Advanced Stitch Ideas

Introduction
People all over the world
enjoy the craft called
“crochet.” It is a handicraft
art form made for people of
every age and background.
The art of crochet has had
peaks of popularity over the
past few centuries, and is
currently enjoying a
renaissance of sorts. Many
people pick crochet as their
hand art hobby of choice. This Maple Leaf design edging is filet crochet. The distinctive scallop border
adds elegance to pillow cases, table runners and other decorative items.

Why is crochet so popular, especially in this day and age of machine-made

fabrics, home décor, and clothing? Crochet is a beloved pastime for so many
because it is so versatile. With just minutes of training, a beginner can easily
work up a scarf and have it completed in less than a day. As a novice
progresses, they can use more intricate patterns which will create beautiful, one-
of-a-kind works of art. And since the craft only requires crochet hooks and yarn
or string, it is an affordable hobby for all.

This report will cover advanced crochet stitches and their application in common
projects. Now that you have mastered the basic stitches and techniques of
crochet, you probably are ready to try something a bit more sophisticated. Your
creativity is the only limit to what you can do with exciting and fun advanced
crochet stitchery.

Clarification of International Crochet Term Inconsistencies

Before we get started, it is important to note that there are some differences
between Australian, English, and American crochet terms. The way that crochet
is practiced is the same in all three countries, and for the most part, Australian
and English crochet terms are very similar.

The major differences lie with American crochet names and measurements. For
example, an English double crochet is a single crochet in the United States, and
an English half treble is a half double crochet in American terms. The English
treble is an American double crochet. Both the terms “slip stitch” and “chain” are
the same in all three places. The Americans use the Imperial Standard system of
measurements and the rest of the world uses the metric system.
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Use the chart below as an easy quick reference guide to help you keep it all
straight.

English Crochet (in the UK/Australia) American Crochet (in the US)
chain (ch) chain (ch)
double crochet (dc) single crochet (sc)
treble crochet (tr) double crochet (dc)
half treble crochet (htr) half double crochet (hdc)
double treble crochet (dtr) triple crochet (tc)
Slip stitch (sl st) slip stitch (sl st)

In an effort to avoid confusion, many pattern publishers are now using

international symbols and conversion charts to help crocheters all over the world
use patterns without frustration. An example of an International Symbol is an
elongated T with one slash on it – this symbol is always the stitch that’s called a
treble crochet in the UK/AU or a double crochet in the US.

The Use of Terminology in this Report

For the purposes of this report, English/Australian terms and the metric system
will be primarily used, with secondary references to American terms in
parentheses.

Also in this report, the words “thread” and “yarn” are used interchangeably. In
general, thread is thinner and often used for lace, doilies, or intricate design
work. Yarn is typically used for most other projects such as hats, afghans, and
sweaters. Remember, crochet can be done with a wide variety of materials –
even metal wire! The techniques and methods remain the same, no matter which
material you chose to work with.

Beyond the Basics – Overview of

Advanced Stitches

The fundamental stitches in crochet are often

accented with fancier, sometimes more
complicated stitches such as the apple seed
stitch or popcorn stitch. There are also
completely different styles of crocheting – such
as filet or Irish Lace style.

As they say, “variety is the spice of life.” This

holds true for variety in the crochet world as
well. The fun part of the craft for many is the
diversity and creativity that crocheters can
employ using various stitches. We’ll cover Timeless classics are created from filet
crochet. This baby bonnet has regal appeal.
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some of the most desirable advanced stitches and styles, plus one long lost
vintage stitch, in this report.

Filet Crochet
Crochet lace is also known as filet crochet. Crochet became popular as the
substitute imitation of high-end fine lace. Rather than use bobbins and needles to
create the lace, patterns were created using crochet stitches, and the lace was
made from lace thread and a crochet hook.

Filet crochet was created in the mid-1800’s, when crochet was being developed
as an affordable alternative to expensive laces. There are many graph patterns
on record in the United States and Europe that date back to that era.

Since filet crochet imitates luxurious filet lace, it is worked with a fine thread and
involves stitches that create an open mesh fabric. Within the fabric, images are
created through “filled in” blocks.

The surface of filet crochet is smooth and typically repetitive. One of the main
differences between true filet lace and crocheted filet lace is that the crocheted
version has moderate bumps and ridges where the stitches are placed, while true
filet lace has no raised definition between stitches.

Filet Crochet Patterns

The best part of filet crochet is that it

does not require a worded pattern, but
instead is often worked with a graph
image, making it easier to follow for
crocheters who dislike long
abbreviated patterns.

People enjoy making filet crochet

because it can be easily drawn out on
graph paper. When a pattern graph is
used for filet crochet, the boxes are Graph patterns are most popular when working a
either left empty (symbolizing a complicated picture.
space in the pattern) or marked with
an “X” (indicating a “block”). Some patterns differentiate between spaces and
blocks by filling in blocks with some type of shading, and leaving the spaces
white on graph paper.

Filet Crochet Basics

There are two stitches primarily used in filet crochet – the chain stitch (ch) and
treble crochet (double crochet in the US.)

