Looking to master a specific crochet stitch or discover a new one that opens up a world of project possibilities? Our crochet stitches library has everything you need.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, this collection is the perfect reference for every crocheter.
Library of Crochet Stitches
We’ll start by exploring the basic crochet stitches before moving on to the different types. If you're looking for a specific stitch, you can use the handy links below to jump straight to it.
You will find that most patterns will use abbreviations for stitches. It’s important to be aware that there are different names for stitches depending on your geographical location.
We’ll include this important information in this article, but you can also find everything you need to know about abbreviations in our Crochet Abbreviations and UK/US conversion guide.
Basic crochet stitches
| Slipknot | Half treble crochet (htr) | US terms - half double crochet (hdc) |
| Chains (ch) | Treble crochet (tr) | US terms - double crochet (dc) |
| Double crochet (dc) | US terms - single crochet (sc) | Slip stitch (ss) |
| Fasten off |
Technical crochet stitches
Crochet colour techniques
Crochet stitches for texture
Advanced crochet stitches
| Solomon’s knot | Broomstick crochet |
| Crochet knit stitch | Beaded crochet |
| Tunisian crochet | Crochet with sequins |
| hairpin lace |
Basic crochet stitches
Here you’ll find the basic crochet stitches that every crocheter needs to know! As these are the most common stitches you’ll use, we’ve included a brief description of the stitch in bold too.
We use UK terminology for all of our crochet stitches here on Gathered. In the stitch description, we say ‘yarn round hook’, but you may come across this referred to as YO (yarn over) or YRH (yarn round hook).
Slipknot
A slipknot is a basic knot used in crochet to attach your yarn to your hook.
It's the very first thing you'll have to do for every crochet project. A slipknot is the standard way of attaching your yarn to your hook.
- You can find our How to make a slipknot tutorial here.
Chains (ch)
How to - Yarn round hook, pull loop through loop on hook
Chains are the foundation of any crochet project. The first chains of your project are called the 'foundation chain'. Your foundation chains set the width of a piece of crochet.
Here’s what you need to know about Chains
You use chains at the start of each row to set your height. The amount of chains you will make is dependent on the height of the stitches you will use on that row. Chains at the start of a row are called 'turning chains'.
Chains are also used in some designs to create spaces between stitches, most prominently in lace designs and filet crochet.
- Get started with our How to chain stitch and count your stitches tutorial.
Double Crochet (dc) - U.S. Single Crochet (sc)
How to - Insert hook into stitch, yarn round hook, pull loop through stitch, yarn round hook, pull loop through two loops.
Double crochet is a solid stitch and is normally the first stitch that people learn. It creates a neat and even fabric with minimal holes and is used in many different projects – from amigurumi toys to accessories to garments.
In US terminology this stitch is referred to as a single crochet. UK terminology doesn't have a single crochet stitch, so if you see SC written anywhere you know you're working with a US pattern.
- Take a look at our How to make a double crochet stitch tutorial.
Half treble crochet (htr) - U.S. Half double crochet (hdc)
How to - Yarn round hook, insert hook into stitch, yarn round hook, pull loop through stitch, yarn round hook, pull loop through three loops.
Half treble crochet stitches are somewhat of an in-between stitch. They're taller than a double crochet stitch and shorter than a treble crochet stitch! This stitch has the solid uniformity of a double crochet stitch but the flexibility of a treble crochet stitch.
They’re most commonly used in garments and accessories. While they can be a little confusing for beginners, these sweet little stitches have a unique charm.
- Check out our Half treble crochet tutorial.
Treble Crochet (tr) - U.S. Double Crochet (dc)
How to - Yarn round hook, insert hook into stitch, yarn round hook, pull loop through stitch, yarn round hook, pull loop through two loops, yarn round hook, pull loop through two loops.
Treble crochet stitches are longer stitches that aren't as solid as double crochet stitches. They are ideal for items like scarves and garments as they create a more breathable and free-flowing fabric.
In UK terminology this is called a treble crochet stitch, however, in US terms it's called a double crochet stitch. This can often confuse crocheters but with practice, you'll quickly be able to tell the difference.
A giveaway is if you have a turning chain of 3 chains. This means it's almost certainly going to be a UK Treble Crochet Stitch.
- You can find our guide on How to treble crochet here.
