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Crochet › Edges and shaping

Crab stitch edge (reverse single crochet)

A twisted, beaded cord along an edge, made by working sc backwards along the last row. Without turning, the hook works sc into the stitches to the right of the hook (for right-handers), so each stitch twists over the one before.

What you work it with

Crochet · Tools: A hook one size smaller for a firm edge; a yarn that matches or contrasts with the piece.

Symbol chart

One or two repeats of the stitch pattern, in standard crochet symbols.
123Chain (ch)Single crochet (sc)Read from the bottom: each row starts at its number, with its turning chain.

Steps

  1. Work a row of sc along the edge.
  2. Do not turn; ch
  3. Insert the hook into the stitch to the right, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through both loops.
  4. Repeat along the edge, working back the way you came.
  5. Fasten off and weave in.

The full card

What it looks like
A twisted, beaded cord along an edge, made by working sc backwards along the last row.
How it behaves
Firm and non-curling; makes a sturdy rounded edge with little stretch.
How it works
Without turning, the hook works sc into the stitches to the right of the hook (for right-handers), so each stitch twists over the one before.
Tools
A hook one size smaller for a firm edge; a yarn that matches or contrasts with the piece.
Parameters
One crab stitch in each stitch of the edge row; on a knitted edge, one in each stitch or row.
Steps
1) Work a row of sc along the edge. 2) Do not turn; ch 1. 3) Insert the hook into the stitch to the right, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through both loops. 4) Repeat along the edge, working back the way you came. 5) Fasten off and weave in.
Charting
The top row is the crab-stitch row: read it from the left, the opposite way to normal, with no turn before it. The lower rows are plain sc.
Limits and common problems
The stitches tangle or show a V if worked too fast: twist the hook back before pulling the loop through. It is tight; a larger hook or twisted sc is an easier option.
Combines with
Single crochet, Granny square, Filet crochet
Pieces and assembly
Edges of blankets, cardigans and bags, and the edge of knitted pieces.

Written in our own words from machine manuals, knitting references and swatching. Knit a test swatch before a whole piece.

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