These are top crochet stitches that are popular in projects. Read on to learn how to master each:
Moss stitch (granite stitch)Single mesh stitchThick and thin front loop single stitchPuff stitchBasic V stitchV stitch in brick repeatBasic shell stitchTreble shell stitchLacy treble shell stitchStagger spike stitch
Work through these ten popular stitch patterns, with some simple instructions and a few in-depth photo tutorials. For each one, you should know common crochet abbreviations (listed in US crochet terms). Then choose a few projects to get started! You’ll be that much more experienced and ready to take on a more ambitious project. Updated by Mollie Johanson
How to Crochet the Moss Stitch
Crochet a foundation chain with an odd number of chains. Row 1: Place a marker in the first ch from your hook. sc in 3rd ch from hook. [ch 1, skip next ch, sc in next ch.] Rep across entire row. ch 1, turn. Row 2: [sc in the next ch-1 sp, ch 1.] Rep the sequence in brackets across the rest of the row. At the end of the row, work a sc st into the st where you placed the marker; you can remove the marker before working the stitch. ch 1, turn. Rows 3 and beyond: Work all remaining rows the same as row 2, except at the end of the row work your last sc st into the turning chain of the previous row. Rep this row until your piece is the length you want it to be. Once you get the hang of this stitch, there’s no need to keep placing the marker; that’s simply an easy way of seeing which stitch to work into.
Crochet Some Easy Projects Using the Moss Stitch
Not sure what to make using this stitch? Try these to get started!
Beginner’s Moss Stitch Baby Blanket: This fast easy baby blanket is suitable for beginners, but it is a wonderful project for anyone of any skill level to crochet. Simple Crochet Accessories: The set includes a beanie, scarf, headband, and pair of fingerless gloves.
How to Work the Single Crochet Mesh Stitch
Crochet a foundation chain with an odd number of chains. Row 1: sc in 3rd ch from hook. [ch 1, skip next ch, sc in next ch.] Rep sequence in brackets all the way across the row. ch 1, turn. Row 2: sc in 1st sc, skip 1st ch, [sc in next sc, ch 1, skip next ch.] Rep sequence in brackets all the way across the row. End the row with a sc in the last st. ch 1, turn. Tip: To achieve straighter edges, crochet the last stitch into the turning chain instead of crocheting it into the last sc st. You can do it either way, but whichever way you choose, be sure to be consistent. Rep row 2 until the piece is the size you want it to be.
Make a Project Using the Single Crochet Mesh Stitch
Easy Single Crochet Mesh Dishcloth: This dishcloth could also be used as a washcloth if you prefer. Whether you want to wash your dishes, your face or any other surface, this cloth combines the benefits of a slightly abrasive crochet stitch with the softness of a gorgeous cotton yarn.
Thick and thin front loop single crochet Stitch is easy, but it’s best to master the single crochet stitch to the point of not having any problems with maintaining an even tension.
How to Crochet Thick and Thin Front Loop Single Crochet Stitch
Start with one yarn and one crochet thread that are drastically different sizes. The sample above was made with bulky and DK weight yarn in the same color. Using the heavier yarn, crochet a foundation chain. Row 1: Work the entire row in single crochet stitch. Row 2: Work the entire row in front loop single crochet stitch, which is exactly the same as single crochet except that you work through the front loops only. Before you complete the last step of the last stitch in the row, change to the finer weight thread. Rows 3-4: Use the thread to work 2 more rows of front loop single crochet stitch. Before you complete the last step of the last stitch, change to the heavier yarn. Continue alternating between two rows in heavy yarn, then two rows of the finer weight yarn until the piece is the desired length.
Tips
Do not change crochet hooks when you switch yarns. Use the same crochet hook throughout, choosing a hook that’s a comfortable size for crocheting with the heavier yarn. Use a loose, easy tension throughout the piece. Try not to tighten up when you work your stitches in the finer thread; you don’t want the stitches to pull in distorting the piece.
Crochet a Project in a Similar Stitch Pattern
The easy thick and thin scarf uses the same basic idea as this stitch pattern, but it’s worked with standard single crochet rather than front loop single crochet. As with most crochet stitches, you can find lots of variations on this. Try this 7-loop version to get started.
How to Make a Puff Stitch
A puff stitch is similar to a half double crochet, but with additional yarn overs and loops pulled through before completing the stitch. Wrap the yarn over your hook and insert it into the next stitch. Hook the yarn and pull it through. Instead of completing the half double crochet, wrap the yarn over the hook again. Insert the hook into the same stitch as before, then hook the yarn and pull it through. Repeat the same steps once more. You should have 7 loops on your hook. To close the stitch, wrap the yarn over your hook, grab it and carefully pull it through all the loops on your hook.