Slip Stitch (ss)
How to - Insert hook into stitch, yarn round hook, pull loop through stitch AND loop on hook.
Slip stitches are a bit like a slip knot in stitch form. They are most commonly used for joining rounds of crochet. They can also be used for manoeuvring to a position in your crochet without using full stitches.
Slip stitches can also used as a decorative effect on edgings of projects or as a technique for joining two pieces of crochet together.
- Learn how with our How to make a slip stitch tutorial!
Fasten off
How to - Remove hook from working loop, cut yarn, pull yarn tail through the loop and tighten.
This is a technique that everyone needs to know to finish a project. Fastening off puts a simple knot at the end of your work so it can’t come undone.
Some people prefer to cut the yarn first, and then use their hook to pull the remaining yarn through the loop.
- Find out How to fasten off and neatly weave in your ends with our tutorial.
Know your crochet slang!
What’s a WIP? Are people really eating cakes made out of yarn? And what does a frog have to do with crochet? Find out all the answers to these important questions with our glossary of crochet terms.
Other types of crochet stitches
Once you’ve learnt the basic crochet stitches, most other types of crochet stitches are advancements or combinations of these, or techniques used in combination with basic stitches.
Technical crochet stitches
The following stitch techniques all use variations of the basic crochet stitches in different ways to achieve specific results or shapes.
Magic loop
Sometimes also called 'Magic Ring', 'Magic Circle', 'Drawstring Loop' or 'Adjustable loop'. This is a starting technique often used with Amigurumi or other circular projects. It allows you to create your first round of stitches and then tighten the loop so there is no visible hole in the centre of your round.
Conventionally with crochet in the round you would start with a slipknot. Then make a number of chains and join with a slip stitch to form a ring. This is where you can work your first round of stitches.
A magic loop is a fancy alternative to a slipknot which automatically makes the ring for you. Then you can just start working your first round of stitches straight into your ring.
- Try learning How to make a magic loop with this video tutorial and guide from Gathered!
Crochet increase stitches
Many crochet projects will require you to use crochet increase stitches. Increase stitches are created by working multiple stitches into the same stitch.
You won’t normally see the word increase written in a pattern. Increases will be indicated by an instruction such as ‘2dc in next stitch’.
Commonly increases are made by working two stitches into the same place. The number of stitches can vary as well as the type of stitch, so an increase could also be ‘work 3tr into next stitch’.
Increase stitches generally need to be worked at the end of rows to keep your work flat. They can also be worked in even increments in the round to create semi-sphere shapes.
- Check out our How to make a crochet increase tutorial for more info.
Crochet decrease stitches
Decrease stitches convert two or more stitches into one. Similarly to an increase stitch, it is rare (although not unknown) to see the word decrease in a pattern.
Decrease stitches have their own special way of being described. The most common is dc2tog - standing for double crochet two stitches together into one.
As with increases, the stitch type and number of stitches can vary in decreases. You could potentially see a decrease of ‘tr3tog’ - meaning treble crochet three stitches together into one.
- Take a look at our How to make a crochet decrease tutorial.
Invisible decrease stitch (inv dec)
If you want your stitches to look super-neat (especially with amigurumi) use the invisible decrease stitch.
It’s a clever little stitch that is worked into specific loops of your stitches. It produces a single stitch that looks like a regular double crochet stitch.
- Find out How to crochet the invisible decrease stitch with Gathered.
Front loop stitches and back loop stitches (FL or BL/FLO or BLO)
Most crochet stitches are worked into both loops at the top of a stitch. However, working into the front or back loop individually creates interesting effects. The front loop is closest to you, and the back loop is furthest away.
This technique can create textured effects, add horizontal angles, or leave unworked loops for additional rows later.
- Learn all about How to crochet in the front and back loops.
Double treble crochet and taller stitches
Once you know the basic crochet stitches, you already have the techniques needed to create a range of stitches – whether you realise it or not! Half trebles and trebles are just the beginning; you can make taller stitches in a very similar way.
It’s all about how many times you wrap the yarn round hook, which also dictates how many loops you need to pull through.
For example, a double treble crochet stitch requires you to wrap your yarn around your hook twice before inserting your hook into the stitch. This adds more loops onto your hook, meaning you’ll have one extra step of ‘yarn round hook, pull through two loops’ at the end compared to your conventional treble crochet stitch.
