch.
1. Crazy Stitch: Row 1 Begin with a foundation chain that is a multiple of 3 + 1. (For example, try a starting chain of 19.) Then follow these instructions: 3 dc in 4th ch from hook Sk 3, sc in next ch, ch 3, 3 dc in same ch . Repeat the previous step all the way across the row Sc in last ch
2. Crazy Stitch: Row 2This row (and all subsequent rows) will use the following pattern: Turn and ch 3 3dc in the sc that ended the previous row Sc in next ch-3 sp, ch 3, 3 dc in same ch 3 sp Repeat previous step across row until you reach the final ch-3 sp of the row. Do not repeat the steps in that final ch-3 sp. Work one sc in final ch-3 of the row.
3. Crazy Stitch: Additional Rows All additional rows for the crazy stitch are completed using the instructions for row 2. It is really an easy stitch pattern to learn and one that can become quite meditative once you have gotten the hang of it
4. Crazy Stitch Variation with No Foundation Chain There is actually a method of beginning this stitch pattern that allows you to start without crocheting a foundation chain, which is a really unique option in crochet. It is a great choice when working with a dark colored yarn or a textured novelty yarn, if you are finding it difficult to see where to work the stitches into the chain. Here is the pattern for working crazy shells without a starting chain: Ch 6. Join with a sl st to the first ch. Ch 3 (counts as a dc). 2 dc in ch-6 sp.Repeat step one over and over until you have as many blocks as you want for your crochet pattern! That's row 1. You'll work row 2 as normal except that you don't have a sc to work your first stitches into so you need to work them into the base where the sc would typically be.
5. Some History About Crazy Shell Stitch . An interesting bit of info: Instructions for the crazy shell stitch were printed in A Treatise on Embroidery, Crochet and Knitting, published in 1899. Fleisher's Knitting & Crocheting Manual of 1917 published the instructions but called it just "crazy stitch".
6. Changing Colors in Crochet Brick Stitch .Although the brick stitch is shown in a single color for these instructions, this is crochet stitch that works really well when you change colors from row to row. The unique directionality of the stitches really shows up when you contrast one row with the next using smart color choices. Try it in black and white to get a really graphic design or work a selection of rainbow colors for something a little bit wild and crazy! It also looks interesting when worked in a variegated or print yarn.