Stitch Combination: Open Stitch

 The open stitch pattern is similar to a mesh stitch. It results in a series of open boxes and a light density. This might make for a very pretty shawl or light scarf. To start, chain a multiple of two plus one. It's created by alternating between double crochet and chain stitches, and rows end with a double crochet.

Stitch Variations: Popcorn Stitch

Popcorn stitches all use the same process to create, regardless of what kind of basic stitch you're working with. They can be created with any stitch except the single crochet, but the double crochet stitch is most commonly used.

To create a popcorn stitch: work a group of 3 or more stitches, we'll say double crochet stitches for this example, into one stitch or space. Remove the hook from the working loop you've been using and insert it into the first double crochet in the group. Pull the working loop (that you dropped before) through where you now have your hook. Your popcorn should pop to the front. Secure it into place with a chain stitch.

Tip:  When working on the wrong side, you can insert your hook from the back to get your popcorn to pop to the correct side.

This technique creates a 3D effect and can be used to create numerous designs and patterns. In my photo, I made a diamond.

Double Crochet Stitch

The double crochet stitch, another basic crochet stitch, is great for when you want to work up a piece quickly because it adds more height (compared to the half double crochet stitch) to each row. It doesn't have the density the single crochet has, so it drapes much better. The stitches have a hole-y look to them. Here's a sample swatch.

Here we have a swatch of double crochet (the gold) next to the swatch of half double crochet stitches. Notice how the half double crochet swatch doesn't seem to have as much space between the stitches?

 

When designing your own crochet patterns, draping and density will be important factors when choosing the right stitch for the pattern.

To see how this stitch is made, watch the video on the crochet directory page.