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Crab Stitch Border Tutorial

In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to crochet the crab stitch and how to add this stitch to any border. The crab stitch is made using only one stitch, which is the reverse single crochet stitch.

So if you can make a single crochet stitch, you can totally make this stitch! This crochet tutorial includes step-by-step photos and a guided video tutorial.

A crochet washcloth with a blue crab stitch border.

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The crab stitch is a great stitch to use for a variety of different projects. You can pretty much use it for any project that needs a border. I love using this stitch because I love the way it looks, it also doesn’t take too long to make.

Plus, it requires very little yarn. So it’s perfect if you have some scrap yarn left! If you would like to see some examples of this stitch, make sure to take a look at these crochet washcloths that use the crab stitch border or these cute crochet coasters.

A cotton crochet washcloth with a crab stitch border.

What Stitches Are Used to Make The Crab Stitch?

The crab stitch uses only one stitch, which is the reverse single crochet stitch. It might sound a little bit confusing at first, but I promise you it’s not. It’s just a matter of putting your crochet hook in the right position.

You’re still yarning over like a regular single crochet stitch, just putting it in the opposite direction. So instead of working right to left, you’ll be working left to right.

Alright, let’s get started!

Materials You Will Need to Make This Stitch

Since this is just a practice swatch, there’s not much that you need. But here are the things that I used for this tutorial.

Crab Stitch Border Tutorial

Step 1: Insert your hook into your last stitch of your last row.

If you’re using a different color, reattach your yarn to the last stitch of your last row and chain 1.

Note: You’re going to work left to right, since you’re making a reverse single crochet.

A crochet hook inserted into a stitch.

Step 2: Yarn over.

Step 2 of the crab stitch.

Step 3: Pull through (2 loops left on hook).

Step 3 of the crochet crab stitch instructions.

Step 4: Yarn over, and pull through last two loops on hook.

Step 4 of crochet crab stitch instructions.
A completed crab stitch (reverse single crochet).

You’re finished! At this point, you should have a completed crab stitch. Now you just want to repeat that sequence into every stitch to create your border.

A reverse single crochet border

Crab Stitch Border Video Tutorial

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. Don’t forget to save this post for future reference and if you enjoyed this tutorial, make sure to check out the other stitch tutorials down below.

Other Easy Crochet Stitch Tutorials

2 Crochet Stitches, the puff stitch, and the v-stitch.
  1. Crochet Puff Stitch Tutorial. / 2. Crochet V-Stitch Tutorial.

Manisha

Sunday 16th of July 2023

It was redoing what I did long back.Thank you for letting me know the name.Very simply and wonderfully explained.

Nicky

Tuesday 18th of July 2023

Thank you. I´m glad the tutorial was helpful.