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    Home » Video Tutorials » Advanced Stitches

    Twisted Single Crochet

    Published: Feb 24, 2016 · Modified: Feb 28, 2017 by Tamara Kelly · 64 Comments

    If you like the look of Reverse Single Crochet (aka the Crab Stitch), then you'll love the Twisted Single Crochet! Here's how it's made!

    Twisted Single Crochet - learn how to crochet this fun alternative to the Crab Stitch with right and left handed video tutorials on Mooglyblog.com!Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links.

    How to Crochet the Twisted Single Crochet - Right Handed

    How to Crochet the Twisted Single Crochet - Left Handed

    As Seen in This Video (click for more info)

    • US - G Furls Odyssey Hook
    • Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton 
    • Twisted Double Crochet and Taller Tutorial

    In words...

    To make the Twisted Single Crochet, you insert the hook in the next stitch, pull up a loop (keep both loops on hook loose), turn the hook counter clockwise (loops remain on hook), yarn over and pull through both loops.

    It can be a little tricky pulling through those loops after the twist, so it's definitely important to keep both those loops a little bigger than usual before the twist. If it's looking a little odd at first, make a few more twisted sc, and then give your fabric a quick gentle tug - that seems to pull the stitches right into place!

    The Twisted Single Crochet has the same look as the Reverse Single Crochet/Crab Stitch, but you can keep working in the usual direction - and some say they find it a lot easier! What do you think? Which do you prefer?

    Thanks for watching!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. 1

      Linda

      February 24, 2016 at 10:23 am

      Love your patterns and the way you explain all your designs

      Reply
      • 2

        Tamara Kelly

        February 24, 2016 at 1:31 pm

        Thank you so much Linda!

        Reply
      • 3

        Brittany

        February 20, 2017 at 1:53 pm

        When you do the twisted single crochet does it matter what kind of hook you use to do cause I use a 3.5 or 5.5 or something like that

        Reply
        • 4

          Tamara Kelly

          February 20, 2017 at 5:42 pm

          You can use any size hook or yarn you like! 🙂

          Reply
    2. 5

      Lisa Schwartz

      February 24, 2016 at 1:11 pm

      Great video. Just a heads up that on the left-handed version you say to rotate the hook counter-clockwise, but because the video is a rotated version of the right-handed video it actually shows you rotating it clockwise. You might want to add a mention of that so as to not confuse people.

      Reply
      • 6

        Tamara Kelly

        February 24, 2016 at 1:18 pm

        Whoops, thank you Lisa! I added a note to the video!

        Reply
      • 7

        Dhondt

        November 11, 2016 at 1:36 am

        Dear Lisa,

        I am HIlde Dhondt from Belgium. My english is not so good : so please excuse me. I'm crocheting tigger of winnie the pooh but i have problems with the joining of the head. Can I email you please for some help ? My email is hilde.dhondt58@skynet.be

        thank and many regards
        Hilde

        Reply
    3. 8

      Olga Torres

      February 24, 2016 at 4:53 pm

      Thanks, that is so much better than the crabstitch, which feels so awkward.

      Reply
      • 9

        Tamara Kelly

        February 25, 2016 at 8:43 am

        😀 I'm glad you like it, thank you Olga!

        Reply
    4. 10

      Tina

      February 24, 2016 at 6:03 pm

      Thank you so much for this tutorial. I love how you simplify and explain everything so even a beginner can understand. This is much easier than doing the crab stitch and is every bit as beautiful. I thoroughly enjoy all your video tutorials. Thank you.

      Reply
      • 11

        Tamara Kelly

        February 25, 2016 at 8:53 am

        😀 Thank you so much Tina! That's always my goal!

        Reply
        • 12

          Terry

          September 19, 2020 at 12:53 pm

          How do you crochet the next row after the reverse single crochet?

          Reply
          • 13

            Tamara Kelly

            September 21, 2020 at 9:57 am

            Usually this stitch is worked as the final round or row, so if you want to keep going, then you'll want to work this is just the front loop of the previous row, so that you can work the next row in the back loop.

