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Reverse Crochet or Crabstitch borders are a wonderful way of finishing a blanket, scarf or cowl with only a single round of sc (US terms) or dc (UK terms).
They literally go against the grain of the natural crochet by being worked
left to right, rather than the standard right to left.
Or if you are left handed they are worked right to left, with standard crochet being worked left to right.
The Crabstitch or reverse crochet border creates a wonderful puffy texture and seem so much larger than they are. It's a great way to finish up a light weight blanket, without a heavy border dragging down your work.
Want to see this in action in some FREE crochet patterns from Babs gets Crafty?
Get Crafty with Babs by making the Ripple Stitch Baby Blanket or the Skinny Arrow Head Scarf (to be published in February 2021).
Instructions
Step 1: Without turning your work, ch1, insert the hook from front to back in the first stitch, or edge space. This might feel awkward at first, but with time, it will become more natural.
Step 2: Yarn over your hook and draw up a loop. You should now have two loops on the hook.
Pro Tip: The process is the same as making a standard single crochet stitch, but as you draw up the loop, it helps to twist the hook away from your work. This prevents you accidentally catching an extra loop, or getting caught on your work.
Step 3: Yarn over and pull through both loops. You should have one loop on the hook. That completes the first crab stitch. As you add more, the corded appearance starts to show.
Now Repeat: Insert the hook into the next stitch, yarn over and draw up a loop. For this and each additional crab stitch, gently pull the working yarn to tighten the previous stitch. This helps keep the tension of the edging even and smooth.
Depending upon the amount of yarn remaining and the types of stitch/edging you are working into you may opt for a stabilizing row/round of single crochet (US terms), double crochet (UK Terms).
Work one crab stitch in each single crochet stitch in your project edge until you reach the end.
When you reach external corners work 2 or 3 stitches to create an even turn.
For internal corners, crochet two or three sts together with each crab stitch, follow your established pattern of decreases.
For those who prefer to see the hook in action check out the video below, currently processing it will be live soon.
