Crochet Stitches -- Crochet Stitch Instructions
By Amy Solovay, About.com Guide
Find crochet stitch instructions. Learn a variety of different crochet stitches and techniques with these free videos and photo tutorials.
Think of this resource as a virtual stitch dictionary -- only it's free!
- Basic Crochet Stitches
- Cluster Stitches
- Lace and Openwork Stitches
- Post Stitches
- Shell Stitches
- Tunisian Crochet Stitches and Techniques
- V Stitches
- More Crochet Stitches and Techniques
- Fringes, Trims and Edgings
- Skills You'll Need for Crocheting Different Stitch Patterns
- Embroidery Stitches on Crochet
Basic Crochet Stitches
Basic crochet stitches are the building blocks you'll use to create any crochet project. These are the first stitches you need to learn when you get started with crochet.
- Learn the Basic Crochet Stitches
- Chain Stitch Video
- Chain Stitch How-To Tutorial With Photos
- Single Crochet Video
- Single Crochet Stitch Tutorial
- Back Loop Single Crochet Stitch
- Striped Back Loop Single Crochet Stitch
- Single Crochet Stitch Variations
- Double Crochet Video
- Double Crochet How-To Tutorial With Photos
- Double Crochet Stitch Variations
- Treble Crochet Stitch
- Double Treble Crochet Stitch
- Triple Treble / Treble Treble
- Slip Stitch
- Surface Crochet Slip Stitches
- Half Double Crochet Stitch
Cluster Stitches
Cluster stitches are appealing because they are interesting to crochet, they are beautifully textured, and they look intriguing.
In a nutshell, cluster stitches are created by working multiple unfinished stitches, and then joining them all at the top in the last step. You'll want to visit the pages linked below to see more detailed instructions for each variation of the cluster stitch. These instructions include illustrations, so you will be able to see what each type of cluster stitch looks like.
- How to Make a Crocheted Cluster Over Skipped Stitches
- 3 tr Cluster
- Cluster Stitch Edging
- Spiked Cluster Stitch, Also Called Star Stitch or Marguerite Stitch
Lace and Openwork Stitches
These crochet stitches have one thing in common; they all incorporate open areas for a lacy or openwork effect.
- Lacy Interrupted V Stitch
- Butterfly Stitch
- Solomon's Knot Stitch (Also Called Lover's Knot Stitch)
- Star Filet Stitch
- Filet Crochet Lacet (Also Called Fancy Mesh)
Post Stitches
Learn about post stitches with the information featured here.
- Front and Back Post Stitches
- How to Single Crochet Around the Post of a Double Crochet Stitch
- Four-Stitch Cable (With Practice Project)
Shell Stitches
Like the name suggests, shell stitches tend to be shaped somewhat like bivalve seashells. It's easy to create a shell stitch; just work more than one stitch (including but not limited to any of the following: half double crochet, double crochet, treble crochet, or double treble crochet) into the same stitch.
There are many possible shell stitch variations, a few of which are linked below.
- Shell Stitches
- Boxed Shell Stitch
- Crazy Shell Stitch (Also Called Brick Stitch)
- Cross-Over Shell Stitch
Tunisian Crochet Stitches and Techniques
Tunisian crochet is a needlework technique that borrows elements from both knitting and crochet, creating sort of a fusion of the two techniques. To work Tunisian crochet, you'll use a hook that is longer than a traditional crochet hook.
Tunisian crochet is a popular technique; it's easy to do, and the finished fabric is attractive and appealing.
V Stitches
These stitches all feature some form of the "V." A typical V stitch might be a double crochet, then one or more chain stitches, then another double crochet stitch, all worked into the same stitch or space. There are other variations too; check out the stitches linked below to see some of the possibilities.
More Crochet Stitches and Techniques
Find even more miscellaneous crochet stitches linked below.
- Spike Stitch AKA Long Single Crochet Stitch
- Classic Menswear Crochet Stitch
- Crochet Moss Stitch
- Crossed Double Crochet Stitch
- Cross-Over Long Double Crochet Stitch
- Bullion Stitch, Also Known as Roll Stitch
- Picot Stitch
- Sideways Long Single Crochet Stitch
- Star Stitch With Single Crochet
- Herringbone Double Crochet Stitch
- Crab Stitch, Also Known as Reverse Single Crochet Stitch
- Ruffling Basics
- Popcorn Stitch
- Saranac Stitch
- Venetia Pattern Stitch
- Vintage Northwoods Stitch
Fringes, Trims and Edgings
Finish off your crochet projects with any of these fringes, trims and edgings.
- Openwork Crocheted Edging
- How to Make Fringe for Crochet Projects -- Free Video
- How to Make Fringe for a Crocheted Scarf
- Crocheting an Edging Directly Into Fabric
Skills You'll Need for Crocheting Different Stitch Patterns
We like to simplify things for you as much as possible. With that in mind, we've posted some how-tos for a variety of different skills you'll need when you work some of the different stitches included on this page and in other crochet stitch dictionaries and pattern books.
- How to Skip a Stitch
- How to Make a Slip Knot, Also Known as a Slip Loop
- How to Decrease in Single Crochet Stitch, or Single Crochet 2 Sts Together
- How to Work Through Front or Back Loops of a Crochet Stitch
Embroidery Stitches on Crochet
If you're looking for an easy way to add visual interest to your crochet work, try working some embroidery stitches onto the crochet.