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These stitches are used to form either a block (abbreviated blk), or a space
(abbreviated sp). Traditional filet crochet involves various combinations for blocks
and spaces arrange to create a pattern.

To make filet crochet, you will need to know how to make blocks and spaces.

Here’s how:

Each filet crochet square or space equals:

1 Block = 3 Treble Crochet (double crochet in the US)

1 Space = 2 Chains 1 Treble Crochet (ch2, 1tc)

Follow these tips when working a filet stitch:

• Make treble crochet stitches one on top of another.

• Insert hook under two thread strands just like any other type of treble
crochet stitch.
• The difference is when a treble is worked into a space. When this happens
the first two treble stitches should be put directly into the space under the
chain stitches. There are a few exceptions; however for the most part, filet
crochet follows this as a general rule.

Besides the image design of a filet crochet piece, filet crochet is also comprised
of a mesh-style background that is crocheted. This mesh-looking filet is simply a
pattern of squares and spaces that is consistent across the filet crochet project.

This mesh-looking background is comprised of bars and lacets which take up two
squares apiece on a graph paper pattern. Bars are unmarked on a graph paper
grid pattern, and lacets look like a wide-spread “V.”

Each bar and lacet equals:

1 bar = 5 chain stitches and 1 treble crochet (US double crochet)

Written as ch5, 1tc
This is put over six stitches (which can also be viewed as 2 squares)

1 lacet = 3 chain stitches and 1 double crochet (US single crochet)

Written as ch3, 1dc
This is put under the bar (technically the 5th chain stitch space.)
Chain stitch 3, then add 1 treble crochet on treble crochet stitch.

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How to Make Filet Crochet Spaces (sp)

Remember that spaces are the open mesh in the fabric of filet crochet. Make one
treble crochet (tc), chain two, skip two stitches from the previous row and make
one more treble stitch. This should make a perfect square shape space.

How to Make Filet Crochet Blocks (blk)

The blocks are the filled in spaces of a filet pattern. Create these by working
treble stitches into adjoining stitches to create perfect squares. When blocks are
touching each other, there are four treble crochet stitches in the first block and
three in each consecutive block.

HOT TIP!

Some crocheters find that it’s easier to filet crochet when they know the total
number of treble crochet stitches per row of blocks.

To calculate this, simply:

(# of Blocks x 3) + 1 = # of tc per row

“If this sounds interesting to you, you can find an article I wrote up and posted
on MySpace at Filet Crochet Overview.”

Determining the Starting Chain

Use the grid below to help you calculate how may chains you will need in the
foundation for your filet crochet piece.

Example: Using 6 Squares

Starts with a BLOCK Starts with a SPACE
# of Squares x 3
6 x 3 = 18 6 x 3 = 18
Turning Chain (+1)
1 1
Starting with a block?
(+2) 2 2

Starting with a space?

(+2 more) 2

Total number of chains

21 23

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The Tunisian Crochet
Tunisian crochet is also called afghan
stitch, Trico, Tricot, or Tunisian simple
stitch. Special hooks are used for
Tunisian crochet – the primary tool looks
like a knitting needle with a crochet hook
on one end and a knobby cap on the
other.

This is suiting because as you will soon

see, Tunisian crochet mixes elements of
both knitting and crochet.

When doing Tunisian crochet, you will be

making forward and return rows, similar
to knitting. The trip across the hook is the
forward row, when the stitches are being
built. The trip back is called the return
row, and involves removing stitches from
the hook.

Tunisian crochet begins quite like

standard crochet, with a chain stitch
foundation. Tunisian crochet is versatile, especially when different
stitches of Tunisian crochet are used in one project.
There are basic Tunisian crochet Dimension and texture add interest.
stitches like the simple (also known as
“plain”) stitch and the knit stitch. Here we will learn more about the Tunisian purl
stitch, crossed, slanting, and ribbed Tunisian crochet stitches.

“If you’re a fan of Tunisian crochet or just want to try something new - there’s a
really great article about it at The All Impressive Afghan Crochet.”

Tunisian Crochet – Purl Stitch

The Tunisian purl stitch looks most like the knitter’s garter stitch – they both run
horizontally and they both have a loop style. The most important part of getting
the Tunisian purl stitch (abbreviated tps) right is the correct positioning of the
working yarn prior to starting the stitch.

The working yarn must be brought over the front of the work so that it can be
wrapped around the back of the hook. Here are the instructions for making this
fun stitch, use the photos as a guide:

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Step 1:

Bring yarn in front of the

hook.

Place the hook in the

center of the previous row’s
stitch, entering from front to
back. Make sure the hook
goes through the vertical
bar’s front.

Step 2: Placement of the hook is important – the stitches vertical bar is an

identification point.
Bring the yarn over the hook and pull a loop up onto the hook. Continue to the
end of the row.

Step 3:

Once you reach the end of

the row, the return row is
standard – yarn over the
hook and draw through one
loop, * yarn over the hook
and draw through two
loops. Repeat from * until
the end of the row when no
loops remain on the hook.
The basic return row is
handled in the same
manner as previous
stitches.
The row ends when there are no more loops on the hook.

