The crochet Crab Stitch or the Reverse Single Crochet is such a beautiful crochet stitch to finish of crochet projects or even knit projects.
It creates the crochet crab stitch border or you could also call it a single crochet border. It is really simple, but at the same time looks really good.
The reverse single crochet edging has the same steps as regular single crochet stitches, however you are working the stitches backwards or in the opposite direction.
The final look of the Crab Stitch edging resembles the look of a rope or twisted cording, which has a beautiful texture.
You can use it as a crochet edge for all kinds of crochet patterns, anything from home decor (like baby blankets) to crochet clothing patterns. Like on crochet projects such as a crochet blanket, the Nordic Textured Coasters, a scarf or the Crochet Wrap Top.
Let’s dive into the crochet stitch tutorial!
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Materials Needed:
To crochet this stitch you can use any yarn and crochet hook size. If you use it to finish off a crochet project, use the same yarn and crochet hook as you used for the pattern you follow.
If you want the stitch to be a contrasting border, swap for a different color as you can see was done on the tutorial photos.
Materials used in this tutorial:
- Crochet hook: 6 mm / US: J – 10 / UK: 4
- 4 Medium Yarn
- Lion Brand Yarn – 24/7 Cotton
Crochet Abbreviations
- crab st = crab stitch
- reverse sc or rsc= reverse single crochet
- st = stitch(es)
We try our best to include all crochet abbreviations in the list above for the crochet pattern, but sometimes we may forget one or two.
Learn more about us terms and crochet abbreviations & find a complete list on our Crochet Abbreviations & Terms post.
Notes
- This pattern is a multiple of 1 stitch & can be used as edging for any crochet project.
Crochet Crab Stitch / Reverse Single Crochet – Step-By-Step Photo Tutorial:
This stitch works best as an edging on a crochet project. At first it can be a bit awkward to crochet backwards, but you will quickly get a hang of it with a bit of practice.
Start a row of the reverse single crochet with a turning chain of 1 chain stitch.
The written instructions are very simple:
Crochet single crochet stitches in the opposite direction than you normally crochet, from left to right, if you are right handed.
If you have your crochet hook in the left hand, you will work from right to left.
- Start a row of the reverse single crochet with a turning chain of 1 chain stitch.
- End round of rsc with a slip stitch into the first stitch.
Crochet reverse sc photo tutorial:
Step 1: Start the stitch
To start the stitch, you need to work into a previously crocheted row or foundation row. Notice that the yarn and crochet hook are to the left, while the stitch you are going to insert the crochet hook into are on the right side.
(Crochet tips: The above steps are for righties, where you hold the crochet hook in the right hand. But for lefties this will be done mirrored. With the crochet hook to the right and stitch to the left.)
Step 2: Ready to insert hook
Move the hook to the right and you are ready to insert the hook into the stitch to the right.
(For left-handers this will be done to the left.)
Step 3: Insert crochet hook into the stitch
Insert the crochet hook into the crochet stitch to the right on previous row.
(To the left for left-handers.)
Step 4: Yarn Over
Yarn over, you are now ready to pull the yarn through the stitch.
Step 5: Pull up a loop
Pull up a loop through the stitch. You have 2 loops on your crochet hook.
Step 6: Yarn Over
Yarn over. Place the yarn around the previous stitch for the best result. As seen here, the previous stitch is directly to the left for the yarn over strand.
Step 7: Pull though both loops on hook
Pull the yarn through both loops on hook.
Step 8: Finished
You’ve made 1 stitch! Repeat the entire process in next stitch to create more. With a little practice this stitch will become easy.
Continue to repeat step 1-8 until you have worked around the whole edge of your work for a simple finished edge.
Reverse Single Crochet / Crab Stitch FAQ
How do you do a reverse single crochet stitch or rev SC?
To crochet a reverse single crochet or a rev SC you are working a normal single crochet, however you don’t turn your work after finishing the previous row and you will crochet backwards from left to right.
What does RSC mean in crocheting?
RSC in crochet is the crochet abbreviation for reverse single crochet.
How do you crochet a crab stitch?
To crochet a crab stitch you crochet the same steps as a regular single crochet, however you crochet from left to right or in reverse or backwards.
What’s a crab stitch?
A crochet crab stitch is a beautiful crochet edging that are made from the same steps as a single crochet, however you work in reverse, creating a textured stitch.
How do you do a backwards single crochet?
To crochet a backwards single crochet, you crochet from left to right, opposite from how you normally crochet. The steps are the same.
