In this post I will talk a little about the parts of a crochet stitch and show different ways you can insert your hook through a stitch. Because amigurumi is usually crocheted with single crochet stitches (double crochet in UK and Australia), I will use it as an example here, but the rules apply to all crochet stitches.
NB! All stitches are crocheted as usual, the only difference is where you insert your hook.
Parts of a crochet stitch
Each crochet stitch consist of a post (sometimes called the stitch or vertical bar) and two loops on top of it.
Crocheting in both loops.
This is how amigurumi is usually crocheted and unless the pattern says differently, all crochet stitches should be crocheted around both loops on top of the stitch, inserting the hook under the two loops.
1. Insert your hook under the two loops on top of the stitch.
2. This creates a nice even fabric, that doesn't stretch too much and is perfect for amigurumi.
Crocheting in front or back loops only.
Crocheting through front or back loops only can be used to shape your work, create a lighter fabric or leave a row of loops you can later work into.
a) Crocheting in front loops only
1. Insert your hook under the loop towards the right side of your work.
2. This leaves a row of loops on the wrong side.
b) Crocheting in back loops only
1. Insert your hook under the loop towards the wrong side of your work.
2. This leaves a row of loops on the right side.
If you do not see the videos properly, head over to YouTube.
Crocheting around the post of a stitch.
Stitches can also be crocheted around the post to create texture or shape your work. Depending on whether you go under or over the post, it is called front or back post crochet stitch.
a) Front post crochet stitch
1. Insert your hook on the right of the post, from front to back.
2. And go under the post, bringing the hook back up on the left of the post.
3. And then complete the stitch as you would normally.
If you do not see the videos properly, head over to YouTube.
b) Back post crochet stitch
1. Insert your hook on the right of the post, from back to front.
2. And go over the post, bringing the hook to the back of your work.
3. And then complete the stitch as you would normally.
If you do not see the videos properly, head over to YouTube.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me or leave a comment below, I am always happy to help.
3 comments
Re: Terrie Martin on October 28, 2021
I found a video on YouTube that explains the side bar stitch really well: https://youtu.be/uelCR-s0WME
How do you do a side bar crochet?
Thank you so much for your post. Even though it’s been two years, I hope you see my comment because it really, really helped me as a novice of crochet!