But that’s just one extra stitch, you can go on from there to create triple trebles, double triple trebles and even taller stitches!
- Find out everything you need to know in our How to double treble crochet stitch and beyond tutorial.
Extended and half crochet stitches
You can subtly adjust stitch height with extended and half stitches, not just making taller stitches.
Extended stitches are rare but help create smoother shaping. They add an extra step in the stitch process: before "yarn round hook, pull through 2 loops," you first pull through one, adding a chain to the stitch.
Half stitches create in-between sizes, like half trebles. If you know half trebles, you’re already familiar with the technique.
Taller stitches can be tricky, but half trebles follow a simple rule—the last step is always "yarn round hook, pull through remaining 3 loops."
- Go pro and learn all about Extended and half crochet stitches.
Filet crochet
Filet crochet is a really fun and enjoyable crochet technique that is surprisingly simple, but has so many capabilities. It’s made up of two basic stitches - chains and treble crochet stitches. It’s the way that they’re arranged that makes this a really special type of crochet stitch.
It produces a lace mesh fabric that is perfect for creating a range of geometric designs. You create filled-in ‘blocks’ using treble crochet stitches (normally 3 or 4). Negative spaces are achieved by making chains of the same amount of your treble blocks.
By alternating your filled-in and negative blocks, you can create grid-like patterns, great for lettering or pixel-inspired designs.
- Try learning How to filet crochet today!
Crab stitch (reverse crochet)
This one is a stitch for those who like to get technical. It can be quite tricky for a lot of crocheters to get their head around.
Crab stitch or reverse double crochet (reverse single crochet to our friends in the US) is a way of going back along a row without turning your work. Just like it sounds, it’s doing a double crochet in reverse!
It’s not a widely used stitch. It's often used as a decorative edging stitch or for use in very specific scenarios.
For example, if a project starts in the round but switches to rows, the fabric will look different since rows alternate between right and wrong sides. Using crab stitch, however, keeps the right side facing throughout.
It takes a little while to master but is a really useful stitch to have in your repertoire.
- Give it a go with our How to crochet crab stitch tutorial.
Crochet stitch techniques for colour
Next, we’ll look at crochet stitches that are used to create colourful designs.
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you’ll likely know how to join yarn and change colours for simple stripes. But there are even more exciting ways to create unique, colourful crochet designs!
How to do colourwork crochet
Knowing how to change colour in crochet is just the beginning. Once you’re ready to move beyond basic stripes there are lots of options to choose from.
Different techniques are used depending on your desired effect or fabric:
Fair Isle crochet leaves the unused yarn colour ‘floating’ at the back on the wrong side of your fabric.
Tapestry crochet locks and hides the unused colour underneath stitches so the design can be viewed from both sides.
Intarsia crochet uses multiple colours or creates blocks of shading and you wind off a separate ball of yarn for each colour section
- Learn all about the different techniques in our How to do crochet colourwork guide.
How to do Mosaic crochet
Mosaic crochet is a colourwork technique that has become popular in recent years. It’s a way of creating two-tone colourwork designs that are precise and geometrical.
Mosaic crochet uses one colour per row, with specific stitches creating the design instead of changing colours mid-row.
There are two main methods – overlay and inset – but both follow the same principle. One colour is worked per row, and longer stitches in the next row cover parts of the previous colour to create the pattern.
That’s a very simplified explanation, but the best way to understand it is to give it a try!
- Check out our full How to do Mosaic crochet tutorial and videos.
How to do corner to corner crochet (C2C)
Another popular colourwork technique is corner-to-corner crochet, also known as C2C. It’s great for creating colour-block grid designs but also has its own unique way of being constructed.
Each individual block of colour is made up of a turning chain and three trebles. However, rather than conventionally working row after row horizontally, the blocks are created in diagonal rows, literally going from corner to corner.
This not only makes it an enthralling project but also takes some of the hassle out of colourwork, as you only need to keep track of each block of colour rather than counting specific stitches.
Why not try making a small project today? We think you’ll love it!
- Learn How to do corner 2 corner crochet with our full guide.
What is a crochet chart
There are a few different types of crochet charts and if you’re following a pattern that involves colourwork it will likely come one that tells you where to change colours. Find out more in our guide on how to read crochet charts.
Crochet stitches for texture
Sometimes you just want to feel that cosy crochet, which is why we love adding fabulous textured stitches into our hooky fabrics!
