Here is a tutorial for a crochet tecnique that is perfect for hats, bags, scarves and home decor accessories. This tutorial includes instructions for crocheting a sample using The Crab Stitch for the edging.
The Crab Stitch, also knows as Reverse Single Crochet is a beautiful edge stitch that adds a unique finish to your crochet hats, bags, purses and other projects. This stitch with its slightly twisted and cord-like edge creates a subdued or understated finish for your project.
What is The Crab Stitch? The crab stitch or reverse single crochet is a decorative crochet stitch worked in the oppposite directon of regular single crochet. The stitch is essentially worked in the reverse; hence it is also called Reverse Single Crochet (rsc). Instead of crocheting from right to left (for right-handed stitchers), you crochet from left to right to give the edge a rounded and slightly twisted appearance.
The stitch is primarily used for finishing edges, rather than used in the middle of a project, providing a neat and decorative border for hats, bags, scarves, home decor and more.
However, it can also be used in surface crochet, where you are crocheting on a finished project. This design uses the Crab Stitch for surface crocheting to create a unique band on which to place the embellishments.
As we know, every cloche needs a band, and ever cloche needs embellishment. A band and embellishments seem to define this stylish headwear and identify it as a vintage accessory. Every fashionista needs a cloche or two in their hat wardrobe!
The Crab Stitch
To crochet the sample below, you can use any yarn or hook. I used Anti-Pilling Everyday Worsted from Premier Yarns and a U.S. size I hook.
Instructions
Row 1: Chain 21, sc in second chain from hook and in each chain across = 2o sts. Ch 1, turn.
Row 2: Sc in each st across = 20 sts. Ch 1, turn.
Rows 3-5: Repeat row 2.
Row 6: Sc in each st across = 20 sts. Ch 1, do not turn.
Crab Stitch Edge: Step 1: Sk first st and insert the hook from front to back in the next st to the right.
Note: The right side is facing you.
Step 2: Yo and draw the yarn through the stitch.
Note: This is similar to working a regular single crochet stitch, only working backwards.
Step 3: Yo and draw the yarn through the 2 lps on the hook.
Note: One reverse single crochet (rsc) has been completed.
Step 4: Ch 1 and sk next st.
Repeat steps 1 through 4 across, ending with sc in last st.
ABBREVIATION
ch or chs – chain or chains
lp or lps – loop or loops
rsc – reverse single crochet
sc – single crochet
sk – skip
st or sts – stitch or stitches
yo – yarn over
My Pattern Collections
Please go to My Pattern Collections pull-down on the Main Menu. There are pull-down menus for Patterns for Hats, Patterns for Bags and Purses as well as patterns for crochet wearables and home decor. Since The Crab Stitch is one of my favorite finishing techniques many of my designs uses this versatile edging, particularly on hats, purses and handbags. I hope I have inspired you to pick up yarn and hook and give this edging a try!
Please note that you can view my pattern collections and purchase the pattern PDFs at my Nancy Brown-Designer Pattern Store, just click on the link. I hope it will tempt you fill up your shopping cart.
I also hope you have enjoyed this tutorial and have been inspired to find a project the The Crab Stitch. This edging makes a simple and versatile border for many crochet projects.
Best crochet wishes,
Nancy