How To Crab Stitch | Video Tutorial

The Crab Stitch or “Reverse Single Crochet” is a really fun stitch that I prefer to use for a very finished border on certain projects. Personally, I love this stitch for borders on small items like coasters and placemats. I feel like it really “anchors” the piece. My free Sand Dollar Coasters pattern features it, and it adds great texture, don’t you think?

The reverse single crochet is abbreviated in US terms as “rsc” most often, though you will sometimes see it as “rev sc.”

In UK terms, this stitch is called a “reverse double crochet,” and you will similarly find it abbreviated “rdc” or “rev dc.”

When you see this in a pattern, don’t panic! It may seem awkward at first, but the stitch itself is a simple concept and I know you can do it with a little practice!

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Crab Stitch Video Tutorial

This tutorial features Lion Brand 24/7 cotton yarn and is done with a G (4.00 mm) Furls Odyssey hook. The pattern shown is the free pattern, Sand Dollar Coasters.

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Crab Stitch: Step By Step

1. Rotate your hook under the loop on the hook so that the hook is on the right side (behind) the loop on the hook. Insert your hook from front to back through the previous stitch.
2. Yarn over the hook and pull a loop through the stitch.
3. Be sure to keep this new loop in front of the one already on the hook. It sometimes gets squirrely and wants to jump over it.
4. Yarn over and pull through both loops on the hook. I like to pull it a little tighter here, but it’s up to you and your tension.

Now Show Off Your Skills!

I’d love to see you crab stitches! Take a picture and upload it to Instagram with the hashtag #hookedbykati or tag me directly with @hookedbykati. Your beautiful stitch work could be featured in our weekly newsletter!

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Want to save this tutorial for later?

Have more questions? I’m always here to help!

Yarn on,

Kati