Pineapple Stitch Deluxe: Victorian Elegance in Crochet

Delicate like lace curtains in a Victorian parlor, the pineapple stitch evokes nostalgic elegance with a modern twist.
With its teardrop-shaped arches and airy loops, this iconic crochet motif is back – and it's more stylish than ever.

Let's explore its history, technical structure, and how to crochet a mini pineapple doily yourself!

🍍 What is the Pineapple Stitch?

The pineapple stitch is a classic crochet motif dating back to the late 19th century. It became especially popular in Victorian America for its refined appearance and symbolic meaning:

• Represents hospitality (pineapples were rare and precious!)

• Found in doilies, curtain edgings, collars, and table runners

• Traditionally crocheted with ultra-fine cotton and tiny hooks

🔍 How the Pineapple Stitch Works

1. Shaping the Teardrop with Increases

• Begin narrow and widen using double crochet increases (or treble for longer arches)

• The arc "grows" outward in round or row repeats

2. Lacy Arches Using Chain Loops

• Chain stitches form long loops, creating the open structure

• These are typically anchored with single or double crochets between increases

3. Lacy Edging or Picot Border

• The stitch pattern ends in a shell, scallop, or picot border to give a gentle, rounded finish

• Adds to the vintage lace look

🧶 Mini Pineapple Doily – Free Pattern (Adapted for Beginners)

Materials:

• Cotton yarn, 2.5–3.0 mm

• Crochet hook 3.0 mm

• Scissors, tapestry needle

Abbreviations (US terms):

• ch = chain

• sl st = slip stitch

• sc = single crochet

• dc = double crochet

🌀 Rounds

Start of round = "s-rd", end of round = "e-rd"

1. s-rd: Magic ring, ch 3 (counts as dc), 11 dc in ring, e-rd with sl st in 3rd ch (12 dc)

2. s-rd: ch 3, dc in same st, [2 dc in each st] around – 24 dc

3. s-rd: ch 1, [sc in st, ch 5, skip 1] – 12 loops

4. s-rd: [sl st into loop, ch 5, dc, ch 5, dc] – 2 dc per loop

5. s-rd: [ch 5, dc in dc, ch 5] – 3 arches per pineapple

6. s-rd: Picot edge: [3 sc, ch 3, sl st in 1st ch], sl st between loops

👉 Block gently to shape into delicate pineapple lace!

🌸 Variations & Modern Applications

• Use natural cotton for vintage flair

• Try bold colors or gradient yarns for a modern twist

• Incorporate into tops, pillow edges, jar covers or dreamcatchers

✨ My Conclusion: Old-World Charm in Every Stitch

The pineapple stitch remains a beloved technique for those who enjoy intricate lacework. With just a bit of patience, you can bring Victorian sophistication into your home – one loop at a time.

Whether in heirloom-style doilies or as elegant trims, this stitch always makes a graceful impression.

❤️‍🔥 Have you ever crocheted a pineapple stitch before?
Share your version of the mini-doily or your own pineapple lace project with
#pineapplestitchdeluxe – I'd love to see your vintage flair! 

#pineapplestitchdeluxe #victorianlace #crochetdoily #pineapplecrochet #fiberartstyle

Stay sweet & spiky – and let your pineapples bloom stitch by stitch!
With creative cheer, 

Kathrin ☀️🧶