            Reply
    5. 14

      Linda

      February 25, 2016 at 3:48 am

      Thanks for showing this. I was just saying to someone earlier today that I have a scrap blanket my Mom made, and she called it a twisted stitch but never got around to showing me before she died. Then I see your video posted in a FB crochet group. How wonderful! Would a twisted double work the same way, twisting before the final pull thru? Thanks so much!

      Reply
      • 15

        Tamara Kelly

        February 25, 2016 at 9:00 am

        Thank you Linda! I've been pondering a Twisted double myself this week - I haven't seen it before, but I think it could have a really neat look!

        Reply
    6. 16

      Lisa Rumain

      February 25, 2016 at 8:01 am

      I ran into this stitch late last year. I was so tired of the reverse single crochet. I have edged so many baby blankets with this stitch as a substitute for more than the reverse single crochet. I've had a lot of compliments on it too.

      Reply
      • 17

        Tamara Kelly

        February 25, 2016 at 9:05 am

        😀 I'm so glad it's working for you Lisa!

        Reply
    7. 18

      Lisa Mcavey

      February 25, 2016 at 8:47 am

      Very clear explanation! I might try this to finish off the edge on a blanket. It looks easier than the reverse single crochet which I have done.

      Reply
      • 19

        Tamara Kelly

        February 25, 2016 at 10:35 am

        😀 Thank you Lisa!

        Reply
    8. 20

      Soffity

      February 27, 2016 at 4:23 pm

      Your videos are terrific thanks. I had terrible trouble with the crab stitch at first but after practising I find I can zoom along with no trouble. All that hook turning sounds time consuming but if it suits others then good oh. When trying a new stitch it's a good idea to give it more than one or two goes, often if you go away and try again later it will all work out. You need patience and perseverance to crochet well.

      Reply
      • 21

        Tamara Kelly

        February 29, 2016 at 9:29 am

        Absolutely Soffity! It's just nice to have options so each person can find the method they like best. 🙂

        Reply
    9. 22

      Bobbie Samrow

      February 27, 2016 at 5:01 pm

      Love learning new stitches. I've loved the crab/reverse SC since I learned it, I'm sure I will be using this one as often. Thanks

      Reply
      • 23

        Tamara Kelly

        February 29, 2016 at 9:30 am

        😀 Thank you Bobbie!

        Reply
    10. 24

      Cathy

      February 28, 2016 at 8:23 am

      Excellent video. I watched another one I found Googling and was totally confused. Not sure it will be easier than the reverse single crochet, but I won't know until I try it.

      Reply
      • 25

        Tamara Kelly

        February 29, 2016 at 9:32 am

        😀 Thank you Cathy! It's not for everyone, but it's great to have options!

        Reply
    11. 26

      Ann

      March 01, 2016 at 9:52 am

      I love,love,love that you can show crochet tutorials for us lefties. Thanks a bunch!!

      Reply
      • 27

        Tamara Kelly

        March 01, 2016 at 12:21 pm

        😀 Thank you so much Ann!

        Reply
    12. 28

      Barbara

      March 01, 2016 at 4:53 pm

      Is this stitch just to finish off a blanket .? Or can you make rows on top ?

      Reply
      • 29

        Tamara Kelly

        March 01, 2016 at 4:55 pm

        You can crochet another row into it, but I'm afraid it'll hide the twist. To add it in the "middle" of a pattern, I'd work it in the front loop only, then continue the pattern in the back loop only of the previous row. 🙂

        Reply
    13. 30

      Terry Given

      March 02, 2016 at 7:00 am

      This stitch looks lovely! Thank-you for sharing it!! My favorite reverse stitch is actually the half double crochet. It is my “go to” stitch for borders on afghans, baby blankets, scarfs and much more. Is there a twisted half double crochet stitch?

      Reply
      • 31

        Tamara Kelly

        March 02, 2016 at 7:26 am

        I've been playing with a dc version, but for hdc I think the version would be to pull the loops up *really* tall, since there is one more to deal with!

