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Don’t Be Crabby!

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I DO get crabby when my crochet buddies tell me to finish a project using the Crab Stitch AKA Reverse Single Crochet.  I’ve never been able to master this very useful stitch, so I’ve ignored it until now.  No more!

With this handy tutorial Tara has created for us (for me!!), I’m going to master this stitch!  I promise!  If you, like I, have avoided this because it’s A) single crochet (yuck!), and B) reverse – fear no more!  Use this tutorial and practice til you get it right!  Thanks, Tara, for bringing me into the Twenty First Century of Crochet!

Comments

  3. Is it just me or is the link not there? I tried that stitch once. Although I liked how it looked it was too awkward to repeat.

  6. I love the REV SC! I use it for most of my scarf designs and some blanket designs. I think it gives my projects a completed, finished look. It’s also quite different from the other stitches & I love watching the loops form! I have made the right decision with every project I used this stitch on!
    ~Shawna

  7. I have to agree, this stitch makes me crabby too! It’s easier after the first stitch and it’s well worth it to master the stitch.
    I love it on the top of purses, tote bags and for the finishing edge on fingerless gloves.

  8. Well, to be concieted ^_^ I did it right off. Love it! Then I did a pair of slippers for my son and switched colors every single stitch for a braided look in 2 shades of brown around the upper edge of the slippers. I know it came out cool because he noticed and commented. Being about 20 at the time and things must be “cool”, I was delighted that he noticed the most creative (and aquard) part of the project. It is aquard to change colors even every once in a while, but every stitch?!? Yikes. But it was so worth it. And I find it a very easy stitch to do. I’m sorry you all have found it so difficult. I’m not really trying to brag, but he was so admireing of the slippers and edging in particular.

  9. I love the Crab stitch! Now granted I’m slow while doing it but I like how it looks as an edging. It probably takes me half the time to do it as it takes me to do the whole project so I really only use it on smaller projects.

Have you read?

Lightweight Lacy Crochet Tee Pattern That’s Perfect for Layering

Some crochet garments look beautiful on the hanger but feel awkward to wear. This Lacy Crochet Tee from Lana Grossa is not one of those pieces. It’s light, breathable, and very much designed to be worn — the kind of handmade top that slips easily into your everyday wardrobe without feeling “too precious.”

What immediately stands out is the openness of the stitch pattern. It has that airy, lacy feel that works so well for warmer weather or for layering over a tank or dress. This isn’t a heavy, structured garment; it’s soft and fluid, with just enough texture to make it interesting while still letting the yarn shine.

From a making point of view, this tee is a really enjoyable project if you like crochet that feels calm and rhythmic. The lace pattern keeps your hands engaged without constant counting or frustration, which makes it perfect for evening crochet or quiet weekend sessions. It’s also very satisfying watching the fabric grow — those lacy stitches really show progress quickly.

Skill-wise, this one is best suited to confident beginners moving into intermediate crochet. You don’t need advanced shaping skills, but being comfortable with stitch patterns and keeping even tension will make the process much more enjoyable. If you’ve been wanting to dip your toe into wearable crochet without tackling a full sweater, this is a great place to start.

What I really appreciate about this pattern is how versatile it is. Change the colour and fibre and it can feel casual and beachy or clean and modern. It’s the kind of tee you’ll reach for again and again, especially when you want something handmade that still feels light and effortless.

If you enjoy crochet garments that are wearable, practical, and quietly stylish, this lacy tee is a lovely pattern to have in your collection.