Creating Texture: 7 Advanced Stitches for Beginners to Try

Unlock the world of advanced crochet stitches for beginners and elevate your crafting skills. Explore beautiful textures in your projects with our comprehensive guide!

Crochet, with its intricate patterns and beautiful textures, has captivated crafters for generations.

For those just starting their crochet journey, the world of stitches can seem so big and complex. But don’t be intimidated; you’re in for a delightful adventure!

Today, we’re going to dive into some advanced crochet stitches that beginners can start practicing.

Whether you’ve recently mastered the basics or are looking to challenge your skills, these stitches will open up a new realm of creative possibilities.

We’ll look at the instructions for bobbles, puffs, shells, and more as we explore ten advanced crochet stitches that will elevate your crochet game to the next level.

Let’s get started!

Advanced Stitches for Beginners to Boost Your Skills

Once you’ve learned these, keep scrolling to see a round up of patterns for each of these crochet stitches!

1. Bobbles

Bobbles are clusters of double crochet stitches worked into the same stitch or space, creating a raised texture. Bobbles are often used to add dimension and visual interest to various crochet projects, such as blankets, hats, and bags.

Here’s how to make a basic bobble stitch:

Video:

Written Instructions:

1. Start by working to the stitch where you want to create the bobble.

2. Yarn over and insert your hook into the designated stitch.

3. Yarn over again and pull up a loop. You should have three loops on your hook.

4. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops, leaving two loops on your hook.

5. Repeat steps 2-4 two or more times, depending on the desired size of your bobble. Each repetition creates a partial double crochet stitch (or another specified stitch).

6. Once you have the required number of partial stitches on your hook, yarn over one more time and pull through all the loops on your hook. This will secure the bobble in place and create a rounded cluster of stitches.

7. To finish the row or round, continue with your regular stitch pattern.

The number of partial stitches you make for the bobble and the stitch used for those partial stitches can vary, depending on the pattern’s instructions.

Most commonly, bobbles are made with double crochet stitches, but they can also be made with single crochet or other stitches for different effects.

They can also be spaced out evenly or clustered close together, and they can be used for various decorative and functional purposes in your crochet projects.

2. Puff Stitch

A puff stitch is a decorative and textured stitch that creates a soft, puffy cluster of stitches on your fabric. It’s often used to add a three-dimensional, textured element to various crochet projects, such as blankets, scarves, and baby clothing.

Puff stitches can vary in size, depending on the pattern and the number of loops worked into the same stitch.

Here’s how to make a basic puff stitch:

Video tutorial:

Written instructions:

1. Begin by yarn over (YO) and insert your hook into the designated stitch.

2. YO again and pull up a loop. You should have three loops on your hook.

3. YO once more and insert your hook into the same stitch.

4. YO and pull up another loop. You should now have five loops on your hook.

5. Repeat step 3 and step 4, adding more loops to your hook. The number of repetitions will depend on the pattern and the desired size of the puff stitch.

6. Once you have all the required loops on your hook, yarn over one last time and pull through all the loops on your hook. This secures the puff stitch in place and creates the puffy cluster.

7. To finish the row or round, continue with your regular stitch pattern.

The number of loops you work into the same stitch can vary, and some patterns may call for more or fewer loops. The key to achieving a nice puff is to maintain consistency within the same project.

3. Popcorn Stitch

A popcorn stitch is a decorative and textured stitch that creates a raised, rounded, and compact cluster of stitches on your fabric.

It’s similar to a bobble stitch but typically consists of a group of double crochets (or other specified stitches) worked into the same stitch or space and then cinched together with a single crochet to form a “popcorn” shape.

Popcorn stitches are often used to add dimension and visual interest to various crochet projects, such as blankets, hats, and sweaters.

Here’s how to make a basic popcorn stitch:

Video tutorial:

Written instructions:

1. Start by working to the stitch where you want to create the popcorn.

2. Begin by crocheting the specified number of double crochets (or another specified stitch) into the same stitch or space.

3. Once you have completed all the required stitches, secure the popcorn in place with a single crochet and chain 1 or 2 (as specified in your pattern) 

4. To finish the row or round, continue with your regular stitch pattern.

The number of stitches used to create the popcorn and the stitch used (e.g., double crochet, treble crochet) can vary, depending on the pattern’s instructions.

Popcorn stitches can also be combined with other stitches and used in different ways to create interesting textures and designs in crochet projects.

4. Front Post and Back Post Double Crochet

Front post double crochet (FPdc) and back post double crochet (BPdc) are two crochet stitches that are used to create ribbed or textured patterns in your crochet work.

They are worked around the post of the previous row’s stitches instead of into the top loops, which creates a raised and textured effect.

Video for both stitches:

Here’s how to make a front post double crochet (FPdc):

1. Yarn over (YO) your hook.

2. Insert your hook from the front to the back and then around the post of the double crochet stitch from the previous row, coming out on the other side of the post (from right to left if you’re right-handed, or from left to right if you’re left-handed).

3. YO again and pull up a loop, so you have three loops on your hook.

4. YO and pull through the first two loops on your hook (two loops remaining).

5. YO and pull through the last two loops to complete the FPdc.

Here’s how to make a back post double crochet (BPdc):

1. Yarn over (YO) your hook.

2. Insert your hook from the back to the front and then around the post of the double crochet stitch from the previous row, coming out on the other side of the post (from right to left if you’re right-handed, or from left to right if you’re left-handed).