Crochet post stitches
Post stitches are used to create raised textures on your crochet fabric using the basic stitches. It’s the key technique behind crochet cables and basket weave stitches. It's also used for making ribbing sections for garments or accessories.
Rather than inserting your hook into the top of a stitch, post stitches go around the stitch’s post, or ‘leg’. This technique is mostly used with taller stitches like trebles, as their height creates gaps for easy hook placement.
How you insert your hook around the post affects which side the stitch is raised on. With the right side facing, you’ll get a front post stitch; from the wrong side, it becomes a back post stitch.
This can get a bit confusing when you turn your work, but when you start following a pattern it will normally become clear. For example, many ribbing sections are simply made by alternatively working front post and back post crochet stitches one after the other.
- Want to know more? Check out our complete guide on How to crochet post stitches.
How to crochet basketweave stitch
Once you’ve learnt how to make post stitches, take them for a test run with the basketweave stitch. It’s a brilliant stitch for creating a woven chequered effect. It has a nice textural feel and can be used to add a bit of extra interest to a plain crochet fabric.
It’s a repeat of an even number of front post stitches, followed by an even number of back post stitches. This is repeated for several rows, before being switched the other way around (back post stitches followed by front post stitches).
It can be a little confusing because the nature of turning the work means a front post stitch on the right side becomes a back post stitch on the wrong side. But once you’ve done a couple of rows, there’ll be a moment when it all clicks!
- Give it a go and learn How to crochet basket weave stitch.
How to crochet puff stitch
Puff stitches are fantastic for adding a bit of texture to your crochet fabric. They also have the bonus that they feel lovely and plump from either side of your work.
There are several incomplete crochet stitches, usually trebles, that are all brought together into one at the end of the puff stitch.
- Find out How to crochet puff stitch with Gathered.
How to crochet bobble stitch
If you’re after a textured stitch that is more pronounced, then bobbles are the stitch for you! They’re made in a similar way to puff stitches. You create several incomplete treble crochet stitches before bringing them all together into one.
Bobbles are normally made up of more stitches than puff stitches (often five or more stitches). They're more protruded meaning they’re best used on a fabric that has a distinctive right side.
They work particularly well on double crochet fabrics. This is because the double crochet stitches are shorter they help to give the bobble a squished and more solid appearance.
- Learn How to crochet bobble stitch today.
How to crochet popcorn stitch
Fancy going big and bold with your textured stitches? The popcorn stitch is the one for you, as it's big, chunky and stands out. It's a very protruded stitch that is usually made up of multiple trebles. However, it has a distinct difference from bobble and puff stitches.
To create a popcorn stitch:
- Complete the number of treble stitches that are required for your popcorn.
- Remove your hook from your working loop, and reinsert it into the first of your popcorn treble stitches.
- Pull the working loop through the first stitch. This essentially curls your popcorn trebles in on themselves creating a nice chunky roll of stitches.
- Give it a go with our How to crochet popcorn stitch tutorial.
How to crochet crocodile stitch
When it comes to adding some special texture to your crochet projects, you can’t get much more special than the amazing crocodile stitch!
It’s a perfect example of the many types of stitches that are created out of a combination of basic crochet stitches. It creates a unique layered fabric quite unlike any other stitch.
It’s one for confident crocheters as it’s quite tricky and takes a while to master. However, if you fancy a bit of a challenge it’s a lot of fun to try!
- Try our step-by-step How to crochet crocodile stitch tutorial.
Advanced crochet stitches
We’ve now covered the most common crochet stitches and techniques that you will likely come across on your crochet journey. Any pattern that requires stitches that we haven’t listed will almost certainly give you instructions within the notes section.
However, there are a few more specialist stitches we think you might enjoy too!
How to crochet Solomon’s knot
There are a wide variety of stitches that are used to create crochet lace. The vast majority of them are combinations of chains and basic stitches to create intricate open patterns.
Solomon's knot is a stitch that creates an open airy mesh-style fabric. It's great for showcasing hand-dyed or variegated yarns. It looks very complicated but is remarkably simple once you know how.
It’s all about extending your working loop by pulling it up to a specific length and then locking it in place with a stitch that is very similar to a double crochet stitch.
- Find out How to crochet solomons knot.
