How to Crochet the Drop Stitch

I’ve got a new stitch tutorial for you guys today, and I think you’re going to love it. I’m going to be breaking down the crochet drop stitch for you and it might just be your new favorite textural element in crochet. If you love the way drop stitch looks in knitwork, I think you’re going to be really excited to give this stitch a try. So let’s get going!

About the Stitch

So this stitch is a little quirky for a couple of reasons. First of all, you will be working the stitch from the back side, working left to right. And Number 2, you’re going to need something to wrap your stitches around to keep them even. I used the back end of a 15.75mm crochet hook, but a jumbo knitting needle, a dowel, or even a ruler are other great options for this.

Essentially what we’re going to be doing is inserting our hook from the back, pulling up a loop and then working one chain stitch. By working one chain stitch, we’re essentially locking our stitch into place. Then we’ll be stretching out that chain to create the classic “drops”. So when it’s all said and done, you’ll really only need to know how to pull up a loop and complete a chain stitch to master this stitch.

Step-by-Step Photo Tutorial

So I’m going to breakdown the steps of this stitch and walk you through each one. I do want to say, that it can be a little awkward when you first start because you’re working an extra tool. But once you get the hang of it, you’ll be moving along just like normal.

First…

You will start with a foundation row of stitches (Note: I’m using single crochet rows between my drop stitches here). Once you have a row of stitches to work into, you’re going to chain 1. Keeping that chain on your hook, gently pull it to stretch out the loop.

Then slide the loop onto a jumbo hook, needle, or dowel and gently tighten the loop around it making sure it can still slide. (Note: the size of the tool you put your loops on will indicate the length of the “drops”. Larger tool = longer drops)

gold hook pulling up a long loop on brown crochet fabric — Ch 1. Pull the loop to stretch.

brown yarn loop on light blue dowel — Slide loop onto dowel.

Then…

Insert your hook into the next stitch. (Note: First loop counts as first stitch). Then yarn over and pull up a loop.

Chain 1 to begin your next drop stitch loop.

gold crochet hook in brown yarn with light blue dowel — Slip stitch in second stitch of row.

Next…

Gently pull the chain stitch to stretch the loop.

Slide the loop onto the dowel. Repeat Steps 3-6 in each stitch across.

gold crochet hook pulling up long loop in brown yarn with light blue dowel — Pull the loop to stretch.

two loops of brown yarn on light blue dowel — Slide loop on dowel. Repeat Steps 3-6 across row.

Then…

When you have completed loops for every stitch of the row, slide all the loops off of the dowel.

Carefully insert your hook into the first loop of the row. (Note: the first stitch is not locked yet, so can be pulled out if not careful). Pull up a loop in first “drop” and then chain 1.

Single crochet in the same “drop”.

series of crochet drop stitches on brown crochet swatch — Slide loops off dowel.

gold crochet hook pulling up loop in a crochet drop stitch — Ch 1 in first loop.

single crochet stitch in a drop stitch loop — Sc in same loop.

Finally…

Insert your hook into next “drop” and complete a single crochet.

Single crochet in each “drop” across the row.

gold crochet hook in drop stitch loop — Insert hook into next loop.

series of single crochet stitches in finished drop stitch loops — Sc in each loop across.

Thoughts on the Stitch

This is a stitch that takes a little practice. When you start out, you may find that your drop stitches are a bit uneven. However, with some practice, you’ll get into a groove of placing stitches and keeping your tension even.

This is also a stitch that will benefit greatly from being blocked. You will get the full effect of the extended stitches after blocking, so that something to keep in mind when using this stitch.

Another thing to keep in mind when designing with this stitch is the rows between drop stitch rows. In my sample, I’m just adding one row of single crochet stitches. However, when adding this element to a crochet piece, you may decide you need multiple rows or even different stitches between your drop stitch rows. This stitch is easy to add to most crochet stitch combinations as it doesn’t need a specific number of stitches to work.

One thing I talk about a bit in the video tutorial and wanted to mention here, was the direction you work. Like I mentioned before, you work this stitch from left to right. But this is largely personal preference; it can also be worked from right to left. The major difference will be the way the base of the stitch looks from the front. If you skip ahead to 4:11 of the video, you can see what I’m talking about.

Video Tutorial

Pattern Swatch

Row 1: Ch 21. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. (20)
Row 2: Without turning working from the left side, ch 1. Extend the loop of the ch 1 and place onto a large hook or dowel. *Insert hook into next stitch, pull up a loop, ch 1. Extend the loop of the ch 1 and place onto a large hook or dowel making sure to keep loops the same size.* Repeat from * to * in each stitch across. Slide all the loops off of dowel. (20 drop stitch loops)
Row 3: Pull up a loop in first drop stitch loop and ch 1. Sc in same stitch. Sc in each drop stitch loop across. (20)
Row 4-5: Ch 1 and turn. Sc in each stitch across. (20)
Row 6-13: Repeat Rows 2-5 twice.

brown crochet fabric piece showing drop stitch on white background

Final Thoughts

I hope this tutorial has been helpful to you. And I hope you love using this stitch! If you’re looking for a fun place to try out this stitch, check out my Ocean’s Breath Wall-Hanging! This macrame-inspired wall-hanging will definitely be your new favorite home decor piece. And if you’re loving learning new stitches, check out my Star Stitch Tutorial or my Mountain Stitch Tutorial.

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Kelsie

How to Crochet the Drop Stitch

About the Stitch