Crocheted crab stitch makes an excellent edging for knitted and crocheted items. The stitch looks like twisted cording, so you might think it takes advanced skills to work. But, it’s as easy as working single crochet stitches in reverse. If you’re right-handed, crab stitch goes from left to right, instead of right to left as with standard crochet. For left-handers, the crab stitch goes from right to left.
Because crab stitch edging starts with a foundation row or a round of single crochet, you can add the stitch to almost any knitted or crocheted item. Crab stitch pops when you use a color that contracts with your project. But for a subtler look, use the same color and simply show off the change in texture.
What You’ll Need
Equipment / Tools
- Crochet hook
Materials
- Yarn
Instructions
Step 1:
Work the Foundation Row
Begin the crab stitch edging with a foundation row or round of single crochet stitch. Use a crochet hook that is suited for the yarn you’re using. If you’re adding to a crochet project, you can use the same hook size you’ve been working with.
Step 2:
Start the First Crab Stitch
Chain 1. Without turning your work, insert the hook from front to back in the first single crochet stitch. This might feel awkward at first, but with time, it will become more natural.
Step 3:
Yarn Over and Draw up a Loop
Yarn over your hook and draw up a loop. You should have two loops on the hook.
Tip
The process is the same as making a standard single crochet stitch, but as you draw up the loop, it helps to turn the hook in a scooping motion. This prevents you from accidentally catching an extra loop.
Step 4:
Complete the First Crab Stitch
Yarn over and draw it through both loops. You should have one loop on the hook. That completes the first crab stitch. As you add more, the corded appearance starts to show.
Step 5:
Adding the Next Crab Stitch
Insert the hook into the next stitch, yarn over, and draw up a loop. For this and each additional crab stitch, gently pull the working yarn to tighten the previous stitch. This helps keep the tension of the edging even and smooth.
Step 6:
Continue Adding Crab Stitch Edging
Work one crab stitch in each single crochet stitch until you reach the end. End off the yarn and weave in the ends.
Using Crab Stitch
The next time you’re looking for simple crochet edging for a blanket or hem, work in reverse and add crab stitch to your project!
- For a modern look, add crab stitch to two opposite ends of a blanket, such as a simple moss stitch baby blanket. Keep in mind that this stitch looks different on the front and back.
- Work a repeating single crochet edging to an afghan, then finish it with a round of crab stitch.
- Add this edging to various types of fabric projects by starting with blanket stitch edging, and then working the single crochet stitches onto the blanket stitches.
