In standard single crochet, you insert your hook into the next stitch to the left and create your sc stitch there. In reverse single crochet, you insert your hook into the stitch to the right and create your sc stitch there. The basic steps are the same, but the location of the stitch is different. Working the stitch can feel a little bit awkward at first but if you know basic crochet stitches then it should be easy to get the hang of it. Note that this is not the same as left-handed crochet. In left-handed crochet, the entire process is reversed so that you get the same pattern result as a right-handed crocheter. Reverse single crochet is a specific stitch (whether done by lefties or righties) done in a location that is the reverse of how you would work single crochet. These instructions are for right-handed crocheters working the reverse sc. Regular single crochet stitches are short, even stitches that produce a dense fabric of neat, even rows. Reverse single crochet produces a very unique twisted design. Other words that describe the look include “coiled”, “rounded”, “corded,” and “slightly scalloped”. Because of its unique nature, it is most commonly used as edging or occasionally for a specific design detail, rather than to create the entire bulk of a crochet project. Following are the step-by-step instructions for how to crochet crab stitch. It helps to remember that it is just regular single crochet, worked in the stitch to the right, rather than to the left, of the previous stitch. The stitch feels a little awkward at first, especially in the first two steps, which is where you can most feel that you are working backwards. Keep practicing it; it becomes easier and easier. In the photo that accompanies this step of the tutorial, you see a crochet project consisting of crochet shells. The reverse single crochet is going to be the edging of this project. The edging is already begun, so you see reverse single crochet stitches to the left of the stitch now being worked. Note that when you begin to work the crab stitch, you do not turn your work before beginning the row or round. Typically, you would turn the work and might chain one for a turning chain in single crochet. In reverse single crochet, just begin where you are, at the end of the previous row or round—do not turn. You also will not “chain one” as a starting chain. That said, if you find it difficult to work the first stitch of the row or round, try to chain one. Some people find that this makes it easier to start the row, and it will not have a negative impact on the finished design. Notice that you are completing the same steps for reverse single crochet that you do for regular single crochet. Insert hook, yarn over, pull through, yarn over. The only difference is where you inserted the hook to begin the stitch. And that’s it, you’ve created a single crochet stitch, worked in reverse. To complete an entire row (edging) of the stitch, you will repeat steps 1-5 over. At the end, add a slip stitch. If you are working in rounds, you will slip stitch to join. If you are working in rows, slip stitch into the top of the turning chain of the previous row. The result is a unique twisted version of the single crochet stitch. Note that “reverse single crochet” is the American term. If you are reading a UK pattern, it will be reverse double crochet, abbreviated as ddc, rev dc or reverse dc. They are the same stitch, worked as described in this tutorial (and called crab stitch in both types of patterns). Challenge yourself to try new ways of implementing the reverse single crochet stitch into your work. It is an easy basic stitch but it is super unique and is very underused.
