Block stitch and Interlocking block stitch

Block stitch seems to be a favourite on the rounds of Crochet blog land and interlocking block stitch has popped up in the 
Lets get Crafting Knitting and crochet magazine.

UPDATED: US AND UK terms

it's an easy and quick stitch to do,

simply alternate rows of 3dc [3tr], into the chain stitch loops making the blocks and 
chain stitch loops to take the next row of 'dc [tr], blocks'

I like the effect and the speed of this stitch

UPDATED AND MORE DETAIL BLOCK STITCH HOW TOO

 ch the length you require 
multiples of 3sts plus 2sts for a scarf or multiples of 3 and work the stitch in the round

For a scarf approximately 10 blocks wide 32ch sts

For a blanket you would need 200/300 hundred sts plus 2sts depending on the size you require

ROW 1: ch2 counts as first dc [tr], 1dc [1tr], in first st, 1dc [1tr], all ch sts.


NOTE 1: this row should have 4 dc to start and finish and multiples of 3 dc as a stitch count
NOTE 2: Do a colour change before completing the last st. 



ROW 2:new colour attached, ch1, turn, sc [dc], in first st, ch2, count 3dc sts,  sc [dc], in next space between not st, ch2, count 3dc [3tr], sc [dc], in next space, repeat to end, finish with sc [dc], 
in the top of the last dc [tr].


NOTE 3: By making 2ch loops and not using 3ch sts, the blocks will be nicely compact and less open,  but if you want a more open and lacy effect then use ch3 loops


ROW 3: att, next colour, ch2 counts as first dc [tr], 3dc [3tr], into first ch loop, 3dc [3tr], in every ch loop to end, finish with 4dc [4tr], in last loop.


Repeat rows 2 and 3 for as many times as you require.

NOTE: EACH BLOCK ROW MUST START AND FINISH WITH 4 DC [4TR]


TIP: 
COLOUR CHANGES ON A STRAIGHT PIECE
If you are changing colour every row then cut off and weave in ends on each row, but if you are working with just 2 colours one for the sc/ch sts and one for the blocks then do a colour change before completing the last st on each row when possible....it will help with the number of ends

INTERLOCKING BLOCK STITCH.....

I first saw this stitch as a clutch bag design in the 
Lets Get Crafting magazine.

I've since seen it in a Victorian print too...

INTERLOCKING BLOCK STITCH PATTERN

instead of doing separate rows as in ordinary block stitch you just do the dc [tr], over the chain stitches of the row below and into the top of the dc [tr], of the previous row.
Encasing them in the dc [tr], it looks a little wavy when you first start out, but evens out as it grows and the checks aren't quite side by side but over all look like checks....Thanks Goose.

 I'm adding it to my library of favourite stitches for sure.

My colourful sample.... I started to make the clutch bag from the magazine but altered it to suit me

INTERLOCKING BLOCK ST PATTERN

Ch multiples of 6 plus 3 extra or work in the round and do multiples of 6sts. only

Change colour every row for this checked pattern after the base chain and first row,

worked on one side, not back and forth...so there will be a right and a wrong side

BASIC PATTERN

base chain in first colour 

ROW 1: cont. in same col. sc [dc], in every st, cut and weave in end

ROW 2: Att, new col. ch2 counts as first dc [tr], 1dc [tr], in next 2 sts, ch3 miss 3 sts, 1dc [1tr], in next 3sts, repeat to end, cut and weave in end.

ROW 3: att. new col. ch3, miss the first 3sts (top of the dc [tr]), 1dc [1tr], in next 3sts, of the base ch, (the 3 sts that are free), ch3 miss next 3 sts, 1dc [1tr], into the next 3 base ch sts...repeat to end of row.

ROW 4: Repeat row 3.

continue to repeat row 3 in a different colour to give a checked look, but if you work with two colours and change alternately you will get vertical stripes as picture below

two of my favourite stitches and a great way to use up all those small balls of left over yarns

Have a fun filled Sunday...off to dig up the back lawn lol

My Block Stitch cushions and blanket Stylecraft pattern no. 8851 

Block Stitch in the round