How to Do the Crab Stitch – Reverse Single Crochet Tutorial
Hey, crocheters! Are you looking for a simple yet striking border to add to your crochet projects? The crab stitch (AKA reverse single crochet) is a simple twist on the standard single crochet stitch that creates a sort of rolled edge. It’s the perfect finishing touch on crochet baby blankets, washcloths, or accessories.
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What is Crab Stitch in Crochet?
Something interesting about this stitch is it that’s basically just a single crochet stitch, but you’re working it in reverse. In other words, you’ll work in the opposite direction from what you usually crochet.
If you’re right-handed, you usually work your stitches from right to left. But when you do the crab stitch, you’ll work from left to right, sort of like you’re reading. It’s just a backwards single crochet stitch.
Can’t work this border right now? Pin it for later!
Want to Practice the Crab Stitch?
Here are some more great crochet patterns that use the crab stitch (reverse single crochet).
Looking for more border tutorials?
Take a look at these ones on my website:
- Bobble Border
- Envelope/Double Border in Single Crochet (perfect for overlay mosaic projects)
- Envelope Border using HDC
- Picot Border
Choosing the right yarn & hook
This yarn I used for this tutorial is Wander Acrylic yarn from Furls Crochet. This soft and shiny acrylic yarn comes in more than 20 fun colors, so you’ll surely find one to create the perfect border for your project.
Your crab stitch border is an important design element. The colors you choose can totally change the look and feel of the project! Use the same colorway as the project for an understated look. Or choose a contrasting color to add visual interest and make the other color(s) in the project pop.
I crocheted up my border using a size H/5.00 mm hook. I love the Streamline Laurel Wooden hook from Furls Crochet.
What project will you use the crab stitch on? If you use this tutorial for one of your crochet projects, be sure to share pictures in my FB group and show us how you used this fun technique!
How to Crochet the Crab Stitch
Crab Stitch (reverse Single Crochet) Video Tutorial
This video walks you through how to crochet the crab stitch border.
Picture Tutorial for the Crab Stitch
Below you will find step-by-step instructions for creating the crab stitch.
Step 1: Join the border yarn with a slip stitch. Chain 1.
Step 2: Insert hook in the next stitch behind the first stitch. If you’re right-handed, that will be the next stitch to the right, or if you’re left-handed it will be the next stitch to the left.
Step 3: Yarn over and pull up a loop. Two loops remain on the hook.
Step 4: Yarn over and pull through both loops. This completes one reverse single crochet.
Step 5: Reverse single crochet in next stitch behind the previous stitch. That’s it! Just keep going around the project to add this really fun textured border.
👉 Crochet Tip: Sometimes, because you’re twisting the stitches, the yarn may split or the stitches may not lay exactly right. If your stitches look a little bit funky, you may need to pull out a stitch or two and redo them.
Have you ever used this stitch before? If you have any other tips or tricks for the crab stitch, share them in the comments below.
