Reverse Single Crochet Stitch (Crab Stitch)

About Crab Stitch

• The reverse single crochet stitch is not hard to learn, but it can be a little tricky at first because you are working the stitch in the opposite direction to normal single crochet.
• Work slowly when learning this stitch until you get the hang of it because does feel awkward at first.
• Try and keep an even tension on your stitches, because this will ensure that they look even and the edge will look neat.
• You will find a free printable below with the instructions for making reverse single crochet stitches.

Where to Use Crab Stitch

The crab stitch is particularly suitable for adding a simple finished edge or border to projects like:

• Blankets - Whether it's a baby blanket or a larger afghan, the crab stitch can provide a neat and attractive border.
• Hats - Adding a crab stitch border to the brim or edge of a crocheted hat can give it a polished and finished look.
• Scarves   You can use the crab stitch to create a clean and textured edge for crocheted scarves.
• Mittens and Gloves - It can be used to finish off the cuffs or edges of crocheted mittens or gloves.
• Coasters - If you're making crocheted coasters, the crab stitch can be used to give them a tidy edge.
• Place Mats - Similar to coasters, crocheted place mats can benefit from the crab stitch for a neat finishing touch.
• Potholders - When making crocheted potholders, the crab stitch can be used to reinforce the edges and add a decorative border.
• Table Runners - Crocheted table runners can be enhanced with the crab stitch along their edges.
• Bags, Purses, Baskets - Adding a crab stitch border to the top edge or handles of crocheted bags purses, and baskets can provide both structure and style.
• Shawls and Wraps -  For shawls or wraps, the crab stitch can be used to create an elegant edge that complements the overall design.

Pattern Notes

How To Reverse Single Crochet (RSC)

A reverse single crochet stitch is started at the end of a row without turning the crochet from the last round made and is worked backward by making stitches to the right of the crochet hook and back along the previous row made.

Step One

Before making the first reverse single crochet in a new row, start the row with chain 1, or make a loose starting loop (the loop on the hook) by gently pulling the yarn through the last stitch and then proceed as follows:

To make the first stitch insert the hook into the next stitch to the right of the hook.

Then turn the hook at the back of the work to grab the yarn and pull the yarn back through the stitch, but don't draw it through the loop on the hook.

Step Two

You will have two loops on the hook. Yarn over the hook again and draw it through both loops on the hook.

Step Three

You have just made one crab stitch. To make the next crab stitch repeat the steps above.

In summary treat the reverse single crochet stitch in the same way as a regular single crochet stitch, except you are working into the stitches on the right side of the hook and not the left.

How Do You Finish A Crab Stitch Border?

To finish a crab stitch border that is worked on a flat piece, just cut the yarn pull it through the stitch, and fasten off like you would any other stitch.

If you reverse single crochet in the round when you have made your last stitch, slip stitch back into the first stitch, then cut the yarn pull it through the stitch, and fasten off.

Is reverse single crochet the same as left-handed single crochet?
Crab stitch is not the same as left-handed single crochet, but they may be used similarly, depending on your dominant hand and crochet preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Free Crochet Patterns

• Round double crochet coaster pattern and basket
• Single crochet baby blanket
• Granny stitch crochet star
• Small crochet drawstring pouch 

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Printable Instructions

Crab Stitch Crochet Instructions

The reverse single crochet stitch is also known as crab stitch, it is a simple decorative stitch you can use to finish your crochet projects.

Print Pin Rate

Skill Level : Easy

Author :Harriet

What You Will Need

Yarn

• Any yarn

Hook

• Hook size suited to the yarn you are using.

Pattern Notes

Instructions

• A reverse single crochet stitch is started at the end of a row without turning the crochet from the last round made and is worked backward by making stitches to the right of the crochet hook and back along the previous row made.
• Step 1 - Before making the first reverse single crochet in a new row, start the row with chain 1, or make a loose starting loop (the loop on the hook) by gently pulling the yarn through the last stitch and then proceed as follows:

  To make the first stitch insert the hook into the next stitch to the right of the hook.

  Then turn the hook at the back of the work to grab the yarn and pull the yarn back through the stitch, but don't draw it through the loop on the hook.
• Step 2 - You will have two loops on the hook. Yarn over the hook again and draw it through both loops on the hook.
• Step 3 - You have just made one crab stitch. To make the next crab stitch repeat the steps above.
• In summary treat the reverse single crochet stitch in the same way as a regular single crochet stitch, except you are working into the stitches on the right side of the hook and not the left.
• How do you finish a crab stitch border?

  To finish a crab stitch border that is worked on a flat piece, just cut the yarn pull it through the stitch, and fasten off like you would any other stitch.

  If you reverse single crochet in the round when you have made your last stitch, slip stitch back into the first stitch, then cut the yarn pull it through the stitch, and fasten off.

  Is reverse single crochet the same as left-handed single crochet?

  Crab stitch is not the same as left-handed single crochet, but they may be used similarly, depending on your dominant hand and crochet preferences.