Double Stitch Belt in Caron Simply Soft, Simply Soft Paints & Simply Soft Brites - Downloadable PDF

Double Stitch Belt in Caron Simply Soft, Simply Soft Paints & Simply Soft Brites – Crochet Pattern Summary

About This Pattern

The Double Stitch Belt is a free, downloadable crochet pattern designed by Carrie Carpenter for Caron. It produces a stylish, textured fabric belt that measures approximately 3 inches (7.5 cm) wide by 48 inches (122 cm) long — a versatile accessory length suitable for wearing over garments or looped through belt loops. Because gauge is not critical for this project, it is an ideal choice for beginner crocheters who want a quick, satisfying make with a polished, wearable result.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a single crocheted and double crocheted fabric belt worked flat in rows, finished with decorative surface slip stitch stripes in contrasting colors and tassels at each end. The combination of structured double crochet rows and smooth single crochet rows gives the belt a subtle ribbed texture, while the surface slip stitch lines add bold color contrast without adding significant bulk. The tassels at both ends provide a playful, bohemian finishing touch.

Yarns and Materials

The pattern calls for three colors of Caron yarn, each playing a specific role in the design:

• Contrast A – Caron Simply Soft Paints in Oceana (0006): An aran/worsted weight yarn, 113 g / 4 oz, approximately 190 m / 208 yds per skein. This color is used for the main body of the belt and two of the six tassels.
• Contrast B – Caron Simply Soft in Berry Blue (9609): A worsted weight yarn, 170 g / 6 oz, approximately 288 m / 315 yds per skein. This yarn is used for a surface slip stitch stripe and two tassels.
• Contrast C – Caron Simply Soft Paints (specific colorway referenced in pattern): Used for the second surface slip stitch stripe and two tassels.

Only one skein of each color is required, making this a budget-friendly project that can also be an excellent stash-buster. A yarn needle is needed for weaving in ends and attaching tassels. No specific hook size is listed since gauge is not critical, but a hook appropriate for aran or worsted weight yarn — typically a US size I-9 (5.5 mm) or J-10 (6.0 mm) — would be a standard choice.

Techniques Used

• Working a foundation chain: The belt begins with a long, loosely worked chain of 145 stitches, establishing the full length of the accessory from the very first step.
• Flat row-by-row crochet: The belt is worked back and forth in rows rather than in the round, creating a flat fabric panel.
• Surface slip stitch: After the main body is complete, contrasting yarn colors are used to work lines of slip stitch directly onto the surface of the fabric. This is a decorative embellishment technique where the hook is inserted through the fabric from the front and slip stitches are worked along a defined path, creating raised color lines on the right side without disrupting the base fabric structure.
• Tassel making and attachment: Six tassels are made — two in each of the three yarn colors — and attached to the ends of the belt. Each tassel is formed by cutting eight strands of yarn to 6 inches (15 cm), folding them in half, drawing the folded loop through the belt end, and threading the cut ends through the loop to secure. This is a classic finishing technique used widely in crochet and knitting accessories.
• Weaving in ends: A yarn needle is used to neatly secure all yarn tails throughout the project.

Stitches Used

• Chain stitch (ch): Used to create the foundation chain and turning chains throughout the pattern.
• Double crochet (dc): Used in Row 1 and Row 5 to create the structured, slightly raised rows that frame the belt and give it body and definition.
• Single