        Reply
    14. 32

      sandra berg

      March 14, 2016 at 6:57 pm

      Tamara, thank you for the easy way to make that twisted single croc. stitch. I really like the way you go into detail, some times I get so confused but, thanks to you I believe I have it down pat now.
      Sandra Berg

      Reply
      • 33

        Tamara Kelly

        March 15, 2016 at 11:05 am

        Yay! Thank you Sandra, I'm so glad to hear it! 😀

        Reply
    15. 34

      Cathy K

      April 16, 2016 at 11:51 am

      Saw this first in your newsletter, so had to watch video! It's an interesting alternative to the crab stitch! I'm going to have to try this & see if I can prevent a tightening of my border ? Thanks for all you great patterns & wonderful videos!

      Reply
    16. 35

      Veronika

      June 24, 2016 at 7:52 pm

      A very clear and easy to follow tutorial - thank you 🙂 I really like the look of this stitch and will use it for sure.

      Reply
      • 36

        Tamara Kelly

        June 26, 2016 at 5:57 pm

        Thank you so much Veronika! 🙂

        Reply
    17. 37

      Darlene Smart

      August 21, 2016 at 10:55 pm

      Tonight I was piecing together a bag and normally would have used the crab stitch. But because my hands were really bothering me, I tried this stitch instead. Looks great and was much easier on my hands and wrists than the alternative.

      Thanks for another great tutorial!

      Reply
      • 38

        Tamara Kelly

        August 22, 2016 at 9:46 am

        I'm so glad it helped! Thank you Darlene!

        Reply
    18. 39

      Jana

      September 25, 2016 at 6:30 pm

      I love this! I could NEVER get the hang of the crab stitch, though I liked the look of it. This is a super alternative! I just finished a round rug for my granddaugters' room with Tshirt yarn. I am just cruising along, getter faster and faster (a hint if anyone else uses this with a bulky yarn-you need to pull your loops up a bit more to accommodate) anyway, it occurred to me that I don't know how to "join"this stitch! Since the rug is round, I definitely have to do this. I read all the comments and no one mentioned this! Any help would be greatly appreciated!

      Reply
      • 40

        Tamara Kelly

        September 26, 2016 at 9:56 am

        Hi Jana! Thank you! To finish it off in the round, I like the seamless join. There's a tutorial HERE - it won't be as "clear" as in the tutorial due to the different stitch, but the idea is the same - to sort of "hide" it with the needle. 🙂

        Reply
        • 41

          Jana

          September 26, 2016 at 1:59 pm

          LOL! That's exactly what I did! The edge looks fabulous on the rug. I "blocked" it (as best you can with polyester Tshirt yarn!) last night and will be putting glittery fabric paint on the back side to try and make it less "slidey" on the hardwood floors. I brought it to work and will do it in our classroom. My cat would make a mess of it if I tried it at home!
          Thanks again for this stitch! It is SO much easier than the crab sitch! I had noticed in the comments questions about a DC one. Have you worked that out yet?
          Thanks again. 🙂

          Reply
          • 42

            Tamara Kelly

            September 26, 2016 at 3:51 pm

            I'm so glad to hear it! 😀 Yes, I did indeed! click here

            Reply
    19. 43

      Deborah

      December 31, 2016 at 3:42 pm

      Can I ask what hook you're using in this post?

      Reply
      • 44

        Tamara Kelly

        January 02, 2017 at 9:52 am

        It's listed and linked in the bullet points above, right under the videos. 🙂

        Reply
    20. 45

      M

      February 01, 2017 at 8:40 pm

      Always love your videos. But i got this one. LOVE doing the crab stitch, backwards! I find once you get the first two done... its all sideways from there! Your videos are so much help, so thank you. ?

      Reply
      • 46

        Tamara Kelly

        February 02, 2017 at 10:43 am

        😀 Thank you so much M!! I just love finding new ways to do things!

        Reply
    21. 47

      Joanne Sears

      March 13, 2017 at 10:24 pm

      How do I download the instructions, I don't need a pdf reader, my Mac already has one. Help please?

