Reverse Single Crochet Stitch Crab Stitch

Learn the crab stitch crochet pattern with this tutorial!

The reverse single crochet stitch is a versatile stitch for producing a Bouillon edge to finished projects. You can learn this stitch for the edges of afghans, place-mats, or other square items that need a more substantial edge.

This is a simple tutorial to follow, even for beginners. Don't let your projects just be square! Give your rectangular crochet patterns extra flair with this crab stitch crochet border.

How to Crochet the Reverse Single Crochet Stitch (Crab Stitch)

After completing a row of single crochet stitches, do not turn.
Do not turn the work. Insert the hook back into the 2nd last stitch completed.
Yarn over, and pull through the stitch, just as you would for a single crochet.
Yarn over again, and pull through the two loops on the hook.
Insert the hook into the next stitch.
Yarn over, and pull through.
Yarn over, and pull through the two loops on the hook.
Continue making the reverse single crochet across the row, and the end result is a lovely, coiled style edge to your finished projects.

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Reverse Single Crochet Stitch Crab Stitch

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lcarr

Oct 16, 2017

I love using reverse single crochet aka the crab stitch. It creates such a nice decorative edge to my work. I really like using it to put a nice edge on basket, bag patterns. I have used it on hats and clothing patterns, but I find it limits how much your piece will stretch.

ILuv2Talk

Jan 26, 2017

Thank you for your reverse stitch picture instructions. I love this stitch and did not know it was termed the Crab Stitch also. So I decided to make a choker for a Valentine's Day present for my daughter and needed a simple row of stitches to hold a charm. So this stitch made it look like rope. I wanted to put a row at the top and bottom of the single stitch so I went around the edging with singles. Any other suggestion to create a top and bottom edging of the reverse stitch for my choker?

lyndab81 5654457

Jan 26, 2017

Recently I read someone on FB saying they had struggled and struggled to do Crab Stitch. I hope they see this. What a great description and tutorial. I use Crab Stitch regularly to finish off a variety of articles. Do you use it and what kind of things do you use it on? I like it for a fairly plain edge rather than perhaps doing a scallop.

Lynn K

Jan 18, 2017

Such a simple stitch and a really nice, plain edging that I have never seen before. Im never such what edging will look right on which project. Sometimes I feel any of the more decorative edgings are not right for the piece I am making. I love the way this crab stitch seems to give a very definite edge without any fuss or frills for those plainer designs.

LynM

Jul 08, 2013

Thank you. I came across a pattern using reverse sc and had no idea how to do it. So simple really and so effective.

pgates1113 8243864

Dec 27, 2012

i WOULD LIKE TO PRINT THIS PATTERN, HOW DO I DO THAT.

pgates1113 8243864

Dec 27, 2012

i WOULD LIKE TO PRINT THIS PATTERN, HOW DO I DO THAT.

debbiescheible 180 6418

Mar 16, 2012

Loved this. Thank you so much. I knew how to make a reversed single crochet, but didn't know that it was called a crab stitch

obphdc 4774903

Oct 13, 2011

great directions and pictures! thanks! I was stumped by the pattern directions but this made it clear!

cindak2434 3125787

Sep 02, 2011

thank you so much nice finishing st.

marilynnmclean 243 8837

Jul 14, 2011

. Thank you!!!

antmimi

Mar 13, 2011

This was very helpful. However, it would help even more if you had these instructions for the left handed crocheter. it is not always that easy to interpret the right hand directions, even for an advanced crocheter like myself.

Mo Grammy 24

Mar 09, 2011

thanks

Sonie

Mar 09, 2011

I am teaching a friend how to crochet, and had never heard of this stitch. Of course it is the finishing on her current project,,,,so, Teacher needed help fast. Your instructions are so clear and easy to follow. I can now show her how to do it. Thank you!!

Crafter 9155511

Feb 09, 2011

Thank you for the tutorial on how to make a reverse crochet stitch. I have been crocheting for many years and I had never heard of a reverse single crochet. Thanks again. I've learned something new today. Joan Krager

philandchristy 761 3128

Nov 02, 2010

Thank you soooooo much. this was hard to find

Gmabonz

Mar 03, 2010

I am 67 years old and have been crocheting since I was a child. I am working on a bedspread made from 10 bedspread weight cotton thread with the popcorn stitch. It's made in squares sewn together. When sewn together, these squares have a "rounded" effect, rather than smooth and straight. I have been trying to think of a way to give this spread a "finished" look when it is completed. This is the perfect finish for a project I've dreamed about ever since childhood. Just goes to show, you're never too old to learn something new. Thank you so much for all your tutorials. I'm still learning after all these years, and I love it.