Crossed Tunisian Crochet

Another Tunisian crochet variation is Crossed Tunisian Crochet. To execute this

stitch successfully in a project, you must have an even number of stitches. Start
with one row of plain simple Tunisian on a foundation chain.

Then, place the hook under the second vertical bar of the stitch and draw the
thread through it. Insert the hook through the first vertical stitch and draw the

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 thread through. Continue next
with the fourth stitch, then the
third. Then, follow by working
in the sixth stitch, then the fifth.
At the end of the row, draw a
loop through the last stitch.
Work back as usual, by pulling
the thread through two stitches
at a time until all are off the
hook.

Crossed Tunisian crochet is created by

repetitive forward and back maneuvers.

Slanting Tunisian Crochet

Slanting Tunisian crochet is

especially tight and stiff. It is
started by working one row of
simple “plain” crochet on an
uneven number of stitches. In
the second row, draw up a
loop on the second vertical
bar, and then draw one loop
up in the first. Continue to
draw up loops in the fourth
then the third. Continue to
work across the row.
Slanting Tunisian crochet requires an odd number of stitches.

Ribbed Tunisian Crochet

Work one row of simple

Tunisian onto a row of
foundation chain. Into the
previous row, insert the hook
behind the work and draw the
loop through the front of the
piece. By working off rows to
the front, the ribs are created
on the front.

Ribbed Tunisian crochet appears as ribs because alternating rows

are worked on the opposite side of the fabric.

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The Apple Seed Stitch
Looking for a neat, long lost stitch? Try the vintage Apple Seed Stitch.

Here’s how to make it:

The Apple Seed Stitch is a stitch that is

worked with the double crochet (sc in
US). It is created by taking up the front
loop of one stitch from the previous
row as well as the back of the next
stitch. This alternating method
continues throughout rows and
crosswise in stitches.

In instances where the front stitch of

the previous row has already been
taken, the back loop is used instead,
with the following stitch inserted in the
front loop since the back loop has
already been taken. There is always 1
chain stitch for turning.

This lap throw was worked in the apple seed stitch.

The
adorable
dancing bear can be used to add a whimsical touch
to any baby or child garment or decorative project.
Use color and textured materials to make your little
dancing bears jump to life.

Dancing bear pattern is easy

and fun.

In this photo demonstrating the stitch, the back loop is being

taken after the front one has already been used. The white
arrow notes the entry point.

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Picot Edge
Often used in conjunction with filet crochet, a picot edge creates an easy edge
that looks finished and refined. The actual picots can be as close or far apart as
you desire for the look of your project, however a chain of between three and five
chain stitches long is recommended. Three will give you a moderate size picot
and five will give you a larger one.

After making your determined number of chain stitches, insert the hook
downward through the top two loops of the stitch that was completed prior to the
chain used in the picot.
Draw the thread through
the stitch and hold the two
stitches on the hook.

Work the next stitch

(whatever it is as
determined by the pattern)
and pull the thread
Picot edging can be as pronounced or small as you’d like it to be. Just through the three loops that
be sure to keep it consistent. remain on the hook. This
securely anchors the picot.

Ideas for How to Use Advanced Stitches in Projects

It is amazing that by simply using a hook and thread, beautiful handiwork can be
produced. Trying new advanced crochet techniques and incorporating them into
your crochet projects is an exciting way to learn more about the craft.

Your projects will have the traditional look of quality and taste, and the charm of a
handmade piece of art.

You can use advanced stitches in various ways throughout a project. Here is a
chart that provides examples of uses for the types of crochet detailed in this
report. Use these as springboard ideas to jumpstart your creativity, or search for
more detailed information about these types of projects for patterns and design
ideas.

“If you found this interesting. There’s also a cool article that I’ve put together on
my blog about advanced stitch ideas. It covers 9 creative stiches including
solomon’s knot, seed stitch, vertical ribbing, backpost double crochet, bullion
stitch and shell stitch. You can see it at 9 New & Creative Stich Ideas.”

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Type of Crochet Stitch Project Usage Ideas
Filet crochet
Tunisian crochet
• Insertion strips can be used to create interest
on plain woven fabric.
• Filet edgings can be made with one straight
edge and one decorative one (such as scallop
or castle.) to be used on shades, sheets, or
clothing.
• Durable enough for slippers, rugs, hats, jackets
or afghans.
• In any project where you’d like textural beauty
and variation.

Apple Seed stitch • Easy to do once mastered, use this sturdy stitch
is perfect for warm lap blankets, mats, or
decorative throw rugs.
Picot edge • Quick and simple, use a picot edge as
decorative trim on children’s items, pillows,
curtains, or fingertip towels.

Conclusion

Keep in mind that while learning new, complicated techniques there may be a
slight learning curve. With crochet, you should always enjoy the work that you
are doing. If you find mid-way through a project that it is simply not working out
as you had expected, you can always undo the stitches and start something new.

Rather than become overwhelmed by the abundance of options, it is best to start

by practicing new stitches, then venture out to novelty yarns and advanced
patterns. Learning advanced crochet should not be a race – instead, consider it a
voyage where your experience is enhanced by steadily building a foundation of
needlecraft knowledge.

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Copyright: Breakthrough Crochet