How to crochet knit stitch (crochet that looks like knitting)
Love to crochet but never learnt to knit? Don’t worry, you don’t have to start from scratch, as there is a crochet stitch that mimics knitted fabrics!
The knit stitch, which is sometimes also called the waistcoat stitch, creates a fabric that looks incredibly similar to the interlocking V fabric that is produced by knitting. Only an expert could spot the difference!
There are a few different variants of the knit stitch, some with specific limitations, but it’s a great stitch for adding a whole new dimension to your crochet fabrics.
- Forget those knitting needles and try our How to crochet knit stitch tutorial.
How to do Tunisian crochet
Another way to create knit-like fabrics is to try Tunisian crochet. It’s a whole other level in crochet and has a plethora of unique stitches and techniques all of its own.
The main difference is that it requires a slightly different hook, although you can learn stitches and make very small projects with a regular hook.
A Tunisian hook is much longer than a traditional crochet hook and more like the length of a knitting needle. This is because, like knitting, in Tunisian crochet, all of your stitch loops stay on your hook until the end of the row. Then you remove them back off your hook as you return to the next row.
The result is a closed and neat fabric, with the basic stitch having an almost geometric block-style stitch effect. In our opinion every crocheter should try Tunisian crochet at least once, so why not give it a go today?
- Learn all about How to do Tunisian crochet.
How to crochet hairpin lace
Traditional lace weaving has become an incredibly specialist art form. If you’ve ever seen how those intricate lace fabrics of the olden days were made you’d swear it’s witchcraft! But you don’t have to be an expert or have a stash of secret knowledge to make your own intricate lace - crochet is perfect for it!
One way of making lace with crochet is the hairpin lace technique. This does require a specialist tool but they’re very affordable or could easily be made yourself.
You crochet a series of loops over two prongs, before removing from the prongs and then crocheting the loops together to make a lace panel.
The result is a panel with solid stitches down the middle and mirrored lace loops on either side. It's great for using as bracelets or adding on to the edges of other crochet makes!
- Find out more in our How to crochet hairpin lace tutorial.
How to do broomstick crochet
Another technique for creating stunning lace designs is broomstick crochet. It’s a method that requires an additional tool, in this case, something that is roughly the same thickness as a broomstick handle (a big knitting needle or wooden ruler will do the job just fine).
Your ‘broomstick’ tool is used so that you can pull up lengths of yarn to the same height and hold them on the tool. You’ll then make a row of stitches on top of these loops to lock them in place, with various techniques and patterns to arrange these loops in decorative styles.
It’s a technique for the more advanced crocheter, but one that’s definitely worth exploring… Although it’s probably best not to attempt your first try on a full-size broomstick handle!
- Take a look at our How to do broomstick crochet tutorial.
How to do beaded crochet
Want to add a little extra fun to a plain piece of crochet? Adding beads to your crochet fabrics is surprisingly easy and makes a brilliant addition to accessories such as bags or even garments.
It’s all about the preparation with beaded crochet, as you need to thread your beads onto your yarn beforehand (so it’s always better to add more than you think you need, just to be safe). Then you can just go ahead and crochet, pushing a bead up to be worked in with your stitch at very specific points.
- Give it a try today with our How to do beaded crochet tutorial.
How to crochet with sequins
If you like the idea of crocheting with beads but want something with a bit more sparkle, you can also crochet with sequins!
It’s very similar to beaded crochet, where you thread your sequins onto your yarn before starting your crochet. Then all you have to do is decide how often to work them into your stitches, but if you ask us, the more sequins the better!
- Check out our How to crochet with sequins tutorial and add some sparkle!
Common crochet questions
We’ve all got to start somewhere and sometimes things just don’t feel quite right when learning new stitches. If you’re struggling to get your crochet looking perfect, check out our list of crochet troubleshooting tips.
Are there more types of crochet stitches?
In this library of crochet stitches, we’ve covered the most common stitches that you’re likely to come across. However, there are many more stitches and stitch combinations out there, with plenty of variations and even a variety of names!
By far the most important thing you can do when starting a crochet pattern is to read the notes section carefully. A pattern that uses anything other than the basic stitches should give you instructions on how to do these.
Read your crochet patterns thoroughly
Even if you’re a stitch expert and have learnt every stitch in our library, it’s still vitally important to read a crochet pattern properly before starting. Check out our guide on how to read a crochet pattern and prepare to get hooking with Gathered.