Instructions for Crocheting the Puff Stitch
Crochet a foundation chain with a multiple of 2 + 4 sts. Row 1: puff st in 4th ch from hook. ch 1, skip next st. [puff st, ch 1, skip next st] Rep the sequence in brackets across the row, ending with a puff st. ch 3, turn. Row 2: [puff st in ch-1 sp, ch 1] Rep the sequence in brackets across the row, ending with a puff st in the turning chain. ch 3, turn. Repeat row 2 until the piece reaches the desired size.
How to Crochet the V Stitch
Learn how to work the basic v stitch with an in-depth photo tutorial. Once you master the basic version, try even more varieties!
How to Crochet the V Stitch in Brick Repeat
Work the brick repeat v stitch following our full photo tutorial. Want to crochet a project using this stitch? The fancy fur scarf is one possibility and you can dream up others too!
How to Work the Shell Stitch
Work this basic shell stitch in a single color or in rows of different colors. Follow our in-depth photo instructions.
Ways to Use Shell Stitch
The shell stitch is a nice stitch for using with many different types of projects, but it’s especially nice for edgings and afghans.
How to Work the Treble Shell Stitch
Crochet a foundation chain with a multiple of 8 + 3 sts. Row 1: Work a hdc st in the third ch from your hook. [Skip 3 ch sts. Work 7 tr in next ch. Skip next 3 ch sts. hdc in next ch st.] Rep the sequence in brackets all the way across the row. Row 2: ch 4, turn. Your turning chain counts as the first tr in the row. Work 3 more tr into the same st to create a half-shell. [Work a hdc in the center of the next shell, then work 7 tr into the next hdc st.] Rep the sequence in brackets all the way across the row. At the end of the row, work a hdc st into the center of the last shell, then work 4 tr into the last hdc. Row 3: ch 2, turn. hdc in first st. [Work 7 tr in next hdc st, work a hdc st in the center of the next shell.] Rep the sequence in brackets all the way across the row. End the row by working 7 tr into the next hdc st, then working a hdc st into the turning chain. Rep rows 2 and 3 for the pattern repeat. To crochet the lacy treble shell stitch, you combine treble crochets with chains to form the shells. Want to make it lacier? Use a finer weight yarn with a larger hook!
How to Crochet the Lacy Treble Shell Stitch
Crochet a foundation chain with a multiple of 8 + 3 stitches. Special Stitch—The Lacy Shell: Work the following sequence into the same chain stitch or half double crochet stitch, as directed by the instructions below: tr, ch 1, tr, ch 1, tr, ch 1, tr Row 1: Work a hdc st in the third ch from your hook. [Skip 3 ch sts. In the next ch, work a lacy shell. Skip next 3 ch sts. hdc in next ch st.] Rep the sequence in brackets all the way across the row. Row 2: ch 4, turn. Your turning chain counts as the first tr in the row. Work another tr into the same st, ch 1, then work another tr into the same st. [Work a hdc in the center of the next lacy shell, then work a lacy shell into the next hdc st.] Rep the sequence in brackets all the way across the row. At the end of the row, work a hdc st into the center of the last shell, then work a tr into the last hdc, ch 1, then work 2 more tr into the same st. Row 3: ch 2, turn. hdc in first st. [Work a lacy shell in next hdc st, work a hdc st in the center of the next lacy shell.] Rep the sequence in brackets all the way across the row. End the row by working a lacy shell into the next hdc st, then working a hdc st into the turning chain. Rep rows 2 and 3 for the pattern repeat.
Make a Project with the Lacy Treble Shell Stitch
Try out this stitch by making a Lacy Treble Shell Scarf. Choose a few favorite colors or work the scarf in all one color for a faster finish!
How to Work the Staggered Spike Stitch in Stripes
Spike Stitch: To form a spike stitch, work a single crochet stitch into the row below where you typically work it. Chain 1 at the end of each row for a turning chain. Crochet a foundation chain using color A and a multiple of 4 stitches. Rows 1-2: Single crochet across entire row. At the end of the second row, change to color B. Row 3: [1 sc in ea of the next 3 sc sts. Work 1 spike stitch in the next sc.] Rep the sequence in brackets all the way across the row. When you get to the end of the row, work 1 sc in ea of the last 3 sts. At the end of the row, change to color A. Rows 4-5: Single crochet. At the end of row 5, change to color B. Row 6: sc in 1st st. [Spike stitch in next st, then work 1 sc in ea of the next 3 sts.] Rep sequence in brackets all the way across the row. sc in the last st in the row. At the end of the row, change to color A. Rep rows 1-6 until the piece is the length you want it to be.
