Make Edges Neater With the Reverse Single Crochet Stitch

chunky hat

Reverse single crochet, sometimes called crab stitch, is most often used to make edges look smooth and neat. If you’ve mastered single crochet but aren’t sure what reverse single crochet is, don’t worry, it’s simple.

The reverse single crochet is, essentially, the same as a regular single crochet. The only difference is that you work it in the next stitch to the right instead of to the left.

Generally, pattern designers use this stitch to create a straighter edge, so you’ll typically work a whole row of reverse single crochets, moving from left to right.

Reverse Single Crochet

Level: Easy

What You Need

  • Yarn
  • Corresponding crochet hook
  • Instructions

    1. Insert your hook into the next space to the right (or indicated space), working from front to back.

    2. Yarn over and draw up a loop.

    3. Yarn over and pull the yarn through both loops on the hook.

    And just like that, you’re done!


    Practice the Reverse Single Crochet Stitch With These Patterns

    1. Spiral Flower Headwrap

    Spiral flower crochet headwrap

    Reverse single crochet is clearly at work in this pretty headwrap, since the stitches are helping to define the edges of the flower petals.

    SHOP THE PATTERN

    2. Pinwheel Beanie and Cocoon Set

    Crochet pinwheel beanie cocoon set

    Notice those smooth, even edges on the beanie brim and cocoon? That’s thanks to reverse single crochet!

    SHOP THE PATTERN

    3. Cabled Owl Neck Warmer

    Crochet cabled owl neckwarmer

    Three wise owls line the edge of this neck warmer, while reverse single crochet adds texture and durability to the edges. Don’t worry about this neck warmer slipping off. Not only does it have the three buttons in the front for closure, but it also has a hidden button to keep everything in place.

    SHOP THE PATTERN

    4. Om Earrings

    Crochet Om earrings

    Talk about a neat finish! When you finish off after a row of single crochet in the round, the stitches can look bumpy and uneven. Here, the reverse single crochet stitch helps make these earrings perfectly round. You’ll need a few jewelry supplies to finish these off, too.

    SHOP THE PATTERN

    5. Unisex Chunky Textured Slouchy Beanie

    Crochet chunky textured beanie

    The miracle of working in back loops combined with reverse single crochet and other basic crochet stitches give this hat its texture. And because it’s crocheted using a chunky-weight yarn, it works up in just an hour or two — perfect for a weekend project!

    SHOP THE PATTERN

    You might also be interested in: How to Foundation Single Crochet (FSC) and Ditch the Chain

    Share tips, start a discussion or ask other students a question. If you have a question for the instructor, please click here.

    Make a comment:
    characters remaining

    2 Responses to “Make Edges Neater With the Reverse Single Crochet Stitch”

    1. Ronda Kirsch

      The links all take me to a place where I can buy a pattern. Isn't that supposed to be included?? Why have the article at all otherwise?

    2. Lee Hendricks

      Are these patterns available somewhere?