3. YO again and pull up a loop, so you have three loops on your hook.

4. YO and pull through the first two loops on your hook (two loops remaining).

5. YO and pull through the last two loops to complete the BPdc.

Front post double crochets and back post double crochets are often used in combination to create various textured patterns, such as ribbing, cables, and basketweave designs.

By alternating between FPdc and BPdc stitches and varying the placement and frequency of these stitches, you can achieve different effects and textures in your crochet projects.

These stitches are commonly used in projects like scarves, hats, and blankets to add depth and visual interest.

Try our Kara blanket pattern which features these stitches!

5. Shell Stitch

A shell stitch in crochet is a decorative and textured stitch pattern that typically consists of multiple stitches (usually double crochets) worked into the same stitch or space to create a shell-like or scalloped appearance.

The double crochets are sometimes separated by chains.

Shell stitches are used to add visual interest, texture, and dimension to crochet projects such as blankets, shawls, baby clothes, and more.

Here’s a basic example of how to create a simple shell stitch:

Video tutorial:

Written instructions:

1. Start by working to the stitch or space where you want to create the shell.

2. Depending on the pattern and the desired size of the shell, yarn over (YO) and insert your hook into the designated stitch or space.

3. YO and pull up a loop.

4. YO again and pull through the first two loops on your hook (two loops remaining).

5. YO once more and pull through the last two loops on your hook to complete the first stitch of the shell.

6. Repeat steps 2-5 into the same stitch or space for the specified number of times. This will create a grouping of stitches that forms the shell.

7. To separate shells or continue with the pattern, skip 2 stitches.

8. To finish the row or round, continue with your regular stitch pattern.

The number of stitches in each shell, the type of stitch used (e.g., double crochet, treble crochet), and the spacing between shells can vary, depending on the specific pattern you’re following.

You can create different effects and patterns by adjusting these variables.

6. Basketweave Stitch

This stitch pattern alternates between front post and back post double crochets to create a woven or basket-like texture.

It is achieved by alternating sets of front post double crochets (FPdc) and back post double crochets (BPdc) in specific sequences.

The result resembles the look of a woven basket, with raised and recessed areas that create a visually interesting and three-dimensional texture.

Here’s how to create a basic basketweave stitch pattern:

Video tutorial:

Written instructions:

**Note**: This example assumes a multiple of 4 stitches for the pattern repeat. Ch 3 counts as stitch

You can adjust the width of the pattern by changing the number of stitches in the foundation chain (as long as it’s a multiple of 4). 

Foundation: Make a chain in multiples of 8 then add 4.

Row 1: In the 4th chain from the hook, (the chain 3 counts as first dc) dc into each stitch across. Ch 3 and turn. 

Row 2: FPDC (front post double crochet) around the next 4 dcs. Then, BPDC (back post double crochet) around the next four. Alternate to the end. Make a dc in the top chain of the beginning ch 3. Chain 3 and turn. 

Row 3: FPDC around the post of the next 4 DC, BPDC around the posts of the next 4 and repeat across. The last stitch will be a dc into the top of the turning chain.

7. Waffle Stitch

The waffle stitch in crochet is a textured and reversible stitch pattern that resembles the pattern found on a waffle.

It’s a dense and squishy stitch that’s often used for creating cozy and warm blankets, scarves, dishcloths, and other projects where a thick and textured fabric is desired.

Here’s how to create the basic waffle stitch:

Video tutorial:

Written instructions:

**Note**: This example demonstrates the waffle stitch with single crochet and double crochet stitches.

1. Start with a foundation chain with a multiple of 3 plus 2 additional chains for turning.

2. Row 1: Begin in the second chain from your hook. Work a single crochet (SC) in each chain across the row. Chain 1 and turn.

3. Row 2: In the first stitch, work a double crochet (DC). Then, in the next stitch, work a front post double crochet (FPdc) by inserting your hook from the front to the back and then back to the front around the post of the stitch in the row below. Complete the double crochet as usual. *DC in the next stitch, FPdc in the next stitch.* Repeat this pattern across the row, ending with a DC in the last stitch. Chain 1 and turn.

4. Row 3: In the first stitch, work a double crochet (DC). Then, in the next stitch, work a back post double crochet (BPdc) by inserting your hook from the back to the front and then back to the back around the post of the stitch in the row below. Complete the double crochet as usual. *DC in the next stitch, BPdc in the next stitch.* Repeat this pattern across the row, ending with a DC in the last stitch. Chain 1 and turn.

5. Repeat Rows 2 and 3 to create the waffle stitch pattern. Continue repeating these two rows until your project reaches the desired length.

The alternating front post and back post double crochets create the raised areas that give the waffle stitch its texture.

This pattern is versatile and can be adjusted in size and color to suit various crochet projects. It’s important to keep your tension even, especially when working the front and back post double crochets, to achieve a consistent and attractive waffle pattern.

Try our Crochet Waffle Stitch Dishcloth Pattern!

Checkout These Gorgeous Patterns Featuring These Advanced Stitches

These stitches can add depth and dimension to your crochet projects, and while they may be considered advanced, with practice, beginners can achieve great results.

It’s a good idea to start with small practice swatches before incorporating these stitches into larger projects to get comfortable with the techniques.

But don’t be afraid! Practice makes perfect. Which stitch will you try first?