      Reply
      • 48

        Tamara Kelly

        March 15, 2017 at 10:19 am

        Hi Joanne! The green Print Friendly button at the bottom of the post will create a free downloadable copy of the post. 🙂

        Reply
    22. 49

      Glenda

      April 13, 2018 at 6:10 pm

      Thank you for this, just did the Crab Stitch Sunday and stumbled on to this alternative stitch.. Much easier on my right to left brain. It looks awesome.

      Reply
      • 50

        Tamara Kelly

        April 16, 2018 at 10:02 am

        😀 I'm glad you like it! It's so much easier for me, I just love it!

        Reply
    23. 51

      Eden

      September 23, 2018 at 11:37 am

      Great video, thanks, but can you tell me what to do at the corners? I’m using this stitch for edging on a blanket. TIA

      Reply
      • 52

        Tamara Kelly

        September 23, 2018 at 12:39 pm

        Thank you! At the corners I like to work 3 twisted sc sts, just like I would work 3 standard sc. 🙂

        Reply
        • 53

          Eden

          September 23, 2018 at 1:39 pm

          1was doing 1 twisted 1sc &another twisted, seems to work ok. Thanks for the reply!

          Reply
          • 54

            Tamara Kelly

            September 24, 2018 at 9:48 am

            If it works, then it's good! 😀

            Reply
    24. 55

      Barbara Price-Mills

      May 31, 2019 at 3:35 pm

      Is this only for a border or can (and how) would you do another row?

      Reply
      • 56

        Tamara Kelly

        May 31, 2019 at 4:58 pm

        Hi Barbara! If you wanted to add another row after a row of this stitch, I would work this stitch in the front loop only and then work the next row in the back (unused) loop. Working into it tends to hide the look.

        Reply
    25. 57

      Johanna

      July 03, 2019 at 7:49 pm

      Hello Tamara,

      Thanks again for a great and ever so helpful video. Now I’m just wondering when substituting this stitch for a crab stitch, would the tension be the same ? Thanks 🙂

      Reply
      • 58

        Tamara Kelly

        July 05, 2019 at 9:49 am

        Hi Johanna! I find it to be a pretty ideal substitution! If anything, it might be a *little* looser than the crab stitch, but my crab stitch always wants to be too tight (and that might just be me)!

        Reply
    26. 59

      Sandra

      August 05, 2019 at 6:26 am

      I posted on the YouTube site but never go an answer to my second question. How do I use the invisible join to end this stitch? I tried on my own and It ended nightmare bad.

      Reply
      • 60

        Tamara Kelly

        August 05, 2019 at 10:35 am

        I'm sorry I missed it Sandra! Sometimes the comments on YouTube seem to disappear when I go to answer them.
        I'm not sure if I can describe it in words, it's sort of a matter of staring at the stitches and seeing where that strand would go if it was part of a stitch, and then burying it after that. I will try to get it on a video tutorial as soon as possible!

        Reply
    27. 61

      Karly

      January 31, 2020 at 3:32 am

      OMG!!! I am SOOOO HAPPY I happened across this tutorial!! I have been following you MISS TAMARA for YEARS! And have worked mannny of your patterns. I, like many others, LOATHE working the crab stitch but I love the look of it! It is one of my go-to borders. I can not believe there was a variation out there that is SOOO MUCH EASIER and produces the same look!! If you can't tell I am just overjoyed :):):):) I am currently in the process of stitching a pillow cover together and it is turning out BEAUTIFULLY! So thank you for being awesome and sharing this!

      Reply
      • 62

        Tamara Kelly

        January 31, 2020 at 12:25 pm

        Thank you so much, Karly! ♥ I'm so glad you like it!!

        Reply
    28. 63

      Julia M

      October 18, 2022 at 10:45 am

      I used this stitch as a border working in the round. I found the regular crab stitch to be virtually impossible so I was pleased to find this alternative. My question is how do I finish off with this stitch? I can’t quite seem to figure it out.

      Thank you for any help B on this!

      Julia

      Reply
      • 64

        Tamara Kelly

        October 18, 2022 at 4:44 pm

        I'm so glad you like it! ♥ I usually just break the yarn and pull that end on up out of the stitch. Then I use that tail end to take a stitch in the first twisted sc, doing my best to mimic the look between the other sts